Can Botox Effectively Reduce TMJ Pain

Jaw tension, clicking, or pain near the ears can be signs of a condition called TMJ disorder. It affects the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jawbone to the skull. Over time, this discomfort can lead to headaches, difficulty chewing, or even jaw locking.

Botox is widely used in cosmetic treatments, but it is also being used in other ways, such as for treating TMJ-related pain. This use is not new, but in 2025, more people are asking if Botox really works for TMJ and how it compares to other options.

This article explores what current evidence shows about Botox and TMJ pain. It provides clear answers based on research and clinical outcomes.

Does Botox Reduce TMJ Pain And Tension

Yes, Botox can help reduce TMJ pain for many patients. It works best for people whose pain comes from overactive jaw muscles that cause clenching or grinding.

Research shows that about 70-90% of people with muscle-related TMJ pain feel better after Botox treatment. Most notice improvement within a few days to two weeks after getting injections.

Botox relaxes the jaw muscles that contribute to tension and pain. When these muscles calm down, the joint experiences less stress during everyday movements like talking and eating.

• Best for muscle tension: Botox works better for TMJ pain caused by muscle problems rather than joint damage

• Temporary solution: Effects typically last 3-4 months before another treatment is needed

• Variable results: Some people get significant relief while others might see minimal improvement

What Is TMJ, And Why Does It Hurt

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. It's located just in front of each ear. This joint works with several muscles to help you chew, speak, and open and close your mouth.

TMJ disorders (TMD) happen when something goes wrong with the joint or the muscles around it. This can cause pain and make it hard to use your jaw normally.

Several things can cause TMJ pain:

• Teeth grinding or jaw clenching (bruxism)

• Stress that leads to tight jaw muscles

• Injury to the jaw

• Arthritis in the joint

• Disc problems inside the joint

People with TMJ disorders often notice:

• Pain in the jaw, face, or ear area

• Clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth

• Jaw getting stuck or limited movement

• Headaches or neck pain

• Trouble chewing or pain when eating

How Does Botox Help TMJ And Jaw Muscles

Botox is made from a purified protein called botulinum toxin. When injected into muscles, it blocks the nerve signals that tell muscles to contract. This makes the muscles relax and become less active.

For TMJ problems, doctors inject Botox into the masseter and temporalis muscles. These are the main muscles that control jaw movement. The masseter is the large muscle at the angle of your jaw that helps you chew. The temporalis is the fan-shaped muscle on the side of your head that helps close your mouth.

When these muscles can't contract as strongly, they relax. This reduces:

• Jaw clenching

• Teeth grinding

• Muscle tension

• Pressure on the TMJ

Most people start feeling relief from TMJ pain about 3-7 days after getting Botox. The full effect usually happens around 2 weeks after treatment. This timing varies slightly from person to person.

Where Are TMJ Botox Injections Placed

Doctors place TMJ Botox injections in specific jaw muscles that contribute to pain and tension. The treatment targets muscles that may be overworking or putting pressure on the joint.

1. Masseter Muscle

The masseter is a large muscle at the angle of your jaw. You can feel it when you clench your teeth - it bulges out on both sides of your face. This muscle is often the main target for TMJ Botox.

• Location: Back part of the cheek, where the jawbone angles upward

• Function: Provides power for chewing and biting

• Dosage: Usually 20-30 units per side

• Result: Reduces jaw clenching force and related pain

2. Temporalis Muscle

The temporalis is a fan-shaped muscle on the side of your head, above your ear. It works with the masseter to close your jaw.

• Location: Side of the head, above and in front of the ear

• Function: Helps close the jaw and can cause headaches when tight

• Dosage: Typically 10-20 units per side

• Result: Decreases tension headaches related to TMJ

Sometimes doctors also inject other smaller jaw muscles, depending on your specific symptoms. The exact placement and amount of Botox varies based on your muscle size, pain level, and jaw function.

What Are The Side Effects Of TMJ Botox

Like any medical treatment, Botox for TMJ has potential side effects. Most are mild and temporary, lasting only a few days.

Common Side Effects	Rare Side Effects
Bruising at the injection site	Allergic reaction
Mild pain or swelling	Difficulty swallowing
Temporary jaw weakness	Asymmetrical smile
Headache after treatment	Drooping eyelid

The most common side effects happen at the injection site. You might notice small bruises or feel tender for 1-3 days. Some people also experience mild headaches as the muscles adjust to being more relaxed.

Temporary jaw weakness can affect chewing very hard foods for a few days after treatment. This usually resolves quickly as your body adjusts.

The rare side effects typically happen if the Botox spreads beyond the intended muscle. Good injection technique by an experienced provider greatly reduces these risks.

Most side effects go away within a week. If you notice trouble breathing, severe weakness, or signs of an allergic reaction (like hives or swelling), contact a doctor right away.

How Long Does TMJ Botox Relief Last

Botox for TMJ typically provides relief for 3-6 months. After this time, the effects gradually wear off as the nerve signals to the muscles start working normally again.

Several factors affect how long the relief lasts:

• Your metabolism (how quickly your body processes the Botox)

• The severity of your muscle tension

• The dose of Botox used

• Your individual response to treatment

Most people need treatments 2-3 times per year to maintain relief from TMJ symptoms. Your doctor might adjust the timing based on how long your results last.

Some patients notice that after several treatments, their relief lasts longer. This might happen because the muscles become conditioned to being more relaxed, or because they slightly shrink with repeated treatments.

What Does TMJ Botox Cost

The cost of TMJ Botox in the UK typically ranges from £250 to £500 per session. This price reflects what most clinics charge as of mid-2025.

Several factors affect the final price:

• Geographic location (London clinics often charge more)

• Provider experience and qualifications

• Number of units used (more severe cases may need more Botox)

• Whether consultation fees are included

Since treatments need to be repeated every 3-6 months, the yearly cost can add up. Most people need 2-3 treatments per year, making the annual cost between £500-£1,500.

Some clinics offer package deals for multiple sessions, which can reduce the per-treatment cost. Others might charge separately for the consultation and the actual treatment.

When comparing prices, make sure you understand what's included and how many units of Botox you'll receive. The number of units affects both the price and how effective the treatment will be for your TMJ symptoms.

Are There Alternatives To Botox For TMJ

Several non-Botox approaches can help manage TMJ pain. These range from simple at-home techniques to professional treatments.

1. Oral Appliances

Dentists often recommend custom-made oral devices for TMJ problems. These include:

• Night guards: Plastic mouthpieces worn during sleep to prevent teeth grinding and reduce jaw tension

• Splints: Devices that help position the jaw correctly to reduce strain on the joint

These appliances work by creating space between your teeth, relaxing jaw muscles, and preventing grinding. Unlike Botox, they require consistent use (usually nightly) to be effective.

2. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy for TMJ focuses on exercises and techniques to:

• Improve jaw movement

• Strengthen supporting muscles

• Release tension in the jaw, neck, and shoulders

• Correct posture problems that contribute to TMJ pain

A physical therapist might use manual techniques to gently mobilise the joint and teach you exercises to do at home. This approach takes more time and effort than Botox but can provide lasting improvement without injections.

3. Stress Management And Self-Care

Since stress often makes TMJ worse, stress reduction techniques can help:

• Relaxation exercises and deep breathing

• Massage of the jaw muscles

• Applying heat or cold packs to the jaw

• Avoiding hard foods or excessive jaw movements

• Practising good posture

These approaches work best for mild TMJ problems or as complementary treatments alongside other methods.

Moving Forward With TMJ Relief And Confidence

Botox offers a practical option for reducing TMJ pain by relaxing the overactive jaw muscles that often cause discomfort. The treatment works directly on the source of muscle tension without surgery or daily medication.

At Glow By Salina in Petts Wood, Bromley, TMJ Botox treatments are performed with attention to each person's unique jaw structure and symptoms. The clinic's approach focuses on providing pain relief while maintaining normal jaw function for everyday activities.

Before deciding if TMJ Botox is right for you, a consultation can help determine if your symptoms are likely to respond to this treatment. Some people find that combining Botox with other approaches like stress management or night guards provides the most complete relief.

Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Botox

Does masseter Botox for TMJ change face shape?

Masseter Botox can slim the jawline over time as the muscle becomes less bulky, which some people consider a positive side effect alongside pain relief.

Are TMJ Botox injections painful?

Most patients report minimal discomfort during the quick procedure, with many providers using ice or numbing cream to enhance comfort.

Can Botox help with TMJ-related teeth grinding?

Yes, Botox reduces teeth grinding by weakening the jaw muscles responsible for the grinding motion, with most patients noticing improvement within 1-2 weeks.

How soon after TMJ Botox will I notice results?

Most people begin feeling muscle relaxation within 3-7 days, with maximum benefits typically appearing about two weeks after treatment.