Portable and wearable electromyographic devices for the assessment of sleep bruxism and awake bruxism: A literature review.

Objective: The current state of portable/wearable electromyographic (EMG) devices for assessment of bruxism was reviewed.

Methods: A search of full-text articles relevant to portable/wearable EMG devices capable of being used at home was performed. The data source used was MEDLINE via PubMed from January 1970 to July 2019.

Results: There were nine kinds of wearable EMG devices capable of being used under unrestrained conditions. Ultra-miniaturized wearable EMG devices with a level of performance equivalent to that of conventional stationary EMG devices have been developed and are being used during sleep and in the daytime. The devices have a high level of diagnostic accuracy for sleep bruxism. A definite cut-off value for awake bruxism has not been established.

Discussion: Assessment of sleep bruxism with a high level of accuracy can be performed using a portable/wearable EMG device. However, a definite cut-off value is required for assessment of awake bruxism.