Evaluation of biochemical changes and treatment efficacy in patients with bruxism following botulinum toxin or splint therapy: a randomized clinical trial

Objectives This clinical study aims to analyze the levels of cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of persons with bruxism and to compare the efficacy of botulinum toxin (botox) and occlusal splint treatments through biomarkers. Materials and methods A total of 40 patients with bruxism were selected according to the clinical examination and anamnesis of which 20 received occlusal splint treatment and 20 botox treatment. GCF samples were taken from the patients before and after treatment. Cortisol, DHEA, and TNF-alpha levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test. The change in measurements between time and groups and the time-group interaction were tested by repeated measures ANOVA. Results There was a statistically significant difference between the cortisol levels before and after treatment in both groups (p = 0.001). In individuals with bruxism, a statistically significant decrease in cortisol levels was observed after both treatments (p < 0.05), while DHEA levels increased after treatment but were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between TNF-alpha intra-group measurements (p > 0.05). Conclusions Stress and inflammatory biomarkers were found to be associated with bruxism. Cortisol levels decreased in people with bruxism after treatment with both occlusal splint and botox.