Appearance-enhancing masticatory muscle exercises and their potential impact on masticatory muscle symptoms: A netnographic study and scoping review.

Objective: Videos containing exercises for masticatory muscles to enhance esthetic appearance are published on social media platforms. The aim of the study was to find out the nature of the exercises and whether they could have an impact on the health of the masticatory muscles.

Method: For the netnography, social media videos of jaw area exercises were collected as material and reviewed. The literature review investigated the effect of voluntary masticatory muscle exercises.

Results: 71 videos were collected, with none referring to scientific evidence. Muscle exercises found by netnography were isometric exercise of the masseter muscles. The scoping review revealed isometric exercise of the masticatory muscles can cause symptoms in the masticatory system in temporomandibular disorder patients.

Conclusion: Non-professional masticatory muscle exercises should be considered in the etiology of muscle-related TMD. Dental professionals should to explore social media platforms to be aware of content about dental issues.