Behavioral Interventions for TMJ Disorder

Overseen By Iacopo Cioffi Associate Professor, Principal investigator, DDS, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Toronto

Disqualifiers: Diabetes, Hypertension, Bipolar, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 1 week

32 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial examines the effectiveness of a mobile-based intervention for individuals with temporomandibular disorders (TMD), which cause jaw pain and discomfort. It tests whether a smartphone app for tracking and managing jaw-clenching behaviors reduces these behaviors more effectively than educational materials alone. Participants will either use the app alongside educational materials (an educational video combined with daily surveys) or receive only the educational materials (an educational video). Individuals who frequently clench or grind their teeth and score 25 or higher on a specific questionnaire about these habits may be suitable for this study. The findings could enhance treatments for jaw pain and related issues. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could improve the management of TMD symptoms.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that these behavioral interventions are safe for individuals with TMJ disorder?

Research has shown that using educational videos along with daily surveys to assist with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is generally safe. One study found that YouTube videos on TMD exercises, often created by healthcare professionals, are mostly safe and accurate. While some videos might lack high quality, those used in clinical settings are usually carefully checked for safety and effectiveness.

These videos, combined with daily surveys, aim to increase awareness and help manage symptoms by tracking habits like teeth clenching. This method is non-invasive, as it doesn't involve surgery or medication, and focuses on real-time monitoring and behavior change, which reduces risks. Overall, this approach is well-tolerated because it primarily involves learning and self-monitoring, rather than taking medicine or undergoing more invasive treatments. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about exploring behavioral interventions for TMJ disorder because they offer a non-invasive alternative to medication and surgery, which are common standard care options. This approach combines educational videos with daily surveys, providing real-time feedback and personalized insights into a patient's condition. By actively engaging patients in their own treatment, this method has the potential to improve adherence and outcomes, helping individuals better understand and manage their symptoms. Unlike traditional treatments, this intervention empowers patients with knowledge and self-monitoring tools, potentially leading to more sustainable relief from TMJ disorder symptoms.

What evidence suggests that this trial's interventions could be effective for TMD?

Research has shown that watching educational videos and taking daily surveys might help manage temporomandibular disorders (TMD). In this trial, one group will receive standard care combined with an ecological momentary assessment intervention, which includes educational videos and daily surveys. Some studies suggest these videos can encourage TMD patients to better manage their condition and improve their well-being. However, many TMD videos online contain poor-quality information, which may not be useful. The effectiveness of using both videos and surveys to reduce jaw muscle activity is still under investigation. While early results appear promising, more information is needed to determine how well this method works compared to others. ^{1 3 5 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals experiencing bruxism (teeth grinding), TMJ disorder, or other issues related to excessive force on jaw muscles. Participants should be interested in using mobile devices for daily health monitoring and willing to watch educational videos.

Inclusion 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.

Exclusion Criteria

I am being evaluated for habits that might cause jaw pain or TMD.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo a 1-week EMA intervention combined with structured information on masticatory muscle activity

1 week

Daily assessments via mobile devices

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Educational video combined with daily surveys
• Educational video only

Trial Overview The study tests if a one-week program of ecological momentary assessments (EMA) combined with an educational video can reduce jaw muscle activity better than just watching the video. EMA involves real-time tracking and awareness through mobile devices.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Standard of care combined with an ecological momentary assessment intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group B

Group II: Standard of care Active Control 1 Intervention

Group A

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Toronto

Lead Sponsor

Trials

739

Recruited

1,125,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9903026/

Temporomandibular disorders-related videos on YouTube are ... YouTube videos related to TMD contained low quality and scientifically inaccurate information that could negatively influence patients with TMD.

2. journals.lww.com journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2025/01030/are_youtube_videos_on_treatments_for.6.aspx

Are YouTube videos on treatments for temporomandibular... The results of our study reveal that the vast majority of videos on the treatment of temporomandibular diseases on YouTube contain insufficient information.

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11853538/

Quality and reliability evaluation of YouTube® exercises ... Although this may seem like a positive outcome, unfortunately there was no explanation of TMD diagnoses in the videos. Therefore, it was unclear ...

4. journalomp.org journalomp.org/journal/view.html?doi=10.14476/jomp.2022.47.4.198

A Study on the Effect of Media Education in Patients ... This study seeks to assess how effective media education was at motivating TMD patients to self-management and improve symptoms. Methods: Data ...

5. onlinelibrary.wiley.com onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/eje.12618

Impact of the DC/TMD instructional video on the practical ... This study aimed to identify the impact of the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) instructional video on the practical examination ...

6. journals.sagepub.com journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20552076231154377

Temporomandibular disorders-related videos on YouTube ... YouTube videos related to TMD contained low quality and scientifically inaccurate information that could negatively influence patients with TMD.

7. d-nb.info d-nb.info/1365523705/34

Quality and reliability evaluation of YouTube® exercises ... Stretching exercises, muscle-strengthening exercises, jaw-opening exercises, mobilization exercises, and postural exercises are regarded as preferred modalities ...