{"id":105,"date":"2024-02-09T19:49:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-09T19:49:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sleepbetterdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=105"},"modified":"2024-03-18T19:56:29","modified_gmt":"2024-03-18T19:56:29","slug":"can-chewing-gum-hurt-your-tmj","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sleepbetterdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=105","title":{"rendered":"Chewing Gum: A Harmless Habit or TMJ Troublemaker?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Chewing gum is a common habit for many, whether it’s to freshen breath, curb hunger, or help them concentrate. However, for those with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, chewing gum may not be as harmless as it seems! This painful condition can affect your quality of life in many ways, but what is it, and why does gum make it so much worse?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read on to learn more about TMJ disorder<\/a> and the effects of chewing gum on its progression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Is TMJ Disorder?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts as a hinge connecting your jawbone to your skull. TMJ disorder occurs when there are issues with the muscles, ligaments, or joint itself, leading to discomfort and chewing issues. Symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds when chewing, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, and headaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Does Chewing Gum Have to do with TMJ Disorder?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For those with TMJ disorder, the repetitive motion of chewing gum can strain the jaw joint and worsen symptoms. But how? If you\u2019re a person who exercises frequently, you may understand that over-using a muscle can cause it to get sore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is the same process that happens to your jaw muscle. When the ligaments and other tissues are worked repetitively, it causes microscopic tears that lead to pain and weakness. Gum\u2019s only purpose is to be chewed and this encourages the repetitive motions that lead to TMJ pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips For Chewing Gum<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most dentists agree that moderate amounts of gum-chewing won\u2019t cause an issue. However, if you\u2019re worried about a TMJ disorder, but want to continue chewing gum, consider these tips to minimize discomfort:<\/p>\n\n\n\n