When used well, however, neurotoxins can also have positive, therapeutic effects in humans. Botox, of course, is a great example. The primary trait of Botox is its ability to cause muscle paralysis, which is why it has come to enjoy prevalent use in medicine, cosmetics and research.
Specifically, Botox is used to treat disorders characterized by hyperactive muscles. Put simply, Botox works by weakening or relaxing an underlying muscle that pulls too strongly in one way or another. We often think of muscles in the upper third of the face when we think of Botox being used. Other examples include reducing the activity of clenching muscles in the vocal cords, jaw, urinary tract, bladder, chin, lip and cheeks.
Dental Applications – Clenching and Bruxing
It shouldn’t surprise you to learn that Botox is used commonly in dentistry for a range of purposes. For example, many of us have a clenching or bruxing habit, which means that we grind our teeth while asleep or awake. Plenty of factors lead to this habit – medication side effects, stress and anxiety, sleep disorders, and problems with missing or crooked teeth – all of which lead back to hyperactivity in the muscles that operate the jaw. Research shows that injecting Botox into these muscles can help reduce clenching. With that said, Botox would have to be injected semi-regularly (every three to six months) to maintain results.