Botulinum toxin injected into the masseter muscles can reduce the force of clenching and grinding and ease jaw-muscle tension for several months. It does not cure bruxism, and a night guard is still the main protection for your teeth. At Trust Dental, masseter treatment is $650 before GST, carried out by Dr Celeste Ng, who is accredited by the Singapore Dental Council for botulinum toxin injection.
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
- Enlarged jaw muscles that make the lower face look square
How Botulinum Toxin Works on the Jaw
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, Injection, or Both?
| Night guard | Botulinum toxin (masseter) | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Many people use both: a night guard to protect the teeth, and injections when muscle tension, pain or clenching force is the main problem. Read more about night guards and bruxism.
Masseter treatment at Trust Dental: $650 before GST, by Dr Celeste Ng, accredited by the Singapore Dental Council for botulinum toxin injection. An assessment comes first.
See botulinum toxin injection at Trust DentalPossible Side Effects
- 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 It
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.
Other Causes of Jaw Pain to Rule Out
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 Dr Celeste Ng examines your teeth and jaw before recommending injections. If biting hurts on one tooth, see tooth pain when biting down.
