Many people find that chewing gum can be a pleasurable experience, and the American Dental Association even recommends enjoying sugar-free gum after meals to help your mouth clean itself and prevent tooth decay. However, some research suggests that chewing gum too frequently can have negative effects on the joints your jaw depends on. Here’s what you should know about chewing gum and how it may worsen the symptoms of TMJ disorder.
The TMJ and Repeated Motion Injuries
A person’s jaw can get quite a workout while chewing gum, and doing this too frequently can leave the temporomandibular joints (also called TMJ) that hold it in place and allow it to move overworked and exhausted. Frequent and aggressive gum chewing can lead to issues like painful spasms in the neck, head, or jaw as well as other symptoms of TMJ disorders (also called TMD).
TMD happens due to the temporomandibular joints becoming unbalanced or misaligned due to frequent stress or erosion of the cartilage tissue that protects them from the strain of chewing. Unfortunately, chewing gum excessively is an excellent way to develop both these problems.
How Can I Tell if I Have TMD?
TMD is an unfortunately common oral health issue that affects more than ten million Americans. While only a qualified dentist can properly diagnose this condition, people living with it may experience symptoms such as:
- Discomfort when chewing
- Difficulty moving their jaws
- Clicking or popping sounds when opening their mouths
- Earaches
- Headaches
How Can My Dentist Treat TMD?
There are a variety of treatments that can address TMD. A few of these include:
- Equilibration / occlusal adjustments: If the patient’s jaw is misaligned due to the teeth not coming together properly when the mouth is closed, their dentist may be able to adjust their bite by removing a small amount of enamel from certain teeth.
- Occlusal splints: These simple oral appliances are worn over the teeth to stabilize the bite, reduce stress on the jaw, and protect the teeth from grinding and clenching, which are associated with TMJ problems.
- TENS machine treatment: A TENS machine uses mild electrical currents to stimulate nerves. This can relax the jaw’s muscles while preventing pain signals from reaching the brain.
- Orthodontic treatment: Sometimes, realigning the teeth is the best way to address TMD.
TMD can be a pain in the neck as well as several other parts of your head, but there are steps you can take to treat it. Consulting with your dentist may allow you to find the best way to address your jaw pain.
About the Author
Dr. Nada Elsadig earned her dental degree at Howard School of Dentistry where she was a top academic and clinical performer in her class. She has published many articles in My Health Magazine and traveled extensively to treat patients in underserved communities. Her office in Falls Church offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as TMJ treatments. If you are concerned about jaw pain, contact her office online or dial (703) 241-5775.