BOTOX AND BRUXISM: UNDERSTANDING AND TREATING TEETH GRINDING

DEFINITION AND EVENTS

Bruxism is a involuntary disorder characterized by tightening or the teeth grindingoften unconscious.
According to a study published in July 2024, it is estimated that 22.22 % of world population is concerned by bruxism, whether nocturnal or diurnal.

There are two main forms:

• Daytime bruxism daytime, usually in situations of concentration or stress.
• Nocturnal bruxism Grating: which occurs during sleep, without the person being aware of it. It is often those close to the person who notice the grinding noise.

The most commonly observed symptoms include:

• from dental pain
• a premature enamel wear and gums
• damage to temporomandibular joints,
• hypersensitivity to heat and cold, 
• muscular fatigue on waking,
• headaches.

There are 2 different forms:

• Static bruxism The jaw clenches and the teeth clench continuously, without movement. The masticatory muscles remain contracted, as if unable to relax.
• Dynamic bruxism It involves repeated back-and-forth movements of the lower jaw against the upper. This friction often causes the characteristic grinding noise noticed by those around us.

Bruxism is now recognized as a serious common disorder for both men and women, at the crossroads of the dentistry and aesthetic medicineThis is a major problem, as it leads to both functional and painful complications, as well as visible consequences on the face.

Do you recognize yourself in these symptoms? Doctor Jérémy Djian, plastic surgeon in Paris and expert in Botox injections, offers you a personalized, safe approach. Book an appointment today to relieve your aches and pains and regain your comfort and serenity.

THE MAIN CAUSES OF BRUXISM

Bruxism can never be explained by a single cause. It results from a convergence of factors that are often invisible at first glance.

STRESS AND ANXIETY

Chronic stress and emotional strain are the main causes of most common bruxism triggers. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the prevalence of sleep bruxism rose from 18.4 % to 47.2 %showing how anxiety affects this condition. Bruxism sometimes functions as a tic: a muscular reflex during sleep that unconsciously relieves internal tension.

SLEEP DISORDERS

Nocturnal bruxism often occurs in the context of disturbed sleep: micro-awakenings, mild apneas, gastro-oesophageal reflux. These disorders encourage involuntary muscle contractions of the masseter muscles.

DENTAL MALOCCLUSIONS

A bad bite (misaligned or missing teeth) creates a mechanical imbalance. Your jaw clenches to compensate, sometimes unconsciously, resulting in excessive tooth contact or grinding.

NEUROLOGICAL OR GENETIC FACTORS

In certain children with neurological disorders, the frequency of nocturnal bruxism can reach up to 70 %. This shows the influence of a specific neurological or genetic background in more severe forms.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES IF NOT TREATED IN TIME?

Bruxism is not just a harmless tic. When ignored, it can lead to serious dental, muscular, aesthetic and psychological complications.

DENTAL DAMAGE

Repeated squeezing and squeaking leads to premature wear of teeth. Enamel thins, incisors shorten and molars crack. In some cases, excessive pressure leads to fractures and even premature tooth loss. In the long term, loosening and decay are observed. dental hypersensitivity that complicate day-to-day eating.

FACIAL PAIN AND CHRONIC HEADACHES

Continuous contractions of the masticatory muscles produce a inflammation of the masseter muscles and temporal muscles. This translates into persistent facial pain, frequent headaches and sometimes painful radiations into the ears or neck. Some people also report a sensation of locked jawmaking it difficult to open the mouth.

JOINT PROBLEMS

Bruxism can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. Symptoms include cracking, locking and progressive collapse of the jaws. If these joint disorders become entrenched, they can become disabling and require extensive treatment.

AESTHETIC IMPACT

Excessive work on the muscles of mastication leads to a masseter hypertrophy. The face then takes on a square, less harmonious shape. In advanced cases, this aesthetic change can become permanent, even after the bruxism has stopped.

SLEEP DISORDERS

Micro-awakenings caused by squeezing or grinding reduce sleep quality. The result: chronic fatigue, poor concentration and irritability. This sleep debt in turn aggravates stress and promotes a vicious circle.

PSYCHOLOGICAL RISK

As a result of chronic pain, fatigue and cosmetic alterations, some patients develop a psychological distressand even depressive episodes. Bruxism then becomes an aggravating factor for mental health, reinforcing anxiety and diminishing overall quality of life.

NERVE COMPLICATIONS

In its most severe forms, bruxism can affect an entire family. mandibular nerve or temporofacial. This can lead to neuropathic pain, tingling or loss of sensitivity in certain areas of the face.

BOTOX: AN INNOVATIVE SOLUTION TO BRUXISM

HOW DOES BOTULINUM TOXIN WORK?

Botox, derived from bacteria Clostridium botulinummay sound impressive by its scientific name, but its action is both simple and effective. Imagine your masticatory muscles as electrical cables under constant tension. Each contraction is triggered by a nerve signal, like a light that's constantly switched on. Botulinum toxin then acts as a temporary switchwhich cuts out some of these signals.

Gradually, the masseter regains the rest it no longer had. The clenching and grinding diminish. This muscular relaxation is not abrupt, but takes place gently, as if your jaw were learning to breathe again. Results The tension eases, the pain subsides, and you rediscover the forgotten sensation of a free, balanced jaw, ready to function without causing you pain.

If you would like to find out more about the effects of Botox in aesthetic medicine, read our dedicated article : What is Botox? Get the basics on this toxin

HOW DOES A BOTOX BRUXISM TREATMENT WITH DR DJIAN WORK?

Treatment of bruxism with Botox always begins with a thorough first consultation. This appointment enables us to understand your symptoms, analyze the strength of your masticatory muscles and assess the impact of clenching on your teeth and sleep. Based on this diagnosis, a personalized treatment protocol is drawn up.

The session is quick and easy. Dr. Djian precisely locates masseter muscle injection points before injecting the botulinum toxin. The procedure takes about 5 minutes and requires no anesthesia or hospitalization. You may feel a slight tingling sensation at the time of injection, but this soon disappears. Small bruises may appear, but these fade on their own within a few days.

Activities resume immediately, with the exception of sports to avoid for 24 hours. The first results are felt gradually, and become fully visible after two weeks. On average, the effect lasts between four and six monthswith the possibility of regular maintenance. In men, greater muscle power sometimes requires dose adjustment.

A 15-day touch-up session may be necessary. Dr. Djian includes this check-up in his service.

This treatment does not treat the causes of bruxism, but effectively relieves its painful and cosmetic consequences.

RESULTS AND DURATION OF EFFICACY (H3)

The Botox results appear within a few days and stabilize after two weeks. The effect lasts an average of four to six months. The treatment not only reduces clenching and pain, but also improves sleep quality, reduces headaches and gradually refines the jaw by relaxing the masseter muscle.

BOTOX AND SLEEP QUALITY

An often overlooked effect of Botox is its impact on sleep.
By reducing muscle contraction during sleep, the treatment reduces micro-clocks. Result :

• deeper sleep,
• better recovery,
• increased vigilance during the day.

Some studies also show a positive effect on associated disorders such as snoring or certain mild apneas.

SIDE EFFECTS, CONTRAINDICATIONS AND MEDICAL FOLLOW-UP

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

Botox is a botulinum toxin recognized for its safety when administered by an experienced physician. In the treatment of bruxism, however, it may cause some transient reactions. Sensitivity at the injection site or a small bruise may appear, but these disappear naturally within a few days. More rarely, a slight asymmetry or excessive muscle weakness may occur, linked to the particular strength of the jaw muscles. These effects are exceptional and temporary.

CONTRAINDICATIONS TO BE AWARE OF

Some situations make thebotulinum toxin injection unsuitable. Treatment is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for people with neuromuscular disorders. A known allergy to botulinum substance is also a strict contraindication. Prior evaluation by the physician confirms that the bruxism manifests itself well by a teeth clenching or a involuntary rubbing and the toxin is indicated. When precautions are taken, theusing botulinum toxin to treat bruxism remains a effective technique to reduce pain, protect teeth fromtooth wear and limit the progressive hypertrophy of jaw muscles.

COST AND COVERAGE

AVERAGE PRICE OF BOTOX FOREHEAD INJECTIONS

*Aesthetic medicine prices are given for information only and are non-contractual.
The first consultation at our practice in the 16th arrondissement of Paris costs 100 euros.

This price may vary according to the quantity of botulinum toxin to be injected, adapted to the muscle strength and needs of each patient.

This investment must be weighed against the high costs that untreated bruxism can entail, such as implants, crowns and other major dental repairs. Botox doesn't just relieve symptoms: it also acts as an effective preventative, reducing premature tooth wear, root fractures and tooth loss. In the long term, this treatment preserves oral health and reduces the overall cost of care.

IS IT REIMBURSED?

In France, Social Security does not consider Botox to be a medical necessity to treat bruxism, which means that it is not reimbursed in the vast majority of cases. Only certain serious neurological pathologies are eligible for reimbursement. Yet this disorder can lead to intense pain, difficulty in sleeping or eating, and real social consequences. In this situation, some mutual insurance companies offer partial reimbursement, depending on the contract and prior medical assessment.

WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES TO BOTOX?

Bruxism can be treated using a variety of approaches, depending on its origin and intensity. The most commonly used is the occlusal splintA masticatory appliance that limits the wear and tear on teeth caused by rubbing and grinding during the night. It acts as a mechanical barrier, but does not correct the nerve signals that trigger spasm in the jaw or temples.

Other methods, such as maxillofacial physiotherapy, relaxation or sophrologyThese products target the stress often associated with this disorder, but their effectiveness remains uneven and depends on the type of patient.

Conversely botulinum toxin injections offer a different solution: this product neurotoxin acts blocking neuromuscular transmission, reducing excessive contraction of themanducatory apparatus. By adapting the low injection dose to the muscular strengthat thedental occlusion and the specifics of each case, the practitioner obtains a relief often lasting several months.

Numerous studies confirm that the best option is to combine the gutter which mechanically protects the teeth, while the Botox limits activity excessive. This synergy not only eliminating bruxism and the eccentric bruxismbut also the prevention of serious complications related to thetooth wear and thejaw hypertrophy. Ultimately, it improves quality of life and corrects the visible effects of bruxism.

BOTOX: MORE THAN A TREATMENT, A REAL RELIEF

Bruxism is a common disorder which can lead to pain, tooth wear and chronic fatigue. Visit Botox injections today offer a efficient solutiontherapeutic and preventive. By relaxing the masseter muscles, they reduce tension, improve sleep and prevent dental and aesthetic complications.

Don't let bruxism ruin your teeth and your quality of life. Visit Doctor Jérémy Djiana plastic surgeon and expert physician in Botox injections, is at your side with precision and safety. Make an appointment today to benefit from a tailor-made treatment and regain comfort, sleep and a smile.

Sources :

• https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/13/14/4259
• https://www.sante-sur-le-net.com/enfants-et-grincement-des-dents-comment-reduire-le-bruxisme
• https://www.sante-sur-le-net.com/sante-quotidien/bucco-dentaire/bruxisme
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/384425853_Patients%27_Satisfaction_after_the_Treatment_of_Moderate_Sleep_Apnea_and_Nocturnal_Bruxism_with_Botox_orand_Thermoformed_Occlusal_Splints_A_Pilot_Studyhttps
• https://bruxless.com/blogs/articles/les-chiffres-du-bruxisme