Would Botox in my jaw help relax or alleviate some of my constant mouth biting habits?

Question

When I stopped biting my nails I started biting my cheeks and mouth on the inside. I am always biting down and moving my mouth in ugly ways that causes wrinkles around the mouth and makes my jaw tired. I feel a lot of tension in my jaw from this and even when not biting I tend to be tense here. Would Botox in my jaw help relax some of this or alleviate my constant biting?

Alexander Rivkin, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  Yes Botox can help with tension in your jaw as well as preventing the wrinkles around your mouth from worsening or becoming static.  It is hard to say exactly what the treatment plan will be without seeing you in person, but I have treated people with this same issue with good results. There are several spots around the mouth that can be treated that can not only make it harder for you to pull your cheek to your teeth, but also smooth out and prevent the wrinkles.  In addition to that, a bit of Botox placed in the masseter muscles can help alleviate the tension quite well.  Theoretically, if you are consistent with your Botox treatments, you may be able to break the habit after a while.  We would love to see you for an in-person consultation! Best of luck.

James Lee, MD · Answer

Hello @ketest and thank you for your question. 
While Botox injections in your masseter or jaw muscles will help relax and weaken the muscle, the injections will not help stop your involuntary biting of your cheeks and clenching of your jaw. That said, Botox will not help reduce the psychological aspect of your involuntary biting. Botox takes 1-2 weeks to start working and may last up to 3 or 4 months. Hope this helps!
James Lee, MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonMontreal, Canada

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Yes, Botox can be used to improve this. I recommend getting a consultation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Botox results resolve in 3-4 months. Hope this helps.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Botox can help alleviate clenching and symptoms of TMJ. You'll want to see an expert in treating jaw issues with Botox. Botox results take 1-2 weeks. Best, Dr. Emer

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Botox can help relax and reduce the force you may have when you are biting, however it will not physically stop you from involuntarily grinding or biting. Biting habits are both physical and psychological. Botox can be used in some of the muscles which aid in biting and grinding, however there are other muscles such as your ptyergoids which are not accessible with botox and they will continue to cause you to bite. You also would not want to completely paralyze the muscles as you need them to eat and speak. Finally, Botox will not address the psychological habit of your biting. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MD 
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
IG: @drjohnsonlee

Would Botox in my jaw help relax or alleviate some of my constant mouth biting habits?

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Answer: Botox/Xeomin/Dysport & Clenching--Results Take 1-2 weeks

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Answer: Botox and biting

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Would Botox in my jaw help relax or alleviate some of my constant mouth biting habits?

Answers (8)

Answer: Botox/Xeomin/Dysport & Clenching--Results Take 1-2 weeks

Answer: Botox/Xeomin/Dysport & Clenching--Results Take 1-2 weeks

Answer: Botox and biting

Answer: Botox and biting

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Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.