Diets for TMJ Sufferers

Temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, pain and dysfunction is a common musculoskeletal health complaint among Americans. Over 10 million people in the United States may be affected by TMJ disorders, states the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. TMJ disorders are any condition that impair the function of your jaw or cause pain in your TMJ. Always speak with your primary care provider before using diet and nutrition to help treat your TMJ disorder.

TMJ Disorders

Numerous health problems may cause TMJ pain and dysfunction. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, possible causes of this condition include osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, rheumatoid arthritis, dislocation of the disc located within your TMJ and traumatic jaw injuries. Stress may also play a signficant role in this health problem. Common signs and symptoms associated with TMJ disorders include jaw pain, headaches, ear pain, impaired ability to open and close your mouth and clicking sounds with jaw movement.

A Helpful Diet

A diet that includes lightly steamed vegetables, whole grain foods, fresh fruits and homemade soups may be particularly helpful in treating your TMJ problem, states Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Other helpful foods for this health purpose may include whitefish, skinless chicken and turkey, pineapple, asparagus, onions and eggs. Avoid foods that may place more stress on your body, such as candy, junk foods, soft drinks, fast foods and white flour products.

Featured Food

Eggs may be a useful food in treating your TMJ disorder. Eggs contain a significant amount of sulfur, which is required by your body to restore the integrity of damaged connective tissue, bone and cartilage. Eggs, notes nutritionist George Mateljan, author of "The World's Healthiest Foods," also contain a significant amount of selenium, iodine, phosphorus and vitamins B-2, B-5 and B-12. Eggs have traditionally been used in promoting healthy thyroid, brain, heart and eye function. People with TMJ disorders may also appreciate the softness of eggs and the relative lack of jaw discomfort associated with eating them.

Considerations

TMJ problems may be caused by numerous factors or underlying health problems, and they should always be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional. If you are diagnosed with a TMJ disorder, discuss all relevant treatment strategies with your doctor, including natural therapies, such as diet and nutrition. The use of certain foods in treating this health problem does not ensure a beneficial health result. More scientific research into the true effectiveness of these foods for this health purpose may be required.