Question 1

i have had jaw pain/tmj for 4 months now. i eat a mostly soft foods diet, but why, when i turn my heart sharply i get tightness in my cheeks and chin?

Accepted Answer

See dentist first: Who evaluated your pain? A general dentist, oral surgeon, neurologist or primary care MD? If no consults were done, start with the dentist.  Is there a history of trauma to the area?  There are many variables to be addressed, see a doctor of your choice ASAP.

Question 2

could tmj cause someone to chew food loudly?

Accepted Answer

Perhaps: Only in that some patients with displaced TMJ discs have very loud popping and snapping of the jaw with chewing. If that is the case, see an oral surgeon who may recommend an operation.

Question 3

what os causing my tmj to hurt after chewing food?

Accepted Answer

Exam Necessary: You really need to see your dentist for a full exam; the TMJ is a complex joint and there are many factors that can cause this.  One common factor is called "nocturnal bruxism".  This is a phenomenon where a patient grinds their teeth at night, they may not even know they do.  It places pathological stresses on the TMJ and that discomfort can be exacerbated by heavy chewing.  Stop chewing gum too!

Question 4

i have tmj but can't afford medical care for it. what should i do until i can? would a night guard help or make it worse? should i avoid hard foods?

Accepted Answer

Care Credit: Sorry to hear about your misfortune. Over the counter devices sold in pharmacies and online are for the most part inadequate, as they are often too thick, poorly retentive, and inadequately cover all of the teeth. As a result these devices can often prompt more clenching, and/ worsen TMJ. CareCredit is a healthcare credit card that can be used for dental procedures.

Question 5

dentist lowered front teeth length from bonding. now i have tmj? what to do? chewing food feels unnatural

Accepted Answer

See your dentist: If your bite was altered and you are uncomfortable, it is your dentist's responsibility to determine what might be the problem.

Question 6

have tmj bad- taking anti-inflammatories. still in pain- using heating pad. pain in ear as well-- any suggestions to reduce pain? am on soft diet.

Accepted Answer

Different things: Depending on duration of pain, try cold compress (less useful if pain longer term), alternating heat and cold compress application, sleeping on your back, getting half an hour aerobic exercise per day, alternating NSAID meds with tylenol, (acetaminophen) avoiding gum chewing or really hard foods, and gentle stretching exercises. If no help from these, see a tmd aware dentist for the next diagnostic steps.

Question 7

anything besides eating soft foods that can be done for tmj after wisdom teeth removal? it has been 2 months of pain& that's the only suggestion i got

Accepted Answer

TMJ Treatment: Good day Yetunde;
  There are a variety of factors that cause individuals to exhibit TMJ discomfort.The occlusion (bite) may need adjustment. Stress might cause the muscles connected to the joint to be sore and "hurt". 
  A comprehensive examination of a patient's TMJ; concluding in a diagnosis and treatment plan. Oral home exercises, medication and appliance therapy improve patient's comfort.

Question 8

i have ear pain right after eating vertain foods, like ice cream.  i do have tmj. what could this be?

Accepted Answer

Need more info: Have you had this pain for quite awhile?  Did it appear recently along with some ear pain or other symptoms?  Could be tmd/tmj.  Hard to tell.  Need to see a doctor to rule out other problems.

Question 9

ear is totally blocked. ent says its from tmj. how can i get it to unblock? been eating soft foods and resting jaw.

Accepted Answer

Try/ask: for anti-inflammatory medication ( try Advil or Aleve (naproxen) if not allergic) or prednisone ( cortisone) . You may need a dental evaluation for asap.

Question 10

tmj can cause difficulties swallowing because of improper solid food and badly mastication or because of nerve iritation and muscle contraction?

Accepted Answer

All of the above: You need a proper exam to evaluate your occlusion and TMJ and muscles.  There are so many treatments available these days not limited to TMJ Splints, Occlusal rehabilitation, Botox, orthodontics.  If you are suffering from the symptoms mentioned, find yourself a qualified dentist to properly diagnose you and help you.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Soft food diet for tmj

A member asked:

I have had jaw pain/tmj for 4 months now. i eat a mostly soft foods diet, but why, when i turn my heart sharply i get tightness in my cheeks and chin?

A member asked:

Could tmj cause someone to chew food loudly?

A member asked:

What os causing my tmj to hurt after chewing food?

A member asked:

I have tmj but can't afford medical care for it. what should i do until i can? would a night guard help or make it worse? should i avoid hard foods?

A member asked:

Dentist lowered front teeth length from bonding. now i have tmj? what to do? chewing food feels unnatural

A member asked:

Have tmj bad- taking anti-inflammatories. still in pain- using heating pad. pain in ear as well-- any suggestions to reduce pain? am on soft diet.

A member asked:

Anything besides eating soft foods that can be done for tmj after wisdom teeth removal? it has been 2 months of pain& that's the only suggestion i got

A member asked:

I have ear pain right after eating vertain foods, like ice cream. i do have tmj. what could this be?

A member asked:

Ear is totally blocked. ent says its from tmj. how can i get it to unblock? been eating soft foods and resting jaw.

A member asked:

Tmj can cause difficulties swallowing because of improper solid food and badly mastication or because of nerve iritation and muscle contraction?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?