Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin and Marjoram Oil Applications in Bruxism

Objective: Bruxism is defined as clenching or grinding teeth unconsciously. It can be categorized under two subheadings: sleep and awake bruxism. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of botox applications, a current approach in the treatment of sleep bruxism, and to evaluate the effectiveness of alternative therapies like aromatherapeutic oils. The study will compare and assess the efficacy of these methods. Materials and Methods: This prospective study will be conducted between March 2024 and January 2025 at Bezmialem Vakıf University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, with patients aged between 18 and 60 who have presented complaints of clenching/grinding teeth, sleep bruxism, jaw, neck, or face pain, and insomnia. The patients diagnosed with sleep bruxism will be divided into two groups, each consisting of 15 patients. The first group will include 15 patients with sleep bruxism who will receive botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A) injections, and the second group will consist of 15 patients who will use marjoram oil as an alternative treatment. Ultrasound imaging will assess the thickness and stiffness of the masseter muscle before treatment, and at 1 and 3 months post-treatment. Clinical evaluations will also be performed before treatment, and at 1 and 3 months post-treatment using scoring systems.