Botox, it’s good right? Botox is a very common procedure for individuals who want to “fill in” their face from wrinkles and skin blemishes. It can also have other beneficial effects you may never have considered. Bruxism is a very common condition where patients grind their teeth and clench their jaw. Botox has been proven to help curb the effects of bruxism.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is a condition where, either asleep or awake, the individual has an involuntary response in their mastication muscles. These muscles chew and clench the jaw, which causes the teeth to grind. This can happen when we are startled, anxious, stressed; like when an ambulance or siren drives past on the street. It can also happen routinely while we sleep. Throughout sleep, individuals with sleep bruxism, will have what are called “micro-arousals.” During a micro arousal, patients will experience elevated heart rates, faster breathing, and the nervous system is activated. Jaw clenching and teeth grinding are the results of the anxious nervous system reaction.
What is Botox?
Botox is a common name for Botulinum toxin. The chemical relaxes the muscles of the face to reduce wrinkling of the skin and provide an aesthetic plumpness. However, recent studies have shown that the same muscle relaxing effect can have great effects of clenching and tooth grinding issues. Botulinum Toxin temporarily paralyzes some muscles, making it impossible for them to clench when the automatic nervous system activates.
Botox and Bruxism
What if I don’t want Botox in my face? Botulinum toxin can be administered locally to the small masseter muscles or more succinct reactive jaw muscles. These muscles can be isolated so as to not hinder other processes of the mouth and jaw.
What side effects can Botox for Bruxism have?
Botox should be injected by a medical professional. This is to limit any negative long term, or side effects such as
* Pain in the injection site. This could be routine pain, an infection, or something else. Make sure your clean and monitor the area for signs of redness or inflammation.
* Headache or sinus issues. Headaches are common with bruxism, but if you are experiencing sinus headaches, nasal pain or drips, or flu like symptoms, you should see a doctor. It is always better to be safe than infected.
* Drooling, or uneven smile. If your mouth is too relaxed, and your jaw is drooping or slack, you probably had too much injected, or had an injection in the incorrect spot. There should be no drooping of your face, and no spittle should be dripping out of your mouth.
You still need to speak and function.
* If you experience
* Breathing Problems
* Double vision or vision problems
* Muscle fatigue
* Loss of bodily functions
Seek medical attention immediately. This could be symptomatic of something very rare and much more severe.
Consult thoroughly with your dentist, doctor, medical team, insurance, and a licensed botox professional before proceeding. Botox is common, but could become expensive quickly. You want to make sure everyone is familiar with what you are trying to accomplish with this treatment. You should also discus options for reducing stress, sleeping better, exercising, and other less invasive treatments for Bruxism.