Botulinum Toxin (BOTOX) for Jaw Clenching and Grinding
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Susie Zhang, General Dentist at Starlight Dental. BDS (King’s College London).
How it works
A small dose of botulinum toxin is injected into the masseter, the big chewing muscle at the angle of your jaw. It relaxes the muscle just enough to take the force out of clenching and grinding, while leaving you able to chew, talk, and smile normally.
Who it’s suitable for
It’s worth considering if you wake with an aching jaw, get tension headaches from clenching, or keep wearing down or cracking teeth and restorations, particularly if a night guard alone hasn’t been enough. It isn’t a cure for bruxism: it works best alongside a night guard and some attention to the usual triggers, such as stress and poor sleep. If there’s any suggestion your grinding is linked to a sleep breathing problem, we’ll look into that first.
What to expect
It’s a quick in-chair appointment: a few fine injections on each side, with no real downtime afterwards. The effect builds over about 1 to 2 weeks and typically lasts around 3 to 6 months, after which it can be repeated if it’s helped.
Sources: Singapore Dental Council, Aesthetic Facial Procedures; Effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin Injection on Bruxism: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2023)
FAQs
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In trained, accredited hands, side effects are usually mild and short-lived: some tenderness or a small bruise at the injection site, and occasionally a bit of chewing fatigue with tougher foods for the first few weeks. It isn’t suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with certain neuromuscular conditions, so we’ll go through your medical history first.
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It can, a little. As the masseter relaxes, a square or bulky jawline often softens over time. We’ll talk you through this beforehand so it isn’t a surprise.
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Usually, yes. The injections reduce the force of clenching, while a guard protects the teeth themselves. Most people get the best result from using both.