In Texas we are known for food – TexMex and barbecue just to name a few. Some of the best-known dishes are truly Texan masterpieces that originated in the state, while many others have German and Mexican origins. No matter where they came from, Texas is now a food mecca.
The types of food you eat have a significant impact on symptoms and discomfort that is caused by TMJ. Though most of it is delicious, some Texas foods can make TMJ disorders worse. In this post we’ve outlined which foods people with TMJ disorders should avoid if they live in Texas or are planning to visit the Lone Star State.
Chips and Salsa – The salsa part is no problem for people with TMD, but the crunchy chips can be.
Chicken-Fried Steak – The breaded steak can be chewy, making the jaw work overtime.
Barbecue – As noted in an earlier post, eating barbecue with TMD can be a problem if you don’t choose your meats carefully.
Crunchy Tacos – Sometimes the fillings can be difficult to eat, but the hard shell is usually the biggest problem for people with TMD.
Pecan Pie –Texas is one of the top four states when it comes to growing pecans. They may be delicious, but the hard nuts can cause difficulty when chewing.
Frito Pie – This Texas staple is another example of how crunchy chips can cause TMJ pain to flare up.
Stuffed Hamburgers – Everything is bigger in Texas, and the state’s famous stuffed hamburgers are no exception. These can be difficult to eat since they require you to open your mouth wide in order to take a bite.
Fajitas – The meat in this Texas original can be tough to chew, especially if you opt for steak.
Sausage – In Central Texas, where many German immigrants settled in the mid-1800s, sausage is a popular food. However, for people with TMD spicy sausages can require a lot of painful chewing.
Remember, it’s not just what you eat, it’s also how you eat it. Having to open your mouth wide, bite down hard and chew excessively are all eating actions that can cause TMJ disorders to worsen. The good news is, some Texas foods can be eaten as long as you are able to cut them up into small pieces that are easier to chew.
For more tips on eating with TMD, check out the rest of the MedCenter TMJ blog. There you will find advice on eating Texas favorites like barbecue and Mexican food.
Original Source: https://www.medcentertmj.com/healthy-living/texas-foods-can-make-tmj-disorder-worse/