Aesthetic Medicine
Do you wake up with a tight jaw, headaches or sensitive teeth? It may be bruxism — and, in selected cases, botulinum toxin is one of the tools to ease the force of the chewing muscles.
In short
Bruxism is repetitive activity of the chewing muscles, with clenching or grinding of the teeth. It can happen during sleep or while awake — often linked to stress, concentration or sleep disturbances — and is not always noticed by the person themselves1.
Common signs
01
Tight jaw
Pain or tiredness in the face muscles on waking.
02
Worn teeth
Wear, cracks or tooth sensitivity.
03
Headache
Especially at the temples, in the morning.
Small doses injected into the masseter (and sometimes the temporalis) temporarily relax the muscle. Clenching force decreases and, in several studies, pain and the frequency of episodes were reduced, with a good safety profile2,3. When the muscle is enlarged, the facial contour can also soften over the following weeks4.
Usual timeline2,5
Day 0
Assessment and treatment
Medical assessment and a few injections on each side.
1–2 weeks
Less tension
Clenching loses force and pain usually eases.
4–8 weeks
Contour
If the masseter was enlarged, the face may slim.
3–6 months
Review
The effect fades gradually; you decide whether and when to repeat.
Myths and facts
✕ Myth
✓ Fact
The dose reduces excessive force, not function. Chewing and speaking stay normal3.
✕ Myth
✓ Fact
No. The guard protects the teeth; the toxin acts on the muscle. They often complement each other.
For bruxism, botulinum toxin is an off-label use, outside the indications approved in the medicine’s summary of product characteristics. It is only offered after a medical assessment, discussing alternatives, and with informed consent5. It is not suitable during pregnancy, breastfeeding or with neuromuscular diseases.
At FACELAB
Every face and every skin is different. Book an assessment: we review your case and design a personalised treatment plan with you, with realistic goals.
Written by
Helder Moreira
Physician accredited in Aesthetic Medicine · Portuguese Medical Association (Ordem dos Médicos) — licence no. 55532
Patient information
The procedures and treatments mentioned in this article require a prior individual medical assessment and, in some cases, a medical prescription. Indications, results and their duration vary from person to person and cannot be guaranteed. This article is for information only and does not replace a medical consultation.
For more information contact Facelab, Lda. on +351 961 023 229, by email at geral@facelab.pt, or visit www.facelab.pt.
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