Anybody who’s heard the term “botox” knows that it is a commonly used cosmetic drug that helps get rid of wrinkles and fine lines. Botox is essentially a toxin that paralyzes the muscle it acts upon. The doctor uses it in small doses to offer medical or cosmetic benefits.

What is Botox?

Botox is a protein extracted from a bacteria named C.Botulinum bacteria that can be found in natural environments such as soil, forests, lakes, and intestinal tracts of fish and mammals. These are typically harmless unless they reproduce and increase in number. It is when they begin to produce the Botulinum toxin, a rare but fatal foodborne ailment is caused. However, in a laboratory setting, botox is harvested, separated, and purified so as to make it safe and effective for medical use.

How does Botox work?

Being a neurotoxin, Botox targets and temporarily disrupts the signaling process that causes muscles to contract. The Botox molecules latch onto nerve endings where the chemical messenger responsible for causing muscle contraction resides. Botox prevents acetylcholine from acting and makes the muscles less stiff. The effect of Botox, however, may wear off, and multiple doses may have to be administered to receive the desired results.

Botox Usage

Botox is popularly known for its cosmetic benefits and is used to eliminate wrinkles on the face. Dermal fillers, on the other hand, also treat wrinkles on the face but are mostly used to treat smile lines and to plump up cheeks or lips.

Botox is also a popular solution for migraine headaches suffered by patients consistently. The shots are typically given around the neck and head in equal numbers on either side of the head. After a total of 30 to 40 shots and 2-3 weeks post-treatment, results can be noticed.

Botox is used in the dental setting to treat Temporomandibular Disorder, trismus, to correct parafunctional clenching, and treat headaches. Botox in a dental office is typically a part of a comprehensive plan and not an exclusive treatment. Only dental professionals with appropriate training administer Botox considering the safety of patients.