Bruxism is the medical term for unconscious teeth clenching and grinding, either while awake, concentrating or asleep. Untreated teeth grinding and clenching can lead to painful and severe dental problems such as wear of the teeth, teeth and filling  chipping of the teeth, sensitivity and pain or even loss of vitality of the teeth. 

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Chronic teeth grinding can cause headache, earaches, facial pain, and even migraines. Bruxism sufferers who grind and clench their teeth while sleeping frequently wake up with a sore jaw.

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Hypertrophy (enlargement) of the masseter muscle, which may lead to the appearance of a severe square jaw, is another side effect of bruxism.

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Treatments with Botulinum Toxin Type A., commonly known as botulinum toxin, can provide tremendous relief from jaw soreness, headaches, and other unpleasant problems associated with Bruxism. Botulinum toxin treatments for Bruxism can also soften the appearance of the jaw line.

 

Botulinum Toxin vs. Conventional Bruxism Treatments

Botulinum toxin has proven to be an ideal treatment option for targeting and treating excessive muscle activity and spasticity. Although botulinum toxin injections are not the cure for bruxism, they can effectively control the uncomfortable symptoms. Botulinum toxin used for treating bruxism typically lasts for three to four months.

 

The Procedure

By injecting small doses of botulinum toxin directly into the masseter muscle (the large muscle that moves the lower jaw), the muscle is weakened enough to stop involuntary excessive grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaw. This significantly relaxes the muscle and reduces the wear and tear on the teeth due to grinding. Damage to the TMJ (temporo-mandibular joint) and headaches should be reduced or eliminated as well.  Voluntary movements, such as chewing and facial expressions, are not affected.