How Botox Can Treat Jaw Clenching or Grinding (Bruxism)

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Jaw clenching and bruxism are habits common to people suffering from high-stress levels. It is a known fact that stress is a constant factor in society today, given how demanding society is. However, several activities can be used to relieve stress and live a cantered and stress-free life. These activities include massage and yoga, which helps relax your body and mind. But habits like jaw clenching are not advisable, considering their harmful effects.

The adverse effects of jaw clenching include temporomandibular joint disorder and tension headaches. Some methods developed to help control and stop the habit of jaw clenching, or night-time bruxism includes mouth guards. This method has not been very effective because it addresses the side effects of the problems, rather than the root cause of the problem, and this is where Botox treatment comes in.

This article highlights how Botox treatment stops jaw clenching and more.

How Does Botox Treatment Work?

To better understand how Botox treatment works, it’s important to understand how jaw clenching causes tension headaches and temporomandibular joint disorder.

Tension headaches

The constant clenching of the jaw forces the muscles surrounding the jaw to contrast more than they are meant to. These tense muscles swell and result in headaches; thus, “tension headaches.” This effect results in severe discomfort compounding the stress levels of the day.

Temporomandibular joint disorder

Temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD for short, results from bruxism or constant jaw clenching that affects ones chewing and speaking ability. It also results in lockjaw. The constant grinding and clenching of the teeth cause the masseter muscles to swell. The masseter muscles are responsible for jaw movement.

Botox treatment targets the source of jaw clenching; the muscles surrounding the jaw. Cosmetic doctors mostly use the treatment to address skin issues like wrinkles. However, dentists adopted the treatment because they discovered it to be effective in weakening the masseter muscles with little to no side effects compared to other forms of jaw clenching treatments.

Botox, which is short for Botulin Toxin Type A, is injected into the nerves where the dentist notices swelling. The toxin, in turn, makes the nerves and muscles around the affected area docile, restricting the muscles from contrasting too hard, relaxing the tensed muscles and nerves in the process. Making the muscles around the jaw docile keeps the act of jaw clenching and teeth grinding at bay.

Benefits Of Botox Treatment

Botox Treatment has various benefits, and some of the benefits are:

  1. A one-time treatment: the downside of other forms of treatment for jaw clenching and bruxism is the patient being required to consistently use the methods for a specified time to get results. However, Botox treatment only requires a single visit to the doctor to stop jaw clenching and teeth grinding.
  2. It is safe: a primary concern with another form of treating jaw clenching and teeth grinding is pain medication, and the negative side effects they carry. However, there are no negative side effects with Botox treatment as they only affect the areas where they are injected and do not restrict voluntary jaw movement. The only side effect that can be attributed to Botox treatment is the disappearance of wrinkles, which can be described as a positive side effect.

Conclusion

Botox treatment is a more effective and reliable method for preventing jaw clenching and bruxism. This article has explained why and how Botox treatment helps stop jaw clenching and bruxism while highlighting some of its benefits.

If you wish to learn more about the Botox treatment we provide for jaw clenching and teeth grinding at our Robina clinic, please contact us today.