Bruxism

Some patients get disrupted sleep, and worn-down teeth, which can lead to increased sensitivity and even tooth loss, broken teeth, or fillings. Treatment with botulinum toxin can reduce the pain from grinding and clenching. It can also protect against damage to teeth and restorations and, in some patients, it also reduces the patient’s reliance on a mouthguard. A low dose can relax the muscles of the jaw.

Interestingly, patients who have Bruxism often have overdeveloped jaw muscles and a square jaw line. In addition to reducing pain and preventing damage to teeth and restorations, relaxing the jaw muscles tends to result in slimming of the face and a more oval face shape, which is considered to be more attractive by some of our patients. Patients who grind and clench their teeth often get tension-type headaches in the forehead, temple, and around the eye region. This can be the result of excessive involuntary frowning. A low dose of toxin in the muscles of the forehead and frown can help reduce tension-type headaches.