Botox (botulinum toxins) is an injection of drug that is made from a highly purified protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum that relaxes muscles. It does not affect the muscles themselves – it blocks the transmitters between the nerves that move the muscles so that the muscles cannot contract. It is often used for reducing wrinkles and restoring a more youthful appearance, but it can also be used in a non-surgical way to treat head aches and muscle tension associated with teeth grinding and TMD. When it is injected into the facial muscles, it prevents the muscles from contracting and helps them relax. Aesthetically, this can smooth skin and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Botox can also work to help adjust your lip shape, sculpt your smile, and smooth wrinkles around your mouth. As a treatment for TMD/Bruxism, it relaxes muscles used to clench or grind, thereby lessening the resulting pain.