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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Teeth Grinding
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT, Dec 12, 2001 12:00AM
Teeth grinding or "bruxism" is a common problem that occurs especially at night. I have read that hypnosis/relaxation techniques and behavioral therapy have helped patients in the past. Also, consider seeing a dentist to make sure there is not a primary dental reason why you are grinding your teeth. Finally, there is a report in the medical literature regarding a man who had severe teeth grinding after head trauma that improved after botox injections to his jaw. Botox or botulinum toxin is a chemical compound that is released by bacteria to weaken your muscles. It has come in to widespread medical use first cosmetically (for wrinkles) and to treat a number of movement disorders. It has some side effects, but theoretically it should weaken your jaw muscles so that you won't grind your teeth. Of course, this won't stop the cause of the problem, so consider psychotherapy/hypnosis if you want to get to the root of the matter. Best of luck.
