TMJ or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

TMJ pain is caused by Bruxism which is characterised by the grinding of the teeth and is typically accompanied by the clenching of the jaw leading to jaw pain, migraines and headaches.

No exact figures on the frequency of bruxism are available as over 80% of all bruxers may be unaware of the habit and the diagnosis is usually made when the teeth are examined by a dental surgeon.

For these reasons, estimates of the prevalence of bruxism range from 5% to 20%. In most people, bruxism is mild enough not to be a health problem. While bruxism may occur during the day or night activity, it is bruxism during sleep that causes the majority of health issues and can even occur during short naps. Bruxism is one of the most common sleep disorders. Some bruxism activity is rhythmic (like chewing), and some is sustained (clenching). Researchers classify bruxism as "a habitual behaviour, and a sleep disorder.

Most bruxers are not aware of their bruxism, and only 5% go on to develop symptoms, such as jaw pain, migraine and headaches, which will require treatments. In many cases, a sleeping partner or parent will notice the bruxism before the person experiencing the problem becomes aware of it.

At Skin Renewal we offer a novel treatment for this condition is to weaken the masseter muscles of the jaw with strategically placed botulinum injections which weaken the muscle enough to reduce the effects of grinding and clenching and thus reduce TMJ pain, but not so much as to prevent proper use of the muscle.

The procedure involves about five or six relatively painless injections and patients start feeling the effects the following day with migraines usually dissipating by the end of the first week. Injections must be repeated every six months but the habit is usually broken after the second or third treatment.

In addition, the treatment can help safeguard dental health, since excessive grinding can result in worn teeth and damaged gums that may require costly treatment.

The symptoms that may be improved by injections include:

• Migraines triggered by clenching
• Grinding and clenching
• Morning jaw soreness
• Muscle tension throughout the day
• Neck pain and stiffness triggered by clenching

Bruxism is the leading cause of dental damage and a significant cause of tooth loss and gum recession. It may take years for the first visible signs of worn teeth to appear and the dental bills that follow are usually exorbitant. By treating and recognising Bruxism earlier on, Injections can help prevent future dental bills by breaking this habit and the avoidance of future dental bills is possible. Usually two treatment 4 months apart are enough to break the habit.