Are you finding that when you wake up in the morning, your jaw is tight and sore? Or that it cracks and is painful to open all the way? You may be struggling with TMJ discomfort, which is the shortened way to say temporomandibular joints – the pair of joints that connect your jaw to your skull.
This is a common ailment! It can be caused by anything from a toothache due to a cavity, to cracked or crowded teeth that are causing a lot of sensitivity, to gum disease, or, quite often, grinding and clenching your jaw.
If this sounds like you, your dentist is a great person to talk to first. We can quickly identify what is causing the discomfort, so that you can get the treatment you need.
Where does Botox fit in?
Traditionally, dentists have relied on a combination of direct dental treatment (to address cavities, crowding, encroaching wisdom teeth, etc), prescribing pain relief medication, and referring patients to a physiotherapist who can help with exercises and stretching.
Meanwhile, Botox has long been known for cosmetic purposes – tightening up fine lines and wrinkles and lifting parts of the face and neck to create a youthful aesthetic and reshape the face. However, it is also a great addition to TMJ treatment, especially when grinding and clenching are the main culprits.
Here are 3 reasons your dentist may use Botox to treat your jaw pain.
1. Botox relaxes muscles. While Botox is best used alongside other treatments, it can alleviate your worst symptoms all by itself. This is because it relaxes the muscles that are tight and painful, and dissuades more bruxism, or teeth grinding.
2. Botox provides immediate and non-invasive relief. This procedure is effective and non-invasive compared to other surgical procedures. When coupled with other therapies, it makes the process of treating TMJ pain much easier.
3. Botox can replace the need for pain relief medication. Drugs can produce some annoying side effects when taken consistently. For many people, Botox not only prevents further tightness in their TMJ, but replaces the need to consistently take pain relief medication to ward off their jaw pain.
The added bonus of Botox!
If you are interested in getting cosmetic, rather than therapeutic Botox treatments, your dentist is a great place to do this. Dentists trained in Botox treatments are especially skilled.
Not only does Botox help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but it can also change the appearance of your face shape, as well as other added aesthetic benefits.
We are excited to announce that we are now offering Botox treatments at Vivo Dental!
If you are interested in exploring what Botox can do for you and your oral health, book a consultation today. We can’t wait to meet you and your smile.