How to Treat Teeth Clenching Effectively
Teeth clenching, also known as bruxism, is a common condition that involves involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth, often during sleep or periods of stress. This constant tension can lead to jaw pain, headaches, worn enamel, and even changes to facial shape over time. At The Institute of Dermatologists, we offer a safe and highly effective solution to reduce clenching, ease discomfort, and protect your long-term oral and facial health.
What is the Best Treatment for Teeth Clenching?
Our recommended treatment is Botox for Masseter Muscle Relaxation. By carefully injecting small amounts of botulinum toxin into the masseter muscles (the powerful jaw muscles responsible for clenching), we can reduce their activity without affecting normal functions such as chewing or speaking.
This approach works by interrupting the feedback loop that leads to overactive clenching, offering both functional relief and aesthetic benefits, such as a more refined jawline in cases of muscle hypertrophy.
Benefits of Masseter Botox:
- Reduces jaw tension and discomfort
- Helps prevent damage to teeth and dental work
- Alleviates associated symptoms such as headaches or TMJ pain
- Slims the appearance of the lower face if jaw muscles have enlarged
- No downtime, with results lasting 3–6 months
This is a simple, in-clinic procedure that takes less than 15 minutes and provides long-lasting relief from painful and habitual clenching. Please be aware that Botox injections are only administered by our Consultant Dermatologists.
Please contact your preferred Consultant for an appointment.
Other Supportive Advice
While Botox remains the most effective treatment, we also recommend patients:
- Be mindful of daytime clenching habits
- Avoid excessive gum chewing
- Consider a night guard if advised by your dentist for grinding of the tooth enamel
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques or lifestyle changes
Frequently Asked Questions
Stress and anxiety are the most common triggers, but misaligned teeth, sleep disorders, or lifestyle factors (such as caffeine or alcohol) can also contribute.
Yes, when performed by experienced medical professionals, masseter Botox is safe, well-tolerated, and effective, with minimal side effects.
You may begin to feel relief in 3–7 days, with full results around 2 weeks post-treatment.
No. The treatment is precisely targeted to reduce clenching without impairing normal jaw movement or function.
Most patients return every 3–6 months, depending on the severity of their clenching and how quickly the muscle activity returns.