Although it is more common during sleep, it can also occur when awake. Many people are unaware that they have a teeth grinding problem. Teeth grinding causes jaw and facial pain, jaw tension and headaches. If left untreated, teeth grinding is a problem that negatively affects daily life and reduces the quality of life.

What are the Causes of Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)?

The causes that affect teeth grinding or bruxism are as follows;

• The patient's character structure
• Genetic factors
• Medications
• Neurological or psychological problems
• Stress and sleep disorders

In addition to these reasons, imbalance in the oral tissues, missing or decayed teeth, and faulty dentures can also cause teeth grinding. As a result of clinical studies, it has been concluded that patients with sleep bruxism may have problems starting and continuing sleep, and may have problems in the REM phase of sleep, and this may cause a slight increase in their daytime sleepiness and deterioration in quality of life.

What are the Symptoms of Teeth Clenching, Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)?

Damages such as fracture, abrasion, shaking of teeth, gum disease and bone loss are the main symptoms of teeth grinding or teeth clenching (bruxism). In addition to these, hot and cold sensitivity, jaw pain and limited movement may also be symptoms of bruxism. At the same time, joint pain, sound or jaw locking, rarely headache, neck pain and triggered migraine attacks can be shown among the symptoms of bruxism as a result of damage to the jaw joint.

How is Bruxism Understood?

Since teeth grinding usually occurs during sleep, patients do not realize that they have this disorder. Bruxism disorder can be diagnosed as a result of an oral, dental and jaw joint examination by a dentist. If the disorder progresses, joint pain can be confused with ear pain and muscle pain with migraine pain. In this case, an alternative diagnosis can be made by an ear, nose and throat specialist or a neurologist.

Masseter Botox in Teeth Clenching Treatment

Masseter Botox (jaw botox) is a procedure performed to reduce the increase in activity seen in the jaw muscles with botulinum toxin application and ultimately prevent muscle contraction. Since the jaw muscles will relax with masseter Botox, the pain caused by teeth grinding discomfort is eliminated. Jaw Botox is a very effective treatment method especially for people who have severe teeth grinding problems. However, masseter botox should be repeated every 6 months.

When applying jaw botox, botulinum toxin is injected directly into the masseter muscle with small syringes in a procedure that takes approximately 5 minutes. No pain is felt during the application and the patient can return to work immediately after the procedure is completed.

What Should We Pay Attention to After Masseter Botox

The effects of masseter botox application begin to be seen after 4-7 days. Maximum effects begin to be seen at the end of the 2nd week. Things to consider after masseter botox application are as follows;

• You should avoid consuming hard foods for the first 24 hours and consume liquid foods as much as possible.
• You should not wash your face for a few hours after the application.
• You should not wear makeup for 6-8 hours.
• You should not use aspirin and blood thinners for 24 hours.
• You should stay away from hot environments such as saunas for 24-48 hours.
• You should not have skin care for 1 week.