Mobile prompts and education to reduce jaw clenching and awake bruxism
Effectiveness of an Ecological Momentary Assessment Intervention to Reduce Masticatory Muscle Activity in Individuals at Risk for Temporomandibular Disorders
NA · University of Toronto · NCT07022795
This trial tests whether a one-week mobile prompt program combined with an educational video helps adults with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) or awake bruxism reduce jaw clenching and masticatory muscle activity compared with education alone.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Toronto (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT07022795 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a randomized clinical trial comparing a combined intervention of ecological momentary assessment (EMA) mobile prompts plus structured educational information versus structured educational information alone. Participants receive an educational video and some are additionally sent daily mobile surveys/prompts for one week to increase awareness of oral behaviors such as tooth clenching. Outcome measures include changes in self-reported oral behaviors, scores on the Oral Behavior Checklist (OBC), and objective measures of masticatory muscle activity using surface electromyography. The study is conducted at the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry with follow-up to examine short- and longer-term effects.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults with symptoms of TMD or frequent awake bruxism who report an Oral Behavior Checklist (OBC) score of 25 or higher are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People whose jaw pain is primarily due to structural joint disease, those with low-frequency oral behaviors (OBC < 25), or those not willing to use mobile prompts are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this low-cost, noninvasive approach could help people reduce jaw clenching and muscle overactivity and potentially lessen TMD symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: Previous EMA and mobile-prompt interventions have shown promising short-term improvements in awareness and self-reported oral behaviors, but long-term benefits and objective reductions in muscle activity remain unclear.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Individuals reporting a score greater than or equal to 25 on the oral behavior checklist (OBC). The OBC is a self-report questionnaire used to assess the frequency of various daytime and sleep-related oral behaviors, such as teeth clenching, grinding, and jaw tension. It helps identify habits that may contribute to temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and orofacial pain.
Where this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- Faculty of Dentistry — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Iacopo Cioffi Associate Professor, Principal investigator, DDS, PhD
- Email: iacopo.cioffi@dentistry.utoronto.ca
- Phone: +14168648107
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Temporomandibular Disorders, Bruxism, Masseter, awake bruxism, temporomandibular disorders, masseter, oral behaviors, surface electromyography