Chewing gum is often seen as a harmless habit. Some people chew gum to stay alert, freshen their breath, or relieve stress. However, for individuals with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), frequent gum chewing may do more harm than good. Research suggests that repetitive jaw activity, including gum chewing, can worsen jaw pain, clicking, and muscle fatigue associated with TMJ disorder.

Understanding the relationship between gum chewing and TMJ symptoms can help you make better choices for your jaw health.