Botulinum Toxin for Bruxism (Jaw Clenching)

Botulinum toxin for bruxism targets the masseter muscles — the powerful muscles at the back of the jaw used for chewing — which in people who grind or clench can become overactive and enlarged. Small doses of toxin are injected into each masseter to reduce the strength of its contraction. As the muscle works less forcefully, many patients notice relief from the jaw tension, daytime clenching and morning soreness associated with bruxism, and over several…

At Jurenko Clinic the physician first examines your jaw, asks you to clench so the masseter can be felt, and agrees the dose accordingly. The injections take only a few minutes through a fine needle, with no anaesthetic usually needed and no real downtime — you can return to normal activities straight away while avoiding massaging the area, heat and heavy exercise for the rest of the day. The effect develops gradually over one to three weeks and typically…