Botox and autoimmune illness

[Topes009]

Hi all

I was always under the impression that Botox is something to be avoided with autoimmune illnesses such as Hashi’s. However my hygienist suggested it to help with my jaw clenching at night, I said I didn’t think I can because of my illness however she says her mum and sister both have hashi’s and both have Botox for jaw clenching.

Anyone any experience or knowledge of this?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

a mouth guard would be cheaper longterm solution if not got one already

[Buddy195 Administrator]

As SlowDragon has outlined, my night time jaw clenching has been helped by a mouth guard. I’d suggest trying a ‘make at home’ version first (there are many on Amazon) before asking your dentist for a bespoke one. I bought a pack of 4 from Amazon as it took 3 attempts to get the fit right….but (so far) it is helping a lot. I’ve been seeing a chiropractor for neck issues and they think my issues are all related to jaw clenching. I’ve got exercises to do in the day and the night guard for sleep. I’d definitely try this route first before considering Botox!

[Kb3111981]

Hi there

I have no knowledge whether Botox can be used in people with autoimmune diseases however I have a Botox in my jaw every 3 months & I can tell you it’s an absolute game changer if done correctly! Always make sure you use a doctor experienced in this not an aesthetics person. Also I would recommend using the new fast acting Botox as results appear quicker than the regular Botox where it takes a good 2 weeks for all the muscles to slow down fully, they appear to slow down at different paces which can cause discomfort for a while.

In regards to comments below, I wear an SCI sleep clench inhibitor which sits between the front 4 teeth, this is best type of mouth guard. No disrespect to the person who commented on get one from Amazon but absolutely DO NOT, I did this & I was in agony for a week, it has to be fitted properly.

Please be aware mouth guards can actually make things worse for some people! I actually bite on the guard which is why there is a dent in it!

Personally I would recommend the Botox 100% I be been having it for 4 years & it’s by far the thing that helps me the most

[Topes009]

Thanks all. I have a mouth guard from the dentist which helps but doesn’t stop the clenching.

I’ll do some more research re Botox and autoimmune issues.

[Newmummy82]

I’ve been getting botox in my jaw for years after getting TMJ shortly after being diagnosed with Hashi’s. It’s made the world of difference and the pain in my face has totally gone. I got a mouth guard from the dentist but it was useless as it was hard thin plastic and didn’t provide any cushioning for the jaw. I have got one I made myself from Amazon which is softer and provides some support. But you do need a good one, if it’s not moulded well it can cause more issues. I’ve never heard of botox not being recommended for people with autoimmune. Honestly the botox was the best decision ever for me.

[serenfach]

I have been having botox for years for hemi facial spasms on the NHS and it worked really well when I had a good doctor doing it. The current one is not so good, leaving me with drooping in one eye. She liked to inject very near the eye which closed the eye for 3 months. I of course could not drive like this and live miles from shops etc. She was not concerned and wanted to do it again.

I started the botox before my thyroid went south. It takes around 10 days to work and wears off after two months, which is faster than normal but no one has linked it to my thyroid, more likely my EDS. I think the one they use is called Dysport.

[Topes009 in reply to serenfach]

Good grief! The dr thinks that it’s ok to do that to you? I hope you can find another decent dr. Thanks for your reply.

[serenfach]

When I refused to let her inject near the eye, she threw a wobbly and called me names! Unfortunately she is the only one running this clinic for 70 miles! I got my medical records from this clinic and found her notes were completely wrong, dates wrong and not one note signed (a legal requirement). I am keeping my mouth zipped at the moment...

[Topes009 in reply to serenfach]

If you see her again maybe use your phone to record what’s said? Very unprofessional and rude. It doesn’t sound like she should be practicing. Shocking.

[serenfach]

One of those sweet moments when my brain kicked in - she called me "idiosyncratic" and straight away I said if you shorten that it applies to one of us. The nurse got it staight away and had to leave the room with her shoulders shaking!

[Sharoosz in reply to serenfach]

Now there's a comeback - what a beauty! Seems it was wasted on the doctor though. At least the nurse got it - probably made the rounds in the staff, haha.

[Tlflom]

The doc treating your hashi is the person to ask this question and NOT a hygienist who in my country is only a 2 year degree. Until then then an at home mouth guard to see if it helps. If yes, but you want a better pricey one then it seems reasonable.

[Britomartis29]

I do have autoimmune diseases and also do receive medically supervised botox, so I guess it depends on your particular situation? Check with an endocrinologist, perhaps? Also I love my mouth guard, which is an easy and inexpensive way to stop that night time clenching. Daytime, well, that's trickier. Good luck.