Jaw Exercise Versus Jaw & Posture Exercise Therapies in Comparison to Occlusal Splint Effectiveness in Probable Sleep Bruxism: A Randomised Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND

Despite various treatment approaches for bruxism, there is limited evidence comparing exercise therapy and occlusal splints, highlighting the importance of this study.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effects of a 6-week jaw exercise (JE) program with combined jaw and posture exercises (JP) on pain and mandibular motion in patients with probable sleep bruxism. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the effects of the interventions on oral parafunctions, posture, and sleep quality.

METHODS

Sixty-three patients with probable sleep bruxism were randomly assigned to JE, JP, or Occlusal Splints (OS) groups at the University Hospital. Pain levels were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS), and the maximum oral opening was measured using a calliper. Secondary outcomes included oral parafunctions, evaluated via the Oral Behaviours Checklist, and posture, assessed using craniovertebral and craniohorizontal angles. Assessments were performed at baseline, post-treatment (6th week), and 12th week follow-up. Data were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA (Group × Time).

RESULTS

All groups demonstrated significant pain reductions (p < 0.05), but none of the groups showed superiority (p > 0.05). Mouth opening improved significantly only in the JE group (p < 0.05), with no intergroup differences (p > 0.05). Improvements in oral parafunctions occurred in the JE and JP groups (p < 0.05), but the differences between the groups were not significant (p > 0.05). No significant changes were observed in the craniovertebral or craniohorizontal angles (p > 0.05). No adverse events were observed in any intervention group.

CONCLUSION

This trial found no substantial superiority between interventions. Exercise-based therapies (JE and JP) and OS similarly improved pain, mouth opening, and oral parafunctions in bruxism patients, with no postural changes. Further studies should explore long-term effects in diverse populations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05555628.