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

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