Botox is one of the most popular treatments to ease the appearance of lines and wrinkles. However, it also offers a variety of other benefits, including effectively treating the symptoms of bruxism which is a condition that affects millions of people globally.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is an involuntary teeth-grinding condition that will impact many people at some point in their lives. Bruxism is commonly caused by anxiety or stress, and it is particularly common in children and teenagers.
One study undertaken in Canada found that sleep teeth grinding affects more than 8% [1] of the general population. This figure is supported by The Bruxism Association, which reports that around 8-10% [2] of the UK population is affected by the condition, equating to some 10 million adults.
What are the symptoms and side effects of Bruxism?
While many cases of bruxism are minor, other people can experience a variety of more unpleasant and uncomfortable symptoms, including jaw pain, migraines, neck ache, chipped teeth, gum sensitivity and a loss of tooth enamel.
There are a range of treatments available for Bruxism, but it can be disheartening if you are struggling to find an option that works to ease the symptoms you are experiencing. The good news is that Botox has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment option in a range of clinical studies [3], with patients reporting a reduction in the frequency of bruxism incidents and decreased pain levels.
How does Botox treatment work to treat teeth grinding?
In patients being treated for Bruxism, a small amount of Botox treatment will be injected into one or more of the muscles that control movement in the jaw area. In most cases, the masseter muscle is treated, which is responsible for chewing. However, the temporalis and frontalis muscles may also be treated, depending on your unique experience of the condition.
Botox works by temporarily paralysing the muscles and reducing the number of nerve signals the treatment area is receiving. This will minimise clenching and ease the tension you may be feeling across your head and jaw. Results can be felt in as little as one to three days after treatment and the beneficial effects generally last between three and six months.
Is Botox the best treatment for bruxism?
While there is currently no cure for bruxism, there are several treatment options that can be used to ease the symptoms of teeth grinding, including mouth guards that are worn throughout the night and relaxation exercises that can ease tension.
However, there are particular advantages to choosing Botox treatment, with many patients reporting positive results in just a matter of days. Botox is a non-invasive treatment which can be administered in just 30 minutes with little to no discomfort. Results typically last for between three and four months, and consistent treatments can effectively retrain the muscles to prevent further instances of teeth grinding altogether.
As with any aesthetic or medical treatment, it is important to visit an experienced, qualified practitioner with a comprehensive understanding of facial anatomy. This minimises the risks of experiencing side effects, which may include bruising, redness and discomfort at the injection site, flu-like symptoms and dryness. Professional-grade treatment also ensures that you obtain optimal results following your treatment.
Resources:
[1] http://www.bruxism.org.uk/what-is-bruxism.php
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5070759/
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31246937/
