Topic Overview
Changes in your diet can reduce the mechanical stress on your
temporomandibular (TM) joint and may help relieve your
jaw pain.
- Avoid hard or chewy foods (such as popcorn,
jerky, tough meats, chewy breads, gum, and raw apples and carrots) that cause
your jaws to work overtime. Choose softer foods that are easy to chew, such as
eggs, casseroles, yogurt, and soup.
- Cut your food into small,
bite-sized pieces and chew slowly.
- Don't chew gum for long periods
of time.
If your jaw hurts when you eat a certain food, avoid that food for a
week or more until any pain in your jaw is gone.
If your joint becomes too painful to allow chewing, or if it locks,
you may need to puree your food in a food processor for a few days or
weeks.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
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| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Arden Christen, DDS, MSD, MA, FACD - Dentistry |
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| Last Revised | January 11, 2012 |
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