TMJ Disorder and the Foods You Should Avoid
You may have TMJ disorder if you grind your teeth at night, clench your teeth, get frequent headaches, and your jaw snaps or pops when you chew. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, one of the most used joints in the body. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for overuse, genetics, or trauma to cause a painful and irritating problem. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, stress management, nightguards, orthodontics, or even surgery may be recommended to fix this issue and restore balance and harmony to your jaw function.
Most TMJ patients are unaware of the impact diet has on their symptoms. The first thing we propose is that you start treating your TMJ at home by removing particular foods from your diet. Making the necessary dietary adjustments may significantly reduce the amount of stress and pressure you put on your jaw joint.
What Foods Should be Avoided with TMJ Disorder
Four different foods can aggravate TMD joint pain and stiffness.
Chewy Foods
Chewy foods irritate the jaw joint since they necessitate a lot of force to break down. If you discover particular items, such as taffy, soft caramels, bagels, and steak, make your jaw work harder, switch to bananas, yogurt, and mashed potatoes.
Crunchy Foods
Crunchy foods put additional strain on the jaw joint and necessitate a downward chewing action, which can be uncomfortable. One should substitute cooked veggies and pasta for raw carrots, apples, and pretzels.
Inflammatory Foods
Foods that induce inflammation are less evident sources of joint pain. To reduce inflammation, eliminate fatty and processed foods from your diet, such as those heavy in refined carbs and sugars, high-fat content, and salt. Avoid fried foods and red meats, which are known to aggravate joint pain.
Take Smaller Bites
If you have TMD Disorder, you’ve probably noticed that you can’t open your mouth all the way. Taking huge bites is not only challenging but also uncomfortable. Avoid items such as corn on the cob and apples that require you to expand your mouth wide. Cut them up and eat them in smaller portions.
Contact Dr. Pollock
Do you currently suffer from a TMJ disorder? Our team at Rockwall Oral Surgery is available to treat patients who have complications from TMJ. We recommend booking an appointment with Dr. Pollock at Rockwall Oral Surgery for more information about treatments and their benefits. To contact the office, individuals can reach us at (469) 264-8921 or via email at info@dentalimplantsurgery.com.
We look forward to consulting your needs and making your smile beautiful again.
