Chewing gum has been a habit that humans have done for thousands of years. However, thanks to modern times, people no longer have to just chew birch bark tar! There are now so many varieties and even options that are good for your teeth, such as sugar-free gum. While there are benefits to enjoying a stick of the chewy treat, it may not be best for those who suffer from TMJ disorder. Read on to learn about the connection between the two and how your dentist can help you get a more comfortable smile!
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder is an issue that occurs with the temporomandibular joints. Located on both sides of the jaw, these joints can become misaligned, damaged, or deteriorated due to the breakdown of cartilage. This cartilage is essential to making your mouth and overall face comfortable because it absorbs the tension that occurs when you chew.
Those with TMJ disorder experience symptoms such as:
- Popping or clicking when opening the mouth or chewing
- Pain in and around the jaw
- Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
- Headaches
- Earaches
Chewing Gum and Worsening Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
It’s not far-fetched to see how chewing gum can negatively impact those who have TMJ disorder since gum requires so much movement of the jaw. But research has proven the connection between the two. Researchers studied people who chewed gum for 30, 60, or 120 minutes in a day and another that did not chew gum. After documenting the signs and symptoms of TMJ disorder in the participants, they discovered that the occurrence of clicking and pain in those who chewed gum regularly was higher than in the group that didn’t chew gum.
Constantly chewing gum seems to create extra tension and strain on the jaw muscles and the temporomandibular joint. Unfortunately, those that struggle with TMJ disorder could potentially exacerbate their symptoms. For those people, it’s best to avoid the chewy treat altogether and just enjoy sugar-free mints as an alternative.
How Can Your Dentist Help TMJ Disorder?
In addition to advising you to stay away from chewing gum, your dentist can treat your TMJ disorder with various treatments. They may suggest an equilibration/occlusal adjustment, which involves reshaping a few key teeth so they come together more smoothly. This will allow the joint and surrounding muscles to relax and heal themselves. Additionally, a custom-made oral appliance (called an occlusal splint) can be another way to ease TMJ disorder discomfort by gently shifting your jaw into a more natural position. Your dentist can help you figure out the best choice for you so you can achieve comfort throughout your jaw, head, or neck and return to a happy smile!
About the Practice
Meadowbrook Dentistry keeps the smiles of Plainview healthy, pain-free, and beautiful through the expertise of its team of dentists. With a focus on high-quality dentistry and patient convenience and comfort, they offer a full range of services. They can help treat your TMJ disorder through treatments such as equilibration/occlusal adjustment or a custom-made oral appliance. To schedule a consultation, visit their website or call (516) 346-5721.