Treatment of bruxism – mouthguard, physical therapy, Botox
The treatment of bruxism focuses on protecting the teeth, reducing the strain on the masticatory muscles, and managing the associated symptoms of teeth grinding. The most common and effective treatments include a bite splint, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. In more severe cases, botulinum toxin treatment can reduce the activity of the masticatory muscles and relieve pain. Treatment is always selected on an individual basis according to symptoms and underlying causes.
What is bruxism:
Bruxism refers to the involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth, often during sleep.
Who is this treatment suitable for:
People who experience jaw pain, tension in the chewing muscles, headaches, or tooth wear.
Key limitation:
Bruxism usually cannot be completely eliminated; instead, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and reducing adverse effects.
Introduction
Bruxism is a common but often unnoticed condition. It can put strain on the jaw muscles, jaw joints, and teeth long before symptoms are recognized.
Many people seek treatment only after experiencing pain, tooth wear, or headaches. By this point, bruxism has often been going on for a long time.
There is no single solution for treating bruxism. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as stress, sleep disorders, or muscle strain. For this reason, treatment is tailored to each individual.
This page outlines the main treatment options for bruxism and explains when each is used.
A Summary of the Treatment of Bruxism
- Treatment for bruxism focuses on protecting the teeth and reducing muscle tension
- A bite splint is the most common and primary form of treatment
- Physical therapy can reduce tension in the jaw muscles
- Stress management supports treatment, particularly in stress-related bruxism
- Botox treatment can reduce the activity of the jaw muscles in severe cases
Why should bruxism be treated?
Bruxism can cause a variety of symptoms and structural changes:
- Tooth wear and chips
- Load and stiffness of the temporomandibular joint
- Pain and fatigue in the masticatory muscles
- Headache, especially in the temple area
Symptoms often develop gradually. Many people do not recognize bruxism until the pain or tooth wear has already progressed.
👉 Read more: Symptoms of bruxism
If left untreated, bruxism can worsen over time and lead to permanent changes in the teeth and temporomandibular joint. The goal of treatment is to reduce the strain and prevent further damage.
According to the Finnish Current Care Guidelines, the treatment of bruxism is primarily based on managing symptoms and reducing adverse effects, not merely on eliminating the grinding itself.
For more information on this topic:
Treatments for bruxism
Bite splint (most common treatment)
A bite guard is the primary treatment for bruxism. It is typically worn at night to protect the teeth and reduce strain on the jaw muscles.
Bite rail
- protects teeth from wear and chipping
- reduces the force of biting on the teeth
- can relieve muscle tension and pain
A bite splint does not eliminate the underlying cause of bruxism, but it significantly reduces the strain on the teeth and temporomandibular joint. For this reason, it is often the first treatment recommended.
According to current treatment guidelines, a bite splint is used especially when bruxism causes tooth wear or muscle symptoms.
Read more about the Current Care Guidelines
Physical Therapy and Muscle Care
Bruxism is often associated with overuse of the masticatory muscles. This can lead to muscle tension, pain, and restricted jaw movement.
Types of treatment:
- Muscle relaxation and massage
- Stretching exercises for the jaw muscles
- Improving jaw joint mobility
Physical therapy can reduce muscle tension and relieve pain, especially when the symptoms are muscle-related. However, the treatment does not eliminate bruxism itself, but rather serves as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
In some cases, guided exercises and muscle care can also help identify harmful habits related to biting, such as constantly clenching your teeth during the day.
👉 Learn more about the underlying factors: Causes of bruxism
Lifestyle changes
Bruxism is often linked to stress, sleep issues, and nervous system strain. That is why lifestyle changes are an important part of treatment, especially when there is no clear structural cause underlying the condition.
Lifestyle changes:
- Reducing stress and promoting recovery
- Improving sleep quality
- Recognizing and reducing daytime teeth grinding
Stress can increase the activity of the jaw muscles and make teeth grinding worse, especially during sleep. For this reason, relaxation techniques, regular sleep, and stress management can help reduce symptoms.
Lifestyle changes are generally not enough on their own to treat severe bruxism, but they complement other forms of treatment and can help reduce the recurrence of symptoms.
Botulinum toxin treatment for teeth grinding
Botulinum toxin can be used to treat bruxism when there is significant overuse of the masticatory muscles and other treatments are insufficient.
The treatment specifically targets the masseter muscles, which are responsible for biting force. Botulinum toxin reduces muscle activity by weakening the neuromuscular junction.
Botox treatment
- reduce the contractile force of the masticatory muscles
- may relieve muscle pain
- can reduce teeth grinding
The effects usually begin within a few days and last an average of 3–6 months. However, the treatment does not address the underlying cause of bruxism but primarily alleviates the symptoms.
Research evidence suggests that botulinum toxin may reduce muscle activity and pain in bruxism. However, the evidence is mixed, and the treatment is not suitable for all patients.
👉 Read more: Treatment of bruxism with botulinum toxin
When is botulinum toxin treatment considered?
Botulinum toxin treatment may be considered when bruxism causes significant symptoms and primary treatments do not provide sufficient relief:
- The masticatory muscles are clearly overworked or enlarged
- Back pain or muscle fatigue is persistent
- A bite splint is not enough to relieve the symptoms
- Tooth wear continues despite treatment
Treatment decisions are made on a case-by-case basis based on symptoms, findings, and previous treatments. Botulinum toxin treatment is not the first-line treatment; rather, it is generally used as a complementary option.
Before starting treatment, potential underlying causes of bruxism, such as stress, sleep disorders, and factors related to bite alignment, are assessed.
Managing the symptoms of bruxism
Bruxism usually cannot be permanently cured, but its symptoms can be effectively managed. The goal of treatment is to reduce strain on the masticatory muscles, protect the teeth, and relieve pain.
Bruxism is often a multifactorial condition influenced by factors such as stress, sleep, and nervous system regulation. For this reason, a single treatment usually does not completely eliminate the grinding itself.
- Symptoms can be significantly alleviated with the right treatment
- Tooth wear can be prevented
- Muscle pain and tension can be reduced
In some cases, bruxism may resolve on its own, for example, as life circumstances settle down or stress levels decrease. For others, the symptoms may be long-term and require ongoing treatment.
The key is to assess your own situation and choose the appropriate treatment options accordingly.
When to seek treatment
You should seek treatment for bruxism if your symptoms are recurring, get worse over time, or interfere with your daily life:
- Jaw pain or muscle tension is persistent
- Teeth wear down or chip
- Headaches are common, especially in the mornings
- The movement of the jaw feels restricted or stiff
Early diagnosis is important because, if left untreated for a long time, bruxism can cause permanent changes to the teeth and the temporomandibular joint.
Seeking treatment does not mean receiving a specific treatment, but rather having your situation assessed and selecting the appropriate forms of treatment.
👉 Learn more about the symptoms: Symptoms of bruxism
Risks and Limitations
When treating bruxism, it is important to understand that not all treatments work for everyone. Treatment is based on managing symptoms, not on a single solution.
- A single treatment usually does not address the underlying cause of bruxism
- Symptoms may recur over time
- The response to treatment varies from person to person
For example, a bite guard protects the teeth but does not necessarily reduce muscle activity. Similarly, Botox treatment can reduce muscle tension, but its effects are temporary.
Long-term care often requires a combination of various treatment methods as well as ongoing monitoring.
Research evidence supports the use of various treatment methods for symptom management, but the exact mechanism underlying bruxism is not fully understood. This also affects the predictability of treatment outcomes.
Treatment of Bruxism – Summary
The treatment of bruxism focuses on protecting the teeth, reducing the strain on the masticatory muscles, and managing symptoms. Treatment is tailored to each individual and often involves a combination of several methods.
- A bite guard protects your teeth and reduces stress
- Physical therapy and muscle care help relieve muscle tension
- Lifestyle changes support treatment and can reduce symptoms
- Botox treatment is an option in severe cases
It is essential to assess the severity of bruxism and choose a treatment accordingly. Often, the best results are achieved by combining several treatment methods.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Treatment of Bruxism
What is the best treatment for bruxism?
The best treatment depends on the cause and symptoms of bruxism. In most cases, a mouthguard is the primary treatment, but many people also need physical therapy or other forms of support.
Does a bite splint help with bruxism?
A mouthguard protects the teeth and can reduce muscle strain. However, it does not address the underlying cause of bruxism; rather, it serves as a preventive treatment for symptoms.
Can bruxism go away on its own?
In some cases, bruxism may subside without treatment, especially if the underlying stress or strain is reduced. However, the symptoms may also persist.
How can I tell if I'm grinding my teeth?
Common symptoms include jaw pain, morning headaches, tension in the chewing muscles, and tooth wear. These symptoms often develop gradually.
When is botulinum toxin treatment used?
Botox treatment is usually considered when the jaw muscles are severely overworked and other treatments have not provided sufficient relief.
Is Botox a permanent solution?
No. The effects of Botox treatment usually last 3–6 months, after which the treatment can be repeated if necessary. In rare cases, Botox treatment can permanently eliminate the tendency to grind one’s teeth.
Can stress make bruxism worse?
Yes. Stress can increase the activity of the jaw muscles and make teeth grinding worse, especially during sleep.
When should you seek treatment for bruxism?
You should seek treatment if your symptoms are recurring, getting worse, or causing pain, tooth wear, or headaches.
Can bruxism cause permanent damage?
Yes. Prolonged bruxism can wear down the teeth, strain the jaw joint, and cause long-term muscle pain.
Author
Ville Männistö is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who specializes in aesthetic botulinum toxin treatments and disorders of the masticatory muscles.
Her clinical work focuses on understanding facial muscle function, anatomy, and the mechanisms of action of botulinum toxin in both aesthetic and medical treatments.
He is also a member of a research group studying disorders of the masticatory muscles and the effects of botulinum toxin treatments. The research has been published in an international peer-reviewed scientific journal.
Study:
Temporomandibular disorders and masticatory muscle dysfunction – Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
For more information:
PubMed database
Last updated: June 10, 2026
