Temporomandibular (TMJ) disorder is a troubling condition that can make eating more challenging. It can make it harder for you to open and close your jaw, or the joints responsible for these movements can flare and become painful. A great way to ease your discomfort is by adjusting your diet. Some foods don’t cause much trouble while others do. Here’s a guide to help you get started.
Which Foods Are Gentle on Your TMJ Disorder?
To make a long story short, soft items are often great choices to have with TMJ disorder. Smoothies and purees are some that might’ve popped into your head, but there are plenty of other choices. Certain proteins, like baked salmon or eggs, are gentle while also being flavorful.
Not only that, you can have a wide variety of fruits. Many are naturally soft, such as bananas and ripe peaches, but you can blend tougher ones into drinks. Raw vegetables are crunchy and can be an issue, but by steaming or boiling them, they become softer.
Don’t forget to try out new seasonings; that way, you keep eating an exciting adventure. Rice and pasta are other good staples you can have as a base for your meals as well.
What Foods Should You Avoid with TMJ Disorder?
Many foods you should avoid with TMJ disorder are ones that are chewy, hard, or crunchy. They either require a stronger bite force to get through or need to be worked on for longer before you can swallow them. This can overexert your jaw and cause it to hurt more. Gummies, fried meats, caramel, and beef jerky are a few that you should avoid with this condition.
Can TMJ Disorder Be Treated?
While you may have chronic jaw pain from TMJ disorder, you deserve to get relief. Thankfully, your dentist is here to help. You can consider an occlusal splint, which slightly adjusts how your lower jaw sits. This oral appliance puts it in a better resting position, so your symptoms improve over time.
Equilibration may also be recommended for some patients. If your teeth aren’t meeting properly, you can have them adjusted to balance your bite. This helps you avoid any unnecessary strain caused by them. BOTOX® can also be a great way to ease your pain and allow your mouth to relax more.
In the end, making slight adjustments to your diet can go a long way for your TMJ disorder. But it doesn’t hurt to talk to your dentist about professional treatment either.
About the Practice
Struggling with TMJ disorder? Our team at Lakewood Complete Dentistry is dedicated to helping patients with this condition by offering reliable treatments. Led by compassionate dentists, we can pair you with the right solution, whether it be an occlusal splint, equilibration, or BOTOX®. That way, you get back a comfortable smile you deserve. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call our office at 303-238-2800.