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 muscular as well as nerve pain.

Does Botox® fix TMJ disorders?
Each case is unique and there are certainly cases which respond well to only one treatment modality like Botox® while others require a synergy of modalities for the best effect. Some of the factors to consider when selecting the use of Botox® are:

• Mechanism of action (proposed)
• Is it purpose of it’s use for spasms or 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