When it comes to maintaining overall health, the role of healthy eating habits and nutrition cannot be overstated. But when temporomandibular joint disorder comes into play, staying on top of this critical task can be a bit more difficult. Read on to learn more about maintaining nutrition even when your jaw joints are affected.
Understanding TMJ Disorder
The TMJs, or temporomandibular joints, connect the jawbone to the skull. A disorder in these joints can lead to recurrent pain in your jaw and the muscles that control jaw movement. This discomfort often alters eating habits and complicates nutritional intake, indirectly impacting well-being.
How TMJ Disorders Influence Eating Habits
Challenges in Consuming Hard Foods
TMJ disorder often makes biting into hard foods, like apples or raw carrots, a painful task. This difficulty can limit dietary options, leading to monotonous, nutrient-poor diets.
Preference for Soft Foods
People with TMJ disorder typically find it easier to consume soft, easy-to-chew foods like mashed potatoes or soup, potentially causing nutritional imbalances over time.
Increased Eating Time
The time it takes to finish a meal can increase substantially due to TMJ discomfort. Constant pain or discomfort may even turn mealtimes into an ordeal, leading to reduced food intake.
The Impact of TMJ Disorder on Nutrition
Nutrient Deficiency
For those dealing with TMJ disorders, eating a balanced diet can be a considerable challenge. The preference for softer foods can lead to reduced intake of protein, fiber, minerals, and vitamins usually found in harder-to-chew foods such as fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.
Supplementary Dependence
People with TMJ disorder might rely heavily on supplements to make up for nutritional deficiencies. While this can aid in short-term nutritional levels, it’s not a sustainable solution for proper nourishment.
Weight Fluctuation
Reduced food intake and dietary restrictions can cause weight loss, and on the flip side, resorting to easily consumable, nutrient-poor, high-calorie foods can result in weight gain.
Managing Nutrition with TMJ Disorder
Seeking Professional Guidance
A dietician or a health care professional like Dr. Concepcion Sanchez-Garcia or Dr. Raul Garcia at Miami Designer Smiles can provide advice on maintaining a balanced diet with TMJ disorder.
Incorporating a Variety of Soft Foods
Foods like scrambled eggs, avocados, or mashed pumpkins are nutritious and easy to eat. A diet comprising a variety of such foods can ensure balanced nutrition.
Staying Hydrated
Drinking ample water can make swallowing easier and facilitate digestion, making it an essential part of managing nutrition with TMJ disorder.
Conclusion
Patients experiencing TMJ disorders may find it challenging to eat a nutritious and balanced diet because of the pain in the jaw joints. But there are ways to maintain healthy eating habits even with TMJ disorder – and the first step is to visit Dr. Sanchez-Garcia and Dr. Garcia at Miami Designer Smiles! Give us a call today.