Teeth Grinding

During your treatment, Botox, a neurotoxin, will be injected into your masseter muscle, the large muscle that moves the jaw. This helps to reduce the muscle’s strength and hence alleviates the grinding and clenching of teeth. The procedure is minimally invasive and typically takes just a few minutes.

Botox injections, when administered by one of qualified and experienced clinicians, are generally considered safe. They are FDA-approved for cosmetic use and certain medical conditions, including severe teeth grinding.

Once the Botox is injected into the masseter muscle, it works to temporarily weaken or paralyse it, to prevent it from engaging in the forceful, unconscious movement that leads to teeth grinding. As a result, patients can experience significant relief from symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, and tooth damage.

It takes a few weeks for the full effects of the Botox to become noticeable. Therefore, patients should not expect to stop grinding their teeth straight away. You’ll need to consult with our clinicians for personalised advice regarding this treatment and its expected outcomes beforehand.

The effects of Botox injections can last anywhere between 3 and 6 months. It’s important to note that this is not a permanent solution and the treatment would need to be repeated as the effects wear off. The frequency and the dosage of the treatments will be determined when we draw up your treatment plan.

Persistent teeth grinding can result in tooth damage and other oral health complications. It can cause teeth to become painful or loose, and can also affect your jaws, cause hearing loss, change the appearance of your face, and even change your bite. Please book a consultation earlier rather than later, if you’re aware that you are grinding your teeth to the extent where it is causing you pain and discomfort.