Bruxism is the involuntary act of habitual and repetitive teeth grinding, especially at night, during the deepest phase of sleep.
It is a parafunction of the masseter muscle, a very powerful and massive muscle that largely determines the shape of the lower lateral part of the face, making it rather square.
There are many causes of bruxism. Among the main ones are anxiety, stress, alcohol abuse, stimulants and narcotics, sleep disorders, mood disorders, use of antidepressants, etc.
The symptoms, on the other hand, include tooth abrasion and sensitivity to hot and cold, headaches, pain and soreness of the jaw, and excessive development of the muscle itself.
To solve this problem, the most popular solution recommended by dentists is the use of a night guard, which, however, does not solve the problem. In fact, the only therapy known to date that eliminates the problem, even temporarily, is injections of botulinum toxin type A into the masseter muscle, as it exploits the effect of temporary partial muscle paralysis. These injections are administered to prevent movement, thus also protecting teeth, muscles, and joints. The masseter muscle, into which the toxin is injected, relaxes and stops contracting. This reduces the symptoms and the intensity of the contractions.
The treatment area is first disinfected and mapped by the professional to identify the muscle where the botulinum toxin will be injected. The treatment is performed on an outpatient basis and is very quick, with the therapeutic effect seen after the first session, after approximately 4-7 days.
The toxin’s effect lasts 4 to 6 months, and it is recommended to repeat the treatment twice a year.
