Do You Have TMJ Disorder? Here’s What You Can Eat

Do you suffer from a temporomandibular joint disorder? If so, you know from experience how difficult it can be to enjoy certain foods. It can, quite literally, be a pain. For that reason, people with TMJ disorder must be incredibly mindful of their diet. As a general rule of thumb, the best foods to consume are those that don’t require a lot of chewing. If you need more ideas, continue reading!

What Are the Best Foods for TMJ Disorder?

Stress is a common trigger for TMJ disorder pain. However, the foods you eat can also cause intense discomfort, taking days to go away. Knowing what to avoid when dealing with symptoms can help you stay nourished, full, and pain-free. Here’s what you should eat:

• Soft Foods: You don’t have to limit yourself to just smoothies and purees. Options like baked sweet potatoes, baked salmon, and scrambled eggs are all soft and easy to chew! They’ll help you avoid straining your jaw or doing any excessive chewing.
• Anti-Inflammatory Foods: It’s a good idea to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, beans, and healthy fats. They’ll help reduce any inflammation you have. In addition, turmeric and ginger are powerful anti-inflammatory foods.
• Vegetables: Make sure you keep your body nourished by consuming enough vegetables. If needed, you can peel the skin off certain veggies so they’re easier to chew. Cooked carrots, squash, peas, and asparagus are all tasty options.

How to Prevent TMJ Pain

Aside from a proper diet, there are several other things you can do in your everyday life to avoid painful TMJ disorder flare-ups. For example, you can check in with yourself regularly to ensure you aren’t clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth. If you’re frequently waking up with jaw aches in the morning, you may be doing it in your sleep without knowing. In that case, you should ask your dentist about a special nightguard to prevent discomfort. You can also do TMJ exercises designed to strengthen, stretch, and relax the jaw.

Are you looking for relief from your TMJ disorder? Don’t hesitate to ask your dentist for assistance. Their expert advice, along with these food tips, will help you enjoy a pain-free smile!

About the Practice

At Infinite Smiles Dentistry, we are passionate about helping all patients achieve a healthy smile and better overall quality of life. From routine checkups to TMJ therapy, we’re prepared to address all your oral health needs head-on. You can schedule an appointment via our website or call (918) 928-2383.