Can an Oral Splint Reduce Tourette Syndrome Tics?
Possibly, for some people, but the evidence is very early. In a small 2019 study from Japan, a custom splint worn over the back teeth reduced tics in most of the 22 people who tried it, and the benefit lasted for months in some. The study had no comparison group, so a placebo effect can't be ruled out. Oral splints are not an established treatment for Tourette syndrome, and our office does not offer them for that purpose.
What did the study do?
Researchers at Osaka University Dental Hospital and collaborators fitted 22 people with Tourette syndrome, 14 under age 20 and 8 adults, with a custom-made splint covering the molars on both sides. The splint slightly increased the space between the upper and lower back teeth when biting. Participants rated their own tics on a standard self-report scale before and after wearing the splint, and the team also reviewed video recordings. [1]
What did it find?
Right away, average motor tic scores fell by about 30% and vocal tic scores by about 43%.
16 of the 22 participants improved on both measures.
Some participants kept the improvement after more than 100 days of use, and younger patients tended to do better over time. [1]
The researchers suggested that changing the signals from the jaw-closing muscles might affect the brain circuits involved in tics. That idea has not been tested directly.
What are the limits?
Only 22 people.
No control group and no blinding. Everyone knew they were getting the splint, and tics were largely self-reported. The authors themselves noted a possible placebo effect and called for further studies. [1]
Published as a short research letter, not a full trial.
How is Tourette syndrome usually treated?
Many people with Tourette syndrome have tics that don't interfere with daily life and need no treatment. When tics cause problems, the main options are behavioral therapy, especially Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), and medications, which can help but don't eliminate tics and can have side effects. [2] These decisions belong with a neurologist or physician who treats Tourette syndrome.
What do oral splints normally do?
Dentists most often use splints, sometimes called night guards, to protect teeth from clenching and grinding and to ease some jaw muscle and joint problems. A splint that changes your bite should be made and monitored by a dentist, because a poorly fitted appliance worn for long periods can shift teeth.
What should you do if you're interested?
Talk with the physician who manages your or your child's Tourette syndrome. If a splint is ever recommended as part of a study or treatment plan, your dentist can check your teeth and jaw before and during use. If you have questions about your own teeth or jaw, contact our office at 904-398-1549.
Sources
Murakami J, Tachibana Y, Akiyama S, et al. Oral splint ameliorates tic symptoms in patients with Tourette syndrome. Mov Disord. 2019;34(10):1577-1578. doi:10.1002/mds.27819 (retrieved via PubMed; full text via PubMed Central)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Treatment of Tourette syndrome. Retrieved October 6, 2026.
About the author. CJ Henley, DMD, is a general dentist in Jacksonville whose practice focuses on cosmetic and restorative dentistry, dental implants and dental care around head and neck cancer. Meet Dr. Henley.
CJ Henley, DMD, PA · 3675 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207 · 904-398-1549
Updated October 2026.
Can Stress Affect Your Teeth and Gums?
Stress and anxiety can physically damage your smile through cortisol spikes and medication-induced dry mouth. Discover our medically-informed dental approach.
Yes, mostly in indirect ways. Stress often shows up as clenching or grinding, it makes it harder to keep up with brushing and regular visits, and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research lists stress among the factors associated with gum disease. Many medicines for anxiety and depression also cause dry mouth, which raises the risk of cavities. Each of these can be managed once it's recognized.
How can stress affect your gums?
Stress is associated with gum disease, along with smoking, some illnesses and their medications, and hormonal changes. Part of the link is practical. When life is hard, people brush less carefully, skip cleanings, smoke more or snack more often. Stress may also affect how the body handles inflammation, which is one reason gum problems can be harder to control during difficult stretches.
If your gums bleed when you brush or feel puffy or tender, that's worth checking whatever the cause.
Why do anxiety and depression medicines cause dry mouth?
Hundreds of medicines can reduce saliva, including many antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines. Saliva rinses away food, buffers acid and helps repair early enamel damage. With less of it, cavities can form faster, especially along the gumline and around old fillings.
If your mouth feels dry:
Keep taking your medicine as prescribed, and tell your prescriber about the dry mouth. Sometimes a change is possible, and sometimes it isn't.
Tell us about every medication you take, including recent changes.
Sip water through the day, and chew sugar-free gum to help saliva flow.
Cut back on sugary drinks and frequent snacks.
For patients with medication-related dry mouth, we talk through fluoride products for home use, saliva aids and how often to come in so problems are found while they're small. Our page on dry mouth explains causes and options in more detail.
How does stress lead to tooth grinding?
Many people clench or grind when they're under pressure, during the day while concentrating or at night in their sleep. Over time this can:
Wear teeth down, shortening them and changing how they meet
Break fillings and crowns or crack teeth
Strain the jaw muscles and joints, leading to soreness and headaches
A custom-fitted night guard can protect teeth and dental work from those forces. It usually won't stop the clenching itself, so it helps to notice daytime habits too. Read more about tooth grinding and bruxism.
What if the dental visit itself makes you anxious?
That's common, and it's worth telling us. New-patient visits at our office are scheduled for two hours, normally an hour with me and an hour in hygiene. That time lets us go through your history and medications, talk about what worries you, and plan care at a pace that works for you. I've written about how I approach dental anxiety. Patients with complicated health histories can read about our approach to medically involved care.
How can you get started in Jacksonville?
Our office is at 3675 Hendricks Avenue, near San Marco. Read what to expect as a new patient or contact the office at 904-398-1549. Bring your medication list to the first visit.
Sources
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Gum (periodontal) disease. Retrieved 2026-10-06.
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Dry mouth. Retrieved 2026-10-06.
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Bruxism. Last reviewed March 2025, retrieved 2026-10-06.
About the author. CJ Henley, DMD, is a general dentist in Jacksonville whose practice focuses on cosmetic and restorative dentistry, dental implants and dental care around head and neck cancer. Meet Dr. Henley.
CJ Henley, DMD, PA · 3675 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207 · 904-398-1549
Updated October 2026.