The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull, functioning like a sliding hinge on each side of your head, just in front of your ears. Disorders affecting this joint and the surrounding muscles can lead to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. Common indicators include pain or tenderness in the jaw, aching pain around the ear, difficulty chewing, or a locking sensation that makes it hard to open or close your mouth. Many people wonder if common habits, such as chewing gum, can influence TMJ health.
How Chewing Gum Affects TMJ
Chewing gum has a negative impact on TMJ health, particularly for those with existing jaw discomfort. The repetitive motion of chewing gum places significant strain on the temporomandibular joint and its associated muscles, particularly the masseter and temporalis. This sustained activity can lead to muscle overuse, resulting in fatigue, tightness, and spasms.
Prolonged gum chewing also increases stress on the joint, worsening inflammation, stiffness, or joint noises like clicking or popping. This continuous motion can exacerbate jaw ache and contribute to swelling. For those with TMJ disorders, chewing gum offers no therapeutic benefit and can worsen symptoms, leading to difficulty opening the mouth fully.
Effective Strategies for TMJ Relief
Managing TMJ symptoms involves home remedies and lifestyle adjustments that prioritize jaw rest and muscle relaxation. Avoiding hard, chewy, or sticky foods, and cutting food into smaller pieces reduces strain on jaw muscles. Applying cold packs for acute pain or moist heat for chronic dull pain, for about 15-20 minutes several times daily, eases discomfort and improves circulation.
Gentle jaw stretches and self-massage techniques provide relief by improving jaw range of motion and releasing muscle tension. For instance, placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth and opening your mouth as wide as possible without losing contact gently stretches the jaw muscles. Stress reduction techniques, such as deep breathing or calming music, are beneficial as stress often contributes to jaw clenching and teeth grinding. Maintaining good posture, especially while sleeping on your back, helps keep the head, neck, and jaw in proper alignment, further reducing strain.
When to Consult a Professional
Self-care measures are not always sufficient for TMJ symptoms; professional evaluation is necessary when pain persists or worsens. If you experience constant jaw pain or tenderness that appears suddenly or during jaw movements, or if you cannot fully open or close your mouth, seek medical attention.
Other signs include severe discomfort that interferes with eating, speaking, or sleeping, or if jaw clicking or popping becomes more frequent or intense. A dentist, oral surgeon, physical therapist, or doctor can provide a diagnosis and discuss treatment options, which may range from dental appliances to other therapies.