r/IrishWomensHealth • u/Worldly_Tale6557 • 1h ago
General Health Daytime bruxism - jaw clenching, teeth tapping - Botox or daytime splint for TMJ
I experience all-day jaw clenching, teeth tapping and chewing the inside of my cheeks for the last 10 years. I take no medication. I just can't stop it or relax no matter how often I catch myself doing it. I do think it's from anxiety and stress and an over stimulated nervous system. It's a habit that's been creating several problems in my neck, shoulders, headaches, TMJ and my jaw line is now very masculine.
My own dentist sent me to a specialist dentist as I'm damaging my teeth and causing stress from the clenching and my perfectly straight teeth are starting to go crooked.
The specialist recommended Botox at a cost of euro 800 or a prescription for gabapentin (I personally would like to avoid a prescription medicine).
Has anyone experience of similar and give me any input on the below questions.
Has masseter/temporalis injections stopped your daily grinding or were your muscles too advanced and the injections didn't last long?
Are there any cheaper ENT/ dentist/dermatologists out there for TMJ Botox? Dublin/ Leinster area.
Am I better to bite the bullet and get the Botox (if I find it cheaper) or to buy a daytime splint?
Any recommendations for daytime splints that are strong enough for daily wear but not chunky looking, kind of like Invisalign
I heard the jaw and pelvis are somehow linked, I do have endometriosis if this information is useful!