Would Botox help with teeth clenching?

Question

I have a terrible habit of clenching my teeth due to stress for at least 5 years now. I seem to do it all day and night :-(. Seen dentist (night guard), family doctor and could not get help for clenching. Try to manage my stress, but my teeth clenching is like a bad habit I can't break and my jaw and back of neck (at base of skull) constantly hurts. I saw a show once about Botox, and it might help. If there anyone in the Hanover, PA area that anyone can recommend can help me? Thanks.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Teeth grinding is called "bruxism" so if you search that term you might find more information. In general, Botox can work for reducing the strength of the masseter muscles (the biggest jaw muscles which help us grind our teeth). If you keep getting the Botox injections regularly, the muscle atrophies (becomes less bulky) and over time you will require less Botox or may be none.See a plastic surgeon in your area and ask them if they are familiar with using Botox for this particular indication. If not, you might consider checking into a maxillofacial surgeon.Good luck to you!

Rod J. Rohrich, MD · Answer

Botox can certainly help with grinding or bruxism if
injected properly.Botox may need to be injected
every 6 months. It will certainly help with minimizing teeth clenching. This should
be done in the hands of a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist in conjunction
with a dentist, who may recommend a night guard, which is also very helpful.

Ava T. Shamban, MD · Answer

Grinding your teeth can happen as a result of stress, anxiety, or even an abnormal bite. Often, teeth grinding or clenching is done at night, and many people don’t realize they’re doing it. Botox will not only make your jawline thinner, but it can also reduce the muscle’s strength and subsequently result in less grinding/ clenching.

Robert A. Weiss, MD · Answer

Botox is a great non-surgical way to treat teeth clenching! Grinding your teeth can happen as a result of stress, anxiety, or even an abnormal bite. Teeth grinding or clenching is oftentimes done at night, and many people don’t realize they’re doing it. Botox reduces the masseter muscle’s strength and subsequently results in less teeth clenching and grinding. Ask your dermatologist if Botox for teeth clenching is right for you!

Karen Beasley, MD · Answer

Grinding your teeth can happen as a result of stress, anxiety, or even an abnormal bite. Often, teeth grinding or clenching is done at night, and many people don’t realize they’re doing it. Botox will not only make your jawline thinner, but it can also reduce the muscle’s strength and subsequently result in less grinding/ clenching.

Would Botox help with teeth clenching?

Answers (5)