Tooth Grinding Treatment with Botox

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a medical term that refers to a problem that can lead to physical pain and serious dental problems by unconsciously grinding the teeth while awake or asleep. Chronic teeth grinding can cause headaches, earaches, facial pain and even migraines.

What are the risks of teeth grinding?

Dental problems caused by bruxism include loss of tooth enamel, increased tooth sensitivity and flattening and/or cracking of the teeth. Bruxism patients who sleep by clenching their teeth and clench them while awake often complain of jaw pain. Hypertrophy, which occurs when the jaw muscles strengthen and thicken, is another side effect of bruxism.

What are the effects of botox treatment for teeth grinding?

Type A Botulinum Toxin or commonly known as botulinum toxin treatments provide highly effective relief in the treatment of jaw pain, headaches and other unpleasant problems associated with bruxism. In addition to bruxism, botulinum toxin treatments also help to soften the appearance of the jawline.

Botulinum toxin and conventional bruxism treatments

Recently, botulinum toxin has proven to be an ideal treatment option to target and treat muscle overactivity and spasticity. Many other treatments, such as anti-inflammatory medications and dental appliances, may not be enough to address the source of the problem. Although dental appliances have been used successfully to prevent teeth grinding at night, they may not stop the painful side effects of teeth and gums.

How is Botox applied for teeth grinding?

By injecting small doses of botulinum toxin directly into the masseter muscle (the large muscle that moves the jaw), the muscle is weakened as much as it needs to be to stop involuntary grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaw. This significantly relaxes the muscles and reduces the wear and tear on the teeth caused by grinding. Damage to the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) and headaches are reduced or eliminated. Voluntary movements such as chewing and facial expressions are absolutely unaffected by Botox injection.

How does Botox work in the treatment of teeth grinding?

Although botulinum toxin injections are not a permanent treatment for bruxism, or teeth grinding, they can provide some patients with the ability to effectively control the uncomfortable symptoms of nighttime teeth grinding. The botulinum toxin used to treat bruxism typically lasts for three to four months. After this period, the botox injection needs to be repeated by specialists.

You can make an appointment with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Güncel Öztürk for more information about teeth grinding treatment and to get treatment support.

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Tooth Grinding Treatment with Botox