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BruxismNCT07665398

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

A study testing Aromatherapy with Essential Oil Blend (Lavender, Marjoram, Vetiver) and Carrier Oil (Sesame Oil) in people with Bruxism and Bruxism, Sleep, run by Necmettin Erbakan University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Active, not recruiting

Under way, not looking for participants. Everyone needed has enrolled. The study is still running.

Official record
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Trial summary

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of the use of lavender, marjoram and vetiver oil via inhalation and/or massage application on the treatment of bruxism. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 25 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Bruxism, Bruxism, Sleep, Bruxism, Sleep-Related
What is being tested?
Aromatherapy with Essential Oil Blend (Lavender, Marjoram, Vetiver) and Carrier Oil (Sesame Oil)
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
64 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
2 Sep 2024to 31 Jan 2027
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 25 years
  • Women only
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • • Patients between 18-25
  • Patients with full dentition including 2nd molars
  • Patients without facial asymmetry
  • Patients without history of sensitivity or allergy to plants
  • Patients without olfactory disorders

Who cannot join

  • • Patients with systemic (asthma history) and/or neuromuscular disease
  • Patients with orofacial pain not caused by bruxism
  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery or injection history
  • Use of any medical drug affecting the muscular system
  • Patients with developmental deformity or surgery history in the maxillofacial region (facial trauma history, resection history, etc.)
  • TMJ pathologies (major condylar changes seen on panoramic radiograph)
Show all 14Show fewer
  • Radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy history
  • Ongoing orthodontic treatment
  • Removable prosthesis use
  • Inflammatory connective tissue diseases
  • Pregnancy
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Local skin infection over the myofascial area
  • Reluctance to take responsibility for the work

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
  • Bilecik Seyh Edebali University

    Bilecik, Merkez, 11100

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of the use of lavender, marjoram and vetiver oil via inhalation and/or massage application on the treatment of bruxism.

Read the detailed description

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.

Being tested
Aromatherapy with Essential Oil Blend (Lavender, Marjoram, Vetiver), Carrier Oil (Sesame Oil)
Keywords
bruxism, sleep bruxism, aromatherapy, lavender oil, marjoram oil, vetiver oil, essentials oil, masticatory muscle, masseter muscle, ultrasonography, myofascial pain
Medical subject headings
Bruxism, Sleep Bruxism

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Aromatherapy with Essential Oil Blend (Lavender, Marjoram, Vetiver)Other

    Participants receive aromatherapy using a proprietary essential oil blend (Lavender Lavandula angustifolia, Marjoram Origanum majorana, and Vetiver Vetiveria zizanioides; Art De Huile®, formulated by Hülya Kayhan). The blend is administered by inhalation twice daily and extraoral massage once daily throughout the study period.

  • Carrier Oil (Sesame Oil)Other

    Participants receive carrier oil (sesame oil) administered through inhalation and extraoral massage according to the same protocol used in the intervention group.

Study groups in NCT07665398
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Aromatherapy GroupExperimentalParticipants receive aromatherapy by inhalation twice daily and extraoral massage once daily throughout the study period. Outcomes are evaluated using ultrasonographic measurements and patient-reported questionnaires.
Receives: Other: Aromatherapy with Essential Oil Blend (Lavender, Marjoram, Vetiver)
Control GroupPlacebo comparatorParticipants receive carrier oil (sesame oil) administered through inhalation and extraoral massage following the same protocol as the intervention group. Outcomes are evaluated using ultrasonographic measurements and patient-reported questionnaires.
Receives: Other: Carrier Oil (Sesame Oil)

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change in Masseter Muscle Elasticity

    Assessment of changes in masseter muscle elasticity using shear-wave elastography measured by ultrasonography.

    Measured: Baseline to Week 4

  2. Change in Masseter Muscle Thickness

    Assessment of changes in masseter muscle thickness measured by ultrasonography.

    Measured: Baseline to Week 4

Secondary outcomes (2)
  1. Change in Bruxism-Related Symptoms

    Assessment of changes in bruxism-related symptoms (jaw pain, headache, tooth sensitivity, fatigue, and perceived stress/anxiety) using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Each symptom is rated from 0 (no symptom) to 10 (worst imaginable symptom). Higher scores indicate more severe symptoms. A study-specific patient-reported questionnaire is also used to document the presence and characteristics of bruxism-related symptoms.

    Measured: Baseline to Week 4

  2. Patient Satisfaction With Treatment

    Assessment of participant satisfaction with the intervention using a study-specific patient-reported questionnaire. Treatment satisfaction is rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (very dissatisfied) to 5 (very satisfied). Higher scores indicate greater treatment satisfaction.

    Measured: Week 4

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted24 Jun 2026
  2. Study start2 Sep 2024
  3. Primary completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion31 Jan 2027 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Participants with bruxism are assigned to one of two parallel groups. The intervention group receives aromatherapy with lavender, marjoram, and vetiver essential oils administered through inhalation and massage, while the control group receives carrier oil with the same massage protocol. Outcomes are assessed at baseline and during follow-up using ultrasonographic measurements and patient-reported questionnaires.
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
64 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07665398
Sponsor's protocol ID
2023/346
Status last verified
Jun 2026
First submitted
18 Jun 2026
Last updated
2 Jul 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: Individual participant data (IPD) will not be made publicly available due to participant privacy considerations and institutional data protection policies.

Publications

  • Seifert O, Baerwald C. [Stimulation of the vagus nerve as a therapeutic principle. German Version]. Z Rheumatol. 2023 Aug;82(6):462-471. doi: 10.1007/s00393-023-01390-x. Epub 2023 Jul 25. German.

    PubMed 37490129
  • Bennett R. Myofascial pain syndromes and their evaluation. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2007 Jun;21(3):427-45. doi: 10.1016/j.berh.2007.02.014.

    PubMed 17602992
  • Palinkas M, De Luca Canto G, Rodrigues LA, Bataglion C, Siessere S, Semprini M, Regalo SC. Comparative Capabilities of Clinical Assessment, Diagnostic Criteria, and Polysomnography in Detecting Sleep Bruxism. J Clin Sleep Med. 2015 Nov 15;11(11):1319-25. doi: 10.5664/jcsm.5196.

    PubMed 26235152
  • Johnson JR, Rivard RL, Griffin KH, Kolste AK, Joswiak D, Kinney ME, Dusek JA. The effectiveness of nurse-delivered aromatherapy in an acute care setting. Complement Ther Med. 2016 Apr;25:164-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2016.03.006. Epub 2016 Mar 7.

    PubMed 27062964
  • Gok Metin Z, Arikan Donmez A, Izgu N, Ozdemir L, Arslan IE. Aromatherapy Massage for Neuropathic Pain and Quality of Life in Diabetic Patients. J Nurs Scholarsh. 2017 Jul;49(4):379-388. doi: 10.1111/jnu.12300. Epub 2017 Jun 12.

    PubMed 28605119
  • Nasiri A, Mahmodi MA, Nobakht Z. Effect of aromatherapy massage with lavender essential oil on pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2016 Nov;25:75-80. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2016.08.002. Epub 2016 Aug 3.

    PubMed 27863613
  • Medlicott MS, Harris SR. A systematic review of the effectiveness of exercise, manual therapy, electrotherapy, relaxation training, and biofeedback in the management of temporomandibular disorder. Phys Ther. 2006 Jul;86(7):955-73.

    PubMed 16813476
  • Ariji Y, Nakayama M, Nishiyama W, Ogi N, Sakuma S, Katsumata A, Kurita K, Ariji E. Potential clinical application of masseter and temporal muscle massage treatment using an oral rehabilitation robot in temporomandibular disorder patients with myofascial pain. Cranio. 2015 Oct;33(4):256-62. doi: 10.1080/08869634.2015.1097303. Epub 2015 Dec 29.

    PubMed 26714800
  • Capellini VK, de Souza GS, de Faria CR. Massage therapy in the management of myogenic TMD: a pilot study. J Appl Oral Sci. 2006 Jan;14(1):21-6. doi: 10.1590/s1678-77572006000100005.

    PubMed 19089025
  • Pessoa DR, Costa DR, Prianti BM, Costa DR, Delpasso CA, Arisawa EALS, Nicolau RA. Association of facial massage, dry needling, and laser therapy in Temporomandibular Disorder: case report. Codas. 2018 Nov 29;30(6):e20170265. doi: 10.1590/2317-1782/20182017265.

    PubMed 30517267
  • Armijo-Olivo S, Pitance L, Singh V, Neto F, Thie N, Michelotti A. Effectiveness of Manual Therapy and Therapeutic Exercise for Temporomandibular Disorders: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Phys Ther. 2016 Jan;96(1):9-25. doi: 10.2522/ptj.20140548. Epub 2015 Aug 20.

    PubMed 26294683
  • Fernandez-de-las-Penas C, Svensson P. Myofascial Temporomandibular Disorder. Curr Rheumatol Rev. 2016;12(1):40-54. doi: 10.2174/1573397112666151231110947.

    PubMed 26717949

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Aromatherapy with Essential Oil Blend (Lavender, Marjoram, Vetiver) and Carrier Oil (Sesame Oil) in people with Bruxism and Bruxism, Sleep, run by Necmettin Erbakan University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 14 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 Jul 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change in Masseter Muscle Elasticity (time frame: Baseline to Week 4). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07665398, which also lists 12 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 2 Jul 2026.

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