The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is a joint on both sides of your head that connects the jawbone to the skull. TMJ disorder is a condition characterized by tenderness, soreness or pain of the temporomandibular joint. Adjusting your food choices as well as how you eat them can help prevent TMJ-related discomfort when chewing and eating.
Soft Foods
Eating soft foods can help prevent and alleviate discomfort from TMJ because they can be broken down easily and require minimal chewing. In addition to eating soft foods, it is important to try to eat foods that meet your nutritional needs. For example, natural applesauce is a good soft food choice because it is low in calories and sugar and contains dietary fiber. Mashed potatoes are another option because they contain healthy amounts of iron and dietary fiber as well. Soups that aren't chunky can provide another food option that won't overwork the jaw during eating. For optimum nutrition, avoid varieties that are high in fat and sodium.
Solid Foods
It is usually not necessary to avoid solid foods with TMJ. However, cooked foods are often easier to chew than raw foods. Cutting foods into smaller pieces is advised as well. For example, steaming carrot slices and cutting them in half to eat them is a better choice that eating baby carrots raw. Choose lean cuts of meat that are tender and cut them into 1-inch pieces. Slice fruit such as apples or pears into slices or chunks; opening the mouth to eat them whole places additional stress on the temporomandibular joint.
Sticky or Chewy Foods
Some TMJ sufferers find that sticky foods cause pain or discomfort as well. This includes peanut butter and some melted cheeses that can require additional chewing. Breads such as French bread can be troublesome as well as they are crusty on the outside and quite chewy inside.
Gum
Gum is a common choice to cleanse the palate and eliminate food odors from the mouth. Yet chewing gum requires consistent chewing and movement in the temporomandibular joint, which can cause discomfort or increase the severity of existing symptoms. Choose mints or a breath freshening spray in lieu of chewing gum.
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