Bruxism Treatment

Bruxism and bruxomania are conditions characterized by excessive and involuntary teeth grinding and clenching.

This condition most often occurs during sleep (at night), but it can also appear during waking hours, often without the patient being aware of it.

Common symptoms include:

• Broken or worn-down teeth
• Pain in the face and jaw
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Headaches
• Jaw locking
• Cheek injuries from biting
• Clicking or popping of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ)
• Damage to veneers, bonding, and fillings
• Flattened and smoothed chewing and biting surfaces of the teeth

Treatment:

In mild cases, a protective night guard is made for the lower teeth. It is worn during sleep to prevent tooth wear and protect the cheeks and tongue from injury.

In more severe cases — involving joint pain, headaches, and daytime clenching or grinding — treatment includes Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections into the chewing muscles. This helps relax the muscles, reducing the intensity of clenching and grinding.

It’s important to understand that during sleep, the brain cannot regulate the strength of jaw muscle contractions, which can reach up to 500 kg of pressure. Such force leads to tooth wear and joint damage, accompanied by pain and orthodontic or aesthetic issues. Injecting Botox into these muscles relaxes them and prevents such excessive force from being generated.

If you suspect that you may be suffering from bruxism, call us and schedule a consultation and examination!

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