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The Hidden Dangers of the TikTok Jawline Trend: Mastic Gum and Your TMJ

The trend of mastic gum has rapidly gained traction across various platforms, including TikTok and wellness blogs, where it's lauded as the ideal natural remedy for ensuring fresh breath and promoting strong jaw muscles.

Preventative Dentistry

From TikTok to wellness blogs, mastic gum is being celebrated as the ultimate natural remedy for fresh breath and strong jaws. However, these trends often overlook a hidden risk: potential long-term damage to your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). As dental and jaw health experts, we want to explain why chewing mastic gum may do more harm than good, particularly for individuals prone to TMJ issues.

 

How Mastic Gum Impacts TMJ Health

1) Excessive Strain on the Jaw Muscles

Mastic gum is significantly more challenging than regular chewing gum, necessitating more significant effort to chew. This repetitive, intense action strains the jaw muscles, resulting in:

  • Muscle fatigue.

  • Soreness and tenderness in the jaw region.

  • Inflammation of the TMJ over time.

For those who chew mastic gum for extended durations (as suggested by some trends), this stress can lead to chronic discomfort.

2) Risk of TMJ Disorders (TMD)

The TMJ is a sensitive joint intended for balanced movements. Chewing hard substances such as mastic gum can disturb this balance, raising the likelihood of:

  • Joint misalignment.

  • Clicking, popping, or grinding noises during jaw movement.

  • Chronic pain and inflammation, which can lead to TMD.

3) Encouraging Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

The chewiness of mastic gum might unintentionally lead users to clench or grind their teeth. This action, known as bruxism, stresses the TMJ significantly, worsening jaw pain and muscle tension.

4) Uneven Chewing Habits

Due to its density, mastic gum is often chewed on one side of the mouth. This uneven chewing can lead to imbalances in the jaw muscles, resulting in:

  • Uneven wear on the teeth.

  • Stress and inflammation in the TMJ on one side.

5) Long-Term Consequences

  • Without intervention, the harm resulting from extended use of mastic gum may result in:

    • Persistent jaw pain and tension headaches.

    • Lockjaw or limited jaw mobility.

    • Alterations in the structure of the jaw joint.

    • Challenges with eating, speaking, and carrying out daily activities.

 

What You Can Do Instead

Choose softer, sugar-free gums with xylitol to support oral health without straining the TMJ.

  • Limit the amount of time spent chewing gum each day.

  • Perform jaw relaxation exercises to reduce muscle tension.

  • Seek professional advice if you experience early signs of TMJ discomfort.


At Toowoomba Dental, we focus on addressing TMJ problems and assisting patients in achieving healthy, balanced jaws. If you’re dealing with jaw pain or worried about your chewing habits, schedule a consultation with us today.

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