"Chewse" Wisely
Those with temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ or TMD) will know all too well the issues that come with this disorder. After all, if you're not careful, you could exacerbate the pain and cause more problems. To ensure you're not straining your jaw, it's important to be mindful of what you eat—and we're here to help. Here are 10 foods to avoid if you have jaw issues and 10 to eat instead.
1. Apples
Those with jaw issues know that eating whole apples causes a ton of trouble and may even trigger jaw lock, when the hinges of your jaw become misaligned and won't close. Don't worry, though—this doesn't mean you have to avoid eating the fruit altogether. Just make sure to chop into smaller chunks before digging in.
2. Tough Meat
Think: steaks, ribs, and jerky. These hard-to-chew meats will wreak havoc on your jaw as they take much more effort to break apart. Go for softer protein choices instead, such as fish and tofu, which won't require as much work (or pain).
3. Chewing Gum
Chewing gum might be fun to snack on when you're bored, but because it's sticky, stretchy, and requires a constant gnawing motion, it can put significant strain on your jaw and exacerbate issues. It's best to avoid chewing gum entirely.
4. Bagels
Bagels aren't only bulky, they can also be incredibly tough to chew, especially when toasted. This means you'll need to open your jaw wide (which could cause it to lock) and put in ample effort as you munch—two things that only spell trouble when you suffer from conditions like TMJ.
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5. Layered Sandwiches & Burgers
What's worse than bagels for your jaw? Sandwiches and burgers—think bánh mi and Big Macs—with lots of stuffing, which require you to stretch open your jaw. On top of that, considering all the ingredients, fillings, and layers, you'll be stuck chewing for a while.
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6. Hard & Chewy Candies
Similar to chewing gum, hard and chewy candies are a no-no when you have jaw issues. Additionally, sticky sweets can cling to your teeth, which may force you to work your jaw more to rid the tackiness from your teeth and gums.
7. Hard Nuts & Seeds
While nuts and seeds are healthy, nutritious snacks, they can put strain on your jaw given their firm texture. It's better to opt for finger foods that are softer and easier to chew (or don't require chewing at all) if you have jaw issues or pain.
8. Crunchy Vegetables
Raw carrots, cucumber, celery, and broccoli might be delicious, but their crunchiness might pose a problem.
While this doesn't mean you should give them up completely, look for ways to soften them, such as boiling or steaming, so that they're easier to chew.
9. Fried Foods
Speaking of crispy foods, you should also be avoiding greasy, fried ones. Not only are they unhealthy, but they can also cause inflammation and force you to overwork your jaw as you chew. Do your health and jaw a favor and put the junk food aside.
10. Popcorn
Crunchy popcorn might be a movie-night fan-favorite, but it should be avoided if you have jaw issues, as continuous chewing motions can exacerbate pain. Stick to snacks that are easier on your maw and don't require as much effort to munch on.
Looking for better alternatives to the no-nos we've listed? We've got you covered—read on for 10 eats to enjoy instead if you have jaw issues.
1. Soup
Soup is nutritious, warm, and filling, and requires minimal effort—if any—to chew. Make sure to put easy-to-munch ingredients in your bowl, such as softened veggies, meats, and noodles, so it doesn't take a toll on your jaw.
2. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are another staple if you have jaw issues. You can choose to enjoy them the classic way, with butter and milk, or just steam, boil, or bake until softened, then pair with your choice of protein (make sure it's tender)!
and veggies.
3. Fish
Looking for an alternative to the regular steak? Pick fish: it's easy to chew and is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which makes it not only a safe choice for those with jaw issues, but a healthy one as well.
4. Scrambled Eggs
Another protein to add to your plate that isn't tough to chew is eggs. Scrambled might be the best way to enjoy it, but you can choose to have it sunny side up or fried. You can also make it into an omelette if you want to dress it up.
5. Tofu
Yet another protein you could add to your list is tofu, which is known for its extremely soft texture. And because it has a mild natural flavor, there are endless ways to spice it up and take advantage of its versatility.
6. Boiled Vegetables
Instead of eating your veggies raw, which can be crunchy and tough to chew, steam or boil them to soften their texture before digging in. You can also choose to sauté them for more punch in flavor, but you'll want to cook longer to ensure they're tender enough.
7. Yogurt
Yogurt is a great breakfast and snack option for those with jaw issues, since, like soup, you don't need to chew at all!
Top it up with honey or other soft fruits, like berries or peaches, and you'll have a tasty, nutritious treat ready to enjoy.
8. Pudding
Looking for dessert options? Pudding is an easy choice, given its smooth, silky consistency. Jello, on the other hand, might also fit into this category, but it can be firmer, which could require more chewing effort.
9. Ice Cream
Ice cream is another great dessert choice, as it's creamy and melts in your mouth without your jaw needing to do the work at all. However, cold beverages and sweets might irritate those with a particularly sensitive jaw, so remember to prioritize your comfort before digging in.
10. Bananas & Soft Fruits
Soft fruits like bananas, mangos, peaches, ripened pears, and melons are better choices for those with jaw issues. You can either enjoy these on their own or mix them into yogurt for a more nutritious, refreshing bite.
