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Teeth grinding (bruxism) can be a nightmare, leading to jaw pain or headaches. But it doesn’t just rob you of restful sleep; it can also wear down the enamel, strain your jaw muscles, and damage your teeth.
While there are plenty of ways to manage and prevent teeth grinding, some people wonder if Botox is one of them. In this article, we’ll discuss how Botox works for bruxism and whether it’s actually helpful.
Why Does Bruxism Hurt and How Does Botox Help?
Bruxism can lead to severe dental damage, chronic jaw pain, and issues with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The wear and tear on your enamel can even crack or fracture teeth, causing lasting harm.
Botox (Botulinum toxin type A) temporarily reduces muscle contraction. It specifically targets overactive muscles like the masseter and temporalis, calming them down and easing symptoms.
While Botox is FDA-approved for cosmetic and certain medical uses, its application for bruxism is off-label, meaning it’s crucial to have informed consent before treatment.
Botox can reduce or prevent muscle spasms. It’s often injected into the masseter muscle, which is the large muscle that moves the jaw.
By relaxing the masseter muscles, Botox can reduce jaw clenching and other bruxism symptoms. Unfortunately, Botox can’t cure bruxism entirely.
People who get Botox for bruxism may need 15 – 30 units of Botox on each side of their jaw. Their symptoms will begin to improve within two weeks and this relief should last about 3 to 6 months.
Because Botox will eventually wear off, treating teeth grinding and jaw clenching will require regular visits. While Botox is considered safe, little research exists on the long-term implications of frequent injections.
Botox is generally considered a safe and effective treatment when administered properly, but side effects can occur. Some more common side effects of Botox injections for bruxism include:
In some cases, the injected toxin can affect muscles it wasn’t intended to affect, or spread to other parts of the body. This can lead to temporary muscle weakness, paralysis, or an asymmetrical smile.
In rare cases, it may cause more serious side effects, including difficulty breathing, swallowing, speaking, or muscle atrophy.
Botox is typically safe; however, certain people should avoid or postpone Botox treatment. These include:
To minimize risks, ensure you choose a dental professional experienced in Botox injections for bruxism, ideally one who utilizes ultrasound guidance for accuracy.
Botox treatments for bruxism typically range from $300 to $1,200 per session. However, this might vary depending on your area and the dentist’s expertise.
Unfortunately, Botox injections aren’t covered by dental insurance. However, some insurers, like Aetna, provide coverage if you have persistent, painful bruxism that's unresponsive to traditional treatments.
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