When an overworked masseter is behind jaw tension or strong clenching, a botulinum toxin injection can relax the muscle and reduce clenching force. It does not cure clenching, a night guard is still needed to protect your teeth, and the effect is temporary and varies between people. Whether it suits you is decided at a consultation with Dr Celeste Ng or Dr Celeste Ling, both accredited by the Singapore Dental Council.
Signs Your Masseter Is Overworked
- A tight or tired jaw, especially in the morning
- Aching at the angle of the jaw when chewing
- A firm bulge at the angle of the jaw when you clench
- Tension headaches around the temples
- Worn, flattened or cracked teeth
Muscle, Joint or Tooth?
Jaw pain can come from the masseter, the jaw joint (TMJ), a cracked or infected tooth, or wisdom teeth. Your dentist checks each of these at your consultation, because an injection only affects the muscle. If the joint clicks, locks or hurts in front of the ear, other care may be needed first.
What to Expect After a Masseter Injection
| When | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| First few days | Little change; possible mild tenderness |
| Around 2 weeks | Clenching force noticeably lower; chewing tough food may feel tiring |
| Following weeks | Jaw muscles may feel less tense |
| Several months on | Effect wears off gradually as the muscle recovers; your dentist will discuss whether to repeat |
Results vary from person to person.
Consultation first. Your dentist checks whether the muscle, the jaw joint or a tooth is behind your symptoms, and explains whether an injection suits you. Injections are carried out only by Dr Celeste Ng or Dr Celeste Ling, both accredited by the Singapore Dental Council. There are no packages: whether treatment suits you, the dose and the fee are discussed at your consultation.
Grinding, clenching & gummy smile careA Night Guard Still Matters
An injection reduces the force of clenching, but it doesn't protect your teeth from wear the way a night guard does. Most people with grinding or clenching are advised to wear one. See treatment options for grinding and clenching.
Side Effects and Who Should Wait
- Tenderness or bruising at the injection sites
- Chewing tough food may feel tiring for a while
- Headache
- Not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with neuromuscular conditions such as myasthenia gravis, with infection at the site, or with a previous allergy to botulinum toxin
Aftercare
For the rest of the day, avoid massaging the jaw, lying flat for a few hours, strenuous exercise and saunas. Normal eating and work can continue.
