Botulinum toxin for teeth grinding

Botulinum toxin, originally known for its cosmetic applications in reducing wrinkles, also has a surprising medical use: the treatment of teeth grinding, also known as bruxism.

Bruxism is a condition where individuals inadvertently clench their teeth firmly or grind them together during the day or at night. This can lead to dental damage, jaw pain, headaches, and other discomforts. Additionally, bruxism can cause excessive wear of the tooth enamel and even contribute to the development of temporomandibular joint disorders.

Botulinum toxin provides an innovative solution for bruxism by relaxing the muscles responsible for jaw clenching. By injecting small amounts of botulinum toxin into the jaw muscles, the force with which the jaws are clenched can be significantly reduced, alleviating the symptoms of bruxism.

The process is generally virtually painless, as the injections are very small, and a topical anesthetic cream can be used for added comfort.

After the treatment, botulinum toxin begins to take effect within a few days to a week, with maximum results typically visible within two weeks. The effects of a botulinum toxin treatment for bruxism can last for four to six months, after which the treatment can be repeated if necessary.