Masseter muscle exercise is the exercise of one of the strongest muscles in the human body. Located in the jaw, this muscle can be called a powerful muscle considering its weight and function. While its prime job is to facilitate chewing, it plays a key role in our day-to-day lives. Exercising this muscle is necessary as it can save you from many complications, especially Temporomandibular problems like TMJ and TMD. In this blog, we will discuss the best way to exercise masseter muscle and the advantages of having a strong jaw. Also, we will put more focus on the exercise you can practice at home.
Table Of Contents
Understanding the Masseter Muscle
Found on both sides of the face, this muscle plays an important part in the function of the jaw. Also, it won’t be an exaggeration to say that it is this muscle that makes the jaw fully functional. It performs three basic functions – closing the jaw, chewing food, and swallowing the chewed food. When you up your lower jaw to close your mouth, you use this muscle. When toned, it can give your jawline a more defined appearance. But on the flip side, it could lead to severe pain and suffering. With masseter muscle exercise, you can keep your jawline toned and functional.
Common Causes of Masseter Muscle Problems
Arthritis
It is a joint problem that can affect all joints of the body including masseter muscles. It can cause inflammation leading to mild to severe pain and decreased muscle function. Taking painkillers can help reduce inflammation and pain but you need to practice masseter muscle exercise to keep your jaw functional.
Jaw Surgery
Patients are advised to practice masseter muscle exercise after recovering from jaw surgery. It is necessary as a surgical treatment increases the probability of a jaw problem like lockjaw. But regular exercising can avoid such problems and allow you to lead a healthy life post-jaw surgery.
Dislocation Of The Jaw
A dislocation of the jaw joint could lead to a painful condition restricting your jaw movement and causing severe pain while chewing or swallowing food. It could be due to a trauma like an accident or overworking of your jaw muscles. Masseter muscle exercise is the best way to get quick and lasting relief from this painful condition.
Teeth Grinding Or Jaw Clenching
Bruxism or the habit of grinding or clenching of teeth is a common reason for masseter muscle coming under stress. If you are suffering from bruxism, masseter muscle exercise becomes a must for you. It is so because it is only this exercise that can prevent your jaw muscles from coming under severe stress.
How To Exercise Your Masseter Muscle?
There are two ways of exercising masseter muscle. First, you can do the exercise at home and without any accessories like biting tools. Second, you can go to a physiotherapist for assisted exercise. Here we will discuss only manual masseter muscle exercise.
Tongue Rest Position
- Sit down and relax your jaw and teeth
- Slightly reach your tongue on the roof of your mouth
- Keep your jaw and tongue relaxed
- Click your tongue while keeping your jaw relaxed
- Repeat it six times in a relaxed position
- You can do up to sex sessions a day
Controlled Opening
- Keep your tongue in a resting position on the roof of your mouth
- Reach your index fingers to your temporomandibular joints at the back of your mouth
- Open your mouth as much as you can while putting mild pressure on the joints
- Also, keep your tongue in a relaxed position throughout the process
- Do six sessions of six reps every day
Head Flexion and Head Extension
- Reach your hands at the back of your head
- Intertwine your fingers to support your head
- Keep your head and spine in a straight position
- Do forward bending with your head while tucking in your chin
- Repeat it six times and do up to six sessions a day
Advantages Of Masseter Muscle Exercise
Improved Facial Appearance
Masseter muscle exercise will tone all your facial muscles and give a well-defined jawline that will enhance your facial appearance. You will look more confident and in control of your facial expressions. Your head will always be upright and your jaw will relax. There will be no flaw in your facial features and their movements.
Boost Oral Health
Masseter muscle exercise will improve jaw function, especially chewing food and swallowing food and drinks. Properly chewed food mixed with saliva will improve digestion and save you many gut and mouth problems. Also, proper chewing of food will leave no food residue in your teeth. In this condition, even mild brushing of teeth will be sufficient to maintain oral health.
Reduce TMJ Problems
Masseter muscle exercise can resolve most TMJ-related problems like lockjaw. Exercising will keep the muscles in good working condition. It will strengthen the muscle movement so that you don’t have any problem. It could even reduce teeth grinding or clinching.
Anti-Aging
Masseter muscle exercise strengthens facial muscles and prevents the emergence of signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. It will help keep your head upright and face strong and you look young even in advanced age.
Conclusion – Masseter muscle exercise can improve your visual appearance and keep you free from many problems. People in the age group of 20-40 are more prone to developing masseter problems. But it can be resolved with regular exercise at home. It will improve your jawline and help maintain your youth.
FAQs
Q: How Can I Strengthen My Masseter Muscles?
A: Do masseter muscle exercise six times a day
Q: Can I Grow My Masseter Muscle?
A: Yes, masseter muscle can be grown like any other muscle
Q: Does Chewing Gum Increase Masseter Muscle?
A: Yes, it can
Q: Is Big Masseter Attractive?
A: A strong jawline looks attractive
Q: Can Masseter Change Face Shape?
A: Masseter muscle exercise gives a square shape
Disclaimer – The above information is for educational purposes only. People are advised to try masseter muscle exercise only after consulting an experienced physiotherapist.