Patterns of jaw reflexes induced by periodontal stimulation were examined in ten adults. Surface electromyograms (EMGs) from the masseter and anterior temporal muscles were recorded when pressure stimulation was applied to either an incisor or a molar. Reflex responses to periodontal pressure stimulation varied, depending on the background levels of jaw-clenching force that preceded stimulation (background clenching force, BCF). At low BCF, excitatory reflexes were elicited from the jaw-closing muscles and jaw-clenching force. However, the magnitude of excitatory reflexes varied with the location of the stimulated tooth along the dentition. While excitatory reflexes were induced equally in the masseter and temporal muscles during incisal stimulation, stronger excitatory reflexes were induced in the temporal muscle than in the masseter muscle during molar stimulation. At high BCF, inhibitory reflexes in the jaw-closing muscles and jaw-clenching force were elicited in eight subjects (group A) during periodontal stimulation. However, excitatory reflexes in the muscles and force were elicited in the remaining two subjects (group B). In the subjects of group A, stronger inhibitory reflexes were elicited in the temporal muscle than in the masseter muscle, and jaw-clenching force also decreased during both incisal and molar stimulation. In the subjects of group B, the magnitude of excitatory reflexes decreased with increases in BCF.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.