Stress can manifest in many different ways, including in your mouth. The most common showing is through TMJ (the temporomandibular joint). You have two temporomandibular joints, one on each side of your mouth, which connects your jawbone to your skull. These joints produce a hinge-like motion that allows you to open and close your mouth, chew food, yawn, and control other jaw movements. 

When someone is under a great deal of stress, they may clench their jaw or grind their teeth, often subconsciously. This causes their TMJ to lock up, and they find it difficult to open their mouth or eat food. Because these movements are done without the person knowing, it can be a hard habit to break. 

Luckily, there are many fixes to TMJ pain. Many dentists recommend custom mouth guards to wear at night, reducing the chance of grinding teeth while asleep. However, if the issue is from grinding your teeth during the day or clenching your jaw, a mouth guard probably won’t work for you. If that’s the case, Botox may be the answer for you. 

Botox is no longer used for purely cosmetic reasons; it can now be used to treat migraines, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), and TMJ pain. Another bonus is that Botox keeps you off of hard prescription pills. At Cakmes Dental Studio, we will never choose to prescribe prescription pills unless that’s our last resort. With TMJ pain, Botox is safer and more effective, so it’s our preferred route. 

The primary use of Botox is to relax facial muscles, whether in a cosmetic way to reduce forehead wrinkles or in a pain-management way to prevent jaw pain or lockjaw. Botox blocks nerve signals to the brain, which allows the specific area targeted to relax. When we inject Botox into your strained muscle, it will have a relaxing effect, and you will no longer feel the need to clench your jaw or grind your teeth. In addition, the Botox will work to decrease spasms which will limit lockjaw and create a wider range of motion. 

Botox can be performed in our office in just one treatment, and many people start to feel relief within five to ten days. If you or someone you know is suffering from TMJ pain due to stress, it may be time to consider Botox as a solution. Call us to set up a consultation to determine if Botox is the best option. It’s important to know your options during Stress Awareness Month and beyond.

Botox is very well known in society for its ability to lift the skin of the face and create a younger-looking complexion. Lately, multiple studies have proven that Botox can actually help people who suffer from severe migraines several times a month. While this breakthrough wow-ed the industry, it also opened several doors to explore the possibilities of other health benefits or treatments that Botox can provide. Thanks to this, there is now evidence that links Botox to treating TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorder) pain and disorders. 

The TMJ muscles in the jaw are used very often throughout the day. Eating, talking, and swallowing are all actions that require the use of this muscle. Sometimes, when this muscle is overworked or irritated due to teeth grinding or too much activity, severe pain can follow. Botox can be used to reduce this pain when Botox is injected in the TMJ area. Essentially, the Botox prevents involuntary movement of the jaw (i.e. teeth grinding) to prevent further irritation and pain. All patients who seek Botox treatment for TMJ pain typically see successful results very quickly. Plus, this procedure is not invasive at all – there is very little downtime and only temporary mild discomfort. You can get back to work right after your procedure!

Do you have deep smile lines that you feel take away from the natural beauty of your face? Do you feel like your smile lines age you? Botox can also reduce the appearance of smile lines. This includes cheek lines, chin lines, and the dreaded crow’s feet. You shouldn’t have to feel like smiling or laughing is causing your face to age. Botox can help you smile confidently and keep you from worrying – your beautiful smile is not causing wrinkles!

If you are experiencing TMJ pain, you want to get rid of your smile lines, or you would like a full face consult, talk to your dentist to get a professional opinion. There are other options available to treat TMJ problems that, in some cases, should be explored before resorting to Botox. Contact Cakmes Dental Studio today to schedule your next appointment. We provide elite dental care and expert advice. We look forward to meeting you and determining if Botox can help you in any way.