{"id":543,"date":"2015-10-01T16:13:19","date_gmt":"2015-10-01T23:13:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dentox.com\/botox-edu-news\/?p=543"},"modified":"2015-09-01T16:32:26","modified_gmt":"2015-09-01T23:32:26","slug":"botox-and-how-it-works","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dentox.com\/botox-edu-news\/botox-and-how-it-works\/","title":{"rendered":"Botox and How it Works"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"doctorBotulinum toxin, more commonly known as Botox, is a neurotoxin created by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. \u00a0Botox is used to treat some types of muscle-related conditions and to remove wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing the tiny muscles in the face. \u00a0While Botox is the most well-known form of botulinum toxin type A, it is also available under the names Dysport and Bocouture. \u00a0A second type of botulinum toxin, type B, is available under the name Myobloc.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some important points about Botox<\/span><\/h2>\n

Botox is used more than 6 million times every year in cosmetic procedures, making it the most popular cosmetic treatment. \u00a0It works by paralyzing the small muscles responsible for formation of wrinkles.<\/span><\/p>\n

Botox can also be used to treat migraines, excessive sweating, some muscle-related \u00a0disorders, and some bladder and bowel conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

The bacteria that produces botulinum toxin is found in the environment, especially the soil. \u00a0Environmentally, it is largely inactive. \u00a0However, it can cause botulism, a potentially fatal infection that causes respiratory failure. \u00a0A single gram can kill more than a million people, while two kilograms would be sufficient to kill the entire human population.<\/span><\/p>\n

History of Botox<\/span><\/h2>\n

The bacteria that produces botulinum toxin is found in an inactive state in the soil and in sediment of untreated bodies of water. \u00a0It also lives in the intestinal tracts of many mammals, in the gills of fish, and in the organs of many shellfish. \u00a0The bacteria and its spores are generally harmless. \u00a0They only become a problem when the bacteria cells begin producing the toxin, usually when cell populations increase to a certain point.<\/span><\/p>\n

Neurotoxins are so named because they target the nervous system and disrupt communication between the neurons. \u00a0botulinum toxin is divided into eight different types. \u00a0Of those, subtypes A, B, E, and occasionally F are the types that cause botulism in humans, while the others illness in other animals.<\/span><\/p>\n

Botulinum toxin is thought to be among the most highly poisonous substances known. \u00a0It has been estimated that one gram could be lethal to approximately a million people. \u00a0Untreated, botulism can cause respiratory failure and can be fatal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Botulinum toxin is a classic example of the idea that it is the dose that makes a substance poisonous. \u00a0Botulinum toxin has been used to treat a variety of muscle-related conditions, including cerebral palsy, as well as migraines and certain bladder and bowel conditions. \u00a0However, the most popular use of the toxin is to paralyze the small muscles under the skin of the face to minimize wrinkles. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Clinical use of botulinum toxin is based on the ability of the toxin to block nerve signals from reaching the targeted muscles so they are unable to contract.<\/span><\/p>\n

Muscle contraction is caused when nearby nerves release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. \u00a0The acetylcholine binds to receptors on the cells of the muscle, telling it to shorten. \u00a0Botulinum toxin prevents the neurons from releasing acetylcholine.<\/span><\/p>\n

Uses of botulinum toxin<\/span><\/h2>\n

Most people know of Botox as a cosmetic procedure for reducing wrinkles, especially around the eyes, but Botox has been approved for many other uses, including:<\/span><\/p>\n