14/10/2025
This is a fantastic example of an overactive muscle called the MASSETER muscle.
The masseter muscle is the powerhouse that lets you chew, chat, and snack your way through life. But sometimes, it gets a little too eager — clenching and grinding, especially when you’re stressed or asleep.
That’s teeth grinding (aka bruxism), and it can lead to jaw soreness, headaches, and worn-down teeth. Basically, your masseter’s way of saying, “I’m working hard!”
Why It Happens
Stress, anxiety, or even too much caffeine can tell your masseter to stay on duty 24/7. Unfortunately, it doesn’t know when to clock out.
Also habits such as regularly chewing gum can increase the activity of this muscle or even anatomical characteristics such as misalignment of the jaw
Things that can improve overactive masseter muscle:
- Managing stress. Try meditation, stretching, or a gentle jaw massage.
- See your dentist for a consultation for a mouth guard, it can protect your teeth and gives your masseter a break.
-Have a consultation with your injector for an assessment to have injections which can relax the muscle and can reduce activity of the muscle (and can slim the jawline).
Your masseter is an important functional muscle but in some cases needs a little help to relax. With a few tweaks from your dentist, injector or physio you can give that overachieving muscle a little rest .
Please note: this is not healthcare advice. Please always seek a consultation from a registered health care practitioner. All procedures have risks that will be discussed during your consultation.
