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The masseter muscle is a powerful muscle that runs from the cheekbone to the lower jaw and is responsible for chewing and closing the jaw. It is the strongest muscle in the human body based on its weight. When people clench or grind their teeth, they overwork this muscle, which can lead to an enlarged masseter muscle, causing a square jaw appearance and other issues such as teeth grinding, headaches, and jaw pain. To improve the appearance and reduce symptoms, treatments like muscle-relaxing injections and Botox are available. Additionally, exercises like jaw clenching and neck stretches can help strengthen and improve the jawline's definition.
How to improve the masseter muscle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | The masseter muscle is located on either side of the jaw, running from the cheekbone to the lower part of the jaw |
| Function | The primary function of the masseter muscle is mastication (chewing) |
| Issues | Overworking the muscle by clenching or grinding teeth can lead to enlargement, pain, and other issues such as teeth grinding, severe headaches, speech impediment, and sleep deprivation |
| Treatments | Treatments for masseter muscle issues include muscle-relaxing injections, Botox injections, osteopathy, and massage therapy |
| Exercises | Jaw clenching and jaw release exercises can help strengthen and improve flexibility in the masseter muscle |
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What You'll Learn
Jaw clenching exercises
The masseter muscle is a large facial muscle that runs from the cheekbone to the lower jaw and is responsible for the movement of the lower jaw. Clenching or grinding the teeth can overwork this muscle, causing it to enlarge and potentially leading to pain and discomfort. Jaw exercises can help strengthen and relax the masseter muscle, improving its function and reducing related symptoms.
Resisted Opening and Closing Exercises
Place your thumb under your chin and gently push downward as you open and close your mouth. This exercise helps to strengthen the jaw muscles and improve their range of motion.
Tongue Positioning
Place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth, just behind your front teeth. Hold your tongue in this position while slowly opening and closing your mouth. This exercise helps to improve jaw mobility and prevent clenching.
Rhythmic Stabilization Technique
Place two fingers on your chin and open and close your jaw while pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth. This exercise helps to coordinate the movement of the tongue and jaw, improving overall stability.
Axial Extension of the Neck
Lift and lower your chin in a nodding motion while keeping your neck and shoulders relaxed. This exercise helps to improve neck and jaw flexibility.
Shoulder Rolls
Move your shoulders upwards and then roll them backwards in a circular motion. Relaxed shoulders can help reduce tension in the jaw and minimize teeth grinding.
Yawning
Yawn 5-10 times in a row to stretch your jaw muscles and reduce tension in the face. This exercise works well in the shower, as the warm water can help soften the jaw muscles.
It is important to note that while these exercises can help improve jaw clenching and reduce pain associated with the masseter muscle, they may not be suitable for everyone. If you are experiencing severe jaw pain or other related symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional or a physical therapist for personalized advice and treatment options.
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Botox injections
Procedure
The procedure involves injecting botulinum toxin type A into the masseter muscle to relax it. This toxin blocks nerve signals to the muscle, preventing it from moving. Before the procedure, a medical professional will clean the skin and may apply topical anaesthesia to numb the area. They will then insert a thin needle into the muscle and inject the botulinum toxin. The entire injection process usually takes less than a minute.
Results
The results of masseter Botox are typically seen within a few days and last for about three to four months. The treatment can provide significant relief from teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism), reducing the force and frequency of bruxism and minimising pain. It can also help with conditions like temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) by reducing jaw tension and relieving associated headaches.
Side Effects
Masseter Botox is generally considered safe, but there are potential side effects. These can include pain at the injection site, swelling, bruising, flu-like symptoms, and in rare cases, vision changes, numbness, shortness of breath, or trouble swallowing. It is important to choose an experienced healthcare provider to minimise the risk of side effects.
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Muscle relaxing injections
The masseter muscle is a large facial muscle that runs from the cheekbone to the lower jaw, and is the primary muscle used for chewing food. When the masseter contracts, it causes the mandible (lower jaw) to elevate and close. It is also the strongest muscle in the human body relative to its weight, with the capacity to close the teeth with a force of up to 25kg on the incisors or 90kg on the molars.
For those who suffer from pain in the masseter muscle, muscle-relaxing injections are an option to reduce the size of the muscle and alleviate related symptoms. The injections generally take place in a doctor's office and are usually pain-free, with the procedure lasting around 15-30 minutes. The treatment uses botulinum toxin (Botox) to block nerve signals in the masseter, preventing the transmission of chemical messages from the brain to the muscle that tell it to contract. As a result, the muscle relaxes and is unable to move. This can help to stop the jaw and teeth from involuntarily clenching, reducing symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, and teeth grinding (bruxism). It can also provide aesthetic benefits, such as a slimmer jawline, by reducing the size of the masseter muscle.
The effects of muscle-relaxing injections typically last for around 3-6 months, and when the treatment is repeated, the muscle will continue to reduce in size, meaning that appointments can be spaced further apart. Side effects are rare but may include difficulty chewing solid foods if too much product is used or if the injection is not placed correctly. It is therefore important to consult a qualified medical professional before undergoing treatment, who will be able to assess your individual case and determine the injection site and dosage required.
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Neck stretches
- Sit up tall in a chair, facing forward. Bring both shoulders up towards your ears. Focus on keeping the shoulders even. Hold this stretch for 5 breaths and repeat 10 times.
- Sit up tall in a chair, facing forward. Tilt your head upwards, looking towards the ceiling. Keep your chin tilted up, without moving into a painful position. Hold this stretch for 2 minutes, focusing on deep breathing.
- Stand up tall, facing forward. Roll your shoulders up, back, and down. Try to keep your arms even. Hold for 5 breaths and repeat 10 times.
Jaw Exercises
- Touch your tongue to the roof of your mouth and open your mouth wide for 5-10 seconds.
- Push your lower jaw out and then pull it back in.
- Place a pencil between your teeth and slide your jaw forward, holding for 20 seconds.
- Find the notches of your masseter muscles under your cheekbones. Press your fingers into the notches and knead for 30-60 seconds.
- Locate the notch in front of your ear and under your cheekbone. Press your fingertip against the underside of your cheekbone, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in front of your ear. Push inward and slightly upward with your fingertip until you feel a "sweet ache".
It is important to move gently and slowly during these stretches and exercises, and to breathe deeply and slowly.
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Osteopathy
Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is a commonly used approach to treating musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and can be applied to the masseter muscle. OMT techniques include myofascial release (MRT), muscle energy (MET), and soft tissue techniques (STT). These manual therapy techniques target the muscles and joints to relieve pain and improve function. For example, soft tissue massage and joint mobilization can help relax and stretch the masseter muscle, reducing tension and enhancing joint mobility.
Osteopaths perform a detailed examination of the TMJ, evaluating jaw alignment, muscle tension, and overall posture. This comprehensive assessment allows them to develop a tailored treatment plan for each patient. Treatment sessions may include a combination of manual therapy techniques, jaw exercises, and postural corrections to address any alignment issues contributing to TMJ pain.
In addition to manual therapy and exercises, osteopathic care may also include lifestyle and ergonomic advice. This can involve recommendations for stress management, proper ergonomics, and lifestyle adjustments to prevent further strain on the masseter muscle and TMJ. By addressing both the physical and lifestyle aspects of TMJ pain, osteopathy offers a holistic approach to improving jaw function and overall well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
The masseter muscle is a large facial muscle that runs from the cheekbone to the lower part of the jaw and is attached to the TMJ (Temporomandibular joint). It is the strongest muscle in the human body based on its weight and is responsible for chewing and closing the jaw.
There are a few ways to improve your masseter muscle. Firstly, you can try masseter exercises such as jaw clenching, neck stretches, and chin lifts. Alternatively, you can try muscle-relaxing injections, Botox, or osteopathy.
Strengthening your masseter muscle can lead to a more defined jawline. Reducing the size of an overactive masseter muscle can also help address bruxism or teeth grinding, and improve facial aesthetics.
