title: A device to prevent jaw clenching.
abstract: This article describes a device that is intended to prevent the clenching of the teeth. The principle involved is that to clench the teeth for an extended period, an intraoral vacuum must be formed and maintained. A tube or drinking straw held between the lips extending out of the mouth will prevent a vacuum. The article explains and illustrates how such a device can be made that will exploit this principle. Disadvantages and advantages are discussed.
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Long
mesh_terms: D002012:Bruxism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D003769:Dental Occlusion, Traumatic / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D016382:Orthodontic Appliance Design; D014618:Vacuum