Botox for Bruxism

Bruxism (the medical term for teeth grinding and jaw clenching) usually occurs subconsciously during sleep and can have consequences for your physical and mental wellbeing. It is most commonly caused by stress and anxiety but is also associated with smoking, alcohol, and some recreational drugs. It affects around 10 percent of the population, is most common between the ages of 25 and 44, and can have repercussions such as headaches and earache, not to mention tooth wear and breakage.

A number of possible treatments have been tried, but many have been shown to be ineffective. Treatments that your doctor may recommend include mouth guards, mouth splints, and muscle-relaxation exercises to reduce teeth grinding. A course of talking therapy may be recommended if you suffer with anxiety or stress-related problems. Giving up smoking and reducing alcohol intake may help. Although there’s no specific cure for bruxism, botulinum toxin injections may be discussed with you as part of your treatment plan during your consultation with a qualified practitioner.

Botulinum toxin injections for bruxism are available at Juvea Aesthetics, so read on to find out how it may help to combat the effects of teeth grinding and jaw clenching, and improve your quality of sleep.

How does Botox work for bruxism?

Botox (Botulinum Toxin A, Allergen Inc.) is injected for a variety of cosmetic and medical purposes. Botulinum toxin works by blocking the action of the substance released by nerves that causes muscles to contract. In the case of bruxism, when injected into the muscles that cause clenching of the jaw, it will reduce unconscious overnight clenching.

Studies have demonstrated that botulinum toxin injections can lead to n noticeable reduction in bruxism, and an improvement in the quality of your sleep, in some cases within days of treatment. This will be discussed with you as part of a range of treatment options during your consultation.

Where does the injection take place?

Botox is injected in the masseter and temporalis muscle in order to reduce their ability to contract. These muscles may vary considerably in size between clients, and the number of units of botulinum toxin injected will therefore be decided following assessment by a qualified practitioner. Your comprehensive consultation will include a discussion regarding potential the side effects of treatment, but you will be able to continue with your busy schedule as normal following your injections.

Who will perform the procedure?

Your treatment will be performed by an appropriately qualified practitioner in line with national guidelines.

Medical citations

Many studies over the years have proven the effectiveness of Botox as a cure for teeth grinding. Combining conclusions from all of the most influential studies of the last 20 years, the International Dental Journal concluded that "botulinum toxin injections are effective on bruxism and are safe to use. Therefore, they can be used clinically for otherwise healthy patients with bruxism.".
The University of Texas conducted similar research in 2012 and tested Botox on 23 people suffering from severe bruxism. The results showed that the quality of sleep of the people who had undergone the treatment were much higher than the average for people suffering from bruxism.