SURFACE ELECTROMYOGRAPHY AS AN EVALUATION TOOL FOR BITE THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH CRANIO-MANDIBULAR PAIN: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) represent a complex and multifaceted group of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint and associated muscles, resulting in a range of symptoms and impaired quality of life. Surface Electromyography (sEMG) has emerged as a non-invasive tool for assessing masticatory muscle function and evaluating the efficacy of bite therapy in TMD patients. It provides valuable insights into muscle activity, activation patterns, and neuromuscular dysfunctions associated with TMD. The purpose of this article is to review bite therapy, which is aimed at improving the occlusal relationship and is a rational approach to managing TMD by reducing abnormal occlusal forces and muscle hyperactivity. A literature search from 1 January 2002 through 18 July 2023 of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted analyzing the rationale for bite therapy in TMD using these terms: “pain” AND (“temporomandibular disorder*” OR “temporomandibular dysfunction*”) AND “surface electromyography” AND “masticatory muscle activity” AND “splint therapy”. At the end of the selection process, 38 articles resulted. sEMG is a non-invasive tool for assessing masticatory muscle function in cranio-mandibular pain. It enhances bite therapy evaluation and patient engagement through biofeedback. Further research is needed to optimize TMD management and explore additional treatment options.