What is bruxism?
Bruxism is a medical term for involuntary, probably centrally controlled, hard clenching or grinding of the teeth. Bruxism can occur during the day or at night during sleep and can lead to a variety of problems such as tooth wear, jaw joint pain, headaches or muscle aches in the facial area.
What causes teeth grinding?
The causes of bruxism are always individual. It is often difficult to find exact causal links, but often the following factors are at work:
- Stress and anxiety. One of the most common causes is stress or anxiety. People may unconsciously clench their teeth during stress. This can also occur during sleep.
- Bite problems. Bite problems or misaligned teeth can lead to bruxism. On the other hand, grinding can also lead to bite defects or uneven tooth wear.
- Sleep disorders. Some people move slightly abnormally during sleep. All kinds of unusual movements may also be accompanied by sleep creaks.
- Heredity. Nibbling may be to some extent hereditary.
- Side effects of medicines. Certain medicines can cause or increase bruxism, i.e. increased teeth grinding.
- Lifestyles and environmental factors. Overconsumption of alcohol or caffeine, smoking and poor sleep hygiene can reinforce the tendency to grind teeth.
What is bruxism treatment?
The approach to treating bruxism is personalized. The development of a treatment plan considers factors such as the severity of symptoms, the underlying causes of bruxism, and the patient's broader life circumstances. Below are several prevalent treatment strategies:
- Drug treatment. Once treatment has started, the most important thing is to get the pain to subside and the muscles to relax. Painkillers are most commonly used to relieve pain. Muscle relaxation can be achieved with techniques such as massage of the muscles of the biceps, muscle exercises, warmth and rest.
- Purentakisko. Your dentist may recommend the use of a bite splint. The splint is usually placed over the teeth at night and helps to reduce teeth grinding and protect the teeth from damage caused by clenching. The removable splint temporarily corrects the bite.
- Bite balancing. Your dentist can balance your bite permanently. In practice, this means grinding the teeth down to the last millimetre, sometimes replacing missing teeth with crowns, bridges or other structures. Malocclusion can also be corrected by orthodontic treatment.
- Stress management. Stress and anxiety can trigger or increase bruxism. Therefore, stress management techniques such as meditation, deep relaxation, breathing exercises or exercise can help reduce the tension associated with bruxism.
- Lifestyle changes. Symptoms of bruxism may be reduced by avoiding caffeine, alcohol, tobacco products and other chemicals that aggravate bruxism symptoms. In addition, healthy sleep routines can be helpful.
- Botox. Botulinum toxin (commonly known as Botox) is also used to treat bruxism. Botox is used when other treatments have not been effective enough or when the patient suffers from severe muscle tension in the facial area.
What's the Optimal Source for Bruxism Treatment?
The comprehensive management of bruxism can be overseen by a dentist or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Hence, it is advisable to initially consult with a dentist experienced in addressing issues related to bite physiology. This ensures that the patient is thoroughly educated on all available treatment options, Botox therapies included.
What not to do after Botox?
After Botox treatment, it is important to follow certain instructions and avoid certain activities. Doing so will help you achieve a good treatment result and reduce side effects. Although not all of the post-treatment guidelines below have a strong scientific basis, it is still sensible to follow them. By following the guidelines, you will not lose anything, but you may avoid the most common side effects.
- Do not rub, touch or apply pressure to the injection points. Avoid rubbing or pressing the injection sites after treatment as this may spread botulinum toxin to surrounding areas, according to some sources.
- Avoid heavy strain. Heavy exercise and physical exertion are not allowed for a few days after treatment. A more relaxed lifestyle can reduce swelling and other side effects.
- Avoid lying down. Immediately after the treatment, it may be advisable to avoid lying down or keeping your head down to help the botulinum toxin stay in the injection site and not spread to the wrong muscles.
- Avoid alcohol consumption. Alcohol can increase swelling and bruising.
- Avoid saunas and hot baths. Heat dilates blood vessels and can increase possible swelling. Sweating and touching your face are not good after any injection treatment.
- Follow your dentist's instructions. Carefully follow the instructions and recommendations of your doctor after treatment. Each patient and treatment is individual. Therefore, the instructions given by your doctor/dentist may vary.
All the above advice is general advice. Each Botox treatment is different. If your doctor/dentist's advice differs from these guidelines, please follow the advice of the professional who treated you.
How long does the effect of Botox last?
The duration of Botox varies from person to person. In general, the effects of Botox treatment start to be felt within a few days of treatment and peak within two weeks of treatment.
The effects last on average 3-6 months, after which they gradually disappear. Muscle activity gradually returns to normal, and the muscle is not fully restored to its original state until 9-12 months after treatment.
The duration of Botox varies. This is due to at least the following factors:
- What zones have been treated
- At what dosage zones have been treated
- Patient's metabolism
- Patient's muscle activity
Some people may find that the effects of their treatment last longer than average, while for others the effects may dissipate more quickly than normal. To maintain treatment results, many patients will need regular repeat Botox treatments. Your dentist or doctor can make recommendations on treatment intervals. These recommendations will be influenced by the observed treatment response and other individual factors noted in the treatment history.
Why can't I drink alcohol after Botox?
Alcohol affects blood circulation, and drinking alcohol after Botox treatment may increase bruising, bleeding from the injection sites and swelling. It is advisable to avoid alcohol consumption for a week before the Botulinum treatment and for a week after the procedure.
Is Botox a neurotoxin?
Yes, Botox, or botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxin. It is a neurotoxin produced by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. There are different types of botulinum toxin (such as A, B, C, etc.). Of the above, types A and B are the most commonly used for medical purposes.
Botulinum toxin works by inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters, particularly acetylcholine, at nerve synapses. When the transmission of nerve signals to the muscles is blocked, the muscles temporarily relax.
Although botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin, it has gained widespread acceptance in medical use for the treatment of a variety of conditions, such as muscle spasticity, migraines, wrinkle reduction and teeth grinding. Medicines such as Botox and Dysport, which are used by doctors, are strictly controlled. Their use in cosmetic and medical procedures is safe when administered properly and under professional supervision.
Botulinum treatments should only be given under the prescription and supervision of a doctor. The dosage and correct use of the drug require medical expertise.
Is Botulinum the same as Botox?
All Botox is Botulinum, but not all Botulinum is Botox.
Botulinum (botulinum toxin) is the generic name for a neurotoxin secreted by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botox is one of the brand names for botulinum. Other similar trade names include Dysport, Vistabel, Azzalure, Xeomin and Bocouture.
Can a nurse give Botox?
The nurse does not perform medical Botox treatments (e.g. Botox treatment for bruxism). On the other hand, a nurse may perform aesthetic Botox treatments under the following conditions:
- Treatment is provided in a health care unit.
- Treatment is provided under the actual supervision of a doctor or dentist, i.e. the supervisor is in the same unit and can intervene in the treatment process if necessary.
- The nurse has received adequate and appropriate training in Botox treatments.
- The nurse has official authorization from Avi/Valvira and the supervising doctor or dentist to perform aesthetic Botox treatments at the clinic.
Who is not suitable for Botox treatment?
- Pregnant women. Pregnant women should avoid Botox treatment as its effects on the foetus are not fully known.
- Breastfeeding mothers. The safety of Botox treatment in breastfeeding mothers has not been fully established, so Botox treatment during breastfeeding is generally not recommended.
- People with certain illnesses and health problems. People with certain neurological conditions (e.g. myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome) or who suffer from certain muscle diseases may have contraindications to Botox treatment.
- People who are hypersensitive to botulinum toxins. If a person has a history of hypersensitivity reactions to botulinum toxin or any of its ingredients, Botox treatment is not recommended.
- Patients on certain medications. Some medications or health conditions may be incompatible with Botox treatment. For example, certain blood thinners or muscle relaxants may affect the safety of the treatment.
Before the Botox treatment, the patient must give the doctor or dentist a full account of his or her medical condition (any medical conditions, medication, allergies and pregnancy, breast-feeding). The doctor or dentist will assess the suitability of Botox treatment on the basis of each patient's individual situation.
