Bruxism is the medical term for unconscious teeth clenching and grinding, and it can occur
whilst awake or asleep. Chronic teeth grinding can cause headache, earaches, facial pain,
and even migraines.
Dental problems from bruxism include loss of tooth enamel, increased tooth sensitivity, and
the flattening and/or chipping of the teeth. Bruxism sufferers who grind and clench their teeth
while sleeping frequently wake up with a sore jaw and head and neck pain.
Treatments with Botulinum Toxin Type A., commonly known as Botox, have been shown to
deliver tremendous relief from jaw soreness, headaches, and other problems associated
with bruxism.
By injecting small doses of botox directly into the masseter muscle (the large muscle that
moves the jaw), the muscle is weakened enough to stop involuntary grinding of the teeth and
clenching of the jaw. This significantly relaxes the muscle and reduces the wear and tear on
the teeth due to grinding. Damage to the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) and headaches
should be reduced or eliminated as well.
Botox vs. night guards such as the FOS Dental System
Although botox injections are not a cure for bruxism, they can effectively control the
uncomfortable symptoms. Botox used for treating bruxism typically lasts for three to four
months. Getting top ups 4 to 5 times a year could prove very costly. The FOS Dental
System, also proven to control night time teeth clenching and grinding, can be fitted chair
side by your dentist in approximately 15 minutes, and the device lasts for approximately 2
years – and would demonstrate considerable cost savings over the ongoing botox injections.
