PhD project within the Industrial Doctoral School at Umeå University
This research examines how blocking jaw muscle function affects teeth grinding (bruxism) and tooth wear, a growing problem in Sweden causing pain and costly treatments. It studies how common tooth wear has been over 50 years, its social factors, and how bruxism impacts jaw movement, muscle activity, brain function, and bite strength. Study suibjects, some treated with botulinum toxin injections, are followed to assess benefits and side effects. The aim is to improve treatments and outcomes for people with bruxism and tooth wear.
Industrial Doctoral School, 50 percent
Colosseum Smile AB, 50 percent
Mats Kvarnberg, Colosseum Smile, mats.kvarnberg@smile.se
Anastasios Grigoriadis, Karolinska Institutet, anastasios.grigoriadis@ki.se
The project is focused on the effects of local motor function blockade on bruxism and jaw muscle function, aiming to strengthen specialist areas in Dentistry such as Prosthodontics and Oral Rehabilitation. The project is centered around the increasing problem of tooth wear in the Swedish population, which can lead to pain, discomfort, and costly dental treatments.
In the project, Martin Ågren will
(i) evaluate the prevalence and progression of tooth wear in a Swedish urban population over a 50-year period. Also, Assess the impact of socioeconomic and demographic factors on the treatment of tooth wear.
(ii – iv) determine the distribution of awake and sleep bruxism among individuals with tooth wear, and examine the effects on physical functioning, including jaw range of movement, brain function, masseter muscle activity, muscle cross-sectional area at rest and during maximum contraction, and maximum voluntary bite force, at baseline, follow-up, and long-term in patients with bruxism, with or without intervention using Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) A injections in the masseter. Additionally, Martin Ågren will identify any short- and long-term adverse events associated with BoNT A injections in the masseter.
By investigating these aspects, this project may serve as a foundation for improved treatment strategies, better patient outcomes, and potentially new therapeutic approaches for managing bruxism and tooth wear.
