Chewing gum is pretty normal, so you might be wondering what the big deal is. Under normal circumstances, you’d be right to be skeptical. A stick of gum can refresh your breath and, if it’s sugar-free, benefit your teeth by increasing your mouth’s production of its natural mouthwash: saliva.
However, if you experience recurring jaw pain, you could very well have a TMJ disorder – in which case chewing gum is likely to make things worse. Keep reading to learn more about this condition and why you might want to kick the gum habit.
What Does “TMJ” Mean?
“TMJ” stands for temporomandibular joint. This is simply the joint that connects your upper and lower jawbone. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to open and close your mouth very well, if at all.
When you have a TMJ disorder, this joint is damaged or out of alignment. Physical stress then travels along your bones, resulting in jaw pain, facial tightness, earaches, and even difficulties moving your mouth. It’s that important of a joint!
How Does Chewing Gum Affect My TMJ?
Think about the motion your jaw makes when you chew gum. Which muscles feel the most pressure? How much force do you exert? Since gum is sticky and requires a good amount of effort to enjoy, it’s one of the toughest snacks on your jaw. And since you have to leverage muscles closer to your TMJ, physical stress is transferred pretty quickly and intensely. Basically, frequent gum-chewing can easily overwork your TMJ, increasing your discomfort.
Why Should I Visit my Dentist for TMJ Treatment?
Your dentist might not have been the first person you thought of for addressing jaw pain. If you think about it, though, dentists are also trained in orthodontics. They know all about jaws, TMJs, and treating misalignment!
To alleviate your aches and take pressure off your TMJ, your dentist can adjust your resting bite with an occlusion adjustment or shift your jaw with an occlusal splint. For an occlusion adjustment (sometimes also called “equilibration”), they’ll reshape your back teeth just enough to relieve physical stress. An occlusal splint, on the other hand, is a mouthguard-like device that works a lot like a retainer.
Of course, while you wait to start your treatment, it’s best to stay away from gum – and other bad biting habits. Gnawing your fingernails and opening packages with your teeth will also create extra tension for your TMJ. This might be difficult at first, but with your dentist’s support, you can do it! A pain-free jaw could be just around the corner.
About the Author
Dr. Austin Amos stays up to date with the latest dental technologies, which is why he offers occlusion adjustments and splints for patients experiencing TMJ discomfort. He’ll actively listen to your concerns and symptoms and draw up the best treatment plan for addressing your needs. To contact his office, call 972-625-4746. Dr. Amos and the Ridgepointe Dental team will welcome you with VIP care!