What is Buccal/Intraoral Massage?
There are some areas of your face that even the most thorough facial massage can’t fully reach and release from the outside… which is where buccal massage steps in.
Also known as intraoral massage or inner facial massage, buccal (pronounced either like boo-cal, or buck-al… I switch between the two so don’t ever worry about pronouncing it wrong!) massage involves working on the muscles of the cheeks, jaw and lower face from both inside and outside the mouth. Wearing gloves, I place one finger or thumb inside the cheek or upper lip while using my other hand externally, allowing me to hold and massage the facial tissues from both sides.
It may sound unusual or unpleasant but it actually feels surprisingly natural once the treatment begins and for anyone who carries tension in their jaw, clenches their teeth or feels as though their face is permanently braced against the day, it is incredibly relieving.
Why do we hold so much tension in the face?
The face is highly expressive and your facial muscles are constantly engaged when we speak, chew, concentrate, smile, suppress a reaction or grit our teeth through something stressful.
Many of us unconsciously tighten the jaw or press the teeth together, particularly when we’re busy, anxious or concentrating. Even people who don’t think of themselves as jaw clenchers can be surprised by the amount of tension held through their masseter muscles, cheeks, temples and around the mouth.
The masseter is one of the main muscles used for chewing, and it’s also one of the biggest and strongest muscle in your face. So, when it’s overworked your whole face feels it.
Please note that jaw tension can have several causes and any persistent pain, clicking or difficulty opening the mouth should always be assessed by an appropriate medical or dental professional.
What happens during a buccal or intraoral massage?
During a buccal massage I start by working externally and extensively across your face, neck and jaw to warm the tissues and understand where you’re holding tension. The muscles and fascia are gradually softened during a 30 minute massage before I even put my gloves on!
Wearing fresh gloves, I then work carefully inside each cheek while supporting and manipulating the tissues externally. This allows me to access the deeper cheek and jaw muscles with a degree of precision that isn’t possible through external facial massage alone.
The pressure is always adapted to you. Some areas may feel tender, particularly where the muscles are tight, but the treatment shouldn’t feel painful. Many clients describe it as an intense stretch or a feeling of productive release. Others find it so relaxing that they quickly stop thinking about the fact that the massage is taking place inside the mouth at all and drift off to sleep.
What are the benefits of buccal massage?
It releases jaw and facial tension. This is the benefit clients often notice most clearly. By working directly with the muscles involved in chewing, clenching and facial expression, intraoral massage can help your jaw feel softer and less restricted. The cheeks may feel more mobile, the mouth more relaxed and the whole lower face less tight.
It can create a more lifted, sculpted appearance. A tightly held muscle can affect the way the tissues sit around it. When tension through the jaw and cheeks begins to soften, the face can look more open, rested and defined. Working beneath the cheekbones and along the jaw may temporarily enhance the appearance of facial contours, while external massage and lymphatic techniques can help reduce puffiness. The sculpting effect is temporary rather than permanent. How long it lasts will vary according to factors such as stress, clenching, hydration, sleep and how frequently the treatment is received.
It supports circulation and radiance. Massage encourages local circulation, bringing warmth and movement to tissues that feel tight or stagnant. This can leave your complexion looking brighter and more alive. As buccal massage is combined with external facial and lymphatic massage, it may also help move excess fluid and reduce the appearance of puffiness. Facial lymphatic massage may temporarily improve circulation and reduce facial swelling, contributing to a fresher, more rested appearance.
It softens tension around the mouth. Intraoral massage allows me to work more closely around the cheeks, lips, nasolabial area and lower face. Releasing tension here can help the mouth appear softer and the overall expression less strained. It won’t erase lines or stop the natural ageing process, however, when the face is no longer being pulled or held by tense muscles, lines may temporarily look softened.
It encourages the whole face to let go. Although buccal massage is often discussed in relation to cheekbones and jawlines, its effects aren’t purely cosmetic. Many clients don’t realise how much effort they’ve been using to hold their face until they experience what it feels like to release it. As the jaw softens and the breathing slows, the treatment can create a wider sense of letting go. My intention is to create enough safety and stillness for the tissues to soften.
Who is intraoral massage for?
Buccal massage may be particularly appealing if you:
clench or tighten your jaw
hold tension around your mouth or lower face
wake with a tired or heavy-feeling jaw
feel puffy or congested through the cheeks
want a naturally more defined, rested appearance
enjoy deeper, more purposeful facial massage
find it difficult to fully relax your face
It definitely isn’t for everyone! And treatment may need to be postponed if you have active cold sores, mouth ulcers, dental infections, recent dental work, open wounds or active inflammation inside the mouth. I’ll always discuss your health history and any current concerns before beginning.
Persistent jaw pain, locking, significant clicking, swelling or difficulty opening your mouth should be assessed by your dentist, GP or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional before booking facial massage.
How will my face look and feel afterwards?
Immediately after treatment, the jaw and cheeks often feel lighter, softer and more spacious. The face may appear less puffy, with greater definition around the cheekbones and jawline. Skin can look brighter and the overall expression more rested. I recently had a client describe her smile, post treatment, as wider and more open, which is a lovely way to think about it.
You may also become more aware of how often you usually clench or tense your face. That awareness in itself can be useful when trying to hold tension in a different way in the future. For many people, the greatest benefit isn’t simply that their face looks more lifted, it’s that they realise they don’t have to hold themselves quite so tightly.
Buccal and intraoral massage in Hampshire
I offer buccal and intraoral massage from my private facial studio near Hook in Hampshire, incorporating it into a considered treatment of the face, jaw and neck.
The technique may be combined with external facial massage, sculpting techniques, facial cupping, gua sha and restorative touch according to what your face needs on the day.
As with all my treatments, the intention is to work thoughtfully rather than aggressively. To improve movement and radiance, soften the effects of tension and create a moment in which both your face and nervous system are allowed to settle.
