Bruxism is the involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth, which can occur both during the day and at night. Although often played down, it has a real impact on day-to-day functioning and quality of life. The consequences of bruxism include soreness around the jaw, excessive tooth wear and enamel damage, bleeding gums, temporomandibular joint dysfunction and recurrent headaches.
At MM Clinic in Wrocław we offer modern bruxism treatment with botulinum toxin - an effective method that reduces tension in the jaw muscles and eliminates the symptoms.
The complete treatment includes a consultation, precise administration of botulinum toxin and aftercare instructions. The full effects are felt after 10-14 days.
Bruxism - causes and symptoms
The mechanism behind bruxism is complex and results from a combination of neurological, psychological and dental factors.
Main causes of bruxism:
- Stress and emotional tension - chronic tension causes the jaw to clench involuntarily during the day and during sleep.
- Sleep disorders - certain sleep stages favour involuntary activity of the masticatory muscles; night-time bruxism is often associated with sleep apnoea.
- Malocclusion - uneven tooth contact and orthodontic defects cause excessive jaw tension
- Pharmacological factors - some medicines, such as antidepressants, can increase muscle tension
- Habits and lifestyle - excessive consumption of caffeine, alcohol or nicotine, or chewing gum for too long
Symptoms of bruxism:
- Pain in the facial muscles and temporomandibular joints
- Clicking and popping in the jaw joint
- Tooth sensitivity, cracking and wear
- Headaches and migraines, especially in the morning
- Neck and back tension
- Enlargement (hypertrophy) of the masseter muscles, which gives the lower face a “square” shape
- Sleep disturbances and fatigue
How does botulinum toxin work for bruxism?
The treatment involves the precise injection of botulinum toxin type A into the masseter muscles. The product acts locally, limiting neuromuscular transmission and thereby reducing involuntary teeth clenching.
Effects of botulinum toxin for bruxism:
- Reduced tension in the masseter muscles
- Less pain in the face, neck and head
- Protection of the teeth against wear and cracking
- Improved sleep quality
- Slimming of the lower face and correction of a “square jaw”
- Relief of migraines and headaches
Duration of action: The first effects usually appear after 3-7 days, and the full effect after about 10-14 days. The effect of the toxin lasts 3-6 months. After this time, the treatment can be repeated.
Course of the bruxism treatment (step by step)
- Medical consultation - assessment of muscle tension and discussion of the patient's expectations
- Skin preparation - cleansing and disinfection of the injection sites
- Botulinum toxin injection - with a fine needle into strategic points of the masseter muscles
- Aftercare instructions - recommendations on care after the treatment
The treatment takes about 15 minutes, is practically painless and requires no recovery time. The patient can return to daily activities without restrictions.
Who is bruxism treatment with botulinum toxin for?
- Adults with severe symptoms of bruxism
- Patients suffering from pain in the facial muscles and temporomandibular joints
- People with excessive tooth wear and cracked enamel
- Patients with aesthetic concerns related to masseter muscle hypertrophy
- People who want to combine bruxism therapy with migraine reduction
Practical information - bruxism Botox in Wrocław
Treatment time: approx. 15 minutes
Anaesthesia: not required
Effect: day 10-14 - full functional effect. That is when I assess the treatment and any touch-up, not earlier.
Duration of effect: 3-6 months
Return to normal activities: immediate
Treatment location: MM Clinic, Wrocław
Aftercare following botulinum toxin treatment for bruxism
- Do not massage or press the injection sites for several hours
- Avoid bending over and strenuous exercise for several hours
- Do not drink alcohol on the day of the treatment
- Avoid hot baths and saunas for 48 hours
- Follow the doctor's recommendations regarding activity
Contraindications to bruxism treatment with botulinum toxin
- Neuromuscular diseases (e.g. myasthenia gravis)
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Skin infections at the injection site
- Blood clotting disorders
- Allergy to any component of the product
- Taking medicines that affect nerve conduction
- Heart diseases - myopathies
Why choose bruxism treatment at MM Clinic?
At our clinic, the treatment is performed by an experienced doctor who precisely selects the dose of botulinum toxin and the injection sites to achieve an optimal therapeutic and aesthetic effect. We use only certified products and take an individual approach to each patient.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - bruxism Botox
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- Information from botulinum toxin manufacturers (Allergan, Galderma)
- Clinical studies on the effectiveness of botulinum toxin in the treatment of bruxism
- Recommendations of the Polskie Towarzystwo Medycyny Estetycznej (Polish Society of Aesthetic Medicine) on the treatment of bruxism
- Guidelines of the European Dental Society
Article prepared by Michał Marciniak, MD
MM Clinic, ul. Strachowskiego 32, 52-210 Wrocław
Last updated: August 2026