The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located right where your jaw meets your skull. This joint lets you talk, chew, eat, swallow, smile, and more. But the temporomandibular joint can also be a site of pain and discomfort. If you have a TMJ disorder, Botox can help
## What Are TMJ Disorders?
TMJ disorders affect the temporomandibular joints, the jaw muscles, and the surrounding nerves. These disorders are often caused by teeth grinding or jaw clenching. Injuries, stress, or even arthritis can also cause TMJ pain.

Chronic TMJ disorders cause discomfort in the TMJ joints and pain or tension in the jaw muscles. These areas may be tender to the touch, and you might notice pain or discomfort when chewing or talking. TMJ disorders can also cause neck and shoulder pain, as well as chronic headache pain. Some people also experience earaches, tenderness in the lower face, and jaw locking or clicking.
## Botox Can Treat TMJ Pain
Botox is a popular age-defying treatment that can smooth wrinkles and give you a fresh new look. But Botox can also treat muscle pain and tension. It will lessen jaw aches and even stop you from grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw. Botox will alleviate jaw pain by relaxing the muscles around your jaw. 

So how does it work? Botox sinks into targeted facial muscles, relaxing these muscles so they stop moving. Botox blocks acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that helps relay messages from the brain to the muscles. With less acetylcholine available, messages from the brain don’t make it to the targeted muscle. This can prevent muscle contractions and tension and relieve teeth grinding, clenching, and TMJ pain or tenderness. 
## You Can Still Move Your Jaw
Worried that Botox will freeze your face? When you get Botox injections from a trained professional, you won’t need to worry about Botox side effects. At the right dose, Botox will prevent unconscious tension and muscle movement in your jaw that’s causing pain. You won’t clench your jaw or grind your teeth during the night. However, you will still be able to talk, eat, chew, and move your jaw muscles.

Botox reduces pain, improves function, and can even make it easier to open your mouth with no pain or discomfort. 
## What to Expect During Treatment
When you get Botox for TMJ pain, you can expect Botox injections in several key locations. Botox will be injected into the temporalis, frontal and masseter muscles so that all these muscles will relax. Botox will treat jaw pain, decrease headaches, and ease other symptoms.

Your Botox appointment will take under 30 minutes, and you’ll enjoy results for three to six months.
## How Often Should You Get Botox?
When you first start treating TMJ disorders with Botox, you may need treatments every three to six months. But after a year or two of treatment, you will start to notice some longer-term effects. Over time, your jaw muscles naturally relax, so even without Botox, you won’t experience as much pain or clenching. You may only need Botox injections once or twice per year. 

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