Influence of experimental esophageal acidification on sleep bruxism: A randomized trial

The aim of this cross-over,randomized,single-blinded trial was to examine whether intra-esophageal acidification induces sleep bruxism (sb). polysomnography with electromyogram (emg) of masseter muscle,audio-video recording,and esophageal ph monitoring were performed in a sleep laboratory. twelve healthy adult males without sb participated. intra-esophageal infusions of 5-ml acidic solution (0.1 n hcl) or saline were administered. the frequencies of emg bursts,rhythmic masticatory muscle activity (rmma) episodes,grinding noise,and the rmma/microarousal ratio were significantly higher in the 20-minute period after acidic infusion than after saline infusion. rmma episodes including sb were induced by esophageal acidification. this trial is registered with the umin clinical trials registry,umin000002923. abbreviations: asda,american sleep disorders association; emg,electromyogram; ger,gastroesophageal reflux; les,lower esophageal sphincter; nrem,non-rapid eye movement; rem,rapid eye movement; rmma,rhythmic masticatory muscle activity; sb,sleep bruxism; sd,standard deviation; ues,upper esophageal sphincter. © 2011 international & american associations for dental research.