Massage of masticatory muscles - relax the muscles and alleviate the pain
Specialist in the article
Revised 2/14/2023
Facts about massaging the masticatory muscles
- Mild bruxism and tension in the masticatory muscles is very common.
- Approximately 5–10% of adults experience severe bruxism and its consequences.
- The massage of masticatory muscles alleviates pain in the head and jaw area.
- Massage of masticatory muscles can be performed by a trained dental hygienist or dentist.
Reasons behind pain in the head and jaw area
Grinding the teeth at night and tensing the chewing muscles during the day cause pain in the head and jaw area for many people. If you grind your teeth heavily at night (bruxism), your jaw will feel sore and painful especially in the morning. In addition, crunching can also cause dizziness, earache and stiffness and pain in the shoulders.
Massage of masticatory muscles - this is how it goes
Massage of masticatory muscles can be performed by a trained dental hygienist or dentist. Massaging the masticatory muscles is always based on each person's own individual situation and needs.
The massage involves the manipulation of masticatory muscles from inside the mouth and on top of the head. It also involves the manipulation of the neck and shoulder area, skull base, head and facial area and, if necessary, the temporomandibular joint.
This is how the massaging the masticatory proceeds
- The treatment begins with massaging the muscles of the head and facial area.
- The massage of masticatory muscles is always gentle and involves small movements.
- Gloves are always worn when the muscles inside the mouth are manipulated.
- The most tense muscles are often inside the mouth.
- The massage helps the muscles relax and boosts the metabolism of the muscles.
How often should you go for massage of masticatory muscles?
The massage of masticatory muscles can relax the muscles and alleviate the pain. If the tension can be released, it is easier to make the masticatory muscles permanently relaxed through exercises. Manipulating the muscles in the head and mouth also makes it easier to produce sounds and breathe. The massage makes you feel completely relaxed.
Masticatory muscles can be kept relaxed through exercises
In most cases, alleviating the tension in the masticatory muscles requires more than one appointment. Dental hygienists and dentists who provide masticatory muscle massage services can assess your need for treatment. In most cases, 2–4 appointments are required and the treatment can continue with less frequent appointments.
An assessment as to whether a mouth guard that alleviates tension and pain would be useful can also be performed at an appointment. A dental hygienist can refer you to a dentist, if necessary. The treatment plan involves instructions for home exercises to help you relax your masticatory muscles.
As of March 15, 2023, the polyclinic fee does not have to be paid after more than five reception visits during the calendar year. After the fifth payment, the polyclinic fee is €0 for visits for the rest of the calendar year.
If you visit our clinic and do not pay for your appointment using the available payment methods, we will send you an invoice for your appointment. The invoicing fee is EUR 5.20.
If the procedure is booked with a specialist dentist, the prices are increased by 30%.
Check out Hammas Mehiläinen's flexible payment methods
Service | Price estimate |
---|---|
Dental check-up | 54,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 84,00 € |
Dental check-up for patients with dental fear | 91,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 121,00 € |
Children and young people dental check-up Prices include the clinic fee (€33.90). Book a dental check-up for children and young people Prices 207,75–239,75 €, without Kela reimbursement 227,90–259,90 € | 207,75 € Without Kela reimbursement 227,90 € |
Dental X-ray of the teeth and jaws | Mobile Benefit 98,00 € The price with a doctor's referral after Kela compensation is €86. 109,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 118,00 € |
Tartar removal 30–45 minute appointment with a dental hygienist. Book an appointment for tartar removal Explore different payment methods Prices 130,00–183,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 138,00–195,00 € | from 130,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 138,00 € |
Tooth jewellery application The price does not include the price of tooth jewellery. | from 68,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
Dental fillings 1–3 surfaces. Prices 94,00–262,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 104,00–285,00 € | from 94,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 104,00 € |
Ceramic filling of the tooth 1–3 surfaces. Explore different payment methods Prices 279,00–561,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 279,00–618,00 € | from 279,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 279,00 € |
Dental ceramic crown Laboratory costs are not included in the price estimate. Explore different payment methods Prices 616,00–798,00 € | from 616,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
Chipped tooth Prices 94,00–262,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 104,00–285,00 € | from 94,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 104,00 € |
Tooth extraction Explore different payment methods Prices 109,00–732,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 119,00–794,00 € | from 109,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 119,00 € |
Tooth whitening Price estimate given at the free consultation appointment. Book an appointment for a free whitening consultation Prices 101,00–455,00 € | from 101,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
Whitening consultation appointment Includes an individual price estimate for teeth whitening. Book an appointment for a whitening consultation. | Free No Kela reimbursement |
Anaesthesia Prices 38,00–39,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 41,00–42,00 € | from 38,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 41,00 € |
Irrevocable absence Prices 74,00–96,00 € | 74,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
Initial assessment of sleep apnea Learn more about sleep apnea and book an appointment (in Finnish) | from 57,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 84,00 € |
Bite guard Includes clinical work and the bite guard. Prices 638,00–685,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 695,00–742,00 € | 638,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 695,00 € |
Symptoms related to oral health
Aphthae
Painful and itchy ulcer on the oral mucosa.
Bad breath
Often behind the smell is a problem that needs the help of a dentist.
Bruxism or teeth grinding
Tooth damage, sore bite muscles or headaches.
Chipped tooth
A piece of a tooth or a filling has come loose. Make an appointment with your dentist.
Dental cavity
Can feel like an enmity or a toothache - or you don't feel anything special.
Dental staining
Can be caused by a number of factors, such as cavities, enamel development disorders or foods.
Gingivitis
Bleeding from the gums, bad breath, bad taste in your mouth and sore gums.
Mucosal and oral diseases
The cause of severe or persistent mouth symptoms should be investigated by a dentist.
Periodontitis
A common disease of the connective tissue underneath the gums which is caused by gingivitis.
Sensitivity
Pricking and sudden pain, often caused by cold, hot or touching the tooth.
Tartar
Is a bacterial plaque hardened by salivary minerals.
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD)
Pain and dysfunction of the jaw joints and masticatory muscles.
Tooth enamel damage
Tooth enamel damage is caused by tooth wear or problems with biting.
Toothache
Can be caused by a cavity or an inflamed tooth, as well as a partially erupted wisdom tooth.