Did you know that sources report that over 374 billion pieces of gum are sold annually, and that an estimated 173 million U.S. Americans chew these products? Whether you enjoy a minty flavor to freshen your breath or use nicotine products to quit your smoking habit, you’re not alone if you enjoy chewing gum regularly.
But if you’ve also noticed that your jaw feels sore or stiff in the morning, your habit might be contributing to a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. Continue reading to learn more about how chewing gum might affect your jaw health so you can avoid potential problems!
What is TMD?
Your jaw connects to the base of your skull via two sliding-disc joints, known as the TMJ (temporomandibular joints), which are located just below your ears on each side of your face. When they’re healthy, they provide your mouth with a full range of motion; you can open and close your jaw, slide it front to back, or shift it front side to side.
However, if these joints become overworked or sustain too much pressure, it can trigger a painful inflammation that can cause discomfort and limit your range of motion. This condition, commonly known as TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder), often presents with the following symptoms:
- Pain in the teeth, jaw, face, neck, ears, or shoulders.
- A clicking, popping, or grating noise when you open or close your mouth.
- Stiff or locked jaw.
- Ringing or tinnitus in the ears.
- Feeling stiff or drained when you wake up instead of well-rested.
Does Chewing Gum Make TMD Worse?
If you enjoy chewing gum regularly and have developed potential TMD concerns, you might wonder whether it’s safe to continue your habit. The truth is that although it might be difficult, reducing the frequency and duration of your gum-chewing can help improve your condition.
For example, in one 2014 study, scientists divided 200 participants into 2 groups; those with a gum-chewing habit, and those without. Then, they had subjects chew gum for 30, 60, or 120 minutes in a 24-hour day. They measured and documented signs of TMD, such as clicking and discomfort, and compared the results of the control group to the test group. It was discovered that intensive gum chewing can statistically increase the prevalence of TMD.
How Can I Reduce TMD Symptoms?
Chewing gum works your jaw and facial muscles, which can potentially exacerbate inflammation contributing to TMD issues. If you’re feeling stiff or sore, you can potentially improve your condition by chewing gum less frequently. You might try sugar-free mints to freshen your breath without overworking your TMJ. You can also try deep breathing, stretching, and mindfulness exercises to ease muscle tension and aches caused by your condition. Many dentists also offer treatments to help reduce TMD, such as custom-fitted nightguards to reposition your jaw and protect your teeth from grinding.
If you’re unsure whether you’ve developed TMD and if your gum-chewing habit is associated, you can learn more by scheduling an appointment with your dentist!
About the Practice
At Exceptional Dentistry & Sedation Center, patients benefit from a team of providers passionate about helping them build and maintain healthy, beautiful teeth and gums. They collaborate to offer a complete menu of services, including TMD treatments, to meet your unique needs under one roof. Then, they use state-of-the-art technology to improve patient comfort while delivering accurate results meant to last. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (352) 332-6725.
