Botox, in today’s day and age, is all but synonymous with beauty. Renowned for its cosmetic applications and ability to eradicate fine lines and wrinkles, Botox may have more of a reputation as a luxury service than it does as a medical treatment.

But what if we told you that Botox can help you live a more comfortable lifestyle altogether?

What Is Botox and How Does It Work?

A neurotoxic byproduct of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, Botox is one of many medications derived from the botulinum toxin, which is most commonly known for causing food poisoning.

But Botox will not make you sick when used effectively.

In fact, the botulinum toxin blocks pain signals between your nerves and your muscles, ultimately relaxing the muscles and leaving you more comfortable. This result is what makes Botox a viable clinical option for many medical conditions, such as migraines excessive sweating, bowel disorders, and more.

Botox and Your Jaw

One of the most common sources of jaw tension and/or pain is teeth grinding and clenching. In fact, did you know that at least 8% of adults experience sleep bruxism, or nightly teeth grinding?

And as if that weren’t bad enough, bruxism can also lead to or worsen temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) — a painful dysfunction of jaw-based joints — as well as headaches and other dental complications.

But Botox can ease those symptoms, according to the American Academy of Facial Aesthetics.

As Botox relaxes the jaw muscles, a patient is less likely to grind their teeth at night, thereby cutting down the likelihood they will experience pain during the day. Even if a patient is suffering from TMJ without consistent grinding, Botox will still soothe and relieve the symptoms of pain

A non-surgical facial procedure, the AAFA describes Botox treatments as “quick, straightforward, and effective.” Patients will also experience noticeable improvements in mere days following their initial injection, though it may take up to a week.

Botox and Your Arthritis

Of late, certain studies have begun to emerge that reveal Botox as an effective treatment for arthritis pain, particularly when injected into the sites of inflamed joints.

Moreover, Botox — by means of reducing pain — serves to improve the overall function of the joints, aiding your ability to go about your daily life with minimal disruption or discomfort.

As previously stated, Botox blocks the transmission of pain signals, making it a potentially effective treatment for arthritic patients.

What Else Do I Need To Know?

Research is still being conducted on the precise effects of Botox on arthritis, though studies are already showing that repeated injections are both safe and effective for long-term chronic joint pain sufferers.

If you are interested in exploring Botox as a means of pain management for your arthritis, speak with us about what dosage will benefit you the most.

And if you have further questions about how Botox can help lead you to a more comfortable and relaxed lifestyle, be sure to contact us at McIlwain Dental Specialists today! With 40 years of proven excellence, we promise we are here for you and your family’s health and happiness.