Teeth grinding and clenching is a serious parafunctional habit that can become a problem when you do it regularly (sometimes without noticing) and it begins to impact the health of your teeth and jaw. It can be extremely detrimental to your teeth and causes enamel wear and fracture. It can also cause irreversible damage to the TMJ. Clues that you may be clenching or grinding include jaw pain, muscle tension in the head and neck, chipped teeth, and headache/ migraine issues. The side effects from grinding and clenching can be hard to live with but treatment options such as bite splints and Botox treatments can give major relief to a lot of these issues. Botox® is an injectable treatment that can be used to alleviate grinding/clenching and lessen the damage to your jaw and enamel. Here’s what to know about this treatment for grinding and clenching in Midtown East and how it can help.
What is Bruxism/Clenching?
Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding. Clenching is similar to grinding except the jaws do not move but create excess force. Both can have a number of impacts on the health of your teeth and mouth, as well as your head and neck region. Common side effects are headaches, migraines, soreness and pain, tooth sensitivity, earaches, and bone loss.
How Does Botox Prevent Teeth Grinding?
Botox is a neurotoxin, meaning it can block chemical movement signals in muscles specifically, acetylcholine receptors. It has been in use as both a medical and cosmetic treatment for many decades, meaning it has a very high safety profile when administered by your dentist. It can be injected into the muscles of the jaw and provides relief from excess muscle force generation for up to six months.
Traditionally, first-line treatments for bruxism included wearing a mouthguard at night to prevent the teeth from wearing and enamel loss. Botox is an exciting alternative or adjunct to traditional TMJ treatments.
Schedule an Appointment
Interested in learning more? Dr. Inna Chern is a leading Botox provider and can discuss your best options for bruxism treatment in Midtown East. To get started, contact our office by calling (212) 838-0842 or filling out our online form.
For over 20 years, Inna Chern, DDS has been offering personalized, high-tech dental care to Manhattan and NYC residents. With a focus on individualized attention and the latest technology, her modern Midtown East office aims to reshape dental care perceptions in New York by prioritizing patient well-being and innovative services.
