Efficacy of an email‐based recording and reminding system for limiting daytime non‐functional tooth contact in patients with temporomandibular disorders: A randomized controlled trial

摘要

Abstract Background Oral parafunctional activities such as daytime non‐functional tooth contact (nFTC) are considered aetiological factors for temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of an email‐based recording and reminding system for limiting daytime nFTC in patients with TMDs. Methods Thirty patients with TMDs (mean age, 30.7?±?8.7?years) were randomly assigned to three groups according to the intervention for limiting nFTC: cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with an email‐based recording and reminding system for 20?days (e‐CBT group, n?=?10), CBT with a sticky note reminder for 20?days (s‐CBT group, n?=?10) and simple verbal instructions to avoid nFTC that were provided before the experimental period (control group, n?=?10). The frequency of nFTC, range of pain‐free unassisted mouth opening and pain intensity during painful unassisted maximum mouth opening was evaluated before and after the experimental period. Results The frequency of nFTC significantly decreased after the intervention in the e‐CBT and s‐CBT groups. Among the three groups, the decrease in the nFTC frequency was the maximum in the e‐CBT group ( P ??.01). In addition, the range of pain‐free unassisted mouth opening showed a significant increase in all three groups, with the maximum improvement in the e‐CBT group (analysis of variance, P ??.01). Conclusions The present findings suggest that our email‐based recording and reminding system may have the potential to effectively control daytime nFTC and could be an effective strategy for the management of TMDs.