Logan Steele
The masseters are two muscles on each side of the jaw angle, helping you chew. Overuse from habitual teeth grinding or clenching can cause the masseter muscles to become larger and overdeveloped, altering the shape of the lower face. While Botox is considered one of the most effective treatments for an overgrown masseter, other methods include reducing gum-chewing habits and using a mouth guard to prevent teeth grinding or clenching.
How to weaken the masseter muscle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Causes of overgrown masseter muscle | - Overuse (e.g. from gum chewing or teeth grinding) |
| - Genetics | |
| - Bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching) | |
| - TMJ disorders (e.g. jaw locking and clicking) | |
| Treatments | - Botox injections |
| - Jaw guards or splints (for teeth grinding or clenching) | |
| - Muscle relaxants | |
| - Facial massage |
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Botox injections
Masseter Botox is a non-surgical procedure that involves injecting botulinum toxin type A into the large masseter muscles of the jaw to relax them. The masseter muscle is located in the cheek area and is responsible for biting, chewing, and other facial movements.
Before the procedure, a medical professional will examine your jaw and face to determine the injection site and the number of syringes needed. They will also ask about your goals and concerns. During the procedure, the medical professional will clean your skin and may use a topical anaesthetic to numb the area. They will then insert a syringe with a very thin needle into your masseter muscle. The needle is withdrawn slightly, and one-third of the botulinum toxin is deposited. The needle is then re-oriented and advanced slightly for the next two deposits.
Botox is generally safe, but there are potential side effects, including pain at the injection site, localized swelling, bruising, headaches, and chewing weakness. More serious side effects include vision changes, numbness, shortness of breath, and trouble swallowing. These side effects are usually temporary and rare, and most are caused by the doctor injecting the wrong muscle. It is important to find a qualified and experienced healthcare provider to perform the procedure.
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Avoid gum chewing
Chewing gum is a common habit that can lead to an overworked and enlarged masseter muscle. The masseter muscle is a powerful muscle that helps us chew and eat our food. It is located on each side of the face near the ears. While chewing gum can strengthen the masseter muscle, it is not an effective way to create a more defined jawline. In fact, excessive gum chewing can lead to several negative side effects.
Firstly, it is important to understand that the masseter muscle is just one component of many that affect the overall appearance of the jawline. The structure of the face, including the bone structure and genetics, also play a significant role in the shape of the jaw. Therefore, even if gum chewing does lead to a larger masseter muscle, it may not result in the desired aesthetic changes.
Secondly, chewing gum for extended periods can lead to strain and discomfort in the facial muscles, including the masseter muscle. This can result in pain, tightness, and even headaches. Additionally, gum chewing with sucrose can cause enamel demineralization and cavities, especially if done frequently and for long durations. Chewing gum containing acids for flavoring may also lower plaque pH levels, contributing to further dental issues.
Finally, it is worth noting that the amount of chewing required to see a noticeable difference in the masseter muscle is excessive. According to experts, it would take years of chewing gum for around 6 to 8 hours a day to make a visible difference in the size of the masseter muscle. Therefore, if the goal is to reduce the size of the masseter muscle, avoiding gum chewing is advisable.
In summary, while chewing gum can strengthen the masseter muscle, it is not a guaranteed way to achieve a sharper jawline. The amount of chewing required for visible results is impractical, and there are potential negative consequences for oral health. For those seeking to reduce the size of their masseter muscle, avoiding gum chewing is a recommended first step.
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Mouth guards
The use of a mouth guard can help to shrink the masseter muscle over time, as it will no longer be overworked from teeth grinding. However, as the masseter muscle is used daily for chewing, this shrinking process can be slow and may take months to years.
It is important to note that if the underlying causes of teeth grinding, such as stress, are not addressed, the masseter muscle may remain enlarged or revert to its previous size once the treatment stops.
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Facial massage
The masseter muscle is one of the largest muscles in the face and plays an important role in our daily lives. It is the primary chewing muscle, helping with the elevation and forward movement of the lower jaw. The muscle “hangs” from the underside of the cheekbone, with the bottom attached to a broad area on the side of the jawbone.
An enlarged masseter muscle is typically the result of overworking the muscle through habits such as gum-chewing, teeth grinding or clenching, and nail-biting. This can result in a square-angled, bottom-heavy, or asymmetrical appearance of the jaw, which may cause psychological distress.
To reduce the size of the masseter muscle, one option is to simply use it less. For example, if gum-chewing is causing the enlargement, reducing this activity will usually reduce the size of the muscle over time. For teeth grinding or clenching, dentists can provide guards that help prevent it, and botox injections are also an effective treatment option.
By combining massage with a reduction in the activities that overwork the masseter muscle, you may be able to effectively weaken and reduce the size of this muscle over time.
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Avoid teeth clenching
Avoiding teeth clenching is a challenge, as it often happens involuntarily or during sleep. However, there are several strategies that can help:
Firstly, identify and address any underlying stressors or triggers. Teeth clenching can be a symptom of stress, anxiety, or other factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or substance use. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as through relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, listening to music, or regular exercise, can help reduce teeth clenching.
Optimising your sleep environment and position can also help. Aim for a dark, quiet, and relaxing space. Sleeping on your back can reduce the pressure on your jaw and minimise clenching. Using a custom mouth guard or night guard, especially one fitted by a dentist, can also cushion your teeth and provide protection from the effects of clenching.
During the day, practice jaw awareness and exercises. A simple exercise is to place your tongue on the roof of your mouth, then open your mouth wide while keeping your tongue in place, and repeat. Additionally, stay hydrated throughout the day, as dehydration can contribute to muscle tension and cramping, including in the jaw.
For immediate relief from jaw soreness, facial pain, or tooth sensitivity, apply alternating hot and cold compresses to soothe the jaw muscles. Over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can also help with jaw pain.
If teeth clenching persists, consider seeking advice from a dental professional or medical practitioner. They can recommend treatments such as dental correction, therapeutic techniques, or, in more severe cases, procedures like Botox or surgery.
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Frequently asked questions
Botox injections are considered one of the most effective options for weakening the masseter muscle. However, some people may not want to use Botox or may not be able to due to age or other factors. In these cases, trying to avoid clenching your jaw or chewing gum may help reduce the size of the masseter muscle over time.
Some possible alternatives to Botox include getting a mouth guard from a dentist to prevent teeth grinding, massaging the muscle, or getting a surgery (if your jaw structure indicates that this is a good option).
Weakening the masseter muscle can help reduce a square jawline, creating a slimmer and more feminine face shape. It can also help alleviate pain and discomfort caused by teeth grinding or clenching.
