If you suffer from teeth grinding (bruxism), you may wake up with jaw pain, headaches, and even damaged teeth. Botox masseter treatments offer an effective solution to relax the jaw muscles, reducing grinding or clenching. Which means you can have less discomfort, better sleep, improved energy levels, and protect your teeth.
Quick & Effective Bruxism Relief
- Reduces Jaw Pain & Headaches: Alleviates muscle tension that causes discomfort.
- Improves Sleep Quality: Minimises unconscious grinding during the night.
- Protects Teeth & Dental Work: Prevents excessive wear, chips, and damage.
- Softens the Jawline: Helps slim a bulky jaw caused by overworked masseter muscles.
- Aids in Breaking the Habit: Especially effective if stress-related bruxism has become ingrained.
Safeguard Your Dental Work & Prevent Premature Ageing
Bruxism isn’t just about jaw pain, it can have long-term effects on your teeth and facial appearance which result in:
- Damage to dental restorations such as crowns, bridges and veneers.
- Flattened teeth & bite changes leading to sagging facial features.
- Sunken cheeks & wrinkles from lost structural support.
- Drooping lips & fine lines caused by reduced tooth height.
How to Stop Teeth Grinding
To stop the damage from teeth grinding and clenching, use three main strategies: practice good oral hygiene, manage stress, and break 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 may suggest a mouth guard for bruxism. However, many people stop using them. This is often due to discomfort at night and how they look during the day.
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
Masseter treatments can reduce bruxism, especially sleep-related, for up to 4 months. The treatment is especially helpful during stressful times and provides a strong tool to stop teeth grinding or clenching when you can't control it.
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 Do I Know If I Have Bruxism?
Bruxism often occurs unconsciously, especially during sleep. You may notice:
- Persistent jaw pain or tightness
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Worn, chipped, or flattened teeth
- Clicking or discomfort in the jaw joint (TMJ disorder)
Often your dentist will alert you to the signs of damaged teeth during a check-up.
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 have bruxism and are struggling with pain, recurring tooth damage, or early facial ageing, we can help.
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 restorative dental work.
- Then we implement a Botox masseter treatment plan to protect that restorative work and allow your new bite to normalise.
- After this, we can create a treatment plan to reduce the effects of early facial ageing and restore a healthy radiant smile.
Wake Up Feeling Refreshed & Pain-Free?
Bruxism treatments require precision and expertise. Our specialists are qualified dental surgeons with extensive knowledge of facial and oral anatomy enabling them to provide a combined bruxism and facial rejuvenation plan.
