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Your jaw is one of the most complex joints in your body. It can move in and out, up and down, and side to side. This hinge joint 一 your temporomandibular joint 一 makes it possible to eat, smile, and talk.
Unfortunately, more than 10 million people live with jaw pain. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders make everyday activities painful and difficult.
Surprisingly, Botox® injections aren’t just for reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Botox injections can also help alleviate jaw discomfort, and they’re available here at Ardsley Dental Spa in Ardsley, New York.
Here’s what you need to know about treating your jaw pain with Botox.
Simply put, Botox relaxes inflamed muscles that make TMJ disorder worse. Botox is a neurotoxin, which means it excels at relaxing targeted muscles.
With jaw pain, Botox works to ease tension and relax your temporalis muscle, which runs from your temporal bone to your cheekbone. When this muscle is irritated or tense, your TMJ symptoms worsen.
Botox can also relax your masseter muscles, i.e., your jaw muscles. These muscles run down your cheek and play a key role when you eat and open or close your mouth. Botox reduces tension in these muscles.
According to research published in a French journal, Botox injections provide improved jaw functionality, relief from chronic jaw pain, and reduced muscle tension for up to three months post-injection.
Researchers also noted that people who had struggled with jaw pain reported that Botox (and the subsequent pain relief) contributed to an improved psychological state.
Botox can also help address bruxism and headaches. Bruxism (teeth grinding) is a risk factor for jaw pain. Botox injections can help treat bruxism, thus preventing bruxism-related TMJ pain.
Swelling and inflammation in your TMJ joint can spread to other muscles and ligaments in your jaw. Tight muscles can spasm and cause tension headaches. Botox injections can reduce the intensity and frequency of tension headaches related to TMJ pain.
In addition to Botox injections, at-home modifications can help target the root cause of your jaw pain. Poor posture and malocclusion (misaligned teeth) can also contribute to jaw pain.
During your consultation, our team explores all potential causes of your jaw pain before recommending the right course of action. You may find that multiple treatments, such as wearing a night guard for bruxism as well as Botox injections, are a winning combo.
If Botox injections are right for you, Dr. Hinna Chaudhry customizes your treatment plan based on the severity of your symptoms. You might experience temporary redness or bruising at the injection site, but these side effects are mild and typically dissipate quickly.
After your injections, you should feel the affected muscles relax and your jaw pain lessen.
It’s hard 一 if not impossible 一 to ignore jaw pain. If you notice any of the following, let us know:
To learn more about treatment for jaw pain and find out if Botox injections are right for you, call Ardsley Dental Spa at 914-348-9815 today. You can also request an appointment online.
