Why Might Your Dentist Want to Use Botox... Inside Your Mouth?

Posted on: 23 January 2020

Australians have a unique approach when it comes to shortening certain words and phrases. Perhaps this quirk is responsible for botulinum toxin becoming known as botox. It's easier to say, and it's certainly problematic to market something with the word 'toxin' in its title. You probably think of botox as something that's injected into your face, partially and temporarily paralysing certain nerves in order to smooth out lines and create a more youthful appearance. But did you know that your dentist can also have a use for botox?

A Medical Professional

Some dentists offer cosmetic injections that include botox, and this is a great way to receive botox for aesthetic purposes. Your dentist is a medical professional who has undergone the necessary additional training, is familiar with your medical history and knows how to achieve your desired look. And in some cases, your dentist might recommend botox for medical purposes.

Medical and Therapeutic Uses

Although it's widely known for its cosmetic applications, it should not be forgotten that botox has a range of medical and therapeutic uses. Why would your dentist suggest a botox injection inside your mouth? Its striking effects when it comes to relaxing muscles and nerves can make botox a powerful tool to relieve certain dental issues.

Bruxism

Those who excessively grind their teeth (a condition known as bruxism) can benefit from a strategic dose of botox, usually injected into your mouth's temporalis muscles. The partial paralysis resulting from the injection can sufficiently subdue the muscles to the point that grinding no longer occurs for the duration of the injection's effect. The strategic dose and injection site will not impede normal mouth functions, but it will essentially calm the muscles that are responsible for bruxism. 

Temporomandibular Disorder

Patients affected by temporomandibular disorder can also benefit from botox. This disorder is primarily caused by a misalignment of the jaw, and this results in severe strain to the tendons in your jaw, which can lead to headaches, neck pain and overall discomfort in your jaws. The botox will simply act as a muscle relaxant, relieving the symptoms of the disorder.

As with botox for cosmetic purposes, any botox used for dental purposes will not have a permanent effect. Botox generally lasts for two to four months (although this can vary significantly from patient to patient, and it depends on the injection site). Once the effects begin to wear off, you can easily have the botox reapplied as needed.

To learn more, contact a medical centre that offers facial injectables.

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