The temporomandibular joints, abbreviated TMJ, connect your lower jaw to your skull on either side of your head, just under your ears. You use these joints for chewing, talking, yawning and any other movement of your jaw. Pain, inflammation or difficulty moving these joints is known as TMJ disorder. The pain may be caused by injury, arthritis, a congenital deformity, teeth grinding or other stress, or an unknown cause. Standard treatment includes anti-inflammatory medications, the application of moist heat, and soft diet for two to four weeks to rest the jaw.
Liquids
Liquids such as broth, juice and milkshakes will baby your jaw. Foods that turn to liquid in your mouth such as gelatin desserts, ice cream or popsicles are another good choice. Near-liquid foods such as applesauce qualify for this diet as well. Turn fruit into fruit smoothies and opt for protein shakes instead of protein bars.
Soft Foods
Mashed potatoes, pudding, oatmeal, pasta, rice and other foods that don't require a lot of chewing will help your jaw rest and recover. Canned vegetables such as green beans and peas are OK. For protein, think meatloaf, hamburger casseroles, macaroni and cheese, eggs, pâté or tuna salad. Instead of fried chicken, have chicken salad without celery or other hard veggies. Baked or canned fruit is preferable to raw fruit; if you eat raw fruit, cut it into very small pieces.
Avoid Hard Foods
You don't have to stick to milkshakes and baby food on a soft food diet for TMJ. Avoid foods that put pressure on the jaw muscles or force you to bite down hard, such as raw vegetables, nuts, chips, hard rolls or hard candy. Skip whole apples and pears. Cut corn off the cob before you eat it. Don't chew ice or your fingernails.
Avoid Sticky, Chewy Foods
Beef jerky, steak and caramels all require you to work hard to chew them. All that chewing can irritate tender joints and cause more pain to your sensitive jaw. Avoid whole meats such as pork chops in favor of ground meat, or cut the meat into very small pieces that don't require a lot of chewing. Give up chewing gum for the time being.
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