Botulinum Toxin: Dentistry Insight

Botulinum toxin is the first biologic toxin to be used in the treatment of human diseases. It is a minimally invasive, revolutionary and a novel approach to treat several orofacial disorders. It is produced by autolysis of gram positive anaerobic bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. Botulinum toxin is lethal and is well known for its lingering threat of bioterrorism which is associated with it. On the other hand it has a therapeutic potential when injected in minute quantities in hyperactive muscles. Over the past two decades the cosmetic and non - cosmetic uses of botulinum toxin in the orofacial region has gained wide popularity. The purpose of this article is to overview the tortuous course of botulinum toxin from its discovery as a lethal toxin to its cosmetic and non- cosmetic enhancement roles in the perioral region and to determine its usefulness and effectiveness in wide range of orofacial disorders.