BOTOX® for Teeth Grinding
Back in 2022, BOTOX burst onto the scene as a game-changer in the aesthetics industry. For the first time ever, there was a product that not only diminished the appearance of frown lines and wrinkles, but that could also prevent wrinkles from forming in the first place. Since then, BOTOX has helped millions of people feel better about their appearance, but its benefits don’t stop there. Over the years, practitioners have discovered that BOTOX has more than just aesthetic uses. One interesting revelation was BOTOX’s therapeutic effect for people who grind their teeth at night, known as bruxism.
What is BOTOX?
BOTOX, formally known as OnabotulinumtoxinA or botulinum toxin A, is a neurotoxin that contains the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. This is the same bacteria that causes botulism, a severe type of food poisoning. However, in medical settings, BOTOX is purified and only administered in extremely small doses to prevent unwanted side effects that come with exposure to larger amounts. BOTOX has been proven to have many different therapeutic effects and is used for a variety of conditions, including reducing the appearance of wrinkles, overactive bladder, excessive sweating, muscle spasms, and teeth grinding.
How Does BOTOX Work for Teeth Grinding?
As a treatment for teeth grinding, BOTOX is injected directly into the masseter muscle on each side of the face. The masseter muscle is responsible for chewing and is the muscle that is active during episodes of bruxism. By injecting this muscle with BOTOX, clients get double results:
- BOTOX reduces clenching of the muscle, easing teeth grinding and relieving pain and tension in the area
- With the masseter muscle less tense, it will give the client a more rounded, less prominent jawline (which is a common complaint from women with bruxism)
Your practitioner may also choose to inject BOTOX into the frontalis and/or temporalis muscles to further boost the results and ease tension and pain caused by teeth grinding.
Frequently Asked Questions About BOTOX for Bruxism
How often will I need BOTOX injections for bruxism?
The length of time between BOTOX injections for bruxism will vary from client to client and also depends on the dose of BOTOX given. Clients can expect to return for a follow-up treatment anywhere from 3-9 months after their initial injections.
Is BOTOX safe to use for bruxism?
Yes, while bruxism is an off-label use for BOTOX, it has been used by thousands of medical and dental professionals for this purpose with minimal adverse effects. Only use a licensed practitioner to administer BOTOX for bruxism for the best results and safest experience.
Get BOTOX for Teeth Grinding in Georgia
If you’re living with nighttime teeth grinding and haven’t responded well to traditional treatments, it may be time to start thinking about BOTOX for bruxism. Discuss the pros and cons with your dentist, who can determine if you are a good candidate for BOTOX. If you are, your dentist will explain the procedure, the risks, and what type of results to expect. If you’re in the Stockbridge, GA area and are ready to try BOTOX for teeth grinding, contact Advanced Dentistry of Stockbridge at 770-389-0389 to schedule an appointment.