Most people think Botox® (botulinum toxin) to fight wrinkles. A technology that goes back in time. But in recent years, it has become important in treating many medical problems. And in many cases, these problems—like overactive bladder, migraines, and muscle spasticity—are functional, not cosmetic.
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In recent years, Botox has become a popular treatment option for people with jaw muscle pain or severe teeth grinding. This includes temporomandibular disorders (TMD), commonly known as TMJ. Agitated; TMJ actually means “temporomandibular joint”. “TMD” is the term that describes a disorder that affects the joint.
Dentist Karyn Kahn, DDSexplains how Botox helps reduce jaw muscle pain and the risks and benefits of using it.
What is Botox for TMJ Pain?
Botox is a neurotoxin produced by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. Botulism toxins occur naturally in both soil and contaminated food. If you ingest large amounts of botulism toxins or the bacteria enter a wound, you can develop a potentially fatal condition called botulism. This serious nervous system disorder it affects breathing and can lead to muscle paralysis.
Right now you might be feeling a little worried: Why would anyone want to inject a person with poison?
Healthcare providers use a specific type of bacteria (Botox type A) for medical injections. Botox is produced in a laboratory, where it is diluted and sterilized. That means it is extremely A Botox injection is unlikely to cause botulism when properly prepared and administered. (We’ll come back to that.)
How does it work?
Botulinum toxin works by blocking nerves in the muscles where the injection is made, temporarily reducing the contraction. Reducing the contractility of a muscle reduces its overactivity. After an injection, the muscles of your jaw and face slope they are strained anymore, which helps them to break chronic pain circle and prevent additional strain on your jaw.
“Botox is a good option pain management,” shares Dr. Khan. “But it probably won’t solve the underlying problem or completely eliminate your chronic pain.” This is why it is used as an adjunctive therapy to relax strong masticatory muscles.
Getting Botox for TMD is not exactly the same as getting it for cosmetic reasons. It requires even greater precision and must be administered by an oral surgeon, otolaryngologist (ENT), or an experienced plastic surgeon.
It may take anywhere from a day to a few weeks to feel the effects of the injections. Most people who get Botox for TMJ pain find that it lasts about three or four months. You may need to do this more often if your pain is severe or your jaw muscles are very strong (hypertrophic).
Is it effective?
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved Botox for use in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders. And research into this has yielded mixed results. Some studies suggest that it does a better job on some symptoms (like teeth grinding) than others (like pain).
As a result, Dr. Kahn explains that providers typically only try Botox injections when more Conservative treatment methods do not work or your quality of life is adversely affected. If you get Botox, you’ll likely continue to have physical therapy, brace therapy, and medication to manage or prevent jaw pain.
Benefits of Botox for TMJ Pain
The jury is still out on the effectiveness of Botox, but if it works for you (as it does for many people), you can expect the following symptoms to subside:
- Jaw muscle pain
- The effects of teeth grinding
- Limited jaw opening due to pain
- Facial pain and TMJ
Side effects
All invasive medical procedures carry risks, and Botox is no exception. While Botox is generally considered safe for adults, you should always have a thorough discussion with your provider to determine if the treatment is safe for you.
The following are side effects that people have experienced:
- Injection site pain, bruising, swelling and redness
- Unwanted facial paralysis or aesthetic changes (examples include droopy eyelids or an uneven or “fixed” smile)
- Infection or allergic reactions
- Headaches and neck pain
- Flu-like symptoms
- Nausea or indigestion
- Muscle weakness
It is extremely rare for a therapeutic injection of it legal Botox causes botulism. The last recorded case was in 2017. Dr. Kahn urges you to have the injection only by a licensed healthcare provider in a medical setting.
“Back-alley Botox” providers often use counterfeit products that are unsafe. In other cases, they use the toxin incorrectly, with potentially fatal consequences for their clients. It’s a big enough problem that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning about this April 2024.
Bottom line? Whether Botox could help your TMD is TBD. But don’t let the uncertainty keep you from talking to a provider. If jaw pain makes eating, singing or laughing uncomfortable, it’s worth knowing your options.
