If your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is inflamed, injured, or in pain, it can be difficult to eat and maintain healthy nutrition. Eating hard, tough, or chewy foods can overwork your jaw muscles, damage your joint, and make your pain worse. Here are some TMJ diet foods to incorporate, as well as foods you should avoid.
What to eat in TMJ Diet Plan:
When managing TMJ pain, the softer the foods, the better. Try to stick to some of the following soft foods if your TMJ pain makes it difficult to chew:
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Steamed or roasted vegetables
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Soft fruits without skins or seeds
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Beans
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Fish
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Mashed potatoes
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Scrambled eggs
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Fruit
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Yogurt
Smoothies, purees, and juices in TMJ Diet
If your jaw locks up, or chewing is simply too painful, you may need to adopt a liquid diet of smoothies, purees, and juices. Try to create a well-balanced meal within your drink of choice. Add plenty of leafy green vegetables, fruits, and experiment with add-ins like peanut butter, ginger, or protein powder.
If you opt for store-bought drinks, pay attention to the sugar content. Excess sugar can influence your nervous system, possibly making you clench your jaw in your sleep, and exacerbate your TMJ pain.
What to avoid in TMJ Diet
Avoid hard, chewy, or tough foods when possible to give the muscles in your jaw a break. Try to stay away from foods like:
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Apples
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Raw carrots
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Corn on the cob
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Hard pretzels
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Crunchy cereals
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Toffee
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Ice
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Nuts
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Chips
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Steak
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Caramels
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Taffy
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Candy bars
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Gum
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Chewy candy
Listen to your body
When it comes to finding the right diet, listen to your body. If you’re lacking in energy, you may need to increase your caloric intake. You should also ask your doctor if you should add any supplements to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients your body needs.
Apply moist heat before meals to loosen the muscles. If your jaw becomes fatigued while eating, take a break, apply heat once more, and try to eat again if you are still hungry. If you’re still having pain and symptoms of TMJ disorder, call a TMJ specialist like Advanced Dental Implant and TMJ Center to discuss your treatment options. You can call them at (662)-655-4868 or contact them through their website