Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) is a common condition affecting many individuals. If you have TMJ, you may experience jaw pain, discomfort, popping sounds and even headaches. The good news is that by avoiding certain foods you can alleviate some of your symptoms and find relief. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the foods that you should avoid if you have TMJ. Our tips come from experts in the field including dietitians, naturopathic doctors, physiotherapists and chiropractors that can help your TMJ.
Hard and Chewy Foods
Hard and chewy foods like nuts, candy, gum, or tough meat require a lot of jaw movement. These types of food may cause you discomfort and even contribute to the development of TMJ. Instead, opt for soft foods such as cooked vegetables, fish, soups, mashed potatoes, and avocados. There are also alternatives to traditional candy and gum-like sugar-free soft candies and mints that won’t irritate your jaw.
Caffeine
Caffeine is known to cause muscle tension in the body, including the jaw muscles, which can exacerbate TMJ pain. Try cutting back on caffeine-rich beverages like coffee, tea, and energy drinks. If you still want a pick-me-up, switch to a caffeine-free beverage or herbal tea instead.
Acidic Foods and Beverages
Acidic foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar can trigger or worsen TMJ pain. Acidic drinks like alcohol, carbonated soda, and fruit juices might also irritate your jaw and cause discomfort. Choose alkaline foods like bananas, broccoli, and spinach to help regulate the pH balance in your body and provide relief.
Sticky Foods
Sticky foods like caramel, taffy, or honey can become stuck to your teeth and require a lot of jaw movement to remove. As a result, these types of food can increase your TMJ pain and hinder your healing process. Instead, go for smoothies, yogurt, or pudding if you have a sweet craving. Just remember to choose sugar-free alternatives to keep your overall dental health in check.
Packaged Foods
Processed, packaged foods like chips, cookies, or pre-made meals often contain preservatives and additives that can trigger inflammation and aggravate TMJ symptoms. These foods also tend to have a high sodium content that may cause water retention and swelling in your jaw. Instead, choose whole foods like fruits and vegetables, lean protein sources like chicken or fish, and whole grains like quinoa or brown rice.
In conclusion, TMJ can be a painful condition that can hurt all the time. However, with the right diet, you can alleviate some of your symptoms and find relief. By avoiding hard and chewy foods, caffeine, acidic foods and beverages, sticky foods, and packaged foods, you can help reduce the strain on your jaw muscles and allow the joint to heal. If you are experiencing persistent pain or discomfort from TMJ, consider speaking with a healthcare professional such as a physiotherapist, chiropractor, or naturopathic doctor to create an individualized treatment plan. Together with proper nutrition and medical intervention, you can treat your TMJ discomfort and live pain-free.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Bhavin Mistry, BASc, MAN, RD or another Kitchener registered dietitian at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!