Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is the involuntary grinding, clenching, or gnashing of teeth. It can occur both while awake and asleep, though many people are unaware of it until symptoms appear. Signs may include jaw tightness, morning headaches, or damage to the teeth such as wear, chips, or cracks. Causes are varied and may involve stress, sleep disorders, misaligned teeth, or lifestyle factors. While mild cases may not require treatment, persistent or severe bruxism can lead to ongoing discomfort or dental issues, and may benefit from professional management.

Management options depend on individual circumstances. Common treatments include:

• Muscle relaxant injections into the jaw muscles to reduce excessive clenching activity
  
• Custom dental night guards, which protect teeth from grinding damage
• Physiotherapy or stress management strategies, if tension or anxiety are contributing factors
• Sleep disorder management, where bruxism is linked to conditions such as sleep apnoea

Not every treatment is suitable for everyone. A consultation with a qualified doctor is important to determine which options may be appropriate in your case.

Muscle relaxant injections are placed into the jaw muscles involved in chewing (usually the masseter or temporalis). These injections reduce overactivity, which may decrease the intensity of clenching and grinding. Some people notice reduced jaw tension, fewer headaches, or less tooth wear after treatment.

The effect typically develops over several days and may last for a few months. Side effects can include temporary discomfort at the injection site, mild weakness in chewing strength, or temporary asymmetry in facial appearance. Not everyone responds in the same way, and results vary.

A consultation appointment typically lasts 30 minutes. If injections are recommended, the procedure itself is relatively quick—usually a few minutes.

The effects of muscle relaxant injections are not permanent. Many people require repeat treatments every 3–6 months to maintain results, though this varies. Night guards, in contrast, require ongoing nightly use and occasional adjustments by a dentist. Your doctor will provide a plan tailored to your situation

All medical treatments carry potential risks. Muscle relaxant injections are generally considered safe when administered by trained clinicians, but possible side effects include bruising, tenderness, temporary weakness in chewing, or mild facial asymmetry. More significant complications are rare but can occur.

Night guards are non-invasive but require adjustment to ensure a good fit, and some people find them uncomfortable at first.

Your doctor will explain the risks, benefits, and alternatives during your consultation, so you can make an informed choice about your care.

Suitability depends on your medical history, overall health, and bruxism severity. Muscle relaxant injections may not be appropriate for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain neuromuscular conditions. In these cases, a night guard or other management strategy may be recommended.

A consultation allows your doctor to review your circumstances and tailor advice specifically to you. Providing a full medical history and details of any current medications helps ensure safety.

If injections are recommended, the procedure involves a few small injections into the jaw muscles. Discomfort is usually minimal and short-lived. Most people can resume normal daily activities immediately.

Temporary side effects—such as mild swelling, tenderness, or bruising—may occur. The effect of the injections develops gradually over a few days to weeks. Your doctor will provide aftercare instructions and may arrange a follow-up review.

It’s important to note that treatment outcomes vary. Some people experience significant relief, while others may require additional strategies such as night guards or stress management.