Experiencing Jaw Pain From Teeth Grinding? Discover How Botox Can Help!

Do you grind and clench your teeth at night? If you occasionally grind your teeth, especially when stressed, it’s not something to worry about. However, if it happens every night, this can seriously impact your dental health. Chronic teeth grinding or bruxism exerts pressure on your jaw muscles and joints, causing headaches, jaw pain, dental damage, and other symptoms.

Good news! You don’t have to continue living in discomfort. Cascadia Family Dental offers Botox—the popular wrinkle-smoothing injectable—to treat bruxism-induced aches and pains. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Jared Adams to experience the relaxing benefits of Botox.

What is bruxism?

It’s the grinding of teeth and clenching of the jaw, which happens subconsciously when sleeping, although some people experience daytime bruxism. Bruxism exerts incredible pressure on your jaw joints, muscles, and surrounding structures, leading to undesirable symptoms.

Some include:

• Jaw pain or soreness
• Tension headaches
• Locked jaws
• Enamel damage
• Tooth or gum sensitivity

Stress is one of the most common risk factors for bruxism. People tend to grind their teeth as a coping mechanism when they are anxious. The other causes of bruxism include certain medications, genetics, drug abuse, and sleep disorders like sleep apnea. Whatever the cause of bruxism, seek treatment urgently because the condition will only get worse.

How does Botox treat bruxism?

When you hear Botox, you automatically think of treating wrinkles for a youthful appearance. However, Botox has numerous therapeutic uses, including bruxism treatment.

Botox is a natural neuromodulator that temporarily paralyzes or weakens muscles to reduce excessive contractions. When injected into the masseter or temporalis muscles—the main muscles actively engaged when chewing—the neurotoxin relaxes the muscles. This relieves tension around the jaw area, freeing you from bruxism-related pain.

Botox reduces the activity of overactive muscles while preserving their primary function. We achieve this balance by carefully administering doses that target specific areas, providing therapeutic benefits without compromising overall muscle functionality.

What should I expect from Botox treatment?

Your treatment is painless and quick, taking about 20-30 minutes. We’ll identify the target muscles during your treatment and inject the Botox product using a small needle. You’ll only feel a tiny pinch, similar to a bite bug.

After treatment, the side effects are minimal. You’ll likely experience mild pain, bruising, and swelling at the injection sites. These discomforts are easily managed with home remedies and pain medications. Although you might feel tempted to massage your face, avoid it to prevent the product from leaking into unwanted areas.

What about the results?

Your jaws will feel more relaxed after 2-3 days, but you’ll experience total relief after two weeks. You’ll talk, chew, sleep, and smile like before, but without pain.

How long does Botox last?

The effects of Botox last between 4-6 months because the body metabolizes (breaks down) and eliminates Botox over time. That said, you need follow-up injections to maintain the effects.

Do you need Botox treatment for bruxism?

If you are dealing with bruxism in Bend, Oregon, your troublesome days are almost over! Call (541) 382-1279 to schedule a Botox treatment appointment with Dr. J. With his expertise, rest assured you are in capable hands and your painless days are within your grasp. 

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