Gastroenterological study to reveal the occlusal splint therapy mechanism in patients with bruxism

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Adult volunteers (subjects) were examined by use of an electromyogram (EMG) recording system along with a video recorder in their home. The occlusal splint was fabricated from a 1-mm-thick hard, transparent, plastic sheet adapted to a maxillary cast made of hard plaster with a pressure molding machine.For measurement of the salivary flow rate, the subject spat every 60 seconds into a preweighed cup for 5 minutes just after saliva swallowing. The measurements were done during relaxing, chewing-like movement, and clenching with or without splints. There were no significant differences in the salivary flow rates during any test movement with or without splints between the control and bruxism groups. In all subjects, the salivary flow rates with occlusal splints were significantly higher than those without splints during relaxing, chewing-like movement, and clenching. The salivary flow rates during chewing-like movement were significantly higher than those during relaxing and clenching, irrespective of the splint application. The salivary flow rates with splints during chewing-like movement were significantly higher than those without splints. There was no significant differences in the salivary flow rate during relaxing, irrespective of the splint application.In some subjects, the salivary flow rates with splints were significantly higher than those without splints. In others, they were not significantly higher. In some subjects of the former group, occlusal splint at night increased an average of pH in the lower esophagus. The frequency of GER (Gastroesophageal reflux) and RMMA (Rhythmic Masticatory Muscle Activity) significantly decreased.The results suggest that reduction of bruxism frequency with splints might be associated with the increase of an average of pH in the lower esophagus.