The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) sit on either side of the head and connect the jaw to the skull. These joints are incredibly complex, and if any of their many moving parts becomes unbalanced or falls out of alignment, a person may experience symptoms like jaw pain, neck pain, headaches, backaches, and popping or clicking when they move their mouths. Unfortunately, eating some foods when you have TMJ disorder can lead to worse discomfort and further stress to the jaw. Here’s a brief guide to eating while having your TMJ issues treated.
Which Foods Should I Avoid If I Have TMJ Disorder?
If you have a TMJ disorder, chewing can strain the jaw further and cause further pain if foods are too chewy, crunchy, tough, or large. A few items to steer clear of include:
- Jerky
- Gummy candy
- Caramels
- Steak
- Raw snappy veggies
- Bagels
- Nuts
- Whole apples
It may also be a good idea to cut your food into smaller pieces and take smaller bites.
Which Foods Can I Enjoy with TMJ Disorder?
Luckily, it isn’t too hard to get all the nutrients you need if you suffer from TMJ disorder. A few excellent fruit choices include bananas, melons, soft pears, applesauce, and canned fruit packed in juice. Veggies like cooked carrots, peas, asparagus, and squash are all excellent choices, as are healthy proteins like tofu, eggs, fish, and chicken. While crusty breads may be too hard to handle with TMJ disorder, mashed potatoes, pasta, couscous, oatmeal, and muffins are excellent sources of carbohydrates, and low-sugar dairy products are great sources of vitamins and minerals.
How Else Can I Manage My TMJ Pain at Home?
While the best way to find a way to resolve your TMJ issues is to consult with your dentist, there are a few things you can do at home to relieve your discomfort and manage your symptoms. Try massaging your face, jaw, cheeks, and temples to work out tension or applying a cold compress or ice pack to reduce pain. You can also use a moist, warm towel to relieve moderate muscle stress or take over-the-counter pain relievers as instructed.
Dealing with TMJ disorder doesn’t mean that you have to go hungry. The tips listed here can help you eat well while you seek treatment for the problem.
About the Author
Dr. Vy Tran earned her dental doctorate at the University of Maryland at Baltimore and refines her skills through continuing education coursework from the Pankey Institute. She is a proud member of the Triple Crown Study Club and the American Academy of Clear Aligners. Her office in Millersville offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as TMJ treatments. If you are concerned about jaw pain, contact her office online or dial (410) 729-9090.