Treatment of bruxism with botulinum toxin: think twice!

• Published in: Nederlands tijdschrift voor tandheelkunde Vol. 131; no. 7-08; p. 331
• Main Authors: Lobbezoo, F, Verhoeff, M C, Helmers, R, de Lange, J, Koutris, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Dutch; English
• Published: Netherlands 01-07-2024
• Subjects: Botulinum Toxins - administration & dosage; Botulinum Toxins - therapeutic use; Botulinum Toxins, Type A - administration & dosage; Botulinum Toxins, Type A - therapeutic use; Bruxism - drug therapy; Humans; Neuromuscular Agents - administration & dosage; Neuromuscular Agents - therapeutic use
• ISSN: 0028-2200
• DOI: 10.5177/ntvt.2024.07/08.24017

A recent publication in the Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Tandheelkunde (Dutch Journal of Dentistry) suggests botulinum toxin as a primary treatment for bruxism, especially for severe complaints of teeth grinding or jaw clenching. However, in the opinion of Lobbezoo et al., some outdated views on bruxism are used, and botulinum toxin is incorrectly classified as safe, according to them. In this Vision article, the authors describe the current insights into bruxism; they indicate how the presence of bruxism can be assessed in the clinic; when and how bruxism is treated; and finally, what the role of botulinum toxin is: an ultimum refugium. Therefore, regarding the use of botulinum toxin within the discipline of orofacial pain and dysfunction Lobbezoo et al. recommend: think twice!