BOTOX® for Bruxism (Teeth Grinding/Clenching)
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Dr. Horton
Emily Sespaniak, MSN, FNP-C
Danielle Bautista, MSN, ANP
What is Bruxism?
How can Botox Help Bruxism?
Benefits of Botoxfor Bruxism
Botox for Bruxism: What to Expect
Botox Cosmetic is well known as a treatment for facial wrinkles, but this product has many other effective and therapeutic uses. We’ve posted about Botox as a treatment for excessive underarm sweating (hyperhidrosis), but did you know it can also be used to treat teeth grinding and clenching?
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism, commonly known as teeth grinding, is a condition that affects both men and women. People with bruxism may clench or grind their teeth when they are awake, and many also grind their teeth while they are sleeping. Severe bruxism can lead to jaw disorders, tooth damage, headaches, and other problems. Treatment for bruxism often involves mouth guards, dental correction, or physical therapy. In recent decades, patients have found tremendous relief by using Botox as a treatment for
Trusted Source
Bruxism
Mayo Clinic
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bruxism.
How can Botox Help Bruxism?
Botox is a neurotoxin that is commonly used for cosmetic purposes because it can temporarily relax facial muscles to smooth lines and wrinkles. However, Botox can also be used to relax the jaw muscles (masseters) that tense up leading to bruxism. Injections of Botox weaken the masseter muscle just enough to ease the symptoms of bruxism, but not so much that chewing or talking is
Trusted Source
Efficacy of botulinum toxin in the treatment of bruxism: Systematic review
Fernández-Núñez T, Amghar-Maach S, Gay-Escoda C
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affected.
Benefits of Botox for Bruxism
Benefits of Botox for Bruxism include:
- Less teeth grinding
- Improved sleep
- Fewer headaches
- Less jaw and neck pain
- Prevents tooth and jaw damage
As an added benefit, many patients who suffer from bruxism develop enlarged masseter muscles to the extent that it causes a more pronounced or square appearance to the jawline. After treatment with Botox, they may notice a slimmer, more “V-shaped” jawline.
Botox for Bruxism: What to Expect
During a Botox for bruxism treatment session with one of our Board-Certified Nurse Practitioners, cold packs will be applied to the treatment area before injection to help ease any discomfort. A small needle is used to administer the treatment, and the process typically takes less than 10 minutes. Results last 4-6 months on average.
Contact Us
If you are bothered by jaw clenching and/or teeth grinding, you may benefit from Botox treatment for bruxism at our San Francisco Plastic Surgery office.
