The cause of teeth grinding is not always clear, but the condition is thought to be related to stress and anxiety.
Symptoms include pain in the face, neck, and shoulders, worn or broken teeth, headaches, earaches, and trouble sleeping.
In some cases, teeth grinding can lead to a condition called temporomandibular disorder (TMD), which can cause pain and affect jaw movement, costing the NHS more than £3 billion a year. Estimated.
Researchers said that despite the prevalence of bruxism and its associated health effects, there are currently no approved treatments for bruxism or temporomandibular disorder available on the market.
The most frequently used treatments for teeth grinding are mouthguards and Botox injections, but they do not stop the involuntary behavior, but only reduce the effects of teeth grinding on the jaw and teeth, the researchers said. Ta.
The smart headband uses sensors to accurately detect episodes of teeth grinding and generates gentle vibrations, which are expected to increase awareness of teeth grinding and relax jaw muscles.
The headband is expected to help people gradually learn to consciously relax their jaws and stop grinding or clenching their teeth.
Researchers say this is a technique developed in the UK for bruxism that uses biofeedback (a technique that trains people to improve their health by controlling certain processes in the body that normally occur unconsciously). It is said to be the first wearable of its kind.
Philip Wilson, Professor at Nottingham Trent University’s One Health and Principal Scientist at the Medical Innovation Facility, said: “This innovation will help millions of people who struggle with the debilitating effects of teeth grinding and temporomandibular joint disorders. “It will greatly improve the lives of our people and significantly reduce the economic burden on our people.” NHS and the economy.
“Healthcare providers have been grappling with these diseases that are not only complex to diagnose, but also lack approved treatments that address the root cause.
“This will be a truly effective, data-driven treatment that will have a deep and lasting impact on public health and well-being.”
The project has received nearly £1 million in funding from Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, and a working prototype is expected to be unveiled soon.
Bas Borgdorf, CEO of JawSense, said:
“Remarkably, research shows that this learned behavior can even occur while we are asleep.
“This innovation represents an important step towards a future where bruxism and TMJ disorders can be effectively managed with personalized, non-invasive solutions, significantly improving quality of life and reducing healthcare costs. I am.”
