Botox for Bruxism (Teeth Grinding or Clenching)
Masseter Botox is a non-surgical treatment that targets the masseter muscles, which are responsible for jaw movement. Overactive or enlarged masseter muscles can lead to a square jawline or cause discomfort due to teeth grinding. By relaxing these muscles, Masseter Botox can slim the jawline, reduce teeth grinding, and alleviate jaw tension, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits.
Dr. Ahmed offers expert Masseter Botox treatments at his clinics in London, Manchester, and Leeds, helping clients achieve a more defined jawline and a more comfortable, relaxed facial appearance. Whether you're looking to enhance your profile or address jaw-related issues, Masseter Botox could be the ideal solution.
Botox for Bruxism (Teeth Grinding or Clenching)
Anyone who has ever suffered with bruxism (the grinding or clenching of teeth) can tell you that it is more than the resulting damage to teeth that is the problem. Headaches, jaw tension, migraines and other complications, can cause considerable pain and discomfort to sufferers.
So, what are the causes of bruxism and how could a treatment usually associated with wrinkles be used to treat and relieve the symptoms?.
What causes Bruxism?
Bruxism (teeth clenching or grinding) is when a person grates and rubs their teeth together, this can happen at any time but is often associated with sleeping.
The NHS lists the following causes of bruxism:
- stress and anxiety – this is the most common cause of teeth grinding
- sleep problems like snoring and sleep apnoea
- taking certain medicines, including a type of antidepressant known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- smoking, drinking lots of alcohol and caffeine, and taking drugs like ecstasy and cocaine
The resulting headaches and migraines can be debilitating with pain killers often not providing complete relief for sufferers.
Other complications include
- face, neck and shoulder pain
- a painful jaw, which can lead to a condition called temporomandibular disorder (TMD)
- worn-down or broken teeth, which can cause increased sensitivity and loss of teeth and fillings
- earache
- disturbed sleep
Traditional treatments for bruxism depend on topical treatments such as heat or ice packs or uncomfortable mouth guards. But there is relief available from a treatment usually associated with wrinkles - Botox! The Bruxism Association, a not-for-profit organisation registered with the Department of Trade and Industry whose sole purpose is to help those suffering from bruxism stated:
“Botox has increasing evidence of its effectiveness in reducing the frequency of bruxism events and decrease in bruxism-induced facial pain.”
Botox for Bruxism
Mouthguards, topical treatments, and painkillers treat the symptoms of teeth grinding whereas Botox treats the cause of the issue.Injected straight into the masseter muscle (responsible for chewing and talking), Botox weakens the muscle, reducing stress and strain on the jaw and limiting its ability to clamp tightly. This prevents teeth clenching and grinding as well as tension in the jaw and associated muscle fatigue.
The results can not only relieve the painful symptoms caused by teeth grinding but also halt and prevent further damage to teeth that can result in pain and costly dentistry treatments. Botox for bruxism treatment has very little downtime and results are usually felt within 14 days and last for up to nine months.
Botox - More than a cosmetic
Botox is an incredibly popular and effective cosmetic procedure treating, frown lines, forehead wrinkles and crows’ feet. The power of Botox is also harnessed in the medical world as its benefits are more than purely cosmetic.
A small amount of Botox (Botulinum toxin) is injected into a muscle to relax and weaken or block nerve signals, providing temporary, effective pain relief. It is used to treat many medical conditions including: hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), Bell’s Palsy, eye disorders, chronic migraines, and overactive bladder disorder.
