A 48-year-old member asked:
If i have tmj can i chew gum?
4 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Phil Zapantaanswered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 23 years experience
May make TMJ worse: Tmj problems refers to problems with the jaw joint in front of the ear (temporomandibular joint). Typically the problems arise from some form of mechanical breakdown in the joint due to various jaw/teeth issues. If one constantly chews gum and the underlying condition is not treated, this will lead to more problems down the road and worsening of the current symptoms. Your jaw won't get better.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Gary Ledermananswered
Dentistry 42 years experience
You should not: Most TMJ symptoms are muscle related. So, if muscles are fatigued, they need to rest. Gum is a form of repetitive use injury. It should be avoided, especially when the system is already showing signs of distress.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Jeffrey Bassmananswered
Dentistry 47 years experience
Normally No: Chewing gum as a repetitive action can actually increase symptoms. Most people who chew gum chew on only one side of their mouth. This actually is like exercising one arm vs the other so the muscles on the right, for example, become stronger than the oral muscles on the left. An imbalance in occlusion is exactly what you don't need!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Louis Galliaanswered
Surgery - Oral & Maxillofacial 47 years experience
Depends: Depends on how gum chewing affects your TMJ problem. Gentle gum chewing is a type of jaw muscle/joint exercise. If it make the TMJ symptoms better, it is helpful. If it aggravates the symptoms, then not helpful. Use response to gum chewing as a guide.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Dec 31, 2016
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