Effect of occlusal splints on the EMG activity of masseter and temporal muscles in bruxism with clinical symptoms

Abstract

An electromyographic study of the masseter and anterior temporal muscles was performed on fifteen bruxism patients with clinical symptoms such as muscle pain, fatigue and tenderness. The slopes of the voltage tension (V/T) curves (calculated as the value of the relative inclination between the integrated electromyogram and the biting force) were compared before and after treatment with an occlusal splint. Following use of the splint, the steep slopes of the V/T curves, common in bruxism, became gentle and similar to those of healthy subjects. The difference found in the slopes of different types of bruxism (grinding, clenching, grinding and clenching) might be useful as a diagnostic tool. Follow-up recording of the slopes was considered to be a useful indicator of treatment effectiveness.