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If you frequently wake up with headaches or jaw pain, or if you notice clicking or soreness in your jaw, you may be experiencing bruxism. Patients with bruxism, also commonly called TMJ, grind their teeth or clench their jaws excessively. This is especially common at night as you sleep, making the habit difficult to deter. Bruxism is also common with stress, and the condition can cause issues, including tooth damage, tooth sensitivity, earache-like pain, and sleep disruption. Needless to say, bruxism is a frustrating and uncomfortable condition.
Thankfully, Xeomin injections are a simple and effective solution. In Chicago, IL, Dr. Skura and the Art Aesthetica team help patients find relief from their bruxism using Xeomin.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is a condition characterized by the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth.
It can occur during wakefulness (awake bruxism) or during sleep (sleep bruxism). Awake bruxism refers to teeth clenching or grinding that happens involuntarily while a person is awake, often without their awareness. Sleep bruxism is a sleep-related movement disorder where teeth grinding or clenching occurs during sleep, and it is often associated with other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. Although the grinding action is the same in both types, awake bruxism and sleep bruxism are considered separate conditions. Bruxism can affect both children and adults, and awareness of its occurrence is important for maintaining dental health and quality of life.
If left untreated, bruxism can result in damaged teeth, increased tooth sensitivity, and jaw disorders. Many cases of bruxism are mild and may not require treatment, but if left untreated, bruxism can lead to health issues down the road. Stress and anxiety are primary causes of bruxism, and the condition is also linked to sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.
What is Xeomin for Bruxism?
Xeomin is a neurotoxin injectable, putting it in the same category as products including Botox or Dysport. Xeomin has received FDA approval for certain uses, which supports its safety and effectiveness. This means it works using the active ingredient botulinum toxin type A, a purified and safe form of neurotoxin that causes temporary paralysis. Its purified formulation may help reduce the risk of allergic reactions compared to other injectables that contain additional proteins.
While it is often used for frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet, it can be used for bruxism as well. By injecting Xeomin, professionals like Dr. Skura can disrupt the nerve signals to jaw muscles that move involuntarily. In the case of bruxism, the product is injected into the masseter or temporalis muscles at either side of the jaw. This reduces the ability to clench the jaw or grind the teeth, relieving patients’ bruxism or TMJ symptoms. Botulinum toxin injections like Xeomin may be offered to individuals with severe bruxism who do not respond to other treatments.
Jaw Pain and Other Bruxism Symptoms
Bruxism symptoms include the following:
- involuntary teeth grinding or clenching (often audible)
- jaw pain or tightness
- chronic morning headaches
- tooth sensitivity
- damaged tooth enamel
- flattened or fractured teeth
- earaches
- facial muscle soreness
- facial pain
Bruxism can lead to very sensitive teeth due to enamel wear, and untreated bruxism may result in cracks or fractures of the teeth. People who grind their teeth during sleep are more likely to have other sleep disorders, such as snoring and sleep apnea, and a sleep partner may notice teeth grinding or jaw clenching sounds during the night.
Causes of Bruxism
Bruxism is a complex condition that can develop due to a combination of physical, psychological, and lifestyle-related risk factors. While the exact cause of bruxism is not always clear, research has identified several contributors that may increase the likelihood of developing this condition. One of the most significant risk factors is stress, which can lead to increased jaw muscle activity and unconscious teeth grinding, especially during sleep. Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and other sleep-related disorders, are also closely linked to bruxism, as disruptions in sleep patterns can trigger involuntary clenching of the jaw.
Medical conditions affecting the nervous system, including multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, and cerebral palsy, may also play a role in the development of bruxism. Additionally, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can contribute to abnormal jaw movements and muscle tension, further increasing the risk. Certain medications, particularly some antidepressants, have also been associated with heightened muscle activity and bruxism symptoms.
Lifestyle choices such as smoking tobacco, consuming excessive caffeine or alcohol, and high levels of daily stress can further exacerbate the condition. An abnormal bite, missing or crooked teeth, and genetic predisposition are other factors that may influence the onset of bruxism.
What to Expect During Treatment
Prior to your Xeomin treatment, Dr. Skura will perform a consultation. This involves reviewing your symptoms as well as your health history to ensure that you are a safe and suitable candidate for the procedure. After determining that you are suited to Xeomin injections, the treatment can often be completed on the same day as your initial consultation.
Before administering injections, the treatment area will be thoroughly cleansed to prevent any complications. Next, injections will be placed on either side of the jaw. Xeomin works by targeting the facial muscles responsible for bruxism, helping to reduce tension and involuntary movement. No anesthesia or numbing is typically necessary, as the needles used to complete the procedure are very small and the injection process can often be completed in as little as 15 minutes. Most patients tolerate injections well.
Following your injections, results will be noticeable within a few weeks. Many patients experience visible results within a few days to weeks. You should gradually begin to see a reduction in your bruxism or TMJ symptoms. Xeomin is a temporary treatment for bruxism symptoms, and maintenance injections may be needed to sustain the effects. Dr. Skura will provide more specific information regarding your expected results.
Aftercare Instructions
Following Xeomin injections, you can immediately return to your normal routine with no downtime. Xeomin patients may drive themselves home and often return to work or other daily activities following their appointments. Some common side effects of injections include redness, slight swelling, and tenderness. Patients may also see some bruising at the injection site. Dr. Skura will advise you to avoid applying any products to the injection site to keep the area clean. Detailed aftercare instructions will be provided during your appointment with Dr. Skura.
Xeomin results last about six months on average. As results subside, you can receive maintenance injections as you choose.
Schedule a Consultation
There is no need to suffer from the pain and discomfort of bruxism or TMJ. To learn more about Xeomin for bruxism, schedule a consultation with Dr. Skura at Art Aesthetica in Chicago.
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As a Pre-Medicine student, it is very hard getting a shadowing position. Dr. Skura was very kind and welcoming when I asked if I could come in and shadow her! I feel that the experience I had with her truly made me realize which path is right for me! I was impressed by the fact that she knows and remembers so much about all her patients! Her coworkers and staff are also very friendly and helpful!”
- Verified Patient
Katarzyna Skura, MD believes in education, prevention, and a balanced body and mind. Her role is to guide patients toward their greatest health and wellness. She takes the time to design individual treatment plans for each patient, concentrating on prevention and each patient’s unique needs.
