Bruxism is a condition relating to excessive and unnecessary teeth-grinding and/or clenching of the jaw. This can occur when the patient is asleep or awake .

This is a common condition and is known to affect up to 30% of the population. In severe cases it can result in headaches, aching or tired jaw, hypersensitive teeth and wearing of the teeth leading to loss of enamel and the need for dental work such as crowns, fillings or even teeth replacement. 

Initial treatment should look at the cause of the bruxism which is often stress. It is worth looking at this website for information  https://www.sleepfoundation.org/bruxism/tips

It is also worth speaking to your dentist to discuss dental splints to help protect the teeth and help with symptoms. 

Botox injections help to deal with the cause of the symptoms rather than the consequences. These injections help to weaken the mastication (chewing) muscles just enough to reduce bruxism but reducing the muscles’ ability to clench and grind the jaw. This involves approximately 3 injections each side directly into the muscle. These injections are carefully mapped out during your appointment to ensure safe placement and to ensure that you maintain the normal functions of chewing, talking and smiling. 

How quickly does it work? Depending on the individual, patients may feel benefits as soon as the next day. Maximal benefits occur after 2 weeks. 

How long do the effects last? Injections usually last 3-6 months after which time the treatment can be repeated to maintain the benefit. 

Some patients may find that the treatment helps to break the cycle, so the habit stops even after the botox wears off. 

What is axillary hyperhidrosis?

Your sweat glands work when they get a message from your body’s nervous system. If they get too many messages, they keep on working and you can sweat excessively. This is called hyperhidrosis. If it happens under your arms, it is called axillary hyperhidrosis.

How does it work?

When small doses of botox are injected into the skin of the armpits, it blocks the signals from the nervous system that supply the sweat glands. This prevents the sweat glands from working as hard as they usually do and prevents them from releasing sweat.

Can anyone have this treatment?

You will not be able to have this if:

You are pregnant or breastfeeding.

You have been diagnosed with, or have a family history of any neuro-muscular diseases, such as myasthenia gravis.

You are taking certain antibiotics (neomycin, gentamicin, streptomycin and kanamycin)

You are taking anticoagulant medication or have specific bleeding conditions.

Do I need to do anything before my appointment?

Avoid taking aspirin for 2 weeks before your appointment (unless this is a regular prescription from your GP/consultant. In this case do NOT stop taking this and discuss with me to check if you are suitable to have this treatment)

Do not shave your underarms for 3 days before. Please avoid deodorant the day of your appointment and ideally 3 days before.

What happens during my treatment?

During the appointment I apply iodine solution and starch powder to your armpits so I can identify the areas where you sweat.

With a very fine needle, you will have repeated small amounts of Botox injected into your skin in these areas. 

The injections may sting slightly but are not too uncomfortable. The treatment takes approximately an hour.