Temporarily combat teeth grinding and jaw clenching to prevent tension headaches, dental damage.
Bruxism (teeth grinding) is a very common complaint and often we are not even aware that we are doing it. It tends to happen more in our sleep or when we are stressed or concentrating. Teeth grinding can cause a variety of dental problems, tension headaches and can change the shape of the lower jaw. This happens as a result of the masseter muscles becoming strengthened and enlarged, leading to a masculine-looking square facial appearance. In some cases, a special mouthguard might be prescribed to prevent teeth grinding, but this is sometimes not always practical and can be unsightly if worn during the day.
At Rosie Cooper Aesthetics in Leamington Spa, we offer Botulinum Toxin (Botox®) injections temporarily combat teeth grinding and jaw clenching to prevent tension headaches, dental damage and to help slim down the jawline, thus softening a square-faced, masculine facial appearance.
Botox® is a commonly used neurotoxin that, when injected in to the masseter muscles (the muscles at either side of the jaw), blocks the nerve receptors, responsible for the muscle movement of teeth grinding. When Botox® is injected in to these muscles, they become temporarily relaxed and become less active; helping to stop the patient grinding their teeth and leading to a slimming of the lower facial contour. Injecting Botox® in to the masseter muscles will alleviate both conscious and unconscious, habitual teeth grinding and prevent tooth enamel damage, as well as tension headaches.
Before any injectable treatment is carried out here at Rosie Cooper Aesthetics, we will conduct a no obligation consultation, to discuss your concerns and to examine you, as well as check your medical history to ensure that there are no contraindications, preventing or restricting the use of Botox® such as pregnancy and breast feeding. Once we are certain that this treatment will be both safe and effective for you, you can book in for your treatment. It may be that you can have the treatment on the same day, as this is a very quick, virtually pain-free treatment with no need for prior anaesthetic or downtime. However, we will never pressurise you in to having this treatment straight away if you would prefer some time to think about it.
Stress and anxiety are the most common causes. Grinding and clenching can also be linked to poor sleep, some medications, smoking, and high caffeine or alcohol intake. Many people grind at night without knowing, and only find out when a partner hears it or a dentist spots wear on their teeth. Others clench during the day, often when concentrating or under pressure.
Common signs include waking with an aching jaw, face or temples, morning headaches, earache, teeth that look flattened, chipped or worn, and sensitive teeth. You might also notice your jaw muscles feel tight or look bulky. If any of these sound familiar, see your dentist first. They can check your teeth for damage and confirm whether grinding is the cause.
Rosie injects a small amount of a prescription muscle-relaxing medicine into the masseter muscles, the powerful chewing muscles at the back of the jaw. This reduces how hard those muscles can clench. You’ll still grind or clench to some degree, but with much less force, which can ease jaw pain and tension and reduce the strain on your teeth. The treatment doesn’t remove the cause of grinding, such as stress, so it works best as part of a wider plan.
Most people find it quick and very bearable. Rosie uses a very fine needle and gives a few small injections into each side of the jaw. You’ll feel a brief scratch and some pressure. The appointment takes about 30 minutes, including your consultation, and you can go straight back to work.
The muscles start to relax within one to two weeks, and many people notice they clench less and wake with less jaw tension. Jaw ache and related headaches usually continue to ease over the following weeks. Rosie will review how you’ve responded and adjust the dose at your next treatment if needed.
Usually three to six months. After that, the muscles gradually regain their strength and symptoms can return, so most people book a repeat treatment when they start to notice clenching or jaw ache again. Some find they need treatment less often over time.
Treatment starts from £300. The amount needed depends on the size and strength of your jaw muscles, so you’ll get a clear quote at your consultation.
