I have recently been grinding my teeth a lot and notice a clicking sound of my right jaw when I yawn. I question whether I’ve developed TMJ as my cheeks feel sore. In pictures I have recently noticed my cheeks look large. Is this fat or masseter hypertrophy? what are the treatment recommendations?
Dr. Mesas Answered: Fullness of the lower cheeks are caused by either enlarged buccal fat pads ( most common cause) or enlarged masseter muscles ( less common).
Chubbiness caused by enlarged buccal fat pads is located in the ANTERIOR lower cheeks.
Chubbiness caused by enlarged (hypertrophic) masseter muscles is located in the POSTERIOR lower cheek.
Treatment of the fillies of these tow distinct lower cheek areas is different. The enlarged anterior lower cheek is usually treated with buccal fat removal. The enlarged posterior lower cheek is usually treated with serial injections of Botox.