Do you have trouble falling asleep at night due to jaw problems like teeth grinding, clenching and neck tension? Do you wake up in the morning with jaw pain from grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw? Lifestyle changes can help mitigate joint and muscle tension and jaw pain.    Nutrient-Rich Soft Diet Is Essential Eating a nutrient-dense soft diet is important to maintaining a healthful and stress-free lifestyle. Food is medicine and eating right will help you sleep better. Did you know that just two ounces of tart cherry juice may help improve sleep? This may be because ta ..read more

Winter is coming, the holiday season is upon us and COVID-19 is still lurking.  There is no one solution for most of us experiencing these problems.  Often it requires a multi-faceted approach of self-care and seeking help from a qualified TMJ specialist. Massage, physical therapy, chiropractic release, TMJ jaw exercises and stretching may be part of the program. It’s best to first try holistic approaches rather than invasive procedures, which are costly and may be ineffective. Many of us are experiencing jaw problems from bruxism--teeth clenching and grinding, especially when we are ..read more

Below is a summary of the Scientific Report by National Academies of Medicine on temporomandibular disorders (TMD), also known as TMJ disorders, which was released in March 2020. Temporomandibular Disorders: Priorities for Research and Care To listen to the webinar, click here: Report Release Webinar: National Academies Report on Temporomandibular Disorders.                               To read the report: Click this link                          &n ..read more

Cauliflower is delicious steamed or roasted and when cooked whole, makes an interesting table centerpiece. For those with jaw problems, including jaw pain and trouble chewing, who need to be on a soft food diet, this three-ingredient soft cauliflower recipe is ideal. Steaming and then roasting the cauliflower allows for a soft texture without sacrificing the sweet and nutty flavor of only roasting it. If you prefer not to have the extra step of putting the cauliflower in the oven, then just allow the cauliflower to steam for a longer period of time. Pierce with a fork to check the level of sof ..read more

This heart-warming soup is delicious and nutritious. Those with jaw problems including general jaw pain and TMJ jaw pain often have a hard time eating vegetables and high fiber foods that are essential to a healthy diet. Soups such as these fit into a soft food diet without sacrificing taste and nutrition. The soup can be made in a variety of ways depending on availability of vegetables. Add frozen vegetables like peas or corn for color, texture and more nutrition. Try different proteins like diced tofu, peas, shrimp, edamame beans or cooked chicken. If jaw pain is severe, consider pureeing th ..read more

The good news is that you can learn how to stress less.  Stressing less can result in less TMJ, jaw grinding and clenching, better sleep, reduced muscle and joint pain and overall improved health. Relax physically- Visualization, mindfulness, guided imagery, and diaphragm breathing are techniques that can calm your body to better manage stress. Change your thoughts- Changing the way you think about stressful situations can help you cope with future stressors in a more positive way. Using self-talk to help you think about issues differently can be helpful. Get up and move- Physical activit ..read more

Date nut bread is a traditional holiday treat and it's surprisingly healthy if made with high-quality ingredients. Quick breads made with dried fruits and nuts can be a healthier alternative compared to cakes and cookies. For those suffering with jaw pain and TMJ disorders, quick breads fit nicely into a TMJ-friendly soft diet. Dates are naturally very sweet and so you don't need to add a lot of sweeteners. Softening the dates in water before baking make them soft and juicy. When pecans are finely chopped, they add a crunchy texture and buttery flavor. A serving of pecans – about 19 halves – i ..read more

Baba Ghanoush is of Middle Eastern origin and is made by combining cooked and mashed eggplant with lemon juice, tahini, olive oil and various seasonings. It may be served as a dip with other vegetables, pita bread or crackers. Baba ghanoush easily fits into a healthy soft food diet for those with TMJ pain or other jaw problems because it's easy to chew yet provides a good amount of dietary fiber. Eggplant grows wild in India and Asia. Eggplant made its way to Europe with the Islamic empire during the 7th and 8th centuries. Aubergine and brinjal are other names for eggplant. In Italy eggpl ..read more

Teeth grinding and clenching is a common habit known by dentists and doctors as bruxism. Bruxism can occur when awake or asleep. However, it is more common to grind and clench while asleep. Unfortunately, you have no control over bruxism while you are asleep. Brux habits can cause serious jaw pain, TMJ headaches and destruction of teeth.  Bruxism requires interventions to reduce its long-term effects. Bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching) is widespread. One out of three have these habits. Long-term consistent bruxism can lead to broken teeth, tooth enamel loss and, in severe cases, total ..read more

Eating well is extremely important when it comes to your health and well-being. The Mediterranean diet and the concepts in the award winning book Beyond The Mediterranean Diet, which combine the DASH diet and the Mediterranean diet rank the best overall diets for longevity and health. These diets are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants; and provide the right balance of protein, carbohydrates and fat. Jaw problems and TMJ jaw pain cause inflammation around the jaw. Following a Mediterranean-type diet helps because of its anti-inflammatory effects.  When any part of the ..read more