Chewing gum too often or for too long can sometimes cause TMJ in people.  You may notice any of the following symptoms:

1. Jaw is tight on the side you chew gum on.
2. It’s hard to fully bite down.
3. There is pain in the jaw at the joint.
4. You might have ringing in the ear or associated ear pain from the inflammation.

The simplest things you can do are this:

1. Stop chewing gum for the time being.
2. Use advil/aleve for the inflammation.
3. Use a hot pad at the joint of the jaw for 10 minutes a few times a day.  This will help loosen up the joint, tendon and muscles.
4. Gently massage the joint.