Few people spend much time thinking about their temporomandibular joints (TMJ), but if you deal with persistent jaw pain, yawning, speaking, or chewing might make you pause. The joints connecting your lower jaw to your skull on either side of your face allow you to open and close your mouth and move it from side to side. Unfortunately, these simple movements can be painful and limited if you have a TMJ disorder. Various factors can worsen your symptoms, but is chewing gum on the list? Here’s what you need to know before reaching for another piece. 

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