Teeth grinding is caused by excessive muscle tension in the chewing muscles, especially at night when teeth and molars unconsciously slide forcefully against each other, creating a grinding or gnashing sound. In the short term, this leads to pain in the chewing muscles, the temporomandibular joint, and even headaches due to continuous increased muscle tension. In the long term, it can cause serious damage to tooth enamel, and the molars or fillings can even crack or break. In the Netherlands, teeth grinding is the third most significant threat to dental health, following cavities and gum diseases. Botox for teeth grinding is an effective treatment because the high muscle tension in the jaws can be reduced, relieving people of teeth grinding.
By using a few Botox injections in the chewing muscles, these muscles can partially relax, significantly reducing or even eliminating the complaints. These injections are generally experienced as pinpricks, and anesthesia is not necessary. The treatment takes only a few minutes, after which you can go home immediately. Depending on the severity of the complaints and the thickness of the muscle, the amount of Botox needed for the treatment is determined. In some cases, it may be necessary to repeat the treatment if the desired effect is not achieved. The effect becomes noticeable after a few days and is maximum after about 2 weeks. The duration of action is typically around 3-6 months, and the treatment can be repeated without any problems after this period.