Botox for Jaw Pain: Weighing the Benefits, Risks, and Alternatives

For those experiencing jaw pain, stiffness, or teeth clenching, Botox may seem like a tempting quick fix. It’s often recommended by friends, Google, cosmetic injectors, and sometimes medical specialists and dentists — but does it actually help? And how does it compare to physiotherapy for jaw pain?

At our clinic, we’re often asked these questions. Many of our patients come to us after hearing about Botox from a friend or another health professional. Some have tried it already, with varying results.

Botox for Jaw Pain

What Botox Does for Jaw Pain

Botox (botulinum toxin) works by temporarily relaxing the muscles that contribute to jaw tension — typically the masseter and temporalis muscles. The idea is that if these muscles can’t contract as strongly, symptoms like clenching, grinding, and associated pain may be reduced.

For some people, this approach can help — particularly when the pain is linked to muscle overactivity. One of our patients, for example, experienced limited progress with physiotherapy alone but noticed improvement after Botox injections to the masseter and temporalis muscles. With follow-up physiotherapy, she achieved a much better overall result.

However, this isn’t the norm for everyone. Another patient, whose rheumatologist recommended Botox, noticed little benefit two weeks after the injections. Interestingly, she’d experienced more significant relief after a physiotherapy treatment.

These examples highlight what research also shows: results can vary greatly, depending on each person’s underlying drivers of pain, the chronicity of their condition, and how their jaw, neck, and posture interact.

What the Research Says

Research into Botox for jaw pain (or temporomandibular disorders, TMD) has produced mixed results.

• Some clinical trials and reviews report that Botox can reduce muscle-related jaw pain and improve mouth opening, particularly in people with overactive or enlarged jaw muscles.

• Other studies find little or no difference between Botox and placebo, and long-term outcomes are unclear.

• Repeated use may carry small risks such as muscle weakness or changes in muscle balance.

  
  

In contrast, physiotherapy consistently shows benefit in studies of jaw pain. Exercise, manual therapy, dry needling and education have all been shown to reduce pain, improve jaw movement, and support lasting recovery — without the side effects associated with injections.

In short: Botox may help some individuals in the short term, but physiotherapy remains the safer and more reliable first-line option for most people.

Advantages of Botox for Jaw Pain

• May reduce excessive clenching or grinding for some people

• Can temporarily ease muscle-related tension and pain

• May support physiotherapy progress in selected cases

  
  

Disadvantages and Risks

• Relief is usually temporary (typically 3–4 months), meaning ongoing injections are required

• Potential side effects include weakness, facial asymmetry, or difficulty chewing

• Does not address underlying causes — joint loading, posture, habits, or stress

• Cost can add up over time, especially if repeated treatments are needed

  
  

The Physiotherapy Alternative

Physiotherapy targets the root causes of jaw pain rather than just the muscle tension. A tailored treatment plan may include:

• Manual therapy to improve joint mobility and ease stiffness

• Dry needling or acupuncture for muscle tension and trigger points

• Targeted exercises to restore balance and control

• Education and self-management strategies to prevent recurrence

  
  

From our clinical experience, patients who complete a full course of physiotherapy — usually six to eight sessions — often achieve lasting relief without the need for Botox or other additional interventions.

Cost, Safety, and Time Considerations

In practical terms, Botox and physiotherapy differ in several key ways. Botox injections usually need to be repeated every three to four months, which can make them a more expensive long-term option. They’re generally safe when performed by qualified practitioners, but may cause short-term side effects such as facial weakness, chewing difficulty, or temporary asymmetry.

Physiotherapy, on the other hand, is a short course of care — often six to eight sessions over four to eight weeks. It’s non-invasive, safe, and focuses on long-term improvement rather than temporary relief. While the initial investment of time and effort may be greater, most people find that the results last longer and reduce the need for future treatment.

The Bottom Line

Botox can be helpful for a small subset of patients, especially when muscle overactivity is a key driver of jaw pain. But for most, physiotherapy offers a more sustainable solution — one that restores function, reduces pain, and builds long-term confidence in how the jaw moves.

If you’re unsure which option is right for you, we’re happy to help you make an informed choice.

By Simon Coghlan