Bruxism
Bruxism (from the Greek βρυγμός (brugmós), gnashing of teeth) is grinding of the teeth, typically accompanied by clenching of the jaw.
Teeth grinding or bruxism is a problem that afflicts a large percentage of individuals. Upto 5-20% of adults and upto 30% of children in the age group of 5-6 suffer from nocturnal bruxism. Aggravated by stress, this condition frequently runs in families. People that clench their teeth during the day or at night mostly do so without knowing that they are doing it - they can't help themselves. Those that only grind at night only know that they are doing it if they wake up with jaw soreness or if their dentist notices that they are wearing down their teeth.
Bruxism and TMD can result in headaches, earaches, facial pain, chipped teeth and chewed tissue on the inside of the mouth. Chronic grinding will often lead to a hypertrophied masseter muscle - the main muscle that is used for chewing. This is a muscle that is located at the angle of the jaw. Grinding builds this muscle and makes it stronger, like lifting weights does for the biceps. The stronger the muscle gets, the more damage clenching causes to the teeth. Headaches and facial pain also tend to get worse with time.
Though BOTOX® injections are best known for their cosmetic applications, BOTOX® Therapeutic can relieve painful conditions triggered by the muscles of the jaw. As a therapeutic tool, BOTOX® is an integral part of dental implant surgery, TMJ treatment.
CosMedocs has been using Botox to treat chronic teeth grinding successfully for many years with minimal complications. Not only are our patients experiencing great relief from jaw pain, jaw soreness, tension and headaches, but they are seeing a dramatic change in the way that their face looks. The square, severe appearance of their lower face softens into a more normal and aesthetically pleasing jaw line.
This change occurs over two or three sessions of Botox, as the masseter muscle shrinks and weakens gradually. This treatment is not intended to break the habit of teeth grinding (though there are reports of patients grinding less).
Our treatment of teeth grinding is relatively painless with a single (usually) injection on each side. Results from Botox treatment of bruxism start with a few days after injection and last for about 3-6 months. Initially patients are advised to return within a shorter period of time for reassessment and maintenance dose. The dose intervals get prolonged with repeated treatments. Your doctor will be best able to inform you about the treatment plan based on your individual case.
During your free initial consultation, our specially trained cosmetic doctor will evaluate your unique needs, desired end results, and explain your options. He will also help you determine which treatment, or combination of treatments, will work best to achieve the look that you desire. You will have the opportunity to view before and after photos, so that you will know exactly what to expect.
Approximately 1/10 people suffer from bruxism? Are you one of them? Ask yourself the following questons?
- Do your jaw muscles ache in the morning?
- Do you have difficulty in eating, first thing?
- Do your teeth show premature wear?
- Do you suffer from frequent headaches or facial pain?
- Has your bed partner ever complained about you making strange grinding noises in your sleep
- Do you fall into any of the high-risk groups?
HIGH RISK GROUP
Some groups of people are more likely to suffer from bruxism than others. Those most at risk are:
- People with another sleep disorder, such as:
- Snoring
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
- Sleep talking
- Violent behaviour during sleep
- Sleep paralysis
- Hypnogogic/hypnopompic hallucinations (semi-consciousness between sleep and wake)
- People with a stressful lifestyle
- Smokers
- People with a high alcohol intake
- People who drink 6 or more cups a day of tea or coffee
- People who take medication for sleep, depression and/or anxiety

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