Clinical Buccal Treatment pic 2

Clinical Buccal Treatment

The therapeutic benefits of a Clinical Buccal Massage include the relaxation of muscles in the face - in particular the jaw, cheeks and mouth. This technique can help those suffering with symptoms of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder by improving jaw mobility and reducing pain.

For individuals who suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding) and jaw clenching, a buccal massage can help to relax muscles and alleviate stress caused by those actions - leading to decreased tension and pressure in the jaw area.

Overall, a Clinical Buccal Massage can help to promote relaxation, reduce tension in associated muscles and may aid in managing symptoms associated with clenching, teeth grinding, tension headaches and TMJ-associated symptoms.

Clinical Buccal Treatment pic 3

What is a Clinical Buccal Massage?

A Clinical Buccal Massage is a type of facial massage that works holistically on the face, head and neck, specifically targeting the lower face and jaw. The various massage techniques involved include acupressure, lymphatic drainage movements and Gua Sha (a traditional Chinese medicine practice).

The massage is a designed to be both corrective and preventative, blending facial sculpting with an intra-oral massage (performed inside the mouth). This process allows for a full range of muscles to be accessed, and is a great way to treat TMJ (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) while naturally sculpting and lifting the face.

How will a Clinical Buccal Massage benefit me?

This holistic massage technique helps to:

  • Reduce migraines and tension headaches from clenching
  • Relax tight jaw muscles
  • Reduce pain associated with TMJ
  • Promote healthy facial lymph drainage
  • Support a healthy facial detox
  • Improve facial circulation, resulting in a healthy glow
  • Sculpt and tone the lower face
  • Reduce puffiness of the lower face and cheeks
  • Improve the face’s complexion
  • Soften lines present on the lower face
  • Soften lip lines
  • Improve the jawline


Frequently Asked Questions

It’s recommended to attend a series of 4 treatments bi-weekly, followed up by maintenance appointments. These are usually scheduled once a month.

Results are often felt after the first appointment but become more noticeable externally after the third or fourth treatment. Each treatment involves a 45-minute timeslot.

The massage simultaneously works the inside and outside of the face, allowing deeper layers of ligaments and muscle tissue to be addressed.

The massage’s specific movements help to retrain and stimulate the muscles, promoting a lifting and softening effect on the face through improved muscle elasticity. The massage relaxes tension in both the surface and deeper areas of the muscles, encouraging a more natural facial posture.

Very tight muscles can restrict healthy blood flow, decreasing the oxygen and nutrients that feed and support them. This can also limit the tight areas’ detox abilities, leading to sagging, dropping, puffiness and/or a dull complexion.

There are many lymph nodes present in the neck, jaw and cheeks, and the facial massage helps to improve lymph flow to reduce the appearance of dark circles, puffy eyes and sagging skin - encouraging skin detoxification.

The patient will lie on the chair bed provided, getting themselves into a comfortable position. We advise that low necklines are worn, such as a vest or T-shirt (as opposed to collared blouses or shirts) for full access.

The treatment will begin with a 2-minute facial cleanse, using the award winning Lumispa facial cleanser to remove any oils, sunscreen, make up or other facial products.

The treatment will then begin with lymphatic activation across the neck, upper chest and face. The Gua Sha technique will then be administered to naturally aid lymphatic drainage, while relaxing the muscles of the face.

Following this, there will be a manual facial and intra-oral massage, which works on the jaw and lower facial area. Gloves will be worn for the intra-oral portion of this treatment.

We will stimulate the different facial acupressure points to further support the treatment, before finishing with a head massage to release any tension present in the scalp.

You may experience some slight discomfort during the massage if you have a lot of jaw tension, but we will always check in with you regarding the pressure and adjust accordingly.

Once the massage is complete, we remove any excess oil and apply an SPF on the face.

It’s likely that you will feel deeply relaxed following a session; however, the muscles in your face may feel fatigued. Depending on the level of tension present before the treatment, there may be some tenderness or a slight ache in your jaw. This typically wears off over the next few hours.

It’s important to stay hydrated after the treatment, as this will help your body flush out any toxins that were released in the session. You can continue with your normal day-to-day activities following a session.

While results are often felt and seen following the initial treatment, the difference is more visually noticeable following the third or fourth visit, as the results are accumulated.

The treatment is typically deeply relaxing and comfortable; however, if there is a lot of jaw tension present, there may be some slight discomfort. Usually this is “positive” discomfort of a therapeutic nature, but the practitioner will always check in to see if the pressure needs to be adjusted.

Certainly - tension in the muscles from grinding, chewing or clenching can increase the pain in your jaw if you suffer with issues stemming from TMJ. A Clinical Buccal Massage is a great way to relax your muscles, support muscle function and relieve jaw pain associated with TMJ.

If any of the below are present, you shouldn’t opt for a Clinical Buccal Massage:

  • Localised sunburns, infection or irritation
  • Burns / wounds / abrasions
  • Active acne
  • Bruises
  • Cold sore outbreak
  • Fever
  • Bell’s Palsy
  • Cancer

Still have questions?

To learn more about Clinical Buccal Massage, speak to a member of our team at Art of Dental Care today.

Get in touch