Your Diet Can Improve Symptoms of TMJ
Posted on 9/6/2021 by Candice |
 Because TMJ problems result from tensing the jaw, you want to eat foods that relieve the stress placed on the jaw bone and muscles. The following information from Surprise Smiles defines the TMJ and discusses food habits that relieve TMJ disorder symptoms.
What is the Temporomandibular Joint?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a ball-and-socket joint that sits where the upper and lower jaws meet. TMD, or temporomandibular disorder, is a collection of symptoms that manifest as problems in the TMJ.
TMJ therapy can help with some of these symptoms.
If the TMJ, and surrounding muscles, are injured or tense, you need to take some pressure off of them. This can be done in one of several ways, one of which involves the diet.
Making a Dietary Switch
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems can be improved by changing your diet. Some foods are just too hard or crunchy to eat and cause jaw pain and soreness. They can also damage the teeth. By switching out some of the crunchier and harder foods for softer equally nutritious substitutes, you can reduce problems with irritation and soreness. Chewing strains the TMJ, resulting in difficulty chewing if your TMJ symptoms are severe. To make chewing easier, choose soft foods, such as scrambled eggs, yogurt, quiches, oatmeal, smoothies, soups, mashed potatoes, fish, bananas, gelatin, or applesauce. Do not bite into hard foods, such as carrots or corn on the cob, but cut them into bite sizes. Grind meat, or eat hamburger instead of steak.
Avoid Common Triggers
To avoid the jaw pain of TMJ, avoid common triggers, such as eating chewy, crunchy, or hard foods, including popcorn, pretzels, nuts, caramels, gummy candies, and chips. Also avoid hard breads or ice. If your jaw aches or you experience severe jaw pain, contact us.
When you yawn, support your jaw by placing your fist beneath your jaw. By applying gentle pressure, you can avoid the pain caused by a wide and open-mouthed yawn.
Avoid activities that cause the jaw to hurt, such as yelling, nail biting, or singing. It also helps to maintain a good posture by maintaining your head in a neutral position, keeping the shoulders and ears in alignment with each other. Avoid craning your neck or slouching.
Try using an orthopedic pillow when you sleep.
Do you have TMJ pain? If so, contact us about your concerns. TMJ pain does not have to consume your life. Request an appointment online now!
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