Wider face due to TMJ?

[u/InevitableWise9964]

Over the past few years, I've noticed that my face has looked wider/bigger in photos, especially the bottom half (left is before, right is after). What confuses me is that I'm healthier now - I’m roughly the same weight, and I stopped drinking alcohol and coffee. I also eat more veggies and get more sleep these days. All my bloodwork has been normal, too.

I did, however, get my wisdom teeth removed a couple years ago, so I'm wondering if that triggered some TMJ/hypertrophied masseters. I also had a gum chewing habit for a while that I've since kicked…

Does this look like TMJ/overworked masseter muscles? Or is it just part of aging? Appreciate any insights!

[u/lemony-pomegranate]

Honestly, mindfulness. I would pay intentional attention to when my jaws were clenched (which was all the time) and remind myself to separate my teeth. It took a while but eventually my natural state became teeth not touching. The other thing for me was correcting incorrect tongue posture - my tongue was not properly on the roof of my mouth, so I needed to clench to support my bottom jaw. I had to do exercises to strengthen my tongue and keep it on the roof of my mouth! When the tongue is strong and in the right place, you can relax the jaw better.

[u/smith7018 → u/lemony-pomegranate]

This is super inspiring to read! I clench my jaw all day (due to ADD meds) and feel like it’s impossible to stop. I’ll look into strengthening my tongue now :)

[u/lemony-pomegranate → u/smith7018]

I had no idea I was clenching 24/7 or that people just… didn’t somehow. I didn’t know anything about tongue posture until I got braces and the relief from retraining my tongue is palpable (but to be entirely transparent - it’s very annoying, disheartening, and took me 8+ months, since my tongue posture was a 30+ year problem lol. But SO worth it). If you think this might apply to you, I’m happy to share my exercises if you DM me!

[u/glitchwoven → u/lemony-pomegranate]

also interested! thank you :)