Bruxism: what it is and how it relates to the masseter

Bruxism is repetitive activity of the chewing muscles, characterized by clenching or grinding the teeth. It can happen during sleep (sleep bruxism) or while awake (awake bruxism), when the person clenches the teeth without noticing, in moments of concentration or tension.

The causes are multifactorial and include stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, the use of some substances and medications, and individual factors. Diagnosis and management involve a dental assessment and, depending on the case, other professionals.

How does bruxism show up in the HOF office?

The most common signs are tooth wear, facial pain or fatigue on waking, headache in the temple area and tenderness in the temporomandibular joint. From an aesthetic standpoint, continuous effort can lead to hypertrophy of the masseter muscle, which makes the lower third wider and the jaw angle more pronounced.

That is why a patient who comes in asking to "slim the face" sometimes has undiagnosed bruxism. Asking about clenching and examining the muscles is part of the jawline assessment.

Where does botulinum toxin come in?

Botulinum toxin in the masseter is a recognized use to reduce the contraction strength and volume of the muscle, with possible symptom relief and an aesthetic effect on the contour. It does not replace investigating the causes or other measures, such as the occlusal splint prescribed by the dentist. Doses, points and intervals are decisions for the qualified professional, after assessment, in line with the rules of their professional board.

In Harmy

Harmy has no marking point for toxin in the masseter. The Jawline point represents filler in the area, which can be discussed in the same plan.

Also called: teeth clenching, teeth grinding.