If you have a gum-chewing habit, you might have noticed that your jaw hurts after chewing for a while. Eventually, you will hear a clicking sound at the base of your ear, where your jaw joint is located, and it will be followed by ear pain.
With this condition, you might be suffering from Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). There are rumors that chewing gum can treat this disorder. Some patients are curious about how does chewing gum help TMJ problem? Is it medically proven, or will it worsen the condition?
What Is TMJ?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. This is the joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull. The TMJ allows the jaw to move up or down and sideways, which is necessary for speaking, chewing, and yawning. When this joint becomes damaged or affected by a disorder, it can cause a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) or simply TMJ.
Read More: What is TMJ Disorder? Causes, Treatment & More
Overview of TMJ Symptoms
Some warning signs of TMJ include:
- localized pain in the jaw joint
- facial pain
- headaches
- stiff jaw muscles
- difficulty opening the mouth,
- clicking or popping sound when moving the jaw
- neck pain.
The causes of TMJ can be varied, including injury to the jaw, stress, arthritis, and bruxism (teeth grinding). Treatments for TMJ typically include physical therapy, pain medications, and in severe cases, surgery.
Continue Reading: TMJ Disorder: Signs & Symptoms
How Chewing Gum Affects the Jaw
Is chewing gum bad for your jaw? Does chewing gum help the jawline? If you are suffering from TMD, the worst thing for you to do is to overuse your jaw joint. You’ll experience jaw pain when chewing gum since it requires continuous joint movement. This can result in muscle tension and make your condition worse even more.
Long-Term Effects of Gum Chewing on the Jaw
Benefits of Chewing Gum on the Face
Chewing gum can induce blood flow to the jaw, reduce muscle tension, and improve the range of motion in the jaw.
Stress and Severe Pain
Prolonged chewing can put excessive stress on the jaw joint and muscles, leading to pain and discomfort.
Bruxism
Chewing gums can also cause teeth grinding and eventually wear down the teeth.
Misaligned Teeth
Chewing gum constantly can cause the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to become misaligned, which can lead to chronic pain, headaches, and facial pain.
Does Chewing Gum Help TMJ or Make It Worse?
You might ask why does my jaw hurt after chewing gum? Jaw pain from chewing gum can be one of the notable signs that you are suffering from TMJ. Excessive chewing creates muscle stress that further affects your dental health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does chewing gum loosen your jaw?
Short-term, moderate gum chewing can help to loosen and relax the jaw muscles, which can be beneficial for people with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) or other jaw-related conditions. This can help to improve the range of motion in the jaw and reduce muscle tension.
Does gum help tighten the jaw?
Excessive or prolonged gum chewing can have the opposite effect and lead to the tightening of the jaw muscles. This can put excessive stress on the jaw joint and lead to pain and discomfort. It’s important to note that excessive gum chewing can also lead to teeth grinding (bruxism) and wear down the teeth.
Why does chewing give me a headache?
Chewing can give you a headache for several reasons. One possible reason is that it can put a strain on the muscles of the jaw and face, leading to muscle tension and pain. This can be particularly true if you have a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) or other jaw-related conditions.
Is it bad to chew on one side of your mouth?
Chewing on one side of your mouth consistently can lead to an uneven distribution of force on the jaw and teeth. It can cause the muscles on that side of the jaw to work harder and become tenser. This can lead to extreme pain and discomfort in the jaw, as well as headaches. Additionally, if one side of the jaw is overworked, it can cause the jaw joint to become misaligned, which can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) or other jaw-related conditions.
What helps TMJ fast?
Ways to alleviate TMJ signs quickly:
- Putting a cold compress on the affected area can reduce inflammation and pain.
- Gentle jaw exercises can help to loosen the jaw muscles and improve the range of motion.
- Practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga can help reduce muscle tension and pain.
- Over-the-counter pain medication.
- Wearing a custom-made orthotic or splint at night can help to reposition the jaw and reduce muscle tension.
- Physical therapy can help reduce pain and improve jaw function through exercises and manual therapy.
What removes TMJ?
TMJ is an uncomfortable condition with multiple causes, therefore, multiple treatments.
No specific treatment can “remove” TMJ, but a combination of different therapies and interventions can help alleviate the symptoms and improve jaw function.
Treatment options may include:
- Physical therapy to improve muscle strength, flexibility, and jaw function
- Medications to reduce pain and inflammation
- Splints or orthotics to reposition the jaw and reduce muscle tension
- Dental treatments such as bite adjustment, orthodontics, or dental restoration to improve bite and jaw function
- Jaw surgery in severe cases where the joint has been damaged or other options have failed.
How do you rub out TMJ?
Rubbing or massaging the jaw and facial muscles can be an effective way to alleviate the symptoms of TMJ. The goal of massaging the jaw is to release muscle tension and reduce pain. Here are a few ways you can massage the jaw and facial muscles to help alleviate TMJ:
- Jaw muscle massage: Gently massage the jaw muscles by placing your fingers on the jawbone just in front of the ear and applying pressure while moving your jaw in a circular motion.
- Temporal muscle massage: Massage the temporal muscles by placing your fingers on the temples and applying gentle pressure while moving your jaw in a circular motion.
- Massage of the masseter muscle: Place your fingers on the masseter muscle located in front of the ear, and gently press and release the muscle while you open and close your jaw.
- Facial muscle massage: Massage the facial muscles by placing your fingers on the cheekbones and applying gentle pressure while moving your jaw in a circular motion.
What relaxes TMJ?
Several ways to relax the muscles of the jaw:
- Gentle jaw exercises can help to loosen the jaw muscles.
- Massaging the jaw and facial muscles can help to release tension and reduce pain.
- Putting a warm compress on the jaw can help to relax the muscles and reduce pain.
- Moist heat therapy, such as a warm shower or bath, can help to relax the jaw muscles and reduce pain.
- Stretching the jaw, neck, and shoulder muscles can help to reduce tension and improve mobility.
- Avoiding hard foods and chewy food.
Consult With Garza Dds to Learn More Whether Chewing Gum Can Help TMJ
If you’re experiencing pain and discomfort in your jaw or face, it could be a symptom of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Dr. Garza, a TMJ specialists in Gilbert, AZ, offers a wide range of treatment options available to help alleviate your symptoms and improve your jaw function. From TMJ services to cosmetic dental treatments, he can work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that’s right for you. Don’t wait any longer to get the relief you deserve. Contact our office today and schedule your appointment.