{"id":223,"date":"2022-08-04T17:16:00","date_gmt":"2022-08-04T17:16:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wedgewoodcompletedentistry.com\/blog\/?p=223"},"modified":"2022-09-12T17:18:25","modified_gmt":"2022-09-12T17:18:25","slug":"can-chewing-gum-affect-my-tmj-disorder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wedgewoodcompletedentistry.com\/blog\/can-chewing-gum-affect-my-tmj-disorder\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Chewing Gum Affect My TMJ Disorder?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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It\u2019s estimated that last year alone, over 1.74 trillion sticks of gum were produced\u2014meaning that almost everybody is chewing it! But even though chewing gum might seem like a small and innocent novelty meant to enjoy, have you ever wondered if it can affect your TMJ disorder? Keep reading to learn more from your dentist<\/a> about TMJ disorders and how chewing gum can influence and potentially worsen them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Exactly Is TMJ Disorder?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

TMJ disorder refers to a condition that affects the temporomandibular joints in your jaw, and approximately 10 million Americans are affected by it\u2014making it quite common! Patients who suffer from it experience misalignment or deterioration of these joints due to the surrounding cartilage being worn and destroyed. This cartilage is crucial because it absorbs much of the tension that\u2019s produced when you bite and chew. Symptoms of TMJ disorder usually include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n