{"id":318,"date":"2023-09-21T10:45:00","date_gmt":"2023-09-21T10:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dentistryinmillersville.com\/blog\/?p=318"},"modified":"2023-10-06T22:46:10","modified_gmt":"2023-10-06T22:46:10","slug":"does-chewing-gum-make-tmj-disorder-worse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dentistryinmillersville.com\/blog\/2023\/09\/21\/does-chewing-gum-make-tmj-disorder-worse\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Chewing Gum Make TMJ Disorder Worse?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dentistryinmillersville.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_15254500__1696632254_22899.jpg\" alt=\"A closeup of a woman placing chewing gum in her mouth\" class=\"wp-image-319\" width=\"312\" height=\"207\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dentistryinmillersville.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_15254500__1696632254_22899.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.dentistryinmillersville.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_15254500__1696632254_22899-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.dentistryinmillersville.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_15254500__1696632254_22899-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 312px) 100vw, 312px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>As far as habits go, gum-chewing may not seem that bad. There\u2019s even research that suggests it can help keep your mouth clean! Still, you should be careful \u2013 chewing gum can make TMJ worse. You may suffer more severe <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentistryinmillersville.com\/tmj-tmd-therapy.html\">jaw issues<\/a> if you go too far with it. Luckily, your local Millersville dental practice can further explain. Here\u2019s how gum-chewing and TMJ disorder are related and why to see a dentist for the latter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Context: What\u2019s TMJ Disorder?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Standing for the \u2018temporomandibular joint,\u2019 the TMJ is a part of your face\u2019s bone structure. You have one on each side of your jaw, and it acts as a sort of sliding hinge. It thus helps you open and close your mouth when you chew and speak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Given this context, a TMJ disorder (per the name) is a condition where your TMJ becomes dysfunctional. Factors like genetics, arthritis, and jaw injuries often cause it. Over time, the issue leads to symptoms like severe jaw pain, popping or clicking noises, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How is Chewing Gum Related to TMJ Disorder?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As it turns out, gum chewing really isn\u2019t good for TMJ disorders. The former tends to aggravate and worsen the latter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember, chewing gum exercises your jaw muscles. When those muscles get overworked, they can trigger painful spasms in your jaw, neck, and head. The strain can also cause the cartilage in your jaw to erode and degrade. Naturally, such things will irritate pre-existing TMJ disorder symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Given these facts, most dentists suggest TMJ disorder patients refrain from gum-chewing. Doing so allows your muscles to relax and your head, neck, and jaw to recover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Should You See a Dentist for TMJ Disorder?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While letting up on gum-chewing can help with TMJ pain, it won\u2019t treat the underlying problem. You\u2019ll need to see a dentist for a real solution to TMJ disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You see, many dentists offer forms of TMJ therapy. One option is an occlusal adjustment, which reshapes key teeth so the jaw can rest more naturally. Another is an occlusal splint \u2013 a mouthpiece that prevents teeth-grinding, a common cause of TMJ disorder. Yet other dental teams provide BOTOX injections to relieve muscle pain in the jaw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you can see, chewing gum can indeed make TMJ worse. So, lay off the spearmint and see your dentist for one of the treatment choices above!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">About the Practice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentistryinmillersville.com\/\"><em>Transcendent Smiles<\/em><\/a><em> is based in Millersville, MD. Led by <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentistryinmillersville.com\/meet-dr-vy-tran.html\"><em>Dr. Vy Tran<\/em><\/a><em>, our practice strives to meet all patients\u2019 oral needs and wants. Thus, we offer comprehensive dentistry, including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative procedures. Our team is also well-equipped to treat dental emergencies, providing tooth extractions and root canal therapy as needed. For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentistryinmillersville.com\/contact-us.html\"><em>our website<\/em><\/a><em> or by phone at <strong>(410)-729-9090<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As far as habits go, gum-chewing may not seem that bad. There\u2019s even research that suggests it can help keep your mouth clean! Still, you should be careful \u2013 chewing gum can make TMJ worse. You may suffer more severe jaw issues if you go too far with it. Luckily, your local Millersville dental practice [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Does Chewing Gum Make TMJ Disorder Worse? | Transcendent Smiles<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Really, chewing gum can make TMJ worse. 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