Submandibular gland Botox involves injecting botulinum toxin into the submandibular salivary glands. This non-surgical treatment aims to reduce excessive saliva production, a condition known as sialorrhea or drooling. It provides relief for individuals challenged by uncontrolled saliva flow.
Understanding the Submandibular Gland
The submandibular glands are a pair of major salivary glands located beneath the floor of the mouth, nestled under the jawbone. These glands, along with the parotid and sublingual glands, are responsible for producing saliva, a fluid that plays a role in digestion and maintaining oral health. The submandibular glands contribute significantly to unstimulated saliva production, accounting for approximately 60-70% of the total volume.
Saliva is a complex fluid that helps lubricate the mouth, moisten food, and initiate the digestion of starches through enzymes like salivary amylase. It also aids in swallowing by coating the food bolus and contributes to oral hygiene by neutralizing bacteria. The submandibular glands produce both serous (watery) and mucous (thicker) secretions, making their output a mixed type of saliva.
Medical Applications for Treatment
Submandibular gland Botox addresses chronic sialorrhea, or excessive drooling, especially when linked to neurological disorders. Conditions like Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), stroke, and traumatic brain injury can disrupt swallowing and saliva management, leading to persistent drooling. This excessive saliva can cause social embarrassment, skin irritation, and an increased risk of aspirating saliva into the lungs, potentially leading to respiratory complications.
The treatment is considered when other conventional approaches, such as oral medications (e.g., anticholinergic drugs) or behavioral therapies, have not been effective or have caused undesirable side effects. Anticholinergic medications can reduce saliva production but often have widespread side effects like dry mouth, drowsiness, blurred vision, and constipation, which may be poorly tolerated. Botulinum toxin injections offer a localized approach to manage sialorrhea when systemic treatments are not suitable or sufficient.
The Procedure and What to Expect
Submandibular gland Botox injections are an outpatient procedure performed in a medical office. The botulinum toxin blocks the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that signals salivary glands to produce saliva. This temporary interruption of nerve signals reduces the gland’s ability to secrete saliva, decreasing overall saliva production.
Before injections, a medical professional conducts a consultation, reviewing the patient’s medical history and medications to ensure suitability. The injection process is quick, taking only a few minutes per gland. Ultrasound guidance may be used to enhance precision, ensuring accurate toxin delivery. Patients experience minimal discomfort, described as a mild pinch, and a local anesthetic may be offered. After the procedure, there is no downtime, and individuals can resume normal activities immediately, though some mild soreness at the injection sites might occur.
Outcomes and Potential Considerations
Following submandibular gland Botox injections, effects on saliva production become noticeable within a few days to a week. The reduction in drooling can last for an average of 3 to 6 months, with some effects persisting up to 9 months. As the toxin’s effects are temporary, repeat injections are needed to maintain saliva flow reduction. Injections are not recommended more frequently than every 16 weeks.
While well-tolerated, some temporary side effects can occur. These may include dry mouth or a change in saliva consistency, which might feel thicker. Mild difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or changes in taste have been reported in a small percentage of cases, but serious side effects are rare. Contraindications include certain neurological conditions, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or an active infection at the injection site. A thorough discussion with a qualified medical professional is important before the procedure.