Long term effects of chewing gum? tmj?

Leads to TMD.: Excessive gum chewing does cause breakdown of the tmj. Chewing gum for about 5 minutes after a meal does stimulate salivia flow which nutralizes the acid in your mouth which helps in decreasing the possiblity of cavites.

Many things: It depends on how long you chew gum if you chew for hours your jaw and teeth can get sore especially if done for years. If sugared gum there is a possibility of cavities. Joint pain is a possibility too. Chewing gum aafter meals or to stimulate saliva for few minutes should not cause problems it also does not look good.

It can: Chewing gum can be a cause of tmj/tmd over a period of time. It can add to the problems by chewing just on one side of the mouth- should try and chew on both sides so the right and left are receiving similar stimuli and "exercise." also, the people who put several pieces of gum and chew it at same time can also be detrimental. Those who blow bubbles constantly can also add to a TMJ risk.

May make it worse: Gum chewing not a problem unless excessive. It it aggravated TMJ condition, then decrease or stop it.