Botulinum treatments, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and other treatments
What is bruxism?
Are your jaw muscles constantly tense? Do you have unexplained headaches? Do you have straight or worn-down teeth?
These may be symptoms of persistent, unconscious teeth grinding or clenching—a condition known as bruxism—which affects a large portion of the population at some point in their lives. A tendency to grind teeth can begin as early as childhood and continue into adulthood, but the risk is increased by factors such as high stress levels, trauma, and significant use of alcohol and nicotine.
Although nighttime teeth grinding, or bruxism, is perhaps the better-known form, daytime bruxism—teeth grinding that goes unnoticed during the day—is actually even more common.
Comprehensive treatment for bruxism
Bite guard: A bite guard helps relax the jaw muscles during the night and protects your teeth from wear caused by grinding.
Botox injections: When injected into a muscle, Botox prevents excessive muscle tension, typically for 3 to 6 months. For people who clench their teeth tightly, the jaw relaxes and headaches decrease. Botulinum toxin treatment often provides rapid relief for both sleep and awake bruxism in patients for whom primary treatments have not been effective.
Repairing damaged teeth: Depending on the type of damage, teeth can be repaired using fillings or dental veneers, for example.
In addition, massage of the jaw muscles and physical therapy may be helpful.
Let’s work together to find the treatment that’s right for you
If it has been a while since your last dental visit, a dental checkup will allow us to assess your treatment needs more comprehensively. If, on the other hand, you have had a checkup within the past year and would like a new mouthguard, please book a 30-minute appointment with the dentist.
If you are interested in Botox treatment for bruxism but are unsure whether it is right for you, you can also book a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bruxism and Teeth Grinding (FAQ)
Yes—especially if it’s bruxism. Once you’re aware of your tendency to tense your jaw muscles, you can make a habit of consciously relaxing and stretching your jaws. Stress relief, reducing caffeine and nicotine intake, and maintaining a healthy sleep schedule also support the treatment of teeth grinding.
A bite guard is often recommended as the first step in treating bruxism, as it protects the teeth from wear. Sometimes, treating teeth grinding can be successful through muscle therapy and stress management alone. However, for some people, neither a bite guard nor muscle therapy provides sufficient relief, in which case it is advisable to discuss other treatment options with your dentist, such as Botox treatment.
Stress affects muscle tension and nervous system function. Many people unconsciously clench their jaws, which can lead to bruxism.
Yes, teeth grinding is common in children, especially during the transition to permanent teeth. In most cases, however, it is temporary and does not require treatment. If, however, your child experiences pain, limited jaw movement, or significant tooth wear, you should make an appointment with a dentist.
If left untreated, bruxism can lead to tooth wear, a flattened bite, and temporomandibular joint problems over time. It can also be a trigger for migraines. Regular treatment for bruxism and checkups with a dentist can help prevent permanent damage.
Bruxism is the involuntary grinding, clenching, or tensing of the jaw, which can occur both during the day and at night. Bruxism is often unconscious, and many people only notice it when their teeth become worn down or they experience stiffness or pain in their jaws.
The most common symptoms of bruxism are:
- Morning jaw pain or stiffness
- Headache, especially in the temples
- Worn or chipped teeth
- The sound of crunching at night
- Muscle tension in the neck and shoulders
During a dental exam, a dentist can usually identify teeth grinding by looking at tooth wear or the size of the chewing muscles.
Yes. Prolonged teeth grinding can wear down tooth enamel and dentin and cause chips or a flattening of the bite. Teeth grinding also significantly increases the risk of dental implant fracture. Untreated bruxism can also strain the jaw joints and lead to chronic pain.
Treatment for bruxism is tailored to the patient’s symptoms and underlying causes. Common treatment options include:
- A mouthguard that protects your teeth and can also help relax your jaw muscles
- Physical therapy and massage of the masticatory muscles
- Stress management and sleep ergonomics, which can help reduce the underlying causes of teeth grinding
- Botox treatment, which reduces muscle hyperactivity for 3–6 months
Botulinum toxin treatment for bruxism involves injecting a small amount of botulinum toxin into the jaw muscles. This prevents the muscles from tensing up too much, allowing the jaw to relax and reducing grinding. The effects of the treatment usually last 3–6 months, and it can help alleviate both sleep and awake bruxism.