When you hear the word Botox, the first thing that you probably think of are its applications in cosmetic surgery. Botox is most widely known for being used to treat the appearance of wrinkles, but there are many therapeutic and clinical applications for Botox that are less widely known about. Botox can be used in many different medical fields, including dentistry. There are a few therapeutic uses for Botox in dentistry that are lesser known. You should know how Botox works, the different therapeutic uses for Botox in dentistry, and the safety of using Botox therapeutically so you can more fully understand your options when it comes time to treat certain dental issues.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox is a neurotoxin, derived from Clostridium botulinum and then purified so that is harmless in small doses. Botox works by inhibiting the contraction of muscles. This is part of the reason that it is used so often in the treatment and prevention of wrinkles. The effects of Botox are not permanent and last anywhere from 3 to 6 months.
The fact that Botox inhibits muscle contraction gives it a wide range of therapeutic applications across all medical fields, even in the field of dentistry. Botox can be injected in a very targeted manner and will not inhibit the muscle contraction completely. This means that problems stemming from muscle contractions can be addressed without fully paralyzing muscles, allowing a patient to retain normal muscle function and external appearance.
Therapeutic Applications
Botox used therapeutically in the dental field is a relatively new occurrence. Nonetheless, there are already a number of beneficial therapeutic uses for Botox and oral issues that have been discovered to work quite well.
TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders refer to a number of different problems that impact the temporomandibular joint, which is the joint where your jaw connects together. It also can cause issues with the facial muscles surrounding the jaw joint. TMJ disorders can result in tension headaches, locked jaws, jaw popping, and problems chewing.
TMJ is notoriously difficult for dentists to treat, and often time patients can't get the fixes that they desire from solutions like mouth guards. However, since it is estimated that 85% of TMJ issues are muscle related, injections of Botox offer a remedy. Injections of Botox in the muscles that surround the temporomandibular joint result in the muscle loosening up, preventing a lot of the issues that stem from TMJ disorders. Lessened muscle contractions means less jaw popping, less pain, and less overall low quality of living.
Sialorrhea
Sialorrhea is a disorder of the salivary glands that causes excess salivation. This can result in embarrassing problems, such as drooling, as well as be an inconvenience for those who are suffering from the disorder. Injecting Botox into some, but not all, of the salivary glands in an individual suffering from this condition decreases the amount of saliva they produce. This is due to the fact that the salivary gland is partially paralyzed, and cannot produce saliva as effectively. This is a good thing in individuals whose salivary glands work just a bit too [i] well.
Teeth Grinding
Often times, a person with teeth grinding issues does not grind their teeth during the day when they are conscious and aware, but rather it happens involuntary during the night while they are asleep. For those who have uncontrollable teeth grinding issues, Botox might hold the answer. Teeth grinding occurs either due to stress, improper teeth placement, or due to the fact the jaw muscles abnormally contract when they should not.
Injections of Botox make it harder for the muscles to contract, meaning that while you are sleep your jaw muscles might attempt to contract resulting in teeth grinding, but cannot. This slight paralyzation is enough to offer relief to even those with the worst teeth grinding issues. Since most people cannot control their teeth grinding, as it happens when they are unconscious, Botox is an excellent remedy.
Knowing the therapeutic uses for Botox in dentistry opens your eyes to another option that you might have when you are trying to get certain dental disorders treated. If you are suffering from any of these maladies talk to your dentist for additional info on treatment options.
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