Abstract
Objective: This case report highlights the implication of the concept of "geste antagoniste" in conservatively managing oromotor dysfunction and its complications.
Clinical presentation: A 66-year-old female with a 1-year history of tardive dyskinesia (TD) was referred to the Craniofacial Pain Department (CPC) at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine for management of sore labial/lingual mucosa secondary to excessive daytime involuntary activity of the tongue, lips, and mandible. A detailed head/neck examination revealed excessive involuntary movements of the tongue, lips, and mandible with generalized tenderness of her masticatory muscles. No TMJ or bone pathology was evident in a panoramic radiograph.
Intervention: A lower daytime appliance with bilateral posterior contacts was fabricated to protect her oral mucosa. On reevaluation, excessive movement of the jaw/tongue was significantly reduced with the presence of the appliance in her mouth. Face/neck muscle tenderness was also greatly reduced.
Conclusion: The use of oral appliance therapy in TD patients plays an important role in protecting the teeth/oral mucosa. The subsequent inhibition of excessive motor activity is proposed and should be further investigated.