Bruxism is a disorder in which you grind, gnash or clench your teeth. If you have bruxism, you may unconsciously clench your teeth when you are awake (daytime bruxism) or you may clench or grind your teeth while you sleep (nighttime bruxism). Nocturnal bruxism is considered a sleep-related movement disorder. People who clench or grind their teeth while sleeping are more likely to have other sleep disorders, such as snoring or pauses in breathing(sleep apnea).
What complications can arise from bruxism?
In most cases, bruxism does not cause serious complications. However, severe bruxism can cause:
- Damage to teeth, restorations, crowns or jaws
- Tension-related headaches
- Severe neck or facial pain
- Disorders that appear in the temporomandibular joints, which are located just in front of the ears and may sound like a clicking sound when the mouth is opened and closed.
How can we solve this disorder? Bruxism with Botox
In general, medications are not usually successful in treating bruxism and more research is needed to determine their effectiveness. Some examples of medications that can be used to treat bruxism are:
- Muscle relaxants: In some cases, your doctor may suggest that you take a muscle relaxant before going to sleep for a short period of time.
- Anxiety or stress medications: Your doctor may recommend short-term use of antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications to treat stress or other emotional problems that may be the cause of bruxism.
- Botox injections: Injections of Botox, a form of botulinum toxin, may be helpful for some people with severe bruxism who do not respond to other treatments.
What is Botox and what is its procedure for bruxism?
Botox is a substance that weakens the muscle action, achieving the reduction of involuntary movements without affecting chewing. It is applied through small injections in the masseter muscle, so the temporomandibular joint is free of tension. It is an outpatient procedure, the patient can lead a normal life after the session and its effects will begin to be noticed a couple of days after the infiltration, lasting between 6 and 9 months. After this period the patient must return to evaluate the evolution of the case and the need for another session. So we can say that there is a close relationship between this masticatory and dysfunctional disorder of the temporomandibular joint and the therapeutic use of Botox. If you notice any of the complications we have listed in this article, make an appointment with usAt Clínica Ilzarbe in Valencia we will help you to treat bruxism.
Author: Dra. Belén Castellanos
Aesthetic Medicine
