Popular for smoothing wrinkles and reducing fine lines, Botox also has many other intriguing uses such as reducing underarm sweat and treating overactive bladder. It’s even made its way into dentistry to treat bruxism.
What the Brux?!
Bruxism is the clinical term for jaw clenching and teeth grinding. Although commonly done while unconscious (sleeping), bruxism can even happen during waking hours. It can be a tough habit to break since most people are unaware of it happening, and oftentimes, there’s an underlying cause such as anxiety, certain medications, stress, as well as the overuse of alcohol and caffeine. Mild cases can lead to sore teeth and jaw discomfort, while severe cases can leave you feeling like you were punched in the face.
Common symptoms of bruxism include:
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Earaches
- Facial pain
- Headaches
- Loose teeth
- Sore jaw
- Tooth sensitivity
- Worn-down tooth enamel
Jabbing the Jaw
In a recent Daily Mail article, Dr. Martin Scurr highlights a case where he recommended that a patient try Botox to treat the unpleasant symptoms of bruxism. While the patient expressed the classic symptoms, he also complained of tinnitus (ringing in the ear).
Dr. Scurr stated that tinnitus could be related to the jaw muscles since the trigeminal nerve in the head supplies part of the muscle system for jaw movement and the muscles in the middle ear, which might irritate the nerve from the repetitive jaw clenching, thereby affecting the middle ear.
Dr. Scurr’s first recommendations for treating bruxism include cutting down on caffeine as well as limiting alcohol use and quitting smoking. Wearing a mouthguard at night can help protect the teeth and reduce the intensity of symptoms. If the cause is due to stress or some type of behavior, he suggests therapy to get to the root of the problem. Dr. Scurr’s last line of defense is Botox.
AAFE (American Academy of Facial Esthetics) states the following: By injecting small doses of botulinum toxin directly into the masseter muscle (the large muscle that moves the jaw), the muscle is weakened enough to stop involuntary grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaw. This significantly relaxes the muscle and reduces the wear and tear on the teeth due to grinding. Damage to the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) and headaches should be reduced or eliminated as well. Voluntary movements, such as chewing and facial expressions, are not affected at all by Botox.
Botox injections can significantly provide relief from headaches, soreness, and other annoying side effects of bruxism. This is not a cure for bruxism since Botox is not a permanent fix. Injections will need to be repeated every few months as needed.
If you are suffering from bruxism and are considering Botox, speak to your dentist or health care provider to determine if it’s the right treatment for you. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the use of Botox, call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.