Question 1

i used to chew gum a lot, which led me to have a stiff jaw and it would pop a lot. i haven't chewed it in quite a while, and although the pain isn't there, will i have jaw pain in the future because of it?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily: The jaw joint is pretty resilient and a lot of people have asymptomatic popping of their joints.  It is probably best to avoid the gum chewing, though.

Question 2

my jaw feels sore on both sides. has been this way for 2-3 wks. it feels like when you've been chewing a lot of gum. help?

Accepted Answer

TMJ disorder: Go see your dentist. You may have injured your temporomandibular joint. Check out more at http://www.Mayoclinic.Com/health/tmj-disorders/ds00355.

Question 3

will a lot of chewing of foods or hard gum cause a reduction in bone in the jaw and ramus? and if so why? if this does occur will the bone ever come back or is it permanently lost and will the person have to get an implant later on to rectify issue?

Accepted Answer

Multiple questions: Bone exists to buttress stress. If a tooth has been removed the associated bone will resorb. Surgical procedures are available to replace missing bone to be able to support an implant, but if adjacent/opposite teeth collapse into the extraction space replacement may be complicated. Chewing strengthens bone, gum disease weakens it. See Dentist now for long-term treatment plan.

Question 4

is chewing a lot of gum bad for kids' teeth? our seven year old love to chew gum, and seems to do it all the time. i try and make sure he uses sugar-free gum, but i'm worried that all that chewing could do something to his teeth or jaw. do i have anything

Accepted Answer

Xylitol : Xylitol based (sugar free) will not promote tooth decay.

The chewing action stumulates salivary flow, and together with the gum, cleanses the teeth.

Obviously, too much of anything isn't healthy. Constant chewing action may put more wear and tear on the joints and muscles of the face, which could, over an extended period of time cause problems.

Everything in moderation and he should be just fine.

Question 5

i chewed gum a lot yesterday and now my jaw really hurts, should i be concerned?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: You most likely over stressed your muscles with too much gum chewing.  You also may have a problem with your muscles called Myofascial Dysfunction and if you aren't feeling better in a few days have it checked out by your dentist.

Question 6

why am i constantly clinching my jaw? i have to chew gum to keep from doing it & at night my jaws hurt

Accepted Answer

Stress?: People clench their teeth for lots of reason- often stress related. During the day you can   put your tongue on the roof of your mouth when you find yourself clenching. Chewing gum can make your jaw hurt more. See your dentist or physician for diagnosis and treatment. Until then, try moist heat on your jaw to try to relax the muscle, soft foods, and anti-inflammatories if you can take them.

Question 7

hi, i have a asymmetric jaw because i was only chewing from my left for the past few years. if i start eating gum/food alot of the time from my right will it help in getting the symmetry back ?

Accepted Answer

Symmetry: Chewing on the other side should help to even the jaws out, keep in mind that there could be other things that may have contributed to the asymmetry.

Question 8

can you tell me docs, is chewing the gum change the jaw shape ?

Accepted Answer

No: You can't change the shape of your jaw by chewing gum.

Question 9

my jaw hurts from chewing gum. what can i do?

Accepted Answer

Hm, quit chewing?: Not to be sarcastic, but sometimes the body warns us that we are injuring it by signaling us with pain.  If you cut back chewing and avoid clenching of your jaw as well (which can also cause jaw muscle pain) and your pain begins to resolve then you have your answer.

Question 10

is chewing gum good or bad for you jaw?

Accepted Answer

Can be Either: If you need stimulation of saliva due to dry mouth or can not brush after meals, gently chewing a sugarless gum may help. Gum with xylotol can reduce future decay. These are good uses of gum. Over-zealous, forceful gum chewing can cause excess wear and tear harm to the jaw joints and muscles, or can make jaw pain worse in someone with TMJ disorders.

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Doctor answers about:

I chew gum a lot at work Is it true that your jaw gets bigger when you chew gum

A member asked:

I used to chew gum a lot, which led me to have a stiff jaw and it would pop a lot. i haven't chewed it in quite a while, and although the pain isn't there, will i have jaw pain in the future because of it?

A member asked:

My jaw feels sore on both sides. has been this way for 2-3 wks. it feels like when you've been chewing a lot of gum. help?

A member asked:

Will a lot of chewing of foods or hard gum cause a reduction in bone in the jaw and ramus? and if so why? if this does occur will the bone ever come back or is it permanently lost and will the person have to get an implant later on to rectify issue?

A member asked:

Is chewing a lot of gum bad for kids' teeth? our seven year old love to chew gum, and seems to do it all the time. i try and make sure he uses sugar-free gum, but i'm worried that all that chewing could do something to his teeth or jaw. do i have anything

A member asked:

I chewed gum a lot yesterday and now my jaw really hurts, should i be concerned?

A member asked:

Why am i constantly clinching my jaw? i have to chew gum to keep from doing it & at night my jaws hurt

A member asked:

Hi, i have a asymmetric jaw because i was only chewing from my left for the past few years. if i start eating gum/food alot of the time from my right will it help in getting the symmetry back ?

A member asked:

Can you tell me docs, is chewing the gum change the jaw shape ?

A member asked:

My jaw hurts from chewing gum. what can i do?

A member asked:

Is chewing gum good or bad for you jaw?

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