Bruxism Treatment (Botulinum Toxin)

Botulinum toxin injected into the masseter (jaw-clenching) muscles to ease teeth grinding and jaw tension. By relaxing these powerful muscles, the treatment is associated with reduced clenching, less jaw soreness and, over time, a softer, slimmer jawline. As a dental surgeon, dr Katarzyna Wojtarowicz assesses the jaw before treatment, making this a considered option for bruxism that disrupts sleep or causes facial tension.

Bruxism is involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth, often during sleep, which can cause jaw pain, headaches, worn teeth and an over-developed, square jawline. Injecting botulinum toxin into the masseter muscles on each side reduces the force these muscles can generate, which is associated with less grinding and clenching and relief of the related jaw tension; over repeated treatments the masseters can also slim, softening the lower-face contour. At the clinic the doctor — a dental surgeon by training — examines the jaw and the masseter muscles before placing a small number of injections into each side. The procedure takes around fifteen to thirty minutes and needs little or no anaesthetic, with normal activities resumed the same day. The effect builds over one to two weeks as the muscles relax and is commonly associated with a duration of around three to six months, after which it can be repeated; the jaw-slimming effect tends to become more noticeable with successive sessions. Chewing function is preserved — the aim is to reduce excessive, involuntary clenching rather than normal use. The treatment suits adults troubled by grinding, jaw soreness or tension headaches, or those seeking a softer jawline; suitability and contraindications are reviewed first, and it is not performed during pregnancy or breastfeeding.