Botox® is well-known for resolving wrinkles and signs of aging, but its applications don’t stop there. This powerful compound is increasingly popular in dental care since it controls overactive muscles that contribute to a variety of oral health issues. Here's a closer look at the most common reasons a dentist will recommend this safe treatment.

What Dental Health Issues Benefit From Botox?

1. Misaligned Teeth

A complex network of muscles, ligaments, and tendons surrounds your mouth and jaw. These create tremendous force that can sometimes pull teeth out of alignment. 

The pressure may also prevent braces from realigning your teeth because the balance of counterforce is disrupted. To address misalignment, a dental care professional will inject a small amount of Botox to relax those muscles so that the orthodontics can shift the teeth to the correct position.

2. Bruxism

Better known as teeth grinding, this condition wears down tooth enamel and causes structural damage. The risk of tooth decay can also increase when enamel is reduced. Many people unknowingly grind their teeth at night or when they’re stressed, and overactive muscles around the mouth are often the cause. 

The right quantity of Botox calms them, successfully resulting in less pain and tooth sensitivity. If you have an issue with grinding your teeth, a dentist may also have you wear a custom-fit mouthguard while you sleep for added protection.

3. TMJ

The temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone and skull. Joint-related stiffness and pain, commonly called TMJ, occurs when the joint is inflamed and can be a chronic problem for some people. Botox can help you achieve short- and long-term pain relief by paralyzing overactive jaw muscles. Patients find they’re able to move their jaw much more easily when chewing and speaking after an injection.

If you want to try Botox for dental care, contact the office of Nicholas J. Hurley D.D.S., P.A. This Thomasville, NC, dentist is committed to providing patients with a range of innovative treatment options, advice, and education. Dr. Hurley offers preventive and cosmetic dentistry services, including teeth cleanings, restorations, and dental implants. Learn about his Six Month Smiles program on his website or call (336) 476-1109 to schedule an exam. Find more dental care insights on the practice's Facebook page.