How to Manage TMD Pain through Diet? Foods to Eat and Avoid with TMD
DeForest, WI

Have you ever suffered from jaw pain?

Has jaw pain ever made your good night’s sleep a far-fetched dream?

If you have struggled with nagging jaw pain or sore jaw, headaches, and neck pain, you might have silently blamed stress or your sleeping position. 

But do you know how much your diet affects or worsens jaw pain?  

If you are living with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), life might sometimes feel unfair and challenging. You might get jealous of others who can snack on beef jerky without a second thought; you must keep it aside for fear of worsening pain. 

Don’t worry —adjusting your diet can help you manage TMD pain. Let’s understand the connection between diet and TMD and explore how the right foods and beverages can help you manage TMD pain.

What’s TMD and What Are Its Symptoms?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) works as a connection between your skull and lower jaw. When this joint stops working at its finest, you might suffer from TMD disorders. A person struggling with TMD might suffer from jaw pain, headaches, ear pain, clicking sounds, and difficulty chewing or opening the mouth. 

The Role of Nutrition in TMD Management

While it might seem far-fetched that your jaw pain might be linked to your diet, what you eat directly impacts your jaw’s movement and strain level. To eliminate annoying jaw pain, consult a specialist for TMD treatment in Wisconsin. Apart from that, you can also manage jaw pain through your diet. Scroll down to know more: 

Which Foods Must Include in Your Diet with TMD Disorder?

Some foods ease jaw tension and help you get rid of jaw discomfort. Want to know what they are? Here’s a list of them:

• Soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, scrambled eggs, and soups are easy to chew or don’t need to chew
• Omega-3-rich foods like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts reduce jaw inflammation and help your jaw perform at its finest
• Steamed or roasted vegetables are easy to chew. No matter how much you love raw veggies, don’t include them in your diet. 
• Whole grains such as oatmeal, quinoa, and brown rice offer muscle strength.
• Hydrating fruits like watermelon, oranges, and berries stop jaw muscle stiffness.

Which Foods Should Avoid for TMD Relief?

Foods that might worsen TMD symptoms are:

• Foods like nuts, raw carrots, and crusty bread that require too much chewing
• Following the same patterns, chewy foods like caramel, gum, and taffy can worsen your TMD pain
• Beverages like caffeine and alcohol can tighten jaw muscles and worsen TMD symptoms.
• Steer clear of acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits to prevent sudden pain arousal.

How to Prepare Meals with TMD Pain?

The best tips to prepare meals for people with TMD disorders are:

• Cut Foods Small: Don’t cook vegetables that are large sized. Chop or shred them into small portions to make them easy to bite.
• Cook Thoroughly: You should always cook meats and veggies in slow cookers or pressure cookers to soften them.
• Blend or Puree: Nothing beats the efficacy of smoothies or soups, as they are easy to consume.

Managing TMD pain requires more than avoiding certain foods. Contact a local professional today if you’re ready to take the next step.