The masseter muscle, located in the jaw, is involved in chewing. When this muscle enlarges, a condition called masseter hypertrophy, it can change facial appearance and cause discomfort. Recognizing the signs of enlargement helps individuals identify if they are affected and when to seek professional advice.
The Masseter Muscle and Its Function
The masseter muscle is a strong, quadrangular muscle on the side of the face. It extends from the cheekbone down to the lower jaw. This muscle plays an important role in jaw movement. Its primary function is to elevate the mandible, bringing the teeth together to close the mouth for biting and chewing. The masseter also assists in protracting the jaw, moving it forward during certain chewing motions.
Identifying Masseter Muscle Enlargement
Recognizing an enlarged masseter muscle involves visual observation and tactile assessment. Visually, a change in the lower face shape may be noticed. An enlarged masseter can broaden or square the jawline, altering facial symmetry. This change is often more apparent during teeth clenching or when comparing both sides of the face.
For a tactile assessment, place fingers on the sides of your face, below your cheekbones and above your lower jaw. Clench your teeth firmly to feel the masseter muscle bulge and become firm. As you relax, the muscle should soften. If the muscle feels unusually large, firm, or more prominent than expected, it may indicate enlargement.
Beyond visual and tactile cues, some individuals experience accompanying sensations. These can include jaw fullness or tightness. While often painless, masseter hypertrophy can cause discomfort, muscle tension, or headaches. Persistent sensations can be additional indicators of enlargement.
Factors Contributing to Masseter Enlargement
The masseter muscle can enlarge due to overuse, similar to how other muscles grow with exercise. A common factor is bruxism, which involves chronic teeth clenching or grinding. This often occurs unconsciously, particularly during sleep, and repetitive muscle activity can cause hypertrophy over time.
Daytime jaw clenching, whether from stress, concentration, or anxiety, also contributes to muscle overuse and gradual enlargement. Additionally, consistently chewing food on only one side of the mouth can result in unilateral masseter enlargement, where one side appears larger.
Dietary habits also play a role. A diet with frequent tough or chewy foods increases the workload on the masseter muscles. This consistent demand can lead to muscle development and enlargement. While the exact cause is often unknown, these behaviors are frequently observed in individuals with masseter hypertrophy.
When to Consult a Professional
While self-assessment provides initial indications, a professional evaluation is beneficial for accurate diagnosis and management of masseter enlargement. If the enlargement is persistent, noticeable, or causes cosmetic concerns due to facial shape changes, seeking consultation is advisable. A healthcare provider can differentiate between muscle enlargement and other causes of facial swelling.
It is important to seek professional attention if masseter enlargement is accompanied by other symptoms. These can include jaw pain, headaches, earaches, tooth sensitivity, or difficulty fully opening or closing the mouth. Such symptoms might indicate an underlying issue, like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, requiring medical assessment. If the enlargement or associated symptoms affect daily activities like eating, speaking, or sleeping, a professional can offer guidance and solutions.