Can Taste Aversion Prevent Bruxism?

The first part of this note sketches a biofeedback modality for the treatment of bruxism. A mildly aversive, safe liquid is inserted into, and sealed in, small, bilaterally sleeved, polyethylene capsules. Two capsules are attached to a simple dental appliance that comfortably and securely places them between the lower and upper back teeth. The appliance and capsules are worn at night or at other times when bruxism is suspected to occur. Whenever a sleeping or an awake patient attempts to brux, one or both capsules rupture and the liquid is released into the mouth. The liquid then draws the patient's conscious attention to, and forestalls, any attempt of teeth clenching or grinding. Variations of the method and device can be used to diagnose bruxism. The second part of this note describes the long-term application of this taste-based approach to one chronic bruxer.     

Standardised surface electromyography allows effective submental muscles assessment

The aims of this pilot study were to evaluate: (i) the reproducibility and variability of an electromyographical protocol developed for the assessment of submental muscles (SM) (ii) to apply the new protocol to maximal teeth clenching, a simple and largely studied static task in order to quantify the relative contribution of submental muscles. In 20 healthy subjects, aged 19–35 years, surface electromyography of SM, masseter (MM) and anterior temporalis (TA) muscles was performed during maximal voluntary clenching (MVC) with and without cotton rolls and the pushing of the tongue against the palate. Clenching on cotton rolls and pushing the tongue against the palate were used to standardise respectively MM and TA, and SM muscular potentials. The exercises were repeated in two appointments (T1–T2); submental muscles standardisation was also repeated twice (A-B) in each session to assess repeatability. Symmetry and activity were calculated for each couple of muscles. A two-way analysis of variance was computed for SM: no Factor 1 (T1 vs T2) or Factor 2 (A vs B) or F1 × F2 significant effects were found. SM recruitment was 31% of the maximal activity, with symmetry values larger than 80%. In conclusion, standardised electromyography allows a reliable assessment of Submental muscles activity.     

Association of occlusal wear facets in patients with temporomandibular disorders

Occlusal changes were important factors in temporomandibular disorder (TMD). It is of interest to evaluate the association of occlusal wear facets in TMD patients. We used a dataset of 49 patients with and without TMD for this study. Occlusal wear facets were evaluated using Smith and Knight tooth wear index. Data shows that teeth wear was present more in patients with TMD (55%). The age group 26-40 years showed high prevalence of teeth wear (grade1) in TMD patients (P value = 0.034). TMD was present more in females than males. Female (54%) patients with TMD showed more teeth wear compared to males. Most patients with TMD showed posterior teeth wear (61%) than generalized teeth wear. Thus, association was present between occlusal teeth wear and TMD patients especially in the age group of 26-40 years. Hence, proper evaluation of occlusal factors will aid in early diagnosis of TMDs.