Can An Oral Splint Reduce Tourette Syndrome Tics?

An Osaka University study indicates the development of a new oral splint may reduce the motor and vocal tics in patients with Tourette syndrome. Published in Movement Disorders, the paper suggests biting down on the dental appliance acts as a sensory trick, which is known to help reduce motor symptoms in cervical dystonia.

The custom-made oral splint is applied to the molars to increase the occlusal vertical dimension. This placement alters the alignment of the person’s nose, lips, and chin. Of the 14 pediatric and eight adult subjects, Japanese researchers report that six adults and 10 children experienced a reduction in both vocal and motor tics with the appliance.