In our last blog post we discussed bruxism, known as teeth grinding. We discussed several causes and consequences of and treatments the condition. In this blog post we outline another effective treatment for teeth grinding: Botox. Botox, or the botulinum toxin, can be used to prevent teeth grinding and is particularly effective if you suffer from headaches or other pain in the face or neck which stems from the condition. While relatively untested, the research which does exists points towards Botox treatment as an effective method of controlling bruxism. We discuss below. 

Research Method 

Recent research has identified that using dental Botox for bruxism can be effective. In 2017, a study was conducted on 22 patients who each suffered from teeth grinding. The participants were initially assessed overnight to evaluate the seriousness of their bruxism. After the preliminary assessment, 13 participants received an injection of botulinum toxin (Botox) through their cheeks into their chewing muscles. The remaining participants received a placebo. Four to eight weeks later, when the effects of the Botox were most pronounced, the patients were assessed a second time to evaluate any improvements. 

Research Findings 

During the second evaluation, 0% of the patients who received a placebo injection demonstrated any improvement. In contrast, the severity of the bruxism affecting over 50% of the patients who received a dose of botulinum toxin was identified as ‘much improved’ or ‘very much improved’. 

These findings indicate that Botox treatment for bruxism can be far more successful than any other available alternatives. Competing alternatives include behavioural and drug treatments, both of which have not been very successful in the small handful of clinic trials they have been tested in. At the end of the day, Botox for bruxism was considered successful during the trial described above. 

How Does Botox Improve Bruxism? 

To understand how botox improves the severity of bruxism, the cause of the condition, however opaque, must be identified. One theory why bruxism occurs is that irregular brain signals cause the jaw muscles to involuntarily and forcefully contract. The botulinum toxin blocks chemical signals from nerves (that stem from the brain) which instruct muscles to contract. Botox injections cause muscles to enter a perpetual state of relaxation and become unable to contract. 

Visit Our Clinic Today 

If you are suffering from a bruxism condition to the extent that headaches and pain make it difficult to perform basic tasks, do the best thing for you and call us at Ballan Family Dental today to schedule an appointment for botox treatment for bruxism. We can be contacted by calling 03 4310 3811 or by using the 24/7 booking form on our homepage. We look forward to meeting and treating your teeth grinding condition soon.