抄録
The masticatory muscle function has been examined by using the electromyography technique as the electrical activity and the occlusal force measurement as the mechanical activity.
However, Berry D. C. and Yemm R. used the thermography method to measure the rise of skin temperature during the unilateral gum chewing. Tanaka M. et al. used the deep thermometer (TERUMO-JAPAN Co.) to measure the rise of deep temperature during the masticatory exercise.
Six males (from 26 to 32 years) were selected as normal subjects. The skin and deep temperatures of masseter muscle were recorded during unilateral gum chewing for 5 minutes, clenching for 5 minutes, and sleep.
The following results were obtained,
1) When unilateral gum chewing and clenching, the deep temperature of forehead remained unchangeable, but the deep temperature of masseter muscle must be rose. Whereas the skin temperature of masseter muscle must not be rose.
2) During sleep, the skin temperature of masseter muscle which changed by the room temperature or by the vascular response of body shell were characterized as the peripheral body temperature.
3) From the above results, the deep temperature was more exactly than the skin temperature as an indication of the masseter muscular activity.
