Grinding your teeth involuntarily and putting too much pressure on your jaws are common conditions among people who suffer from bruxism. If not treated correctly, this disorder can damage the health of the mouth in the long term. The application of Botox® is an alternative solution to traditional treatments, such as the use of a drip or behavioral therapies.
The application of botulinum toxin brings an innovative approach that relieves the symptoms and discomfort of those who suffer from bruxism. This substance is often associated with medical-aesthetic treatments that help delay the appearance of wrinkles and expression lines, but its effectiveness has also been proven in other areas of health.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is a disorder that involves excessive, prolonged and involuntary contraction of the muscles in the face and jaws. It is during sleep that the persistent clenching and grinding of the teeth occurs most frequently, so it can be difficult to be aware of its existence. In order to reach a diagnosis, other symptoms help us to understand this condition:
- Pain or sensitivity in the teeth, especially when waking up;
- Headache and/or facial muscle pain in the morning;
- Facial pain, especially in the jaw area;
- Tooth wear;
- Popping or clicking when trying to move the jaw;
- Temporomandibular joint problems;
- Teeth grinding noises at night, noticed by the partner.
The causes of bruxism can be linked to emotional as well as physical factors. The former include stress, anxiety and tension. The latter can be caused by a misaligned bite or problems with the temporomandibular joint.
The role of Botox® in treating this problem
Botox® is one of the treatments that helps to reduce bruxism. The application is simple, non-invasive and avoids the daily use of traditional methods such as drips. The substance is injected directly into the chewing muscles, relaxing them, which temporarily reduces the strength and intensity of muscle activity and consequent friction of the teeth. The problem is under control for around 6 months.
4 Advantages of botulinum toxin treatment
Applying Botox® to alleviate the symptoms of bruxism offers the following advantages:
1. Proven effectiveness
Efficacy is one of the factors that has made botulinum toxin so popular for treating bruxism. In addition to the studies that prove the reduction in symptoms, the feedback from some patients is very important, as in the case of influencer Adriana Silva. After having the treatment, the patient felt a reduction in headaches when she woke up, caused by the force of the bite that she exerted unconsciously.
2. Non-invasive treatment
Although the most traditional treatments for bruxism don’t involve surgery, they do require a great deal of care and can be quite uncomfortable. For example, the drips that are placed in the mouth to protect the teeth during sleep require a period of adaptation. Botox®, on the other hand, is injected directly into the muscle, with almost immediate and prolonged effects.
3. Long-lasting results
The application of Botox® is quick, safe and offers results for several months, which can be extended to 6 months.
4. Improved sleep quality
Since many symptoms of bruxism occur at night, by reducing teeth grinding, sleep quality improves, as do headaches and facial muscle pain on waking. Nights become more restful and revitalizing.
Bruxism is a common problem that can have long-term complications. Seeking professional advice is the first step to treating the problem and improving your quality of life. Visit our website to find out more about the application of Botox® by our team of medical specialists.
