How Does Masseter Botox Treat Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)?

Teeth grinding, known medically as bruxism, occurs when the jaw muscles contract excessively, often during sleep. This repeated clenching places high pressure on the teeth and jaw, leading to enamel wear, jaw pain, headaches, and enlargement of the masseter muscle at the angle of the jaw.

Masseter Botox is a treatment that targets the muscle responsible for grinding. Rather than protecting the teeth directly, it reduces the excessive force generated by the jaw muscle itself.

This guide explains how Masseter Botox treats bruxism and why it can be an effective option for persistent grinding.

Bruxism is driven by overactivity in the masseter muscle, the large chewing muscle that activates when you clench.

In ongoing bruxism:

• The masseter contracts repeatedly and with excessive force
• Bite pressure increases beyond normal levels
• Teeth experience constant friction
• The jaw joint becomes strained
• The muscle may enlarge over time (a process called hypertrophy, meaning muscle thickening due to overuse)

The core issue is excessive muscle force, not simply tooth contact.

Professional dental bodies recognise the impact of bruxism on oral health and encourage early management. Further information on dental standards and patient guidance is available via the British Dental Association, the UK’s leading professional dental body.

Masseter Botox works by reducing the strength of the jaw muscle responsible for clenching.

Botox (botulinum toxin type A) blocks part of the communication between nerves and muscles at the neuromuscular junction (the point where a nerve signals a muscle to contract).

Normally:

• A nerve sends a signal
• The muscle receives the signal
• The muscle contracts with full strength

With Botox treatment:

• The nerve signal is partially reduced
• The masseter contracts with less force
• Bite pressure decreases
• Clenching becomes softer
• Damage caused by grinding is reduced

When administered correctly, Masseter Botox does not paralyse the jaw or prevent normal chewing. It simply reduces excessive muscle strength while preserving function.

Masseter Botox does not always stop the grinding habit itself. Many people still make grinding movements during sleep.

However, it reduces the force of those movements.

This means:

• Teeth experience less pressure
• Jaw pain often improves
• Headaches linked to clenching may reduce
• Ongoing damage to teeth and jaw structures is slowed

In practical terms, the treatment addresses the muscular driver of bruxism and reduces its harmful effects.

After injection into the masseter muscle:

• Within a few days, muscle strength begins to soften
• Over the following weeks, clenching typically feels less intense
• Reduced muscle activity may gradually soften the appearance of an enlarged jaw muscle

Results develop progressively rather than instantly.

For details on recovery and day-to-day expectations, see our dedicated guide on Masseter Botox recovery and results.

By reducing excessive muscle force, Masseter Botox:

• Protects teeth from further wear
• Reduces jaw strain
• Minimises headaches associated with clenching
• Addresses the muscular component of bruxism

It is a targeted treatment rather than a cure for all causes of grinding.

Stress management and dental protection may still be important components of care.

Masseter Botox treats bruxism by reducing the strength of the jaw muscle responsible for grinding.

By lowering muscle force, it:

• Reduces bite pressure
• Protects teeth from excessive wear
• Eases jaw tension
• Minimises symptoms such as headaches

The treatment targets the muscular aspect of bruxism in a controlled and minimally invasive way.

At Dr Hass Clinic, Masseter Botox for bruxism is delivered using a personalised medical approach focused on functional relief and natural results.

Each treatment includes:

• Clinical assessment of muscle strength
• Individualised dosing
• Precise injection technique
• Follow-up support

Our clinic at 27 Hill Street, London, W1J 5LP specialises in medical aesthetic and functional treatments delivered by experienced practitioners.

If you experience teeth grinding or jaw tension, a consultation with Dr Hasaneen Al Janabi can determine whether Masseter Botox is suitable for you.