Bruxism is a medical condition characterized by the teeth grinding or jaw clenching, often unconsciously. This can occur both during the day (awake bruxism) and at night while sleeping (sleep bruxism). Since sleep bruxism happens when you cannot consciously control it, it tends to cause more complications and is harder to manage.
Botox masseter treatments, which target the jaw muscles linked to bruxism, are very effective at minimising the damage caused by grinding teeth at night, whilst also helping to manage awake bruxism during periods of high stress and anxiety, leading to less jaw pain, headaches, discomfort and more energy.
In addition the treatments will help restore a softer more feminine facial contour, since bruxism enlarges the masseter muscle giving the face a more square or masculine appearance.
Treating Bruxism Requires an Expertise in Oral Anatomy
Our experts are qualified dental surgeons, with an in-depth knowledge of the oral and maxillofacial region, including the muscles involved in chewing and clenching, such as the masseter muscles. This expertise is critical for accurately identifying the correct injection sites to optimise a bruxism treatment.
Plus Botulinum Toxin actually has several licensed variations, all of which are commonly referred to as Botox, but each of which can be better suited to treat various indications of teeth grinding or jaw clenching. We stock multiple licensed products, so our experts can create an optimised bruxism treatment plan to deliver the best results.
How to Recognise Bruxism Symptoms
If you grind during sleep you are more likely to experience other sleep disorders, such as snoring or sleep apnea, which involves brief interruptions in breathing. However, the common symptoms you are more likely to notice are:
- Jaw pain: Overuse of jaw muscles can result in pain or discomfort.
- Headaches: The tension in the jaw muscles can trigger headaches and migraines.
- Tooth sensitivity: Constant grinding can erode enamel leading to sensitivity and decay.
- Tooth damage: Constant grinding can lead to chipped or flattened teeth.
- TMJ disorder: Constant grinding can change your bit contributing to dysfunction in the jaw joint.
At your consultation your practitioner will examine your teeth to determine the severity of your bruxism.
Bruxism Treatment Advantages
A bruxism treatment offers quick and effective relief from discomfort linked to associated symptoms, enhances sleep quality and reduces daytime fatigue, safeguards expensive dental work and counters premature facial ageing.
Protecting dental restorations
Severe bruxism can lead to cracked teeth or damage to crowns, bridges, veneers and fillings. Accordingly we accept referrals from your dentist to protect newly restored dental work.
Preventing premature facial ageing
Worn teeth can contribute to premature ageing in several ways:
- Chipped or Uneven Teeth: Can detract from a youthful smile.
- Discoloured Teeth: Worn teeth often appear more yellow or stained.
- Loss of Vertical Dimension: Worn teeth can reduce the vertical height of the lower third of the face creating folds around the mouth and a sagging jawline.
- Sunken Cheek: With the loss of tooth height, the cheeks may appear sunken, contributing to a gaunt look.
- Lip Support: Teeth provide support to the lips. When teeth are worn down, lips can start to droop, creating fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth.
Is Botox right for me?
Botox is suitable for most people, but it’s not for everyone. You shouldn’t have Botox if you’re:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Living with certain neuromuscular conditions.
- Suffer with a liver disease.
What are potential side effects of bruxism injections?
Bruxism injections have a great safety record when performed by a trained medical professional. Side effects are rare and usually mild, but they can include:
- Injection site reactions: Mild swelling, bruising or redness which resolve in a few days.
- Jaw muscle weakness: Occasionally individuals find chewing or biting harder foods more difficult for a couple of weeks.
- Asymmetry: Very rarely the relaxion of the jaw muscle can lead to a temporary asymmetry in the face.
Your practitioner will go through everything with you beforehand, so you’ll feel fully informed and confident.
How to Stop Teeth Grinding
Managing bruxism has 3 core strategies; good oral hygiene; stress management; and breaking the grinding habit.
Good oral hygiene
Regular dental visits to maintain good oral health are essential to avert tooth decay caused by worn teeth. Your dentist might recommend a bruxism mouth guard; however despite their benefits, the discomfort of wearing them at night, and their appearance during the day often lead to quick abandonment.
Stress management
Engaging in physical activities and mindfulness practices can reduce stress levels and enhance sleep quality. However, if external stressors persist, managing bruxism solely through stress reduction can be challenging.
Breaking the grinding habit
Botox masseter treatment can reduce bruxism, especially sleep-related, for up to 4 months. It's particularly helpful during high-stress periods, offering a powerful tool to break the teeth-grinding habit when conscious control isn't possible.
Related articles
Understanding and Treating Bruxism with Botox
Dr Asel explains that teeth grinding & jaw clenching (bruxism) isn’t just painful it can damage our teeth. So what can you do?
A 24/7 Bruxism Solution
If you are struggling with bruxism - we can help you to help break the habit and reduce the risk to tooth damage and premature facial ageing.
If your bruxism has been an ongoing problem and you are experiencing dental issues with the signs or premature facial ageing we can work with your dentist to provide a complete rejuvenation solution.
We would recommend:
- You have a consultation with us and your dentist to discuss your concerns and establish a treatment plan.
- Your dentist implements your agreed dental restorative work.
- Then we implement a bruxism solution to protect that restorative work and allow your new bite to normalise.
- We can then complete a treatment plan to minimise the impact of the premature facial ageing by lifting and tightening sagging skin, minimising lines, folds and wrinkles, restoring a heathy radiant glow to your skin and whitening your teeth.
