Introduction
Bruxism is a common chewing muscle activity characterized by repetitive clenching of the molars and teeth. A distinction can be made between waking and sleeping bruxism. Physiotherapy is indicated for the treatment of complaints caused by waking bruxism. This treatment is aimed at treating symptoms and changing behavior. An effective way to treat behavior change is Habit Reversal Therapy. The goal of Habit Reversal Therapy is to learn to recognize unwanted behavior and then unlearn it. The re-mind is a device that enables the patient to create awareness of the unwanted behavior. The re-mind is a small device that patients carry with them and which produces a short vibration (adjustable) several times an hour. This vibration stimulates the patient to reflect on waking bruxism.
“When you realize that the headache is the result of clamps, you do everything you can to get rid of it and that is why I really enjoyed wearing the re-mind.” (Participant 2)
Method
The research was a qualitative phenomenological study. Ten participants with temporomandibular dysfunction and waking bruxism (mean age of 48.6 years) participated in the study. The screening took place according to the Diagnostic Criteria/Temporomandibular Dysfunction Axis I protocol. To assess the intraoral signs of waking bruxism, two items were considered: hyperkeratosis of the oral mucosa and impressions of the teeth in the tongue and/or lips. After two weeks of intervention, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted focusing on patients' opinions and experiences when using the re-mind.
“I mainly wear the re-mind during my work and I like it very much, I was not distracted from my work.” (Participant 7)
Results
All participants experienced support from the re-mind in learning to recognize waking bruxism. The majority of the participants also had a positive experience with the use of the re-mind. When using the wristband and necklace, the wristband was generally perceived more positively than the necklace. This is for wearing comfort and aesthetics.
“I initially did the re-mind as prescribed three times a day Used it for one hour and a little longer at work, I actually found it very pleasant to use the re-mind all day long, it is not disturbing.” (Participant 3)
“Old habits are so ingrained in me” Psychosomatic physiotherapist Mark ten Seldam on the re-mind I work as a physiotherapist and coach and I am enthusiastic about the Re-mind. I use the Re-mind myself and also recommend it to my patients and coachees. Old habits are so ingrained with me,
“Low-threshold and practical to use” Exercise therapist Maartje de Jong on the re-mind The Re-mind I use regularly in practice and I also often lend it to patients. It is a simple but very effective tool that acts as a support to become more aware of
“The Re-mind offers a solution!” Speech therapist Ellen Engwerda on the re-mind Use of the Re-mind in our speech therapy practice In our primary speech therapy practice in Hilvarenbeek, we make extensive use of the Re-mind in automating correct mouth and breathing habits. For both children and adults, it is often a challenge to learn the
