If you’re experiencing the pain and discomfort of bruxism you have two main treatment options:
- Bruxism injections
- Bruxism splint
Now, they’re not actually called bruxism injections. However, due to healthcare advertising guidelines, this is the best and clearest way to refer to the treatment.
Because, in this instance, the injectables are used to specifically treat a symptom of bruxism, which can provide relief for up to six months.
A splint is a dental appliance that is similar (and often referred) to a mouthguard. This is a device you wear while you sleep. And it protects your teeth from the damaging effects of bruxism.
But which one is the best treatment for bruxism?
The best treatment for bruxism
As the exact cause of bruxism is unknown, it can be difficult to cure. There are studies which have linked bruxism to:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- alcohol consumption
- cigarette smoking
- Caffeine
- Snoring
- Sleep apnoea
And some healthcare professionals will tell you to “simply” reduce the stress and anxiety in your life and that “should” cure it.
However, we prefer a more practical approach.
Yes, it would be ideal if we could reduce the stress and anxiety in our life. Who wouldn’t want that?
But, if you’re looking for a practical solution that can help you today. A splint, bruxism injections or both may be the solution you’re looking for.
A splint for bruxism
A bite splint (or night guard) is custom made to go on your upper teeth and is worn while you sleep.
The benefit of this treatment—and the reason it’s the go-to treatment—is that it stops your teeth grinding against each other. The benefit of which is it can treat common symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Hypersensitive teeth
- Tooth wear
- Damage to dental restorations (crowns, bridges, veneers, etc)
While this treatment may not cure bruxism, the relief it provides is phenomenal. With many patients commenting on how much better they feel after only wearing the splint for a few nights.
Injections for bruxism
Bruxism injections are muscle relaxant injectables (also known as anti-wrinkle injections). The injections are used at the site of the masseter muscle; the muscle connecting the lower jawbone and the cheekbone.
Relaxing this muscle should have no other effects other than relaxing the targeted muscle to reduce grinding and clenching. Which in turn should reduce the amount of jaw pain you are experiencing.
Why a combination of bruxism injections and splint may be the best solution
A combination of muscle relaxant injections and a splint may be the best way to manage bruxism.
The effects of the injections can last between 5 and 6 months. And depending on the severity of your night-time grinding and clenching you may need to replace a splint every 6 to 12 months.
As the long-term solution, the splint has many benefits (such as fewer repeat visits and virtually zero side effects).
The muscle relaxant injections are a great way to complement the splint by providing extra relief for serious cases of bruxism.
Depending on the severity of your bruxism, a combination of the two may help to alleviate the worst of the symptoms. Which can mean:
- not waking up with painful teeth that feel like they’re going to fall out
- reduction of headaches
- reduction in jaw pain and stiffness
- not waking up (as) tired
This is why a combination of injections and splints may be the best way to treat your teeth grinding.
Your teeth grinding treatment options
The best treatment for you will depend on the severity of your condition. But as you can see, there are many benefits to receiving a combination of splint and injections.
Just the relief from the discomfort and pain of teeth grinding is enough of a reason to seek out a qualified dental professional to help you get started.
At Bite Dental, our team of dental professionals can assess your health and determine the best course of action.
In some cases, bruxism injections can be given at the first appointment.
When possible, this is an excellent way to provide relief while a long-term strategy is mapped out for you.
If you would like to know more about how to get relief from your teeth grinding, please contact Bite Dental today.