Bruxism (teeth grinding & jaw clenching) — clinical consultation
A calm, clinician-led assessment for jaw tension, teeth grinding and clenching. We review patterns, dental history and triggers, and discuss sensible options — including targeted injections where appropriate.
How we help
Bruxism contributes to jaw pain, morning headaches, tooth wear, and bulky jaw muscles. In your consultation, we assess your history (clenching, sleep bruxism, dental wear) and triggers. Where appropriate, a clinician may discuss tailored injections to relax overactive masseters and ease strain.
- Function first — focused on comfort and protecting your teeth and joints.
- Balanced dosing — conservative, preserving natural movement.
- Dental collaboration — we recommend night guards or splints where needed.
Quick self-check
Take a moment — do any of these sound familiar?
Common symptoms & triggers
Symptoms
Jaw soreness, morning headaches, teeth chipping or wear, bulky jaw muscles, tooth sensitivity.
Triggers
Stress, poor sleep, caffeine, daytime tension, misaligned bite.
Burden
Dental damage, disrupted sleep, jaw discomfort, aesthetic concerns — our aim is to manage strain effectively.
What to expect
Assessment
We examine jaw muscles, dental wear, sleep habits and trigger patterns as part of a thorough evaluation.
Plan
We outline options — night guards, lifestyle tweaks, and, if appropriate, injection strategies to reduce muscle overactivity.
Follow-up
Return visit around 4 weeks to evaluate function, jaw symmetry, and adjust if needed.
Aftercare & useful tips
- Avoid gum, tough chewing, or hard foods for 24 hours if injections used.
- Skip facial massage over the area for 24–48 hours.
- Practice jaw relaxation habits (lips lightly together, teeth apart; tongue on palate).
- Continue using night guards if your dentist recommends them.
Who it’s for
- Jaw clenching/grinding with discomfort, dental wear or bulky masseters.
- Those with previous splint use or lifestyle measures but need advanced planning.
- Anyone seeking clarity on whether targeted injections are appropriate for their case.
Who should wait
Pregnancy/breastfeeding; active infection; certain neuromuscular conditions; recent surgery in area. Please disclose medications like blood thinners to guide safety.
Risks & considerations
- Minor bruise/redness at injection sites.
- Temporary chewing fatigue, possible minor asymmetry (usually transient).
- Initial uneven response — plans refined at review.
- Rare allergic or adverse reaction signs will be explained clearly.
Alternatives & multi-modal care
Night guards
Protective devices from your dentist help redistribute forces and prevent tooth damage.
Physio & habits
Jaw relaxation techniques, stress management, sleep hygiene, and posture alignment.
Trigger awareness
Limit caffeine, address daytime clenching, manage sleep disruptions — habits often make a difference.
Frequently asked questions
Will it soften my jawline?
If injection-based treatment is suitable, relaxing overactive masseters can reduce muscle bulk over time. Function and comfort are the primary goals.
How quickly might relief come?
Some notice changes within 1–2 weeks; effects often become steadier around 4 weeks.
Should I still use my night guard?
Yes—splints protect teeth and are often complementary to clinical treatments. Coordination with your dentist is encouraged.
Is there downtime?
Most return to normal activities immediately. If injections are used, brief same-day precautions are advised.
Approximately six million people in the UK grind their teeth as they sleep which could not only lead to morning headaches – and keep your partner awake at night with the noise – the damage can lead to expensive dental work due to eroded enamel. Clenching the jaw is not only painful, it puts a strain on the ligaments and could cause clicking and while a mouthguard worn at night can help, it’s noteworthy that 70 percent of jaw bruxism – the medical term for the condition – is caused by stress. But however much meditation, yoga and rolling a marble device over the area to relax the muscles, it won’t give that much relief from uncomfortable stress to the muscles around the face or reduce visits to the dentist.
This is where Botox comes in; by injecting the masseter muscles that sit along the side of the jaw, which controls chewing and raising and closing the mouth, the muscles are relaxed which means reduced grinding. For anyone who has suffered from bruxism the result of the treatments are liberating from the constant soreness of a tense jaw.
At Santi, a specially trained doctor will place Botox in two areas into the masseter muscle on each side of the jaw as the patient clenches their teeth. The procedure has another advantage – in a couple of weeks, the jaw will be slimmed down in appearance as the muscles stop being overworked and become less bulky and in addition, cheekbones become more defined.
How much does Botox for jaw clenching cost?
Botox for bruxism at our South Kensington clinic costs £600 which includes a free consultation and follow up after 2 weeks post-treatment.
On rare occasion there may be variation in price for pronounced jaw muscles in men.
What is masseter botox?
Masseter Botox is a cosmetic treatment that involves injecting Botox into the masseter muscle in the jaw area to reduce its size and give a more slender appearance to the face. Botox is a type of botulinum toxin that temporarily weakens the muscle it is injected into, preventing it from contracting fully. This can result in a reduction of muscle bulk, leading to a more refined jawline. Masseter Botox is a non-surgical procedure and typically requires multiple injections in the masseter muscle. The effects of the treatment usually last 3-6 months, after which the procedure can be repeated.