Effect of Marjoram, Vetiver, and Lavender Oil in the Treatment of Bruxism

Bruxism is a repetitive jaw muscle activity characterized by clenching or grinding of the teeth and/or bracing or thrusting of the mandible. Due to increasing evidence suggesting that it may serve a physiological purpose, bruxism has been defined as jaw muscle activity that may occur during sleep and/or wakefulness.

Various methods have been proposed for the treatment of bruxism. These treatment approaches include pharmacological treatments (such as muscle relaxants and clonazepam), orthopedic treatments (such as stabilization splints and rigid stabilization appliances), needling treatments (including acupuncture, botulinum toxin type A, and dry needling), physical and behavioral approaches (such as relaxation training, stress management, biofeedback, and sleep hygiene instructions), manual treatments including exercises (trigger point therapy, soft tissue techniques, exercises, postural corrections, joint mobilizations, and cervical spine treatment), and other physical therapy modalities (including low-level laser therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, and short-wave diathermy).

Manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and their combination have been shown to effectively reduce pain and improve mandibular function. Massage therapy, which activates the pain-gate mechanism, is an effective treatment option for pain relief. It also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system and helps restore muscle length and flexibility. In addition, massage therapy improves local blood circulation and promotes the production of endogenous opioids, leading to relaxing effects and reduced pain perception. These effects are of particular interest in the management of bruxism; however, this treatment approach has not been adequately investigated despite its promising results.

Massage therapy can be combined with aromatherapy, one of the most commonly used complementary therapy methods. Its therapeutic effects are based on stimulation of the olfactory system and absorption of active molecules through the skin. Various studies have investigated the analgesic effects of aromatherapy massage using lavender essential oil. Lavandula angustifolia is a well-known medicinal and aromatic plant with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. In addition, it has antiseptic, soothing, circulation-stimulating, and cell-regenerating effects. Lavender oil has been reported to reduce pain in patients with various conditions, including neuropathic pain, rheumatoid arthritis, burns, and cancer-related pain. Apart from lavender oil, marjoram oil may contribute to pain control and anxiety reduction, while vetiver oil is known for its sedative effects. However, the effects of aromatherapy massage using these essential oils have not been adequately investigated in patients with bruxism.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of lavender, marjoram, and vetiver essential oils administered through aromatherapy massage in patients with bruxism. Objective outcomes will be assessed through ultrasonographic evaluation of the masseter muscle, while subjective outcomes will be evaluated using patient-reported questionnaires. The findings of this study may contribute to the development of complementary treatment approaches for the management of bruxism.