Using Botox for Treating Bruxism

Bruxism is a condition that entails teeth grinding and jaw clenching involuntarily over a prolonged period. The grinding or clenching happens when you sleep, are stressed, and can happen either during the day or at night. These actions cause tension along the jaw, resulting in various symptoms such as jaw clicking, jaw pain, tension headaches, gum sensitivity, ear aches, and damage to the tooth enamel.

Jaw clenching over a prolonged period engages the muscles responsible for chewing. It causes the jaw to take a square shape and grow larger. Botox treats bruxism and prevents all those problems caused by the condition. You can visit Greenlake Dental for bruxism treatment using Botox. They offer Botox treatment for TMJ issues in the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle, WA.

Causes of Bruxism

Even though there are plenty of risk factors that point to bruxism, several are common. Stress is one of the leading causes of teeth grinding and jaw clenching. When your body is stressed or anxious, it tenses up and transmits to the jaws. Also, frequently getting frustrated or angry, this leads to gritting your teeth, increases your risk of bruxism.

In addition, certain medications heighten the risk of developing bruxism. Also, consuming some caffeinated drinks and alcohol puts you at a more significant risk of developing bruxism. Sleep-related bruxism is usually due to sleep apnea or induced by other sleep-related disorders. Remarkably, researchers assert that the risk of developing sleep apnea is hereditary. The risk is, therefore, inherent in some people based on their family history.

What is Botox?

Botox is a neurotoxin used for the treatment of bruxism. It’s produced using the bacterium clostridium botulin. It works by blocking neural transmission, thus causing temporary paralysis in specific muscle. It is usually injected in minimal quantities at particular locations, such as the jaw muscles, to freeze them. When injected, the tensed-up muscles become relaxed. They shrink over time, thus effectively alleviating the symptoms caused by bruxism. Botox injections can treat lockjaw, TMJ disorders, migraines, headache, facial pain, sore neck muscle, sore shoulder muscle, gummy smiles, and can help prevent teeth enamel damage, and more.

Botox Treatment

Even though Botox is very effective, it is yet to be approved by FDA for treating bruxism. It is administered in minimal doses. Once injected, it acts on the masseter muscles, and they get relaxed. Besides treating bruxism, Botox gives you additional benefits due to its efficiency in cosmetic attributes.

Once Botox is administered, effects are noticeable within one to three days, depending on various conditions. The treatment last for roughly three months, after which you should repeat it for consistent results.

Seeking treatment as soon as you notice the first symptoms is advisable. It increases the success rate of the treatment. It would help if you thus visited a dental expert immediately after seeing the first symptoms of bruxism.

Procedure

To get Botox treatment for bruxism, you first book an appointment at Greenlake Dental and have a consultation with an expert. The medical specialist develops an individualized treatment plan which fits your situation and health condition. Before seeking Botox treatment, taking blood thinners is discouraged to prevent side effects such as swelling and bruising following the treatment.

The doctor uses a thin needle to inject Botox through the cheeks into the masseter muscles on both sides.

Once Botox is injected, it blocks signals that invoke muscle contraction. It thus prevents jaw clenching and grinding from happening. It reduces tension, soreness, pain, and other related symptoms. Botox injection has minimal after effects on most people and you can immediately go back to your daily activities following the treatment.

What Not do After Botox Treatment?

Botox is non-invasive and thus has no downtime or recovery for most people. You can go back to your normal activities instantly after the treatment. The treatment also does not affect facial movement; thus, talking and chewing will not be affected.

There are some recommendations to avoid after Botox treatment. First, avoid touching the injection site for at least 24 hours, to prevent the toxin from spreading to other body regions where it is not needed.   Click to listen highlighted text! Using Botox for Treating Bruxism Oct 01, 2022 Bruxism is a condition that entails teeth grinding and jaw clenching involuntarily over a prolonged period. The grinding or clenching happens when you sleep, are stressed, and can happen either during the day or at night. These actions cause tension along the jaw, resulting in various symptoms such as jaw clicking, jaw pain, tension headaches, gum sensitivity, ear aches, and damage to the tooth enamel. Jaw clenching over a prolonged period engages the muscles responsible for chewing. It causes the jaw to take a square shape and grow larger. Botox treats bruxism and prevents all those problems caused by the condition. You can visit Greenlake Dental for bruxism treatment using Botox. They offer Botox treatment for TMJ issues in the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle, WA. Causes of Bruxism Even though there are plenty of risk factors that point to bruxism, several are common. Stress is one of the leading causes of teeth grinding and jaw clenching. When your body is stressed or anxious, it tenses up and transmits to the jaws. Also, frequently getting frustrated or angry, this leads to gritting your teeth, increases your risk of bruxism. In addition, certain medications heighten the risk of developing bruxism. Also, consuming some caffeinated drinks and alcohol puts you at a more significant risk of developing bruxism. Sleep-related bruxism is usually due to sleep apnea or induced by other sleep-related disorders. Remarkably, researchers assert that the risk of developing sleep apnea is hereditary. The risk is, therefore, inherent in some people based on their family history. What is Botox? Botox is a neurotoxin used for the treatment of bruxism. It’s produced using the bacterium clostridium botulin. It works by blocking neural transmission, thus causing temporary paralysis in specific muscle. It is usually injected in minimal quantities at particular locations, such as the jaw muscles, to freeze them. When injected, the tensed-up muscles become relaxed. They shrink over time, thus effectively alleviating the symptoms caused by bruxism. Botox injections can treat lockjaw, TMJ disorders, migraines, headache, facial pain, sore neck muscle, sore shoulder muscle, gummy smiles, and can help prevent teeth enamel damage, and more. Botox Treatment Even though Botox is very effective, it is yet to be approved by FDA for treating bruxism. It is administered in minimal doses. Once injected, it acts on the masseter muscles, and they get relaxed. Besides treating bruxism, Botox gives you additional benefits due to its efficiency in cosmetic attributes. Once Botox is administered, effects are noticeable within one to three days, depending on various conditions. The treatment last for roughly three months, after which you should repeat it for consistent results. Seeking treatment as soon as you notice the first symptoms is advisable. It increases the success rate of the treatment. It would help if you thus visited a dental expert immediately after seeing the first symptoms of bruxism. Procedure To get Botox treatment for bruxism, you first book an appointment at Greenlake Dental and have a consultation with an expert. The medical specialist develops an individualized treatment plan which fits your situation and health condition. Before seeking Botox treatment, taking blood thinners is discouraged to prevent side effects such as swelling and bruising following the treatment. The doctor uses a thin needle to inject Botox through the cheeks into the masseter muscles on both sides. Once Botox is injected, it blocks signals that invoke muscle contraction. It thus prevents jaw clenching and grinding from happening. It reduces tension, soreness, pain, and other related symptoms. Botox injection has minimal after effects on most people and you can immediately go back to your daily activities following the treatment. What Not do After Botox Treatment? Botox is non-invasive and thus has no downtime or recovery for most people. You can go back to your normal activities instantly after the treatment. The treatment also does not affect facial movement; thus, talking and chewing will not be affected. There are some recommendations to avoid after Botox treatment. First, avoid touching the injection site for at least 24 hours, to prevent the toxin from spreading to other body regions where it is not needed.