Bruxism, more commonly known as teeth grinding, can result in jaw pain and persistent headaches. It can also damage tooth enamel and cause sensitivity and even chipped teeth. Traditional treatment for bruxism using nightguards focus mainly on preventing dental damage, however using neuromodulators (ex: Botox or Nucieva) for bruxism could effectively halt grinding and protect your teeth without the need of using a cumbersome mouth guard.

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.

Like any other muscle, the more it is used, the larger it is going to get. Constant clenching and grinding will cause this muscle to enlarge, eventually giving a bulging or square-like appearance of the jaw line.

To treat bruxism, neuromodulators (ex: Botox and Nucieva) help by significantly reducing the contractions of the masseter muscles in the jaw which are often overused and over time can cause the facial shape to become more square. When neuromodulators (ex: Botox and Nucieva) are injected into the muscles they will shrink over time. This helps preserve your teeth and improve your overall facial symmetry while giving you a softer facial profile.

Traditional treatments like mouth guards have been ineffective at treating the pain and masseter hypertrophy associated with chronic grinding and clenching. Although neuromodulators (ex: Botox and Nucieva) injections are not a cure for bruxism, they can effectively control the uncomfortable symptoms better than a nightguard for some patients.

You will see results in a few weeks after your first treatment, but you will need follow-up treatments, every 4-6 months, to maintain your results.

The injections of neuromodulators (ex: Botox and Nucieva) are fairly quick with very little discomfort. There are 4-5 injections total per side, directed straight into your masseter muscle. You can feel this muscle along the side and angle of your jaw when your teeth are clenched; it controls chewing and the raising of your jawbone.

More than 50-60% of the population tend to grind her teeth significantly. It equally affects men and women, young and old.

If you suffer from bruxism and your dentist told you that you have been damaging your teeth, if you are experiencing some pain around your jaw, or if you’re experiencing headaches, you may be a good candidate for injections of neuromodulators (ex: Botox and Nucieva) in your masseter muscles.

The injections of neuromodulators (ex: Botox and Nucieva) are directed straight into your masseter muscles. You can feel this muscle along the side and angle of your jaw when your teeth are clenched; it controls chewing and the raising of your jawbone.

Traditional treatments have been ineffective at treating the pain and masseter hypertrophy associated with chronic grinding and clenching. Botulinum toxin is a safe, effective, treatment with little downtime or side effects for treating both the neurogenic and muscular components of bruxism.

The vast majority of people do not feel any side effects from these injections.
Although very rare, immediate side effects of the injections may be flu-like symptoms that are accompanied by nausea and headaches. There may be facial pain, muscle weakness and asymetry. These side effects disappear progressively.

Your dentist may recommend trying other measures like a nighttime mouth guard which is a common solution. The first thing to understand about night guards is that they are there to protect your teeth and will not actually prevent the grinding or clenching itself.

Lifestyle and home remedies can also help with nighttime bruxism. You can:
1. Reduce stress. Listening to music, taking a warm bath or exercising can help you relax and may reduce your risk of developing bruxism.
2. Avoid stimulating substances such as caffeine in the evening.
3. Practice good sleep habits.
4. Schedule regular dental exams.