Mobile prompts and education to reduce jaw clenching and awake bruxism
Official title: Effectiveness of an Ecological Momentary Assessment Intervention to Reduce Masticatory Muscle Activity in Individuals at Risk for Temporomandibular Disorders
Run by University of Toronto · NCT07022795 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Toronto Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 15, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 15, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07022795 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.