Which muscle compresses cheeks for blowing and sucking?

Prepare for the VTCT Level 2 Facial and Skincare Test. Revise with flashcards and multiple choice questions, accompanied by insightful explanations. Ace your assessment with confidence!

The action of compressing the cheeks to blow and suck is performed by the buccinator. This muscle makes up the muscular wall of the cheek and, when it contracts, it presses the cheek against the teeth and lips. That creates a seal inside the mouth and drives air out when you blow, and it helps form a tight pocket of air for sucking or whistling. It also plays a role in keeping food between the teeth during chewing by resisting the cheek’s inward pressure. The temporalis and masseter are involved in moving the jaw (lifting and closing it), not tightening the cheek. The risorius mainly pulls the corners of the mouth outward, which changes smile width, but doesn’t compress the cheek for blowing.