Teeth grinding (Bruxism)
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a common condition characterised by the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, often during sleep. This repetitive behaviour can have detrimental effects on oral health and can cause chronic pain. In some cases, chronic teeth grinding or clenching can contribute to masseteric hypertrophy, a condition characterised by the enlargement of the masseter muscle in the jaw. The use of BotoxⓇ has emerged as a viable treatment option for addressing both bruxism and masseteric hypertrophy.
Bruxism poses a considerable challenge to dental health. The excessive forces exerted during grinding can lead to the wearing down of tooth enamel, resulting in tooth sensitivity, fractures, and even tooth loss over time. Additionally, bruxism is a common cause of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, contributing to jaw pain, stiffness and difficulty in opening or closing the mouth.
While the exact causes of bruxism are not always clear, it is often linked to factors such as stress, anxiety, misaligned teeth, or sleep disorders. The symptoms of bruxism can vary from person to person but may include headaches, earaches, facial pain, and disturbed sleep patterns. Identifying and addressing the underlying cause of bruxism is crucial for effective management.
Masseteric Hypertrophy
One consequence of teeth grinding is masseteric hypertrophy, a condition characterised by the enlargement of the masseter muscles. This often presents as a cosmetic concern described as a square or masculine jawline.
Botox, Bruxism and Masseteric Hypertrophy
Botox has emerged as a valuable therapeutic option for managing both bruxism and masseteric hypertrophy. Botox works by temporarily blocking nerve signals to the muscles, leading to muscle relaxation. In the context of bruxism, injecting Botox into the masseter muscle can help alleviate the excessive force exerted during teeth grinding, protecting the teeth from further damage.
For individuals with masseteric hypertrophy, Botox injections offer a non surgical approach to reduce the size of the masseter muscles. The procedure involves strategically injecting Botox into the hypertrophic muscles, causing them to relax and gradually reduce in size overtime. In aesthetics, this is often referred to as a ‘face slimming’ treatment. The treatment typically works for 3-5 months and repeat treatments will be required to maintain results.
The treatment
As with any aesthetic or medical procedure, it is absolutely essential that a full and comprehensive consultation is performed prior to any treatment. The consultation will always include your past medical and surgical history, lifestyle, allergies and medications. Pregnancy and breastfeeding is an absolute contraindication to Botox.
Your treatment will then be planned and performed. Botox is an injectable and delivered with a very small needle to the identified areas. Discomfort is minimal and the actual treatment generally takes just a few minutes to perform. There is very little ‘down-time’ and you can return to your day immediately after your appointment.
Risks
No severe complications after the cosmetic use of Botox have been reported in the literature. There may be some bruising and slight swelling after the treatment. Botox has been regulated for a long time and is a very safe treatment. The best way to minimise risk if you are considering Botox is to have the treatment done by a qualified practitioner.
Botox in the UK
In the UK, Botox is a prescription only medicine, which means that it must be prescribed and given to a patient by a qualified prescriber. If you are not having the treatment done by a qualified prescriber, they should still refer you to a medical professional (the person who prescribes the Botox for them) to check that you are fit for the treatment. By law, the person prescribing the Botox should be a doctor, nurse, dentist or prescribing pharmacist. Guidelines from the General Medical Council (GMC) state that they should meet you face to face and must be present at the client consultation. When the prescriber is happy, you can then be treated.
The prescriber also has responsibility for the outcome of the treatment. Many doctors and nurses are unlikely to want to take responsibility for a non-medical person’s injecting work, so be sure to check that you are happy with the person you have chosen for your Botox treatments.
Botox is a prescribed drug and as discussed must, by law be prescribed by a qualified prescriber. An experienced injector and prescriber will always ensure that a thorough consultation is performed and should be happy to answer any questions you may have. Consider asking the following;
- What is your level of experience and qualifications?
- What is the name or brand of product you are using?
- Are there any risks or side effects I could experience?
- What will happen if anything goes wrong?
- What insurance cover do you have for Botox treatment?
Please see my blog on The Importance of Finding the Right Practitioner.
Pricing
Here at Radiant, we use only Botox®
£250 per treatment