Could Your Diet Be Playing a Role In Your TMJ Pain?

TMJ pain can cause significant disruptions in your daily life. From jaw pain to headaches, ear ringing, and neck pain, there’s no doubt that TMJ symptoms are challenging. At Northfield Dental Group, the foremost TMJ experts in the West Orange area, Dr. Ivan Stein and Dr. Allan Stein, are dedicated to helping you find relief.

When we create treatment plans for our patients, we always discuss diet. Many people are surprised to learn that diet can play a significant role in delivering TMJ relief. Read on to learn whether your diet could be contributing to your TMJ pain.

Understanding TMJ and Its Symptoms

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw and skull. Joint damage or misalignment can trigger a range of disruptive symptoms, such as:

• Jaw pain or soreness
• Popping when moving your jaw
• Uncomfortable chewing
• Recurrent headaches
• Tinnitus (ringing in your ears)
• Neck and shoulder pain

While various factors can contribute to TMJ disorders, diet plays a significant role in either intensifying or relieving symptoms.

Foods That May Worsen TMJ Pain

Certain foods are more challenging to consume than others and trigger TMJ pain. Some common culprits include:

• Chewy foods: Steak, bagels, and gum are some foods that are chewy enough to overwork your jaw muscles.
• Crunchy foods: Snacks like nuts, and raw vegetables are harder to bite into and chew than many other foods, so they can aggravate TMJ.
• Hard foods: Hard foods, like hard candy, are particularly challenging for people with TMJ because they require a lot of bite force.
• Wide-bite foods: Foods that require you to open your mouth wide, like large sandwiches or apples, can aggravate pain.

Avoiding these foods or minimizing your consumption can help reduce jaw strain and TMJ symptoms.

Foods That Can Help Relieve TMJ Pain

On the opposite side of the coin, softer foods can help ease and prevent TMJ pain. TMJ-friendly foods include:

• Soft proteins: Fish, tofu, and ground meats are much easier to chew than steak and other “hard” proteins.
• Cooked vegetables: Steaming or roasting veggies makes them softer and easier on your jaw.
• Dairy products: Yogurt, soft cheeses, and milk are jaw-friendly and easy to eat.
• Whole grains: Oatmeal, quinoa, and rice are just a few of the whole grains that offer essential nutrients without straining your jaw.
• Smoothies: Smoothies are a good way to get your fruits in without the stress of chewing difficult foods like celery and apples. You can even use the whole fruit for extra nutrients.

It’s also important to take small bites, eat slowly, and avoid substances that can aggravate TMJ symptoms, like caffeine and alcohol.

TMJ Help in West Orange

If you’re struggling with TMJ pain, we’re happy to help you retool your diet and lifestyle to feel better. Call our office at (973) 736-0111 or connect with us online for TMJ help today.