The exact nature of the jaw pain and its contributing factors can vary from person to person. But when you have temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and your jaw is aching, can chewing gum help provide relief? If you are unsure about this, the best thing would be to see Dr. Kim for clarification. Often the discrepancy in the way the teeth mesh or the occlusion will lead to strain on the joint or surrounding ligaments and muscles. Changing the direction and position of the slopes that guide your teeth together can often help to reposition the jaw. Here's what you need to know about the effect of chewing gum on your jawline, as well as other ways to change the appearance of your jaw. Let's keep it that way. Other possible causes include: Dentist appointments Eating hard food (like apples, bagels, corn on the cob, and steak) Jaw injury Habits like grinding your teeth of biting your nails Can exercise make TMJ worse? Whether a person chews gum as a snack or because they like the flavor, it is a common occurrence. 1371/ Garrigós-Pedrón M, Elizagaray-García I, Domínguez-Gordillo AA, Del-Castillo-Pardo-de-Vera JL, Gil-Martínez A. Temporomandibular disorders: improving outcomes using a multidisciplinary approach [published correction appears in J Multidiscip Healthc. You may have to wear this all the time or just at night. You may need up to five Kybella treatments. You may need multiple sessions to continue to destroy fat cells and achieve the desired results. For example, if you have tight neck muscles, this can pull on the TMJ and cause pain.
Sugary gum should be a no-go. If your jaw pain may be due to excessive gum chewing, consider limiting your gum chewing and letting your muscles relax. TMJ/TMD can be the result of multiple causes. Avoid Resting on Your Chin Many people rest their jaw in their hands while studying, browsing social media, or watching TV. As mentioned above, teeth grinding is a major cause of jaw pain. Avoiding gum could reduce chronic pain and discomfort, and even headaches.
Before your appointment with our highly rated dentist in Redlands, we will help you get a better understanding of what could be causing your jaw pain and how to that relieve jaw pain in the meantime. However, issues might arise when a person is constantly chewing on gum. If you have TMD, there are a variety of therapies that you can use to try and relieve the discomfort, including muscle relaxers, eating soft foods, and pursuing physical therapy, and if you are practicing these methods regularly, chances are good that chewing gum won't bother you. You'd be very careful with that ankle until it got its normal function and comfort restored. Some gums with the sweetener xylitol have even been said to prevent cavities. If your parents have TMD, there is a chance that you can develop the condition, too. Does chewing gum give you a better jawline? However, chewing gum doesn't replace the need to brush and floss your teeth daily. If you have a problem obtaining your download, click. Interviewer: Dr. Gary Lowder is a practicing dentist at the University of Utah School of Dentistry and also a professor there as well. Are you experiencing: - Sore cheeks and jaw. But after awhile, if you have stress over a long period of time, then things do not repair as efficiently as they normally should.
But dentists say this isn't the case, especially if you suffer from TMJ because the symptoms of this condition are worsened if you start misusing your jaw. Dr. Lowder: It certainly can. But that doesn't mean you should. For instance, the jaw pain after chewing gum might be from jaw strain, muscle fatigue, joint instability, or arthritic changes to the joint.
Does Chewing Gum Cause Jaw Pain? Some of the oral side effects include: - Excess saliva. Even if you often chew gum after meals or snacks, the American Dental Association (ADA) advises brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Chewing sugar-free gum may actually be helpful. Stop clenching, right? Taking proper care of your jaw joint early means that you can avoid invasive surgery later. Many people chew gum to help when they want to stop smoking or lose weight. Surprise Smiles 15128 W Bell Rd, Suite 12 Surprise, AZ 85374 (602) 842-4864. Other ways to relieve pain include taking anti-inflammatory medications, applying a warm compress to the area in pain, and switching to a diet of softer foods.
They need to recognize whether their habit of chewing gum can lead to pain in their jaw. Learn More: Physical Therapy Exercises for TMJ How long does a TMJ episode last? Call 914-468-4759 for an appointment today! And if you choose a xylitol-based gum, your dental health may get an added boost. Like anything in life, chewing gum in moderation should not cause any problem. The development of TMJ related to chewing gum is all too common, especially among teens. "For some people, even a small shift in their temporomandibular joint can cause severe pain when they move their jaw, " Dr. Kahn says. Breath strips are strips of material placed under your tongue that absorb bad odors. With all these benefits associated with chewing gum, is there any reason not to do it?
A small study published in a 2014 issue of Pediatric Neurology looked at a group of 30 youths — all gum-chewers — with chronic or recurring tension or migraine headaches. Outcomes after physical therapy for the treatment of temporomandibular disorders. Rarely do we have to go as far as using narcotic type medications and muscle relaxants, but those can be used early on in an acute case of TMD. Stop Waiting to Get Treatment Many people with musculoskeletal problems simply wait for the pain and limited motion to go away. If you are missing some teeth at the back of your mouth, this may lead to an unbalanced bite, which can cause uneven pressure on your teeth.
Unless the jaw is able to get back into alignment, the pain can continue. Prescott Valley 7136 East Pav Way Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 (928) 277-0076. The implants are typically made of medical-grade silicone, and they are a long-term alternative to dermal filler. Chewing gum often not only tires your jaw and muscles, but can lead to facial spasms. In addition, any potential enlargement will likely just take place at the angles of the jaw, making only this area wider, Steinbacher says. Continual sensitivity of your teeth to temperature change. If an individual finds they are experiencing headaches, facial or jaw tightness, the best course of action would be to avoid parafunctional activities. If you have known TMJ dysfunction or start to experience any clicking, popping or pain in your jaw, you shouldn't chew gum. He teaches full-time as a clinical associate professor at his alma mater, New York University College of Dentistry, is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, and serves on advisory boards for the American Dental Education Association.
Some people believe that strengthening the muscles used for chewing can lead to a toned jaw. By following these strategies, you can avoid aggravating the joint and help keep TMJ pain in check. The clenching can also give rise to tooth pain, muscle pain in the face and can also cause wear and breakdown of the supporting bone of the teeth or the periodontal bone. How are these problems treated? But if you are having problems with your jaw joint (the most used joint in the body), you should not wait to get treatment. Humans are a creature of habit.