Is chewing gum bad if you have TMJ?

Question

I LOVE chewing gum. I chew it all the time (sugarfree, of course). But I have TMJ. Sometimes, if I am chewing for a few hours, my jaw hurts.

So my question is: Will my TMJ get worse if I chew gum all the time? and Should I not chew gum as much?

Answer 1

    TMJ is short for temperomandibular joint.....everyone has one.  When you have a problem or pain associated with your joint it is referred to as TMD (temperomandibular dissorder).....

But to answer the question is yes, you should quit chewing gum.  it is probably not making it worse but it is definitely not making it better.

You should go see your dentist and get fitted for a night guard or an occlusal splint.  This helps relax the jaw muscles and aleviate the pain. as well as go on a temporary soft food diet combined with a massage of the jaw muscles. you can do this yourself at home one hour perday

Answer 2

The most common causes of TMJ are a poor bite, and stress, combined with grinding of the teeth, especially at night.

Gum chewing can make this problem even worse.

Answer 3

I have had the same problem as you.  I love to chew gum, and my jaw ended up getting all stiff and sore.  I cut back on gum for a while, and now it is much better. I couldn't totally give it up because, I also LOVE to chew it, and it seems like chewing gum keeps my jaw from getting too tense!  So I would suggest cutting back on the gum, maybe you don't have to give it up totally.  Just don't chew it ALL the time!