Jaw Release
A tense masseter — the main jaw-clenching muscle — can make the lower face look squarer and more tense than it is, especially for anyone who clenches or grinds their teeth. This exercise combines slow opening and lateral movement to release built-up tension.
How to Do It
Open and close the mouth slowly as if saying "ah," then move the jaw gently side to side.
Why It Works
Deliberately mobilising the jaw through its full range of motion is a common approach to relieving masseter tightness from clenching, stress, or teeth grinding.
Benefits
- Releases tension in the masseter and lower jaw
- Can soften the appearance of a clenched, square jawline
- A good evening wind-down exercise after a stressful day
Which muscles this works
The masseter is the thick muscle running from the cheekbone to the angle of the jaw, and it is a powerful chewing muscle. If you clench or grind your teeth, or hold tension in your jaw when stressed, it can stay tight, ache, and even enlarge, which makes the lower face look squarer. This exercise moves the jaw slowly through a comfortable range to release that tension.
Step by step
- Sit tall and find your resting jaw position: lips together, teeth slightly apart, tongue resting on the roof of your mouth.
- Slowly open your mouth as if saying a long "ah", only as far as is comfortable.
- Close slowly and repeat, 10 open-close reps in total.
- Then gently slide the jaw from side to side, 5 times in total, keeping the movement small.
- Finish by letting the jaw hang loose and relaxed for a few breaths.
Common mistakes
- Opening wide or fast. Smaller and slower is better.
- Forcing the movement through clicking or pain.
- Pushing the jaw forward.
- Clenching your teeth to "stretch" the muscle.
When to skip it
Skip it if you have a diagnosed jaw (TMJ) disorder, a locking or painful jaw, or a recent dental procedure or jaw injury, and see a dentist or GP if you have persistent jaw pain. Occasional painless clicking is common, but pain or locking is not.
What to expect
You may feel tension ease in the jaw and temples within a few sessions, especially after a stressful day. The visible change in the lower face is likely to be small. If you grind your teeth at night, a dentist can advise on a night guard.
The best-known study of facial exercise followed 16 women aged 40–65 through a 20-week programme of 30-minute sessions. Cheek fullness improved and dermatologists rated them about three years younger on average (Alam et al., JAMA Dermatology, 2018). It was a small study, the authors noted the results may not apply to other groups, and the programme was far longer than a one-minute video, so expect gradual and modest change.
FAQ
I clench my jaw at night — will this help?
It can help relieve daytime tension, but if you grind your teeth at night specifically, talk to your dentist about a night guard alongside this exercise.
Why does my jaw feel sore after doing this?
Mild soreness after the first few sessions is normal if the masseter is chronically tense — it should ease as the muscle relaxes with regular practice.
How can I tell if I clench my jaw?
Common signs are a sore jaw or headaches in the morning, tightness in the cheeks, worn or chipped teeth, and a habit of finding your teeth pressed together during the day. A dentist can check for wear and advise you.
Is it normal for my jaw to click during Jaw Release?
Occasional painless clicking is common and usually harmless. If it hurts, catches or locks, stop and see a dentist or doctor, and keep your movement smaller and slower.
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