Avoid These Foods to Avoid TMJ Pain

TMJ can be painful and since it affects the jaw joints, eating can aggravate the condition even more. At Maiden Lane Dental in New York, NY, we want our patients suffering with TMJ pain to find relief and avoid flare-ups. Keep reading to learn about the types of foods to avoid with TMJ/TMD.

Crunchy, hard, and chewy foods are the big three to avoid. When the jaw needs a lot of force to bite into something or if it needs to do a lot of work to chew through it, it TMJs can become irritated. Crunchy foods like pops and chips should be avoided. Hard foods like carrots, whole apples, and bagels should be avoided or made softer by cooking it or cutting it into smaller pieces. Chewy foods like gummies and candies should also be avoided. Choose more tender cuts of meat and stay away from chewier seafood options like shellfish. Fish is a much more tender option that is easier on the jaw.

In addition to these foods, avoid chewing hard non-food options. Bad habits like chewing pens and biting fingernails can do just as much damage or more.

TMJ can be painful but there are ways to avoid triggering it. If you are experiencing jaw pain, be sure to visit our New York, NY office for an evaluation. To schedule an appointment at Maiden Lane Dental, call our office at (212) 509-4585 or visit our website, www.maidenlanedental.com.