Influence of mucosal mechanoreceptors on anterior temporalis EMG activity in patients with craniomandibular dysfunction: a preliminary study

An analysis of saliva swallowing and tonic electromyographic (EMG) activity was undertaken in 15 young adult patients with craniomandibular dysfunction with and without a palatal base inserted. Recordings were performed by placing surface electrodes on the right and left anterior temporal muscles. Saliva swallowing and tonic activity were initially recorded with and without the palatal base inserted. After one week of continuous use of the palatal base, EMG activity was recorded again. Nonsignificant differences in EMG activity were observed in the studied conditions. EMG results do not support the therapeutical use of palatal base as a conservative and reversible treatment in patients with craniomandibular dysfunction.