Therapy and aesthetics achieved by a toxin- Botulinum: A comprehensive review

Botox is a drug derived from clostridium botulinum which is the same bacteria from which food poisoning is caused. It had been accepted long back for the treatment of lines and wrinkles. The only FDA approved uses of Botox were for abnormal muscle spasms of the eyelids (blepharospasm) and crossed eyes (strabismus). Since then this botulinum A and seven other forms of the botulinum toxin, have been continuously tested and researched on the toxin inhibits the release of acetylcholine (ACH) which is a neurotransmitter responsible for the activation of muscle contractions and glandular secretions, and its administration results in the reduction of tone in the injected muscles. The use of Botox is a procedure which is minimally invasive and is showing quite promising results in the management of muscle-generated dental diseases like Temporomandibular disorders, bruxism, clenching, masseter hypertrophy etc. Also being used to treat functional or esthetic dental conditions like deep nasolabial folds, radial lip lines, high lip line and black triangles between teeth and a lot more.