TMJ cure (temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders or TMD) > Jaw pain

MY JAW PAIN ISSUE:

June 2017: Started in mid-June on the left side. Jaw started “popping”. Relatively less pain while chewing on the left side (where there is pain).

I did a lot of exercises and massage as per videos below, and by early July it got fixed. Took around 2-3 weeks to return to normal.

1 October 2017: Woke up at night with left jaw hurting a lot. In the morning could not eat even a biscuit.

4 October 2017: Jaw pain continuing. High level when I wake up, subsides during the day.

20 October 2017: Continuing pain; milder than before but still there.

THE ANATOMY

SOLUTION

Step 1: Change food habits

STOP CHEWING. ONLY SWALLOW FOOD. STOP ANY THING THAT MAKES THE JAW POP (See other steps listed below)

Step 2: Heat and ice the jaw

HEAT IT AND ICE IT

Step 3: Press on the sore spot inside the mouth

THIS IS THE BEST ADVICE: >>

Step 4: Massage the jaw from outside

Step 5: pull the jaw down

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kaaw3a14nYc

Step 6: Move the jaw side to side and front to back

How to Eat Right When Temporomandibular Joint Pain Flares Up

• Take small bites
• Chew slowly
• Cut all foods into bite-size pieces
• Limit jaw opening to the extent that is comfortable
• Select moist foods or use gravies or sauces to moisten foods
• Chop whole foods to consistencies that can be comfortably tolerated
• Peel fruits and vegetables that have skin

Food Preparation Tips for People With TMD

Fruits

• Peel all fruits with hard or chewy skin (example: apples, peaches, plums, pears).
• Chop whole (peeled) fruits.
• Use the blender to puree or “sauce” any fruits.
• Make smoothies with peeled fruits in the blender, adding ice, milk or yogurt.

Vegetables

• Wash, steam, or cook greens such as spinach, chard, kale, or collards for 2 to 3 minutes, finely chop into a ribbon-like thickness.
• Chop tomatoes.
• Peel and finely chop cucumbers.
• Peel and either shred or finely chop or mince root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or beets. If chopped, cook after chopping.
• Cook broccoli, cauliflower, or other similar vegetables until tender, then chop.
• Juice or make smoothies with any vegetables by following the juicing machine instructions.
• Make vegetable soups and purees.
• Peel, cook until tender, and chop other vegetables with skin.
• Cook, chop, and mash potatoes (white or sweet).
• Try purchasing commercial vegetable or tomato juices.

Legumes & Nuts

• Cook and mash or puree legumes that are larger than the size of a pea.
• Use nut butters (any nuts can be used).

Protein Foods

• Cook poultry or meats until tender; moisten with broth, gravies, or other sauces; cut into bite-size pieces.
• Cook and cut fish into bite-size pieces, soften with sauces as desired; make tuna salad.
• Chop tofu and tempeh into bite-size pieces; tempeh may need moistening.

Dairy Foods

• Consume all milk products, yogurt, and cheese as tolerated.

Dairy Alternatives

• If unable to eat protein foods or nut butters, try alternatives such as meal replacement beverages (example: instant breakfast and whey protein beverages or powder).

Grains

• Prepare hot cereals.
• Try couscous, quinoa, farro, rice, and other cooked grains.
• Cook orzo and other small pasta until tender.
• Cut thin toast into small pieces.