Botulinum toxin (commonly known as Botox®) is an effective treatment for jaw and head pain. Botox® can help severe teeth grinding by reducing the frequency or intensity (or both) of jaw muscle contractions. It can also reduce pain in the region, and studies have shown that it can reduce both muscular and nerve pain.

Does Botox® fix TMJ disorders?

Each case is unique, and there are certainly cases that respond well to a treatment modality like Botox®, while others require a synergy of modalities for the best effect.

Some factors to consider when selecting the use of Botox® are:

• Mechanism of action (proposed)
• Is the purpose of its use to treat spasms, pain, or behavior?
• Side effects/negatives
  • Can cause facial asymmetry (reversible in 3-4 months) and weakness
  • Often requires repeated injections
  • Some new studies show changes in bone density around the injection site
  • Expensive relative to other injections