Kylie Jenner's Viral 'WOW Method' Could Ease Chronic Jaw Pain for Millions
Before continuing, pause for a moment and consciously unclench your jaw. You might be among the 8 to 10 percent of the UK population suffering from bruxism, the medical term for teeth grinding or clenching. This condition affects thousands, leading to dental issues, persistent headaches, and pain radiating through the face, neck, and shoulders, often accompanied by temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs or TMJ disorders).
An Unlikely Source of Relief: Kylie Jenner's Facial Routine
Salvation for this widespread issue has emerged from an unexpected figure: billionaire entrepreneur and media personality Kylie Jenner. Beyond managing her business empire and family life, Jenner has popularized 'facial exercises' through social media. In a TikTok video that amassed over 2.7 million likes, the 28-year-old demonstrates the 'WOW' face yoga position, which involves slowly articulating the word 'wow' while opening the mouth as wide as possible.
While this exercise is often touted for enhancing cheekbone definition, some medical experts suggest it could also serve as a simple, effective method to alleviate chronic jaw pain, including TMJ disorders. Shilen Patel, one of only five specialists in the UK exclusively focusing on TMDs, indicates that the WOW pose might be an 'effective' approach for individuals grappling with this condition.
Understanding TMJ Disorders: A Common Yet Overlooked Health Burden
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone to the skull, enabling essential functions like chewing and speaking. Each side of the jaw features one TMJ, and disorders centered here are remarkably prevalent, impacting millions of young people worldwide. TMDs impair jaw movement, resulting in significant pain, limited mobility, and sometimes audible popping or clicking sounds.
Although the causes of TMDs vary, common triggers include muscle strain from habits like gum chewing or nail-biting, joint issues such as osteoarthritis, stress, and excessive jaw clenching. Academics recognize TMDs as a 'significant and largely unrecognized health burden,' with estimates suggesting nearly one-third of the global population (29.5%) experiences these disorders. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary, but evidence points to simple facial yoga movements as a potential source of relief.
How the 'WOW Method' Alleviates Jaw Pain: Expert Guidance
Shilen Patel, who has treated clients globally for TMJ and facial pain with methods ranging from TMJ replacements to Botox injections and stress-related referrals, advocates for the WOW position as a beneficial technique. He explains, 'The movement stretches the muscles, lengthens them, and therefore reduces tension and tightness like yoga.' However, he cautions against overuse, noting that a common recommendation in face yoga to repeat exercises 20 times daily is excessive and could lead to anterior displacement of the TMJ disc, potentially causing a TMD.
Patel emphasizes, 'Twenty times a day is excessive and would likely cause the TMJ disc to anteriorly displace. Many of my patients present with TMDs after prolonged mouth opening, such as after a lengthy dental appointment.' Instead, he advises a moderate approach: 'I would suggest it twice a day.'
Botox: An Emerging Alternative for Long-Term Relief
For those seeking more sustained solutions, Botox injections offer another avenue. Patel notes that Botox can have a 'long-term impact' after just three sessions. Nurse prescriber and aesthetic trainer Natalja Andrejeva describes Botox as an 'emerging go-to solution' for teeth-grinding and jaw clenching, observing a noticeable increase in clients seeking this treatment post-pandemic.
Andrejeva details, 'Botox is injected into the masseter muscles to relax them. This reduces the intensity of clenching and grinding without affecting your ability to chew or speak.' The benefits include diminished jaw tension, fewer headaches, improved sleep, and enhanced quality of life, along with a slightly slimmer jawline. At her clinic, Face Code Aesthetic, treatments start at £290 and typically require sessions every three to six months, though some clients may extend intervals as symptoms lessen over time.
This combination of accessible facial exercises and advanced medical treatments provides hope for the millions affected by jaw pain and TMJ disorders, highlighting the importance of proper technique and professional guidance in managing these conditions.
