Bruxism is a habit that affects approximately 8-10% of the population. It is broadly characterised by grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaw, leading to tooth wear and breakage, disorders of the jaw (pain and limited movement), and headaches. Most people grind and/or clench their teeth occasionally to a certain degree. Bruxism is classified into awake bruxism and asleep bruxism.
Awake bruxism is characterised by involuntary clenching of the teeth and jaw bracing in reaction to certain stimuli. Asleep bruxism is characterised by automatic teeth grinding with rhythmic and sustained jaw muscle contractions. Stress and anxiety are also known to exacerbate teeth grinding during sleep.
Physical Symptoms: Headache, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort, muscle aches, facial myalgia (muscle pain), earache, tightness and stiffness of the shoulders, limitation of mouth opening, and sleep disruption. Headache is the most commonly cited area of pain, with bruxists being three times more likely to suffer from headaches than non-bruxists. Individuals with long-standing bruxism are also more likely to have craniofacial pain.
Oral Symptoms: Abnormal tooth wear, fracture of the teeth, inflammation and recession of the gums, excess tooth mobility, and premature loss of teeth. Some adverse effects are short-term and disappear when the bruxism ceases, while others can be long-term or even permanent.
There is no specific cure for bruxism, making it important to manage the consequences of the disorder. Many people suffer excruciating pain several days a week. Whether this happens every week or a few times a year, Botulinum Toxin Type A injections can help manage the condition.
Botulinum Toxin Type A is administered by intramuscular injection, with relaxing effects lasting for 3-4 months. Recently, the therapeutic uses of Botulinum Toxin have expanded to include a wide range of medical and surgical conditions. This expansion has been aided by a greater understanding of its underlying physiology and improved efficacy and safety. Research to date shows that Botulinum Toxin Type A is as safe and effective as other treatments for non-cosmetic conditions of the head and neck.
At FACEMED Centre, lead medical and aesthetic practitioner Miss Monica Berrange routinely helps patients minimise clenching/grinding of the teeth and reduce tension headaches and sleepless nights. Some patients are now headache-free after decades of suffering. Even if migraines or headaches are more complex and involve more than just muscles, Botulinum Toxin Type A can eliminate the portion of pain that comes from these muscles and might offer some relief.
All treatments are paid in full at point of delivery.
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