New Study Finds Treatment for Common Jaw Disorder Reduces Stress Hormone by More Than 40%

Clinical research links targeted bite therapy to reduced cortisol levels in patients with temporomandibular disorders.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 12:36pm

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New clinical research, co-authored by Dr. Robert Kerstein, suggests that treating a common jaw disorder may help reduce physiological stress levels in affected patients. The study, recently published in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, found that patients with occlusomuscular temporomandibular disorders (TMD) experienced a significant reduction in salivary cortisol—a known biological marker of stress—after undergoing Disclusion Time Reduction (DTR) therapy, a computer-guided bite adjustment dental treatment designed to optimize bite function and markedly lower muscle activity.

Why it matters

Temporomandibular disorders affect the jaw joint and surrounding muscles and are often associated with symptoms such as facial pain, headaches, jaw clicking, and muscle tension. While stress has long been associated with TMD symptoms, the relationship between jaw function and physiological stress responses has remained unclear. This new study sought to determine whether improving bite mechanics could influence measurable stress indicators in the body.

The details

In the clinical study, researchers evaluated 30 patients diagnosed with occlusomuscular TMD by measuring their salivary cortisol levels before treatment and again one month after undergoing DTR therapy. The results showed meaningful physiological improvements following treatment, with average salivary cortisol levels dropping significantly from 11.43 ng/mL before treatment to 6.57 ng/mL after therapy, an average 42% reduction. Disclusion times, the duration teeth remain in frictional contact during chewing movements, were also reduced dramatically from more than two seconds to approximately 0.28 seconds.

  • The study was recently published in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry on March 16, 2026.

The players

Robert Kerstein

A retired prosthodontist in Boston and the co-author of the study.

Tekscan Inc.

The company that manufactures the T-Scan 10 Novus digital occlusion analysis system used in the study.

Bioresearch Assoc.

The company that manufactures the BioEMG III surface electromyography system used in the study.

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What they’re saying

“Many patients with TMD report symptoms that seem closely tied to stress, including chronic jaw tension, frequent stress headaches, nightly bouts of tooth grinding and clenching, and jaw muscle fatigue. This study was designed to explore whether correcting bite mechanics could influence the body's stress response in a measurable way.”

— Robert Kerstein, Co-author of the study

“These findings provide objective evidence that improving occlusal function can influence measurable biological stress markers. By using computer-guidance to precisely adjust how long teeth frictionally interact during jaw movements, we were able to reduce abnormal muscle activity and induce a significant reduction in cortisol levels, solely through high-precision computer guided treatment.”

— Robert Kerstein, Co-author of the study

What’s next

Researchers say the findings underscore the importance of understanding the connection between dental neurologic function, neuromuscular activity, and systemic stress responses, particularly for individuals experiencing chronic jaw pain or dysfunction. Further research is needed to explore the long-term implications of this treatment approach.

The takeaway

This study highlights the potential for targeted, computer-guided dental treatments to influence broader physiological stress mechanisms in patients with temporomandibular disorders, providing a new avenue for addressing this common and often debilitating condition.