Clinical Research Directory

Effects of Different Graston Technique Application Speeds on Trapezius Muscle Stiffness, Pressure Pain Threshold, Pain, and Muscle Oxygenation in Patients With Bruxism

This randomized crossover study aims to address an important gap in manual therapy by examining the acute physiological effects of different Graston Technique application speeds (60 BPM vs. 120 BPM) on the dominant upper trapezius muscle in patients with bruxism. Although the Graston Technique is widely used, the specific impact of application speed on parameters such as muscle stiffness, muscle oxygenation, pressure pain threshold, and pain intensity remains under-investigated. By utilizing a crossover design with a 1-week washout period, this study allows for a precise within-subject comparison of the two speeds. The findings will clarify the optimal application frequency, providing objective data to guide the development of more effective, evidence-based manual therapy protocols for bruxism management.

Bruxism, Pelvic Pain, Erectile Dysfunction, and Anxiety in Young Adult Men

Bruxism is a parafunctional activity characterized by clenching or grinding of the teeth during wakefulness or sleep. Increasing evidence suggests that bruxism is not only related to orofacial structures but may also be associated with broader musculoskeletal and psychosocial conditions. Emerging literature indicates that central sensitization, stress, and anxiety may contribute to both bruxism and chronic pain conditions. However, the potential relationship between bruxism and pelvic health outcomes has not been sufficiently investigated. Pelvic pain and sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction, are multifactorial conditions that may involve neuromuscular, psychological, and autonomic mechanisms. Considering the shared mechanisms related to muscle hyperactivity, stress responses, and central pain modulation, bruxism may be associated with pelvic pain symptoms and sexual dysfunction in men. Additionally, anxiety is recognized as a common contributing factor in both bruxism and pelvic floor dysfunction. The aim of this cross-sectional study is to investigate the association between bruxism, pelvic pain, erectile dysfunction, and anxiety levels in young adult men. Participants will be assessed using validated self-report questionnaires to evaluate bruxism symptoms, pelvic pain complaints, erectile function, and anxiety levels. Understanding the potential relationship between these variables may contribute to a more comprehensive biopsychosocial understanding of male pelvic health and may help guide future multidisciplinary assessment and management strategies.

Bruxism and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Young Women

Bruxism and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Young Women

Comparison of Dry Needling and Two Botulinum Toxins for Bruxism

1. Aim: The aim of this study is to prospectively compare the clinical efficacy of Dry Needling (DN), Nabota (PrabotulinumtoxinA), and Dysport (AbobotulinumtoxinA) treatments on the thickness of masseter and anterior temporal muscles and pain intensity (VAS) in patients diagnosed with chronic bruxism. 2. Material and Method: This randomized, prospective, and single-blind clinical study will be conducted on 60 patients diagnosed with bruxism. Patients will be divided into three groups: Dry Needling (n=20), Nabota (n=20), and Dysport (n=20). Pain levels will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at baseline, 1st month, and 3rd month. Muscle thicknesses will be measured using ultrasonography (USG) at baseline and 3rd month. Data distribution will be analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test; intergroup comparisons will be performed using ANOVA and Post-hoc Duncan tests. 3. Results:The results will be analyzed following the completion of the 3-month follow-up period

Association Between Child and Parental Stress and Bruxism in Children Aged 8-11 Years

This prospective observational case-control study aims to evaluate the association between perceived stress levels in children and their parents and the presence of clinically diagnosed bruxism in children aged 8-11 years. Children with bruxism and age-matched controls will be recruited from the Department of Pediatric Dentistry. Child perceived stress, parental perceived stress, parenting-related stress, and parental awareness of child stress/anxiety will be assessed using validated questionnaires. Associations between stress-related measures and bruxism status will be analyzed.

The Effect of Bruxism on Balance

This study will investigate the effect of bruxism on dynamic balance in desk-bound individuals. Participants will be divided into two groups based on whether they are diagnosed with bruxism or not. Dynamic balance and proprioception will be compared between individuals from each group.

Somatosensory Training Versus Exercise Therapy in Awake Bruxism

Awake bruxism (daytime teeth clenching or jaw tension) is a common condition that can cause jaw pain, facial pain, muscle fatigue, and reduced quality of life. Although current treatments often focus on the jaw muscles and posture, recent research suggests that changes in the brain's sensory processing may also play an important role in bruxism-related pain. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare two physiotherapy-based treatment approaches with a wait-list control group in adults with awake bruxism. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) somatosensory awareness-based training, (2) jaw and posture exercise therapy, or (3) a wait-list control group. The somatosensory training program focuses on improving body awareness and sensory perception of the face and jaw, while the exercise program includes jaw mobility, postural alignment, and cervical exercises. Both active interventions will be delivered over a 4-week period. Participants will be assessed at baseline, immediately after treatment, and during follow-up to evaluate changes over time. The main outcome of this study is orofacial pain intensity. Secondary outcomes include jaw function, sensory processing, muscle structure, oral parafunctional behaviors, and oral health-related quality of life. The results of this study may help improve physiotherapy-based treatment strategies for people with awake bruxism by addressing both physical and sensory aspects of the condition.

The General Aim is to Implement Clinical Assessment of Overload by Voluntary Bite Force Registration to Enable Future Simple But Precise Risk Assessment to Provide Individualized Treatment Plans.

The general aim of this clinical trial is to implement clinical assessment of overload by bite force registration to enable future simple but precise risk assessment to provide individualized treatment plans. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Can we risk-assess patients regarding overload based on bite force measurement before dental implant treatment? * Can we profile patients based on bite force to tailor precise dental implant treatment for individual patients? * Will this profiling lead to improved prognosis by reduced number of technical and/or biological complications? Participants with dental implant prostheses get their bite force measured and followed every year up to 10 years to see complications.

Bruxism and Diadinamic Current

This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of diadynamic current, one of the electrotherapy methods added to rehabilitation in the treatment of bruxism. Individuals over the age of 18 diagnosed with bruxism will be randomly assigned to one of the following groups using the sealed envelope method: rehabilitation program (control group) or rehabilitation program combined with diadynamic current (experimental group). The intervention will consist of an exercise program conducted jointly for the experimental and control groups. Participants will be given a structured exercise program to be performed in person 3 days a week for 6 weeks. In addition to the exercise program, the experimental group will receive diadynamic current treatment at each session. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), pressure pain threshold with an algometer, muscle strength with a hand-held dynamometer, bite force with a pinch meter, maximal mouth opening with a caliper, and head posture with the craniovertebral angle. Oral habits will be evaluated using the Oral Behavior Checklist, and anxiety levels will be assessed with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).

Investigation of Respiratory Function in Bruxism

The aim of the study was to evaluate the respiratory functions, sleep quality and headache severity of individuals with bruxism and to compare them with the control group without bruxism.

Effectiveness of Chlorzoxazone Versus Orphenadrine Citrate in Alleviating Bruxism Pain

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of chlorzoxazone in comparison to orphenadrine Citrate in relieving the orofacial pain in bruxers. Subjects and Methods: 60 patients above 15-years old complaining of orofacial and temporomandibular disorder/pain, with no history of chronic systemic illness, will be recruited. Patients will randomly be allocated into two groups (n=30): the first group will receive Relaxon (chlorzoxazone) twice daily for two weeks, while the second group will receive Norgesic (orphenadrine Citrate) twice daily for two weeks as well. Pain severity will be assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at day 0, 7, and day 14. In addition, a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) evaluation form will be utilized to assess the TMJ parameters before and after initiation of the treatment protocol, i.e at 0 and 14 days. Non parametric statistical analysis will be conducted to explain the results using SPSS V29.

Effect of Occlusal Splint on Head and Neck Muscles in Patients With Bruxism and Myofascial Pain

The study group will be selected from patients who previously presented with various temporomandibular disorder (TMD) complaints to the "Temporomandibular Disorders Clinic" of the Department of Complete and Removable Dentures at the Faculty of Dentistry, Istanbul University. During routine examinations, TMD-DC (Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders) forms are completed to aid in achieving an accurate diagnosis. Subsequently, patients suspected of having TMD of masticatory muscle origin but without a definitive diagnosis are routinely referred for ultrasonographic (USG) imaging. Patients meeting these criteria will be included in the study. Participants will be divided into two groups. The first group will consist of patients who have already undergone USG imaging during their routine examination, have been definitively diagnosed with masticatory muscle disorders based on clinical and radiographic findings, and have initiated routine occlusal splint therapy in the clinic. The 12-week treatment process of these patients will not be altered in any way. At the final follow-up session after the 12-week routine treatment protocol, the TMD-DC form completed at baseline will be re-administered, and the two forms will be compared to evaluate changes in symptoms and pain levels. Another USG imaging will also be performed at this session. The second group, serving as the control group, will include patients who have previously undergone USG imaging during routine examination and have received a definitive diagnosis of masticatory muscle disorders based on clinical and radiographic evaluations, but have not yet begun treatment. Patients whose turn for treatment begins during the study period will be excluded from this group. At the end of the 12-week period, the TMD-DC form will be re-administered, and a second USG imaging will be performed. This process will not interfere with the patients' position in the treatment queue, and treatment will commence as scheduled. In the second USG session, changes in the thickness and elasticity of the masseter, temporalis, trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, and splenius capitis muscles will be assessed by comparing the two imaging records.

Comparison of the Effects of Classical Massage and Conventional Treatment Methods in Phone Addicted Bruxist Patients

Bruxism, defined as the involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth during sleep or wakefulness, is a common condition with multifactorial etiology. It can lead to various complications including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, masticatory muscle hypertrophy, dental wear, headaches, and postural dysfunction. Although its underlying causes remain unclear, stress, poor sleep quality, postural problems, and excessive smartphone use have been identified as potential contributing factors. Recent studies suggest a significant relationship between bruxism and psychological as well as behavioral variables such as stress levels, screen time, and physical inactivity. University students, due to academic pressure and lifestyle habits, may be particularly vulnerable. This study aims to investigate the relationship between bruxism and smartphone addiction, sleep quality, and perceived stress among associate degree students at Bartın University. By identifying these associations, the study seeks to contribute to preventive strategies and promote awareness of bruxism-related risk factors in young adults.

Behavioral Interventions for Controlling Oral Behaviors

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) interventions via mobile devices can be implemented to monitor an individual's negative health behaviors in real-time, increase awareness, and assist patients in overting those behaviors. In recent years, EMA interventions have been used to improve patients' awareness of specific oral behaviors, such as tooth clenching or awake bruxism, which can produce excessive forces on the muscles of mastication and lead to or exacerbate symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Yet, whether EMA interventions are effective in reducing oral behaviors and masticatory muscle activity in the short- and long-term, or whether they are more effective than patient education remains unclear. In this randomized clinical trial, we aim to test the effects of a 1-week EMA intervention combined with structured information on masticatory muscle activity and determine whether a combined approach including an EMA intervention and structured information is more effective in reducing masticatory muscle activity than structured information alone. Our study will have a significant impact on orofacial pain clinical research as it will provide clinically relevant measures which could inform multimodal approaches for the management of painful TMD.

A Comparative Study of EMG Biofeedback and Pharmacotherapy for the Treatment of Masticatory Muscle Hyperactivity in Bruxism Patients

This study examines the effect of electromyography biofeedback on masticatory muscles hyperactivity on patients with bruxism.

Effectiveness of Visceral Manual Therapy in Bruxist Patients

Objective: check the effectiveness of visceral manual therapy on bruxist patients Design: Experimental, analytical, longitudinal, prospective, randomized, single-blind study with a blinded evaluator. Subjects: 68 subjects over 18 years old, with bruxism (diagnoses by a dentist). Methods: Subjects will be randomized into 2 groups: an experimental group (EG) to which a visceral manual technique will be applied and a control group (CG) to which a placebo manual technique will be administered. Both groups will receive 2 interventions one week apart. The measurements will be made before and after the interventions, and a last measurement will be made one month after the last intervention. Therefore, the patient will visit the center 3 times.

Chewing Muscles in Bruxers

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between autonomic nervous system activity and tonus, stiffness and elasticity of temporalis and masseter muscles in individuals with bruxism and to compare them with healthy controls.

Analysis of Occlusal Force Distribution in Digital and Conventional Occlusal Splint

Each eligible patient will be randomly into one of two groups: Group A: The digital splint group, digital splint will be constructed to each patient. Group B: The conventional splint group, conventional splint will be constructed to each patient. * For both groups, thorough clinical examination, scaling and root-planning will be done. Patient will receive a motivational oral hygiene program with detailed explanation regarding the study process and outcome expectations. * A precise history and clinical examination will be done by (F.M) under supervision of Dr S.G. The digital splint construction method: * First, complete arch intraoral digital scans of the maxillary and mandibular arches will be performed using the intra oral scanner following the scanning protocol recommended by the manufacturer. * For inter maxillary relation recording using optical jaw tracking device, step-by-step procedure for tracking and recording the maxillomandibular relationship and mandibular motion by using an optical jaw tracking system will be illustrated to the patient. * The occlusal device will be designed using a CAD software program. * The occlusal device will be printed using a 3D printer * The occlusal device will be finished and polished manually. The conventional splint construction method: * The first step is making an impression using a quick-setting addition polyvinyl siloxane impression material. A stone model will be obtained after pouring the impression using extra-hard dental stone. * In the second visit a face bow transfer and a centric relation record will be utilized to mount the casts on a semi adjustable articulator. * For centric relation recording, a jig will be made with an incisal plateau from modeling plastic impression compound and the jig will be inserted between the central incisors. To measure centric relation as precisely as possible (by avoiding translational movement in the temporomandibular joint), * The jig will be adjusted with a scalpel to create a distance of no more than 2 mm between the maxillary and mandibular arches. Then the relation will be recorded using a fast-setting polyvinyl siloxane occlusal registration material. The occlusal registrations will be trimmed to the buccal cusp tips to be transferred accurately to the articulator without interference. * After mounting of the centric relation the protrusive record will be taken and the horizontal condylar angle will be adjusted accordingly. * The device will be fabricated from clear prosthetic resin. Production followed a standardized protocol with a minimum inter maxillary thickness of 1.5 mm and a buccal extension to 1 mm below the survey line. * The device will be finished and occlusion will be adjusted on the articulator. outcomes assessment: 1. Occlusal force distribution will be measured using osslusosense. 2. Cost effectiveness will be assessed using the following equation(CE ratio = C/E).

"Salivary Melatonin and Cortisol Levels in Individuals with Bruxism"

The effects of the hormones melatonin and cortisol, which play a highly effective role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle, on teeth grinding will be scientifically evaluated. Based on the research results, more effective methods for treating patients suffering from bruxism may be identified.

Impact of Subgingival Instrumentation on Psychological Distress and Mental Health Status in Bruxers With Periodontitis

Bruxism is a non-functional repetitive jaw-muscle activity characterized by grinding or clenching the teeth. Bruxism, characterized by the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, is a prevalent parafunctional habit affecting individuals of all ages. Stress, anxiety, and depression are the psychological factors most commonly associated with the presence of bruxism.

mRNA Expression and Genetic Polymorphisms Affecting DRD3 (rs6280) and HTR2A (rs6313) in Bruxism

The goal of this observational study is to learn about the genetic factors influencing bruxism, a condition characterized by teeth grinding, in a group of participants. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Is there a significant association between the rs6313 polymorphism of the HTR2A gene and bruxism? * Is there a significant association between the rs6280 polymorphism of the DRD3 gene and bruxism? Participants will: Provide DNA samples for genotyping of the DRD3 (rs6280) and HTR2A (rs6313) polymorphisms. Provide RNA samples to assess changes in the expression of HTR2A and DRD3. Researchers will compare the genetic data and RNA expression levels between individuals with bruxism and those without (controls) to see if there are significant genetic differences and expression changes associated with bruxism.

Impact of Bruxism in the Outcome of Subgingival Instrumentation for the Management of Stage 2 and Stage 3 Periodontitis.

Bruxism is a multifaceted phenomenon that has been associated with several factors mediated by the central nervous system3. Bruxism is an umbrella term grouping different motor phenomenon. 'Bruxism is a repetitive jaw-muscle activity characterized by clenching or grinding of the teeth and/or by bracing or thrusting of the mandible. Bruxism has two distinct circadian manifestations: it can occur during sleep (indicated as sleep bruxism) or during wakefulness (indicated as awake bruxism5. Sleep bruxism is considered to be a putative exacerbating factor, rather than a causative factor of periodontal disease and night-guards have been used as a counter measure. Since the periodontium in sleep bruxism patients suffers from excessive occlusal force for long periods of time during sleep, the function of the periodontium in such patients may differ from that in patients without sleep bruxism. Awake bruxism is defined as masticatory muscle activity during wakefulness that is characterized by repetitive or sustained tooth contact and by bracing or thrusting of the mandible.Given the potential impact of abnormal forces on the periodontium, understanding the relationship between bruxism and periodontal disease is crucial for the prevention and management of these conditions. This study aims to explore the mechanisms by which bruxism affects the periodontium and to assess the impact of bruxism in the outcome of subgingival instrumentation for the management of Stage 2 and Stage 3 periodontitis.

Impact of Subgingival Instrumentation on Jaw Symptoms of Probable Bruxers Among Patients With Periodontitis

This study aims to explore the mechanisms by which periodontal disease affects the bruxers and to assess the impact of subgingival instrumentation on jaw symptoms of probable bruxers among patients with periodontitis .

Effectiveness of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Bruxism

Our study aimed to investigate the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (TAVNS) application on treatment efficacy in bruxism in terms of masseter muscle activity, pain, stress level, sleep and life quality, and autonomic functions.