Treatment for grinding and clenching starts with a consultation to find the cause. A custom night guard is the main protection for your teeth. For strong clenching or jaw-muscle tension, botulinum toxin injected into the masseter muscles may reduce the force for several months, but it does not cure bruxism. At Trust Dental, injections are carried out only by Dr Celeste Ng and Dr Celeste Ling, who are both accredited by the Singapore Dental Council.
Signs You May Be Grinding or Clenching
- Jaw tightness or ache on waking
- Dull headaches around the temples
- Teeth that look flatter, shorter or chipped
- Sensitive teeth without an obvious cavity (see sensitive teeth)
- A partner hearing grinding at night
- Firm, enlarged jaw muscles at the angle of the jaw
Step One: Find the Cause
Jaw pain can also come from a cracked tooth, an infected tooth, wisdom teeth or a problem with the jaw joint itself. That is why your dentist examines your teeth, jaw muscles and jaw joint before suggesting any treatment. If biting hurts on one tooth, see tooth pain when biting down.
Option 1: A Custom Night Guard
A night guard is a thin, custom-made cover for your teeth, worn while you sleep. It doesn't stop the muscles working, but it takes the wear instead of your teeth and can ease morning jaw ache. For most people it is the first step. Read more about night guards and bruxism.
Option 2: An Injection to Relax the Jaw Muscle
The masseter is the large chewing muscle at the angle of your jaw. Small doses of botulinum toxin injected into it reduce how strongly the muscle can contract. You can still eat and speak normally, but the maximum force of clenching is lower. The effect builds over several days, with the fuller effect usually at around two weeks, and wears off gradually over several months as the muscle recovers.
| Night guard | Masseter injection | |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Physical barrier between teeth | Relaxes the clenching muscle |
| Protects teeth from wear | Yes, the main protection | Indirectly, by reducing force |
| Eases jaw-muscle tension | Partly | Can help |
| Daytime clenching | Not usually worn | Effect is present day and night |
| How long | Lasts years with care | Several months, then repeat if needed |
Some people use both: a night guard to protect the teeth, and an injection when muscle tension or clenching force is the main problem. Your dentist will explain which suits you.
Other Things That Help
- Notice daytime clenching and let your jaw rest: lips together, teeth apart
- Cut back on caffeine and alcohol, especially in the evening
- Avoid chewing gum and very hard or chewy food while your jaw is sore
- Manage stress where you can; it is a common trigger
Consultation first. Your dentist checks your teeth, jaw muscles and jaw joint, then explains whether a night guard, an injection or both suit you. Injections are carried out only by Dr Celeste Ng or Dr Celeste Ling, both accredited by the Singapore Dental Council. There are no packages: whether treatment suits you, the dose and the fee are discussed at your consultation.
Grinding, clenching & gummy smile carePossible Side Effects of Injections
- Tenderness or a small bruise at the injection site
- Chewing tougher food (steak, chewy snacks) may feel tiring for a while
- Headache
- Rarely, a temporarily uneven smile if the product spreads to nearby muscles
Who Should Not Have Injections
It isn't suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for people with neuromuscular conditions such as myasthenia gravis, with an infection at the injection site, or with a previous allergic reaction to botulinum toxin. Tell your dentist about all the medicines you take.
