4 Reasons Botox Is Great for Treating Bruxism
Bruxism, which is the medical term for clenching or grinding your teeth, is a serious issue that can significantly impact your health. The muscles in your jaw and face can become fatigued, and the added stress placed on your teeth can wear down enamel and even cause chips and cracks. People with bruxism also often experience trouble sleeping.
As such, it makes sense to seek treatment for bruxism as soon as you feel it developing, and one increasingly popular option is Botox. Though Botox injections are more commonly thought of as a cosmetic procedure, your dentist can also use them to help treat your bruxism.
Here are four reasons why Botox is often recommended for treating bruxism.
1. Relaxes the Muscles
You're probably familiar with Botox's ability to smooth out wrinkles and prevent more from developing. It does this by slightly weakening muscles, and that same effect can also help prevent bruxism. Your dentist will inject a very small amount into the jaw muscle. This won't weaken the muscle enough to interfere with your ability to talk or eat, but it will relax it enough to prevent you from clenching and grinding your teeth.
2. Complements Other Treatments
There really isn't a single best treatment for bruxism. Instead of looking to one treatment option, most dental professionals will recommend several. Botox is ideal because it works well with other treatment options. For example, you can combine Botox injections in the jaw with other treatment options like a special mouthguard without either negatively impacting the other. Botox can also be used to provide more immediate relief while other treatment options are considered.
3. Long-Lasting
Botox starts working in around two weeks for most patients, so it offers one of the fastest ways to alleviate the discomfort associated with bruxism. Better yet, it generally lasts around 3 to 6 months before being metabolised by your body, so you can repeat the treatment two or three times each year for ongoing relief. All it takes is a few quick visits to your dentist to keep the treatment going.
4. Non-Invasive
Some patients are worried that bruxism treatments will be painful or invasive, but this isn't the case with Botox. This is a totally non-invasive treatment option that can be completed easily enough in under an hour and won't impact the rest of your day. There's also very little pain involved, making Botox an attractive treatment option for sensitive or anxious patients. Even the minor discomfort associated with injections is often less than people expect since dentists are so experienced.