Teeth grinding treatment

Teeth grinding treatment at Barstable Medical Clinic

Most people are aware of the use of Botox® for cosmetic lines and wrinkles, however it is also widely used as medical treatment for teeth grinding or jaw clenching.

Teeth grinding or ‘bruxism’ is a common problem, often done subconsciously at night or secondary to stress or anxiety. It can lead to problems such as irreversible wearing of the teeth as well as causing the jaw muscles to grow larger resulting in a wider, more masculine appearing jaw. In addition, ‘teeth grinders’ often complain of pain or aching in the jaw or even migraines or headaches as a result.

Botox® in this area MUST be administered by a medical professional, i.e a doctor, dentist or advanced nurse specialist, as this is a complex anatomical area that requires in depth medical and anatomical knowledge, in order to avoid complications.

Botox® treatment for teeth grinding

Treatment for this problem with Botox®, involves several injections into the Masseter muscles, the strong ‘clenching’ muscles at the back of ones jaw. Botox® here causes the muscle to relax so that excessive clenching and grinding can no longer take place. It does not affect your ability to chew or eat, as there are other muscles that contribute to this, that remain unaffected.

When the Massteter muscles are relaxed through Botox® injections, the muscle flattens down and over time can be reduced in size. This results in a slimmer, tightened jawline, hence why this treatment is also used in females that have wide or masculine appearing jaws.