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Most people think that Botox has purely cosmetic purposes, but that’s not true. There are many health benefits to Botox, but perhaps one of the most popular ones is helping reduce tooth grinding (bruxism). If you know all too well the pain and frustration of tooth grinding, keep reading to find out how Botox may be the solution you need to remove this discomfort.
Botox is a type of toxin used to block certain chemical signals from nerves in the body, which in turn prevents muscles from contracting.
This is why Botox is a popular cosmetic solution for preventing or reducing wrinkles - because it can prevent the muscles in the face from contracting so much when you smile, frown, or even talk, the lines around your face are not so prominent.
And this is how Botox can help with tooth grinding. Essentially, the dentist injects a small amount of Botox into the jaw to weaken the muscle just enough so that it stops you from grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw.
You should not experience any significant difference in your day-to-day eating or speaking after getting Botox. While there may be a slight adjustment period right after the injection, you should go back to normal very soon.
However, some patients say that eating a larger meal, or foods that require a lot of chewing can lead to fatigue. Since the muscles are weakened a bit, such foods will require a bit more effort.
Botox is perfectly safe when injected by a trained professional. Dr. Bridget Sweeney can help you get Botox both to address your tooth grinding and for cosmetic purposes should you need it.
The effects of Botox can last anywhere between 3-6 months, after which patients may need another injection.
It’s important to note that Botox doesn’t treat the reason why you are grinding your teeth. Instead, it provides temporary relief from the effects of tooth grinding.
Bruxism can be caused by many factors:
As you can see, bruxism can also be caused by a dental health issue, such as an improper bite or crooked teeth. Dr.Sweeney will inspect the health of your teeth during your consultation and help you discover if your tooth grinding may be caused by an underlying issue with your teeth.
While it may be strange to speak to your East Amherst dentist about Botox, it’s actually one of the most common places where people get these injections, both for medical and cosmetic reasons!
Dr. Bridget Sweeney is here to help you get the solution you need for a happy and healthy smile and appearance.
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