Validation of the BiteStrip screener for sleep bruxism

Objective. The aim of this study was to validate a small electronic electromyographic device (BiteStrip) designed to screen masseter electromyographic events that indicate sleep bruxism (SB) against traditional masseter electromyographic events (MEMG). Study design. Six SB treatment-seeking patients, 4 obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients and 8 symptom-free controls, underwent overnight polysomnography, including MEMG and BiteStrip recordings. Total BiteStrip and MEMG scores and indices (events per hour) based on total recording time (TRT) and total sleep time (TST) were computed. Measures of accuracy, Spearman's rho correlations, and nonparametric group comparisons were performed. Results. BiteStrip average sensitivity was 0.72, average positive predictive value was 0.75. Correlations between left BiteStrip and MEMG total scores, TRT, and TST indices were r = 0.81, r = 0.79, and r = 0.79, respectively. Bland-Altman plots showed good agreement between indices. Significant group differences were observed for total scores and indices. Conclusions. BiteStrip and MEMG scores showed strong relationships. Sensitivity and positive predictive value were acceptable. The BiteStrip is a viable screener for identifying masseter electromyographic events that indicate SB.