Botox for…teeth grinding?

Yes, you heard that right. Botox® now provides relief for people who suffer from teeth grinding (also known as bruxism).

Teeth grinding is a condition where people unconsciously press or grind their teeth against each other. It can happen during sleep or while awake. While the exact cause of teeth grinding isn’t known, it is linked to stress, anxiety and sleep disorders, as well as certain medications.

People who grind their teeth can experience damage to their teeth, worn enamel and temporomandibular disorders, leading to symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches and earaches.

Traditional treatments for teeth grinding have included stress reduction techniques, dental correction and mouthguards. The use of Botox has been clinically shown to improve the symptoms associated with this condition, and may be a preferred option for many people.

Botox for teeth grinding serves two important purposes. First, it reduces muscular activity of the masseter muscle which can eliminate the pain and headaches associated with bruxism. Second, as a result of relaxing the masseter muscle, it can soften the contours of the lower face and improve appearance.

During the procedure, injections are placed directly into the masseter muscle on both sides of the face. At Eastern Radiologists, we take care to ensure that the Botox dose does not impair your ability to chew, speak or impact facial expressions. Our Botox specialist, Brie Denton PA-C has completed special training on botulinum toxin and dermal filler treatments. Injections are performed in our state-of-the-art vascular lab, where adherence to safety protocols is never compromised.

Botox injections for teeth grinding takes about 15 minutes. Patients generally experience pain relief from teeth grinding in 10 days or less, and a softer jawline in six weeks or less.

The results usually last for approximately 4 to 6 months before needing to be repeated, but the experience of each patient is different as everyone metabolizes Botox differently. When you visit our center, Brie will examine you for the common signs of bruxism and TMJ dysfunction.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment for a consultation, please call 252.754.5249.