Bruxism, commonly known as teeth grinding or clenching, often occurs during sleep or unconsciously during daily life. This involuntary clenching may cause jaw muscle pain, sensitivity in the head and neck area, tooth wear, and fractures over time. In severe cases, tooth loss may occur.
Treatment options include:
• Medical Botox
Medical Botox applied to the masseter muscles helps reduce muscle activity in a controlled way. This decreases clenching intensity and relieves muscle-related pain. Botox is not permanent; its effect varies from person to person and may need to be repeated at certain intervals.
• Night Guard (Occlusal Splint)
For patients who do not prefer Botox, a night guard is an alternative. Custom-made transparent guards prevent teeth from damaging each other during sleep and protect the jaw joint. With regular use, tooth wear and muscle pain can be significantly reduced.
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning are essential to prevent permanent damage caused by bruxism.