We grit our teeth in front of the computer, we chew on our stress in transport, we keep our mouths tense without even realizing it. Result: drawn features, painful and oval jaw which seems to be getting heavier. On the networks, a very simple gesture promises to relax the lower part of the face while offering a natural botox effect: the famous fish mouth. The kind of grimace that is immediately intriguing.
The jaw, lips and cheeks are among the areas where tension accumulates the most, under the effect of stress, bruxism or too shallow breathing. When these muscles contract, the tension can cause pain, stiffness, headaches and even joint noises in the temporomandibular joint. And when we manage to relax this area, the face immediately appears more rested, with a visually clearer oval.
Why fish mouth affects tense jaw
The fish mouth is part of the trend for face workouts, facial yoga and relaxation through movement. In an Instagram tutorial, content creator Juergen Horn summarizes this approach: , he explains, quoted by Elle.fr. According to him, lips, jaw and cheeks hold more tension than almost any other area of the body; once this area is freed, the face lifts in a more natural way.
On a muscular level, a clenched jaw corresponds to an involuntary contraction of the masticatory muscles, especially the masseters and temporalis. Specialists describe pain around the mandible, a feeling of stiffness which can radiate into the neck and shoulders, crunching when opening the mouth, without forgetting the nighttime grinding of teeth typical of bruxism. An exercise that mobilizes and relaxes these muscles can therefore help reduce tension, in addition to work on posture and stress management.
How to practice fish mouth for a natural botox effect
The principle is very simple: suck the cheeks inwards as if to imitate a fish, then release. To make the gesture comfortable, you can follow this mini-guide:
- Back straight, shoulders relaxed, inhale slowly through your nose.
- Suck the cheeks inward, lips pursed, and hold for 5 to 10 seconds.
- Exhale, releasing completely, then repeat the movement 10 to 15 times.
Juergen Horn advises holding this fish mouth position for 60 to 90 seconds per day. This practice time would help release tension in the jaw and cheeks, soften expression lines, stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation and soothe the nervous system, for a more “snatched” look to the lower face. A study published in 2018 in showed that a structured program of facial gymnastics could rejuvenate the appearance of the face by around three years after twenty weeks of regular practice, which is in line with these repeated routines.
Fish mouth, tension and Botox: how far to compare?
When we talk about the natural botox effect, it is a shorthand expression: fish mouth tones and relaxes the lower face, while botulinum toxin (Botox®) acts by reducing muscle activity. In severe forms of bruxism or pain in the temporomandibular joint, targeted injections into the masseters can be offered, after other solutions such as nighttime splints or supervised exercises have failed. The fish mouth exercise therefore does not replace these medical treatments, it rather acts on light to moderate tensions and on the perception of the oval.
To practice safely, the rule is simple: no sharp pain or blockage. If the jaw becomes stuck, if the crunching becomes severe or if eating and speaking become difficult, it is best to consult a dentist, orthodontist, physiotherapist or osteopath. When everything is going well, however, integrating this gesture for one or two minutes a day, for example after a day at the computer or before bed, makes it an easy-to-adopt mini anti-stress beauty ritual.
How long does it take for fish mouth to smooth the face?
Many people feel an immediate relaxation in the jawline, but the smoother appearance builds over several weeks. Studies on facial gymnastics speak of visible effects after several months of regular practice.
Can Fish Mouth Replace Botox in Jawline?
No, it does not replace masseter Botox performed for severe bruxism or chronic pain. The fish mouth helps above all to release daily tensions and gradually tone the oval.
Is this exercise suitable for severe bruxism or severe pain?
In the event of severe teeth grinding or intense pain, the priority remains to consult a professional to assess the jaw. The exercise can then be added as a complement, if the practitioner validates it and if it does not arouse the pain.
