Grinding teeth or clenching your jaws is a condition called bruxism in the dental community which can lead to pain, headaches, jaw problems and damaged teeth. Research reports shots of Botox into the chewing muscles can block the signals that tell these muscles to contract, relieving the grinding and clenching. "Nighttime and daytime bruxism is a very common condition that can cause headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome and dental problems that can lead to disability and adversely impact quality of life," said the study's senior researcher, Dr. Joseph Jankovic. Although the cause of bruxism is still not well understood, it's thought to be due to abnormal signals coming from the brain that cause involuntary and forceful contractions of the jaw muscles, resulting in clenching of the jaw and grinding of teeth. Botox injections are a treatment that's gained favor in treating the condition. This treatment is not only effective, but also safe. Botox first made headlines as a treatment for facial lines and wrinkles and it's also been used to treat migraines, excessive sweating and muscle disorders, among other conditions. If you are looking for affordable dental care in Bakersfield CA, then call our office today at (661) 741-0310 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ivan Medina-Martinez. |