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The masseter muscle is one of the largest muscles in the face, with two masseters on each side of the face aiding in jaw movement and chewing. Masseter muscle hypertrophy refers to the enlargement of the masseter muscle, which can be caused by emotional stress, chronic clenching, or repetitive habits such as gum chewing. While it is not a life-threatening condition, it can cause psychological distress due to the change in facial appearance. There are a few treatment options available, including conservative/non-surgical therapies, behavior therapy, and botulinum toxin (Botox) injections.
Characteristics and their Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Causes | Overuse, emotional stress, chronic clenching/grinding, teeth grinding, genetics, gum chewing, or simply a preference for chewing on one side |
| Treatments | Botox, Splint therapy, Behavior therapy, Surgery |
| Symptoms | Square-angled face, jaw asymmetry, pain, clenching/grinding, and functional disorders of the jaw |
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What You'll Learn
Stop chewing gum
Chewing gum is one of the reasons why some people may have an enlarged masseter muscle. The masseter muscle is one of the largest muscles in the face and aids in jaw movement and chewing. Overuse of this muscle through gum chewing can cause it to grow in size. If you are looking to reduce the size of your masseter muscle, one way to do so is to stop chewing gum. Here are some tips to help you kick the habit:
Understand the habit
First, it is important to understand why you chew gum. Some common reasons include bad breath, stress relief, or a need for something sweet. Identifying the reason behind your gum chewing can help you address the underlying cause and find alternative solutions. For example, if you are chewing gum due to bad breath, there are other ways to keep your breath fresh, such as drinking plenty of water, chewing parsley, or using mouthwash.
Reduce sugar intake
If your gum of choice is sweetened with sugar, you may be craving the sugar rather than the act of chewing. Try reducing your overall sugar intake to curb your sweet tooth cravings. Opt for sugar-free gum or slowly wean yourself off by gradually decreasing the number of pieces you chew each day.
Find alternatives
Look for alternative activities to keep your mouth busy and satisfy your chewing habit. Some options include sunflower seeds or fennel seeds. Chewing on sugar-free gum can also be a good alternative, as it helps clean your teeth and exercises your jaw without the sugar content.
Break the routine
If you associate chewing gum with certain activities or times of the day, try to break the routine. For example, if you always chew gum after meals, find a different post-meal ritual, such as brushing your teeth or drinking a cup of tea. If you crave gum at specific times, set a time limit and try to delay the craving by chewing your current piece of gum for longer.
Address dental issues
Excessive gum chewing can lead to dental problems, so it is important to address any issues that may have arisen. Visit your dentist regularly to check for cavities or other abnormalities. Maintaining good oral hygiene and addressing any dental concerns can help deter you from chewing gum and improve your overall oral health.
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Avoid teeth grinding
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common condition that can lead to several issues, including headaches, jaw pain, and tooth damage. If you are looking to prevent teeth grinding, here are some strategies that can help:
Mouth Guards
Mouth guards, also known as night guards or dental splints, are devices worn during sleep to prevent teeth grinding. They hold the jaw in a specific position or act as a barrier to minimise tooth damage from grinding. While they do not cure bruxism, they can reduce its impact, lessen tooth wear and tear, alleviate morning headaches, and improve sleep quality.
Stress Reduction
Stress is a common trigger for teeth grinding. Finding ways to manage and reduce stress can help prevent bruxism episodes. This may include activities such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. Additionally, becoming more aware of your physical responses to stress during the day can help you consciously relax your jaw and avoid clenching.
Mouth Exercises and Massages
Certain mouth exercises can help relax the muscles involved in teeth grinding and improve the range of motion in the jaw. Performing a few minutes of these exercises several times a day may be beneficial. Additionally, head and neck massages can relieve muscle tension and pain associated with teeth grinding. A massage therapist can provide guidance on specific techniques to use at home.
Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods
Hard foods, such as nuts, popcorn, and hard candies, as well as sticky foods like peanut butter, require more effort to chew and can contribute to teeth grinding. Reducing or avoiding these types of foods can help prevent unnecessary strain on the jaw and masseter muscles.
Botox Injections
Botox injections, also known as masseter Botox or jaw Botox, can be used to prevent teeth grinding. It works by weakening the masseter muscle and reducing nerve signals to it, making it difficult to bite, grind, or clench with force. This treatment can also have cosmetic benefits, such as slimming the jawline and reducing the visible size of the muscle. However, it is important to consult a qualified healthcare professional and understand the potential side effects before undergoing this treatment.
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Avoid jaw clenching
Jaw clenching, also known as bruxism, often occurs during sleep and can cause various dental issues, including cracking, chipping, or wearing down of enamel, fracturing teeth, or loosening previous dental work. It can also cause headaches, tooth damage, and jaw pain. If left untreated, it can even lead to temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), affecting the muscles for chewing and the joints connecting the jaw to the skull.
To avoid jaw clenching, it is important to address any underlying stress or anxiety that may be triggering the habit. Before bed, try taking a few minutes to write down your thoughts and feelings in a journal, focusing on letting go of any negative thoughts. Practising mindful awareness of your jaw tension can also help. When drifting off to sleep, make yourself aware of any tension in your jaw, and if you find any, actively loosen and relax the muscles in your jaw and face. If you wake up during the night, repeat this relaxation process before falling back asleep.
Additionally, it is recommended to avoid consuming stimulating substances such as caffeine, coffee, tea, soda, chocolate, or alcohol close to bedtime, as these can affect sleep quality and increase the likelihood of clenching while sleeping. Improving your sleep environment and maintaining good sleep hygiene can also help reduce jaw clenching.
If you suspect that you are clenching your jaw due to teeth grinding, consider using a mouth guard or night guard to protect your teeth from damage. In severe cases, dental correction or therapeutic techniques may be recommended by a dental professional.
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Botox injections
During the procedure, a medical professional will clean the skin to reduce the risk of infection and may use topical anesthesia to numb the area. They will then insert a thin needle into the masseter muscle, delivering the botulinum toxin. The number of injections and syringes used will depend on the size of the muscle and the desired results. Some people may require multiple treatments to achieve their desired outcome.
The effects of masseter Botox are long-lasting, typically taking up to 4 to 6 months to wear off. The cost of the procedure depends on the size of the masseter muscle and the amount of product used, typically ranging from $400 to $900 for a person of average build.
Masseter Botox offers both cosmetic and medical benefits. Cosmetically, it helps slim down the jawline, giving a more defined and contoured facial appearance. This is especially desirable for those with a square or bulky jawline due to an overactive masseter muscle. From a medical perspective, masseter Botox can provide significant relief from teeth clenching, grinding, and jaw pain associated with conditions like bruxism and TMD. It reduces wear on the teeth, alleviates headaches, and improves overall daily comfort.
While masseter Botox is generally safe, it is important to consult with a qualified health provider who has experience in facial anatomy and performing the procedure. Side effects may include swelling, bruising, or flu-like symptoms, and there are potential long-term side effects that are currently unknown due to the off-label use of Botox for this purpose.
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Oral splints
Occlusal splints are typically recommended for individuals who suffer from bruxism, or unconscious teeth grinding and clenching, which can lead to pain and discomfort in the jawline and cheeks. By wearing an oral splint, individuals can decrease the force exerted on their teeth and jaws, reducing the impact on the masseter muscles.
The use of oral splints can help to relax the masseter muscles and reduce their activity, preventing further enlargement and providing relief from the associated pain. This approach is particularly effective for individuals with myofascial pain-dysfunction syndrome (MPD syndrome) or nocturnal clenching and grinding habits.
While oral splints are a non-invasive treatment option, they may not be as effective as other procedures, such as botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, in achieving significant masseter muscle reduction. Additionally, some individuals may find the idea of wearing oral appliances uncomfortable or inconvenient. However, oral splints can be a valuable first step or alternative treatment option for those seeking to reduce the size of their masseter muscles and alleviate associated discomfort.
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Frequently asked questions
The masseter muscle is one of the largest muscles in the face. There are two masseters on each side of the face and they aid in jaw movement and chewing.
The masseter muscle can grow due to being overworked. This can be caused by emotional stress, chronic clenching or grinding, gum chewing, or genetics.
There are a few ways to shrink the masseter muscle, including conservative/non-surgical therapies such as splint therapy and behaviour therapy, as well as surgical options such as botulinum toxin injections and liposuction.
