Chewing gum might seem like a harmless act, but it can actually be trouble for you if your jaw often hurts or clicks. These symptoms and others are a common sign of temporomandibular (TMJ) disorder, and this habit may worsen this condition if you aren’t careful. Here is what you should know and how taking a break every so often can be worth it for your comfort.
Can Chewing Gum Affect Your Jaw?
Your TMJs are what connect your lower jaw to your skull. Along with several muscles, they help you open and close your mouth, talk, and chew. These structures move a lot throughout the day, but repetitive movements can strain them over time. So, if you have TMJ disorder, it may flare up.
Chewing gum is trouble because it doesn’t really have a natural stopping point. You can munch on the same piece for a long time, so your jaw is more likely to become fatigued. The additional activity can increase the discomfort you feel, so taking regular breaks can reduce any unnecessary stress.
Should You Stop Chewing Gum?
You might have a habit of chewing gum, but you don’t have to stop if you have TMJ disorder. If you notice that it’s triggering your symptoms, then stopping for a while can be a great first step. This will give your mouth the rest it needs. Not only that, but this goes for any other habits that work your jaw, like biting pen caps, your nails, or clenching your teeth.
That said, chewing gum doesn’t necessarily cause TMJ disorder in every person. Some people might have trouble while others don’t. Listen to what your body is saying and recognize when your jaw is becoming strained.
Can Your Dentist Give You a Reliable Solution?
If you are having jaw pain, then you can talk to your dentist about relieving your discomfort. There are plenty of reliable options out there, like a bite splint. This is an oral appliance you wear during the night that alleviates the stress on your TMJs by moving your lower jaw forward. You may see your symptoms getting better the more you use it.
Not only that, but you can also consider equilibration, where slight adjustments are made to your teeth to make sure your smile connects in the right spots. That way, your bite becomes more balanced. BOTOX® can also be helpful in reducing pain while you get reliable solutions.
While gum can aggravate your TMJ disorder, that doesn’t mean you can’t chew it ever again. Instead, by taking breaks, you can prevent your symptoms from worsening.
About the Practice
Struggling with TMJ disorder? Our team at Waban Dental Group is dedicated to helping patients in Newton with this condition by offering reliable solutions like a bite splint, equilibration, or BOTOX®. Led by compassionate dentists, we can find the right treatment for you and get you back a comfortable smile. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call our office at 617-527-6061.
