The Impact of Neurotoxin Treatment on Your Health

What Are Neurotoxins in Dentistry?

They are medications that relax specific muscles in the face and jaw to treat several dental and facial conditions. The most common neurotoxins in dentistry are botulinum toxin type A, also called Botox, and botulinum toxin type B, or Myobloc.

What Does a Neurotoxin Do to Your Body?

Neurotoxins work by blocking the release of a chemical called acetylcholine. This chemical is responsible for transmitting signals between the nerves and muscles. A neurotoxin causes the targeted muscles to relax, treating a range of conditions, including:

1. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ): Neurotoxins can treat TMJ by relaxing the muscles that control jaw movement to reduce pain and discomfort associated with the condition.
2. Bruxism: Neurotoxins treat teeth grinding by relaxing the muscles involved in the grinding motion, reducing the force placed on the teeth.
3. Gummy smile: Neurotoxins can treat a gummy smile, which features excessive gum tissue that is visible when smiling. Instead of surgery, a cosmetic dentist can use neurotoxin treatment in Elk Grove, CA, to relax the muscles that control the upper lip.
4. Facial wrinkles: Cosmetic dentists near you can employ Neurotoxin treatments to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines around the mouth and lips.

​What Are The 4 Types of Neurotoxins in Dentistry?

Dental experts use 4 main types of neurotoxins to treat patients and transform their smiles. At Laguna Dental & Orthodontics, we employ the first two types of neurotoxins more commonly than the others:

1. Botulinum toxin type A: It is the commonest neurotoxin in dentistry. It is more popular as Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin. This neurotoxin works by blocking the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine to relax the muscles.
2. Botulinum toxin type B: It is a less common alternative neurotoxin, popularly known as Myobloc. It works similarly to botulinum toxin type A but is derived from a different strain of botulinum bacteria.
3. Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists: Dentists generally use this Neurotoxin to a lesser extent than their counterparts. It features a medication that stimulates the alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain to relax the targeted muscles. They are known for treating bruxism.
4. GABA agonists: They are also uncommon, working by stimulating the GABA receptors in the brain to relax muscles.

​How Do You Reduce Neurotoxins?

​Generally, too much of anything will be harmful to your health. The same applies to neurotoxins. Therefore, part of your precaution should be to reduce exposure to neurotoxins after your treatment. Some tips to help include the following:

1. Eat organic food: Neurotoxins are present in pesticides and herbicides commonly used in conventional farming. Opting for organic foods reduces your exposure to these toxins.
2. Filter your water: Some neurotoxins are present in drinking water. Therefore, install a water filtration system in your home to help remove these toxins from your drinking water.
3. Use natural cleaning products: Many cleaning products contain neurotoxins, such as bleach and ammonia. Instead, try using more natural cleaning products, such as vinegar and baking soda, to reduce exposure to these toxins.
4. Avoid certain types of fish: Some fish, such as sharks, swordfish, and king mackerel, may contain high levels of mercury, a neurotoxin. Choose other fish low in mercury, like salmon, trout, and sardines.
5. Be cautious with certain medications: Some medications, like antibiotics and chemotherapy, contain neurotoxins. If they are part of your prescription, discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
6. Use protective gear: If you work in an industry that exposes you to neurotoxins, use protective gear, like gloves and masks, to limit exposure.
7. Get regular dental check-ups: If your treatment involves neurotoxins, such as Botox injections, discuss the potential risks and benefits with your dentist in Elk Grove, CA, beforehand. Further, only receive these treatments from a licensed and trained professional.

​Schedule an Appointment with Our Dentist for Neurotoxin Treatment in Elk Grove, CA

Not just any dentist near you is fit to administer neurotoxin treatment for your mouth. In fact, if you are not careful, you can overexpose yourself to these toxins and risk father health problems. Therefore, schedule an appointment with our dentists in Elk Grove, CA, to learn about neurotoxin treatment for dental problems.