Experts estimate that some 10 million people in the United States alone suffer with TMJ disorder, and roughly 90% of these individuals are women. Most women are familiar with the aesthetic benefits that Botox can provide, but few take the time to realize that Botox injections could help them manage their TMJ pain as well.

Here are three ways that you can benefit from asking your dentist about using Botox as a form of treatment for your TMJ in the future.

1. Experience relief from TMJ headaches.

The clenching of the jaw that is associated with TMJ can often result in painful and chronic headaches. If you have been experiencing headaches that interfere with your ability to lead a normal life, then you may want to talk to your dentist about the possibility of using Botox to treat these TMJ-induced headaches.

Injections of Botox help to relax the muscles responsible for the clenching associated with TMJ, helping you find relief from the headaches this clenching causes.

2. Chew without pain.

When the muscles that help regulate the function of your jaw are constantly being clenches (as is the case with TMJ sufferers), it can become extremely painful to open and close your mouth. This makes eating a challenge, since the pain associated with chewing can be debilitating.

When you make the choice to utilize Botox injections to help relax the muscles that regulate jaw function, you can reduce the amount of pain you feel when the jaw opens and closes. This allows you to eat without discomfort, giving you the ability to enjoy mealtimes once again.

3. Correct jaw alignment.

Many women who suffer from TMJ can begin to notice the alignment of their jaw bone become distorted over time. This is caused by the constant clenching of the muscles that regulate jaw movement.

Misalignment of the jaw can cause serious dental problems, but relaxing the clenched muscles caused by TMJ can be beneficial in allowing the jaw to move back into proper alignment. Be sure to ask your dentist if your jaw alignment can be corrected using Botox to treat your TMJ.

Finding ways to relieve the pain and discomfort caused by TMJ is a priority for those women suffering with this condition. You can alleviate your own headaches, reduce pain while chewing, and correct the alignment of your jaw by opting to use Botox injections to manage your TMJ in the future.

For more information and options, talk with a dentist, such as those at Cazes Family Dentistry LLC.