Sleep Bruxism (SB) is a serious medical disorder, characterized by involuntary grinding and clenching of teeth during sleep. It is often accompanied by unpleasant grinding sounds heard by the bed-partner or roommate. Symptoms include wearing of teeth, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction or pain, chewing difficulties, headaches and daytime sleepiness. The prevalence of SB is estimated at 14%-20% in children and 8% in adults. However, few patients are diagnosed, leaving the majority of patients to deal with the consequences of dental problems and pain that can be successfully treated. Diagnosis of SB is usually based on clinical examination and patient history. However, none of the signs and symptoms may be considered conclusive. A definitive diagnosis can be obtained by a formal sleep study, costing anywhere from $600 to $1500.
Therefore, there is great demand for a simple, low cost diagnostic device, which would allow the dentist, pain expert, TMJ specialist or behavioral therapist to reliably diagnose and measure the severity of SB.
This clinical information may be useful for diagnostic purposes, for monitoring treatment and for long-term follow-up.
The BiteStrip® is a low cost, disposable self-use home test for SB. Its indications correlate well with comparable indications from formal sleep lab studies. It is available through health providers worldwide at a very low price to the public as a self-administered or prescription test.
Relevant patents were applied for, and clinical studies are in process in well known sleep labs to prove its accuracy.