Considering Botox To Help With TMJ Dysfunction? Read This First

If painful and disabling, Botox may provide temporary relief of jaw and facial pain. The FDA has not approved its use for TMJ Dysfunction, however a medical doctor can prescribe Botox off label. This should not be your first course of action, nor is it my recommendation as treatment for TMJ Dysfunction.

Some Things To Consider:

💉 Botox is a bandade solution for pain relief and does not address root cause of your symptoms

💉 Botox is temporary, lasting 3-4 months

💉 Botox is expensive. It is not covered under OHIP

💉 Botox may cause bruising, swelling, muscle pain, infection at injection sites, allergic reaction, and facial paralysis

💉 Some research suggest that Botox injections may cause bone density loss. This is due to muscle not being used to exert force needed for bone remodeling. Botox may also have a direct effect on bone resorption, the process of breaking down bone tissue.

The Best Way To Treat TMJ Dysfunction:

1. Lifestyle modifications such as sleep posture, chewing balance, posture, stress reduction techniques, supplements and diet. This is discussed during your visit once we determine what your root cause is.

2. Frequent manual therapy is recommended for a minimum of two months, by a highly skilled therapist specializing in TMJD assessment and rehabilitation. The soft tissues of the jaw, head, and neck need support. This is our specialty focus at The Treatment. You can schedule an appointment online. Link in bio.

3. Rehabilitative exercises to do at home, given to you on your initial visit. Consistency is key to achieving results.

4. An oral appliance may also be helpful.

5. Sometimes a second treatment modality may be helpful as adjunctive therapy.