Effect of periodontal disease on electromyographic activity of muscles of mastication: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Aim This study aims to compare surface electromyographic activities (EMG) of four muscles, that is anterior temporalis (AT), masseter (MST), sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and anterior belly of digastric (ABD), between chronic periodontitis patients and periodontally healthy individuals as well as to correlate these EMG findings with periodontal parameters. Methods Thirty chronic periodontitis patients were recruited in Group I and 30 periodontally healthy individuals in Group II. Clenching and resting EMG for 4 muscles (AT, MST, SCM and ABD) were recorded for each participant. These EMG values were compared between the groups and correlated with periodontal parameters (plaque index, modified sulcular bleeding index, probing depth and clinical attachment loss). Results Resting EMG (rEMG) showed no significant difference between the groups for any muscle. Clenching EMG (cEMG) values were significantly lower in Group I than Group II for AT and MST (P = .001), but not so for SCM and ABD. Within Group I, AT and MST showed a significant negative correlation of cEMG with probing depth and clinical attachment loss (P < .05). Conclusion Electrical muscle activities of AT and MST are lower in chronic periodontitis than periodontally healthy individuals.

Objective masticatory efficiency and subjective quality of masticatory function among patients with periodontal disease

“…The severity of periodontitis affects masticatory performance in subjects with natural dentition, as well as those with different occlusal support areas (Kosaka et al., 2014). These results, supported by our findings, indicate that the periodontal condition of the oral cavity affects masticatory function (Kato et al., 2018; Lamba et al., 2020; Palinkas et al., 2019). However, many methods used within the studies are theoretical‐based and hard to apply to daily clinical practice situations.…”

“…As indicated in our study, literature has already shown that there is a correlation between loosened teeth and the ability to chew, and a reduction in tooth mobility improves chewing comfort (Fan & Caton, 2018). In our study population, peri- and chewing, leading to lower masticatory muscle activity (Lamba et al, 2020;Trulsson, 1999Trulsson, , 2007Trulsson & Johansson, 1996;Trulsson, Johansson, & Olsson, 1992). Furthermore, tooth mobility resulting from attachment loss in individuals suffering from periodontal disease reduces their maximum biting force in the molar region as a result of discomfort (Gilbert & Newton, 1997;Palinkas et al, 2019).…”

“…Micro‐neurographic studies have demonstrated a connection between periodontal afferents and biting and chewing forces of the lower and upper jaw. It has been suggested that the loss of periodontal supporting structures can lead to a lack of transferred information, and therefore compromised or disrupted intensity in biting and chewing, leading to lower masticatory muscle activity (Lamba et al., 2020; Trulsson, 1999, 2007; Trulsson & Johansson, 1996; Trulsson, Johansson, & Olsson, 1992). Furthermore, tooth mobility resulting from attachment loss in individuals suffering from periodontal disease reduces their maximum biting force in the molar region as a result of discomfort (Gilbert & Newton, 1997; Palinkas et al., 2019).…”

“…In the absence of periodontal treatment, periodontitis leads to progressive tooth loss with consequences on masticatory function (Pihlstrom, Michalowicz, & Johnson, 2005;Ramseier et al, 2017). Recent studies have also suggested lower activity of some masticatory muscles in patients suffering from periodontal disease (Kato et al, 2018;Lamba et al, 2020).…”

Deterioration of periodontal status affects declines in masticatory performance: The Suita study

“…Nonetheless, individuals with a CPI code ≥3 would seem highly likely to show reduced alveolar bone height and increased mobility of the teeth, both of which would logically have negative impacts on masticatory performance. In addition, Lamba et al showed that patients with chronic periodontitis exhibited lower muscle activity in the masseter muscle, as the major masticatory muscle, than healthy individuals (Lamba et al, 2020). Furthermore, Fueki et al (2009) reported an association between masseter muscle activity and masticatory performance.…”