Does chewing gum produce Temporomandibular Disorders?
TMD is a group of conditions, often painful, affecting the jaw joint (TMJ) and the muscles that control chewing. TMD usually involves more than a single symptom and rarely has a single cause. According to the US National Institute of Dental Research, researchers are still looking for answers as to what causes TMD. It is believed to result from several factors acting together, including jaw injuries (trauma) and joint disease (arthritis). The National Institute of Dental Research emphasises that there is no scientific evidence to suggest that chewing gum, along with other jaw habits such as tooth/jaw clenching, tooth grinding, lip or fingernail biting, and abnormal posturing of the jaws, results in TMD. While gum chewing, as well as these other jaw habits, cannot cause TMD, they could perpetuate ongoing TMD symptoms. Anyone who believes they are suffering from TMD should seek advice and treatment from their dentist/doctor.
