Botulism Otherwise known as botulinum toxin, botulinum, botulinotoxin or botox. Botulism is a purified protein that is extracted from the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is used in aesthetic medicine to safely smoothing out mimic wrinkles. Botox is used to treat bruxism. By temporarily blocking neuromuscular conduction, it relaxes and relaxes tense muscles. Reduces excessive masseter clenching and grinding and gnashing of teeth.