TMJ Pain and Diet: Foods to Avoid and Foods That Help

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is an important part of your jaw and plays a vital role in its movement. This is the joint that enables eating, talking, and yawning. 

So, you can understand what happens when this joint becomes dysfunctional. Living with a dysfunctional TMJ is very challenging for anyone. It makes everyday jobs more difficult. 

There are therapies and professional treatment options available for this. You need to visit a specialist for that. 

But did you know what you eat plays a major role in TMJ pain?

Choosing the right food decides if your pain will increase or subside. In this blog, you will get a detailed analysis of what foods you should avoid and what you should add to your diet to get relief from TMJ pain.

What are the Foods to Avoid for TMJ Pain?

There are foods that aggravate the pain by increasing the inflammation of the joint and putting excess pressure on it. Be aware of these items.

Hard and Crunchy Foods

Hard and crunchy foods can be really tasty, but they can also be dangerous for your already stressed jaw muscles. While you are getting TMJ treatment in Jupiter, FL, stay away from:

• Nuts and seeds
• Raw carrots
• Apples
• Hard candies.

Chewy or Sticky Foods

When you are already suffering from TMJ issues, too much chewing can exacerbate the condition. Some of these foods are:

• Gum or chewy candies
• Bagels and other dense breads
• Tough cuts of meat like steak or jerky.

Foods That Promote Inflammation

Inflammatory foods are never a good combination with any swelling in your body. So, avoid:

• Processed and fried food items, like chips
• Sugary snacks and desserts, like cake and cookies
• Food with high levels of saturated fats, such as butter-heavy dishes.

To put less stress on your jaw and reduce inflammation, it is better to avoid these food items altogether.

What are the Foods That Help Relieve TMJ Pain?

Just as the wrong food can cause more damage, the right kind of food helps minimize the TMJ pain and strain on the muscle.

Try including these foods in your everyday diet for a successful recovery.

Anti-inflammatory Foods

The best way to deal with TMJ pain is to reduce the inflammation of the joint. Foods that can help you:

• Leafy green items, such as spinach, kale, and arugula, are rich in antioxidant elements.
• Blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries are loaded with anti-inflammatory properties.
• Fatty fishes, like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, are best for omega-3 fatty acids. This reduces the inflammation of your joints.

Soft Foods for Easy Chewing

Sofi foods ensure you do not put too much pressure on your jaw during meals. So try having:

• Mashed potatoes, pureed veggies, or steamed dishes.
• Smoothies made with fruits, yogurt, and leafy greens.
• Soft sources of protein like scrambled eggs, tofu, or fish.

Magnesium-Rich Foods

Magnesium is a very effective element for muscle relaxation. This can also ease the tension in your jaw. So have,

• Avocados – a versatile option for salads or spreads.
• Bananas – a soft fruit ideal for snacks.
• Spinach is the powerhouse of magnesium. You can have it in soups.

Adding these food items to your diet will nourish your joints, help reduce inflammation, and lessen the discomfort that is usually common with TMJ pain.

If you want, you can consult your dentist before making these changes to your diet. This will help you have a well-rounded approach to TMJ pain relief. Take the right food on your plate, and have a painless life.