Botox for teeth grinding. How it’s going

[Rainallnight]

I had Botox injections in my jaw today for very severe teeth grinding. I thought I’d record progress here in case it’s useful to anyone else.

Having the injections done felt more painful and much more invasive than I expected. I’ve felt very tired and headachy, with a sore jaw, for the rest of the day. Definitely not the immediately back to normal exoerience I’d read about.

Full effects are supposed to kick in in two or three days.

Happy to answer questions.

What Is it about your teeth grinding that is “severe”? Tooth erosion, TMJ pain, or something else? Was this recommended to you by a dentist? Is this the same procedure as masseter Botox when it is done purely for cosmetic reasons?

Following with interest, thank you!

Following. I’m currently in a Michelin splint for tooth grinding/clenching
I know it’s meant to be stress related but I’ve done it since I was 12!

I’ve been wearing a splint for 20+ years. Watching with interest!

I also wear a splint for tooth grinding. Watching with interest

I’ve been having this for just over a year and it’s honestly changed my life. The headachy feeling I only felt after my first time, so fingers crossed it’s the same for you. My main problem was jaw clenching and teeth grinding whilst I slept. Both have now completely stopped. Excited for you!

Thought I’d add in my experience for you all.

Ive had chronic muscle tension from the shoulders up since becoming unwell with ME 17 years ago.

I’ve tried literally everything and am currently under neurology. I had 3 courses of Botox in my shoulders, scalp and forehead but unfortunately didn’t help.

i also had it in my jaw for TMJ under the hospitals dental department. She said my jaw muscles were very large which is a result of grinding/clenching. The injections themselves were fine, more sensitive in the areas that are more painful but no effects after unlike the pp. I didn’t notice any benefit at all, or reduction in pain. I’ve had a mouth guard for the past 6 months as I have wear on my teeth from grinding and scarring on my inner cheeks. This also hasn’t helped with the pain but at least I know it’s protecting my teeth while I sleep. It has however helped with the indentation of my teeth along the sides of my tongue and the soreness I get from that.

Currently on Baclofen which is a muscle relaxer, and apart from Diazepam, is the only thing that’s ever taken the edge off the pain.

i think my next stop will be an osteopath.

Good luck to everyone dealing with TMJ ❤️

Ooh, interested to see how it goes. Chronic tooth grinder and clencher here. Obviously the stress about grinding and the damage to my teeth makes me do it more!

By severe, I mean it’s causing really significant tooth erosion and my dentist is very concerned.

I also get pain but that’s secondary to the worry about not having any teeth left! I also grind in all sorts of directions so it’s pretty much all my teeth.

The dentist I went to for the injections had a feel of all the muscles I use when I grind and identified the masseters as the main ones but said we also need to keep an eye on muscles in my temple which I apparently ‘recruit’ when I grind.

So yes, same muscles as the cosmetic procedure but I went to a dentist to get it done.

@CallMeStella I’m sorry you’re having such a hard time. That sounds tough.

@pinkharibo Glad it’s worked out for you!

I do have a splint but because I do it throughout day it wasn’t the right option for me.

Yes, I think I’ve done it pretty much my whole life - I carry a lot of tension in my body and I’ve tried various things but needed to take drastic action for the teeth.

@UppityPanda123 sorry, to answer your other question, my dentist did recommend it but doesn’t do it herself so I had to research and find a place.

I've been looking into this. Only realised I clench/grind a couple of years ago when the dentist and I were wondering why so many of my teeth were breaking despite having good oral hygiene.

Just recently it is actively painful one side, like a tension build up almost. At times I can't close my jaw properly as it feels unaligned.

I had masseter botox for clenching and grinding two years ago and it’s been life changing. Like you @Rainallnight it made me feel a bit shit for the day but it’s been more than worth it. Previously I was wearing my teeth away on one side and waking up at night with a mouth full of blood because I was clamping down so hard on my tongue. Since having the botox my tooth wear is much improved and the tongue biting has disappeared. 💯 recommend!

Ok, what the hell are these dents on my face? They are definitely new and have appeared since the treatment this week. Bit freaked out.