Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
The procedure of weakening the Masseter muscles with Botulinum Toxin is highly successful in people who grind their teeth.
Occasionally, some weakening of chewing results but this effect is temporary and wears off towards the 3 month mark. It is recommended to avoid chewing on hard foods and chewing gum as these serve to strengthen the weakened muscles and counteracts the benefits of the treatment.
However, immediately after treatment, Dr ILANA advises to chew chewing gum to encourage the treatment to take effect in the stronger portions of the Masseter muscles.
It is important to realise that only the lower part of the Masseter muscles are injected to avoid affecting the other muscles of facial expression and speech.