Teeth grinding, also called Bruxism, is clenching of the teeth, whether awake or asleep, which can lead to physical pain and dental problems.
Many patients with this condition also tend to have a square jaw caused by overworking of the jaw masseter muscle. Chronic teeth grinding can also cause headaches, earaches, as well as dental issues such as chipped teeth and tooth sensitivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
At London City Skin Clinic, we inject small doses of Botox directly into the masseter muscle, so the muscle is weakened enough to stop involuntary grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaw. This significantly relaxes the muscle, and reduces wear and tear on the teeth due to grinding. Chronic bruxism individuals also find that their jaw no longer looks square as the muscle is relaxed.
Botox can effectively control the symptoms, but it is suggested you also consider a nightguard via your dentist if the symptoms are still troublesome.
The effect of Botox for treating bruxism typically lasts for up to four months.
This treatment takes 15 minutes to administer and is temporary, so will require repeat treatment to maintain, but results are noticeable within 2 weeks of treatment.
Occasionally, in the early phase you may feel slight weakness in the muscles when chewing, but this will improve. Also, some redness or bruising can occur, but this is quite rare and usually minimal.
Treatment starts from £295
