How do you fix masseter hypertrophy?
Sophia Hammond
Updated on May 05, 2026
How do you fix masseter hypertrophy?
The traditional method of treatment for masseter hypertrophy is the surgical partial excision of masseter muscle under general anesthesia. The surgical treatment is based on intra- and extraoral approaches.
What happens when the masseter muscle contracts?
When the masseter contracts it causes powerful elevation of the mandible causing the mouth to close. Its insertion along the angle and lateral surface of the ramus also allows it to aid in the protrusion of the mandible allowing for the anterior motion of the jaw.
Can you hypertrophy masseter?
Masseter hypertrophy is usually an asymptomatic enlargement of one or both masseter muscles. In majority of the cases, the etiology is idiopathic. The highest incidence for this condition is in the second and third decades of life, with no gender predilection.
What causes masseter muscle hypertrophy?
Idiopathic hypertrophy of the masseter muscle is a rare disorder of unknown cause. Some authors associate it with defective teeth, habit of chewing gum, temporo-mandibular joint disorder, congenital and functional hypertrophies, and emotional disorders (stress and nervousness).
How do you relieve masseter pain?
Heat: Hot packs may be applied to the masseter and jaw to increase circulation, relax the muscle, and decrease pain. Massage: Gentle massage to the masseter may help relax a hypertonic muscle and decrease pain. It may also help improve muscle flexibility.
How do I stop clenching my jaw when I sleep?
Drink a stress relief tea, do yoga or meditation and either massage or stretch your muscles to relax them. Chewing on pencils or other objects can increase your likeliness to clench your teeth. Avoid chewing gum as well as it causes your jaw to tighten up. Your dentist can diagnose if you have bruxism.
What is the anatomy of masseter hypertrophy?
Anatomically, most of the masseteric thickness is along the inferior portion of the mandibular ramus, where the facial contour normally tapers. With MH, the patient’s face takes on a characteristic rectangular configuration (5,6). Idiopathic hypertrophy of the masseter muscle is a rare disorder of unknown cause.
What is idiopathic masseter muscle hypertrophy (IMMH)?
Idiopathic masseter muscle hypertrophy (IMMH) was first described by Legg in 1880, reporting on the case of a 10-year-old girl with concurrent idiopathic temporalis muscle hypertrophy. The masseter muscle is essential for adequate mastication and is located laterally to the mandibular ramus, and thus plays an important role in facial esthetics.
What is the function of masseter muscle?
The masseter muscle is essential for adequate mastication and is located laterally to the mandibular ramus, and thus plays an important role in facial esthetics. A hypertrophied masseter will alter facial lines, generating discomfort and negative cosmetic impacts for many patients (1, 2).
What is benign masseteric hypertension (BMH)?
This article has been cited byother articles in PMC. Abstract Benign Masseteric Hypertrophy is a relatively uncommon condition that can occur unilaterally or bilaterally. Pain may be a symptom, but most frequently a clinician is consulted for cosmetic reasons. In some cases prominent Exostoses at the angle of the mandible are noted.