Bruxism and Botulinum Injection: Challenges and Insights

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pharmacology
• Dental Medicine

Background:

• Botulinum toxin (BTA) is a bacterial neurotoxin that inhibits acetylcholine uptake, preventing muscle contraction.
• BTA has established applications in aesthetic and general medicine.
• Emerging research explores BTA for managing bruxism, a condition characterized by involuntary jaw muscle activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of the last 10 years of literature on botulinum toxin for bruxism.
• To analyze the efficacy and application of BTA in treating bruxism.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus.
• Keywords used were "BRUXISM" and "BOTULINUM TOXIN".
• Twelve eligible studies published within the last decade were included in the review.

Main Results:

• Botulinum toxin was injected into various masticatory muscles, including masseters, temporalis, and medial pterygoids.
• Studies indicate BTA is a promising therapeutic approach for bruxism.
• BTA demonstrated particular utility in patients with low compliance or those who did not benefit from standard treatments.

Conclusions:

• Botulinum toxin injections represent a viable therapeutic strategy for bruxism.
• This treatment is especially beneficial for patients with limited response to conventional therapies.
• Further research may solidify BTA's role in bruxism management.