Bruxism

What is Bruxism: Botulinum Toxin Treatment for Bruxism

Bruxism is the term used for unconscious teeth clenching and grinding, either while you sleep or awake which can cause to physical painful jaw, and jaw joint and cheek muscles stiffness and other serious dental problems. Chronic teeth grinding can cause headache, earaches, facial pain, and even migraines. Dental problems include lose of tooth enamel, flattening of tooth surface, increased tooth sensitivity, and chipping of the teeth. Bruxism sufferers who grind and clench their teeth while sleeping often wake up with a sore jaw. Hypertrophy of the masseter muscle, which may lead to the appearance of a severe square jaw, is another side effect of bruxism. Treatments with Botulinum Toxin Type A., commonly known as botulinum toxin, can provide overwhelming relief from jaw soreness, headaches, and other unwanted problems related with Bruxism. Botulinum toxin treatments in Bruxism patients can soften the appearance of the jaw line also.


Botulinum Toxin vs. Conventional Bruxism Treatments

Recent survey and feedbacks has proven to be treatment of choice for targeting and treating hyperactive muscle due to bruxism. Many other treatments, such as anti-inflammatory medications and dental devices, do not address the source of the problem. Although mouthguards can successfully protect teeth from damage at night for bruxism sufferers however, they are sometimes not effective to stop the painful side effects of teeth grinding.

The Procedure

Whole procedure involves injecting small doses of botulinum toxin directly into the masseter muscles which helps in movement of jaws. This remarkably relaxes the muscle and eventually reduces the wear and tear on the teeth due to grinding. And helps to prevent the damage to the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) and prevent headaches due to excessive grinding.

Effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin for Bruxism

Although botulinum toxin injections are not a cure for bruxism, they can effectively control the uncomfortable symptoms better than a nightguard for some patients. Botulinum toxin used for treating bruxism typically lasts for three to four months.