BOTULINUM TOXIN FOR THERAPEUTIC PURPOSES

Abstract

Introduction: Botulinum toxin is considered a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is widely known for its aesthetic application, but its therapeutic use has expanded significantly. Objective: To analyze the association of botulinum toxin with therapeutic purposes in dentistry. Methodology: This is an exploratory bibliographic research of a descriptive nature carried out using the PubMed/Medline, Virtual Health Library and SciELO databases. The search for articles was carried out using the descriptors: “Type A Botulinum Toxins”, “Quality of Life”, “Therapeutic Uses”, “Dentistry”, and as inclusion criteria original articles and literature reviews in Portuguese and English were selected. and Spanish, between the years 2009 and 2023. Results: Botulinum toxin has an action based on inhibiting the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, resulting in temporary paralysis of the muscles. This makes it useful in treating conditions such as muscle spasms, dystonia and spasticity, as well as less common conditions such as chronic migraines and hyperhidrosis. Administration is generally done by local injections and effectiveness may vary depending on the condition treated and the dose used. Although botulinum toxin is generally safe, potential side effects include localized muscle weakness, pain at the injection site, and, on rare occasions, serious allergic reactions. Therefore, continuous clinical monitoring is essential to adjust the dosage and minimize risks. Conclusion: With this, it is concluded that the therapeutic use of botulinum toxin continues to expand, as new research and applications emerge, the understanding and use of botulinum toxin continues to evolve, promising continued advances in its efficacy and safety. Thus, offering significant benefits for a variety of medical conditions, improving the quality of life for many patients.