Amid the fighting with Iran and the ongoing security tensions that have become part of our daily lives, internal stress is also rising — the kind that isn’t visible, but the body deeply feels. Hundreds of thousands of Israelis are currently suffering from teeth grinding or clenching — a phenomenon called bruxism — but most are completely unaware of it.
This is a quiet but powerful physical response to prolonged psychological stress, occurring mostly during sleep and sometimes even during the day. The cumulative damage includes muscle pain in the jaw and temples, cracked, broken, or worn teeth, headaches, difficulty opening the mouth, and even sleep disturbances — all happening without sufferers realizing the source of the problem.
Why You Grind Your Teeth at Night — Without Even Noticing
Bruxism is an involuntary action of clenching or grinding the teeth, which puts repeated pressure on the chewing muscles. According to recent studies, over 20% of the population suffers from the condition to varying degrees. Sometimes it is a genetic tendency, but more often it is a direct response to stress, psychological pressure, or anxiety — factors we are all experiencing during this period.
Many people are completely unaware that they grind their teeth. In many cases, a partner is the first to point out the grinding sounds at night. Sometimes it is also accompanied by a feeling of fatigue despite a "full" night’s sleep, due to frequent awakenings caused by sleep apnea. Other signs may include pain in the jaw or temple area, difficulty opening the mouth in the morning, and sometimes even unexplained ear pain.
What Happens If It’s Left Untreated?
Not intervening in time may lead to significant damage to the teeth and jaw joint. On a dental level, grinding can cause severe tooth wear, fractures requiring root canals or extractions, and even a loss of vertical height in the bite — a condition that changes facial structure and harms the aesthetics of the smile.
Beyond that, bruxism can also damage the jaw joints. In some cases, chronic inflammation develops in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which manifests as difficulty opening the mouth, a sensation of jaw "locking," and sometimes a need for urgent medical intervention.
The impact on quality of life is substantial. Many suffer from chronic facial and head pain, severe sleep disturbances, difficulties eating and speaking, and associated emotional and aesthetic consequences — such as decreased self-confidence due to a damaged smile.
What’s the Solution?
The new breakthrough actually comes from the aesthetic field: Botox injections into the chewing muscles. Unlike the familiar cosmetic use, here it is a fully medical treatment. Botox is injected into the main chewing muscle — the masseter — and sometimes also into the temple area muscles, causing them to relax. The result is a dramatic reduction in pressure on the jaw and teeth, and often almost immediate relief from symptoms.
The procedure is short, performed by a certified dentist, requires no preparation or recovery time, and takes only a few minutes. In many cases, it is combined with the use of a night guard to create a broader protective framework.
The treatment is intended for adults aged 18 and over, especially those suffering from bruxism during sleep or while awake, chronic pain in the jaw muscles or morning headaches, tooth wear or fractures, as well as people who have difficulty opening their mouths. It is an effective, safe, and accessible solution that can significantly improve quality of life — especially in tense times like these.
Dr. Hagay Slutzky is a specialist in public dental health and the chief dentist of the Clalit Smile dental clinic network.