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Posted on 12/23/2017 by Tessa Smith-Greisch |
 TMJ or temporomandibular joint syndrome is a painful disorder with the joint that connects the jaw to the skull. As excess stress is put on this joint it can become uncomfortable and stop functioning properly.
This leads to pain, clicking and popping in the jaw. It can also lead to pain in other areas of the head including the ears and the head itself. If you suffer from headaches regularly, you may have TMJ. One possible cause of TMJ in patients is regular gum chewing. Chewing gum puts stress on that joint and causes it to work far more than it should have to. Like any type of repetitive stress, eventually it can lead to an injury. That's why it's best to avoid chewing gum whenever possible. Frequently we have patients that are suffering from TMJ ask us what type of gum is safe to chew, and we always give them the same answer. Avoid Gum Whenever PossibleWe understand that chewing gum can be a good way to relieve stress and an enjoyable activity to pass the time, but overall, it's not good for the health of your mouth.Research shows that chewing gum excessively can lead to TMJ, and after you have the condition chewing any gum can irritate the issue further. If you must chew any gum at all, chew very small pieces that put little strain on the jaw, but do your best to avoid chewing at all if possible. Sure, it's fun to chew gum, but it's really not good for your jaw. If you're already suffering from TMJ you definitely want to minimize gum as much as possible, but even if you aren't, we recommend that you avoid gum as much as possible and definitely avoid chewing it throughout the day every day. That's how disorders can form. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at (608) 960-7650 today. |
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(608) 960-7650 info@madisonoralsurgeons.com LOCATION 2921 Landmark Place Madison, WI 53713 |
