TMJ Blog

Scientific Report on TMD / TMJ

The National Academies report titled: Temporomandibular Disorders: Priorities for Research and Care calls on a number of healthcare professionals - across medicine, dentistry, and other fields to improve the health and well-being of individuals with TMJ disorders. This report addresses the current state of knowledge regarding TMD / TMJ research, education and training, safety and efficacy of clinical treatments of TMJ disorders, and burden and costs associated with TMJ disorders and jaw problems. The recommendations of the committee focus on the actions that many organizations and agencies should take to improve TMJ research and care and improve the overall health and well-being of individuals with TMJ jaw pain, jaw popping and other symptoms such as teeth grinding, clenching, TMJ headaches and TMJ ear pain.

TMJ Diet: Butternut Squash Dumpling Soup

Using butternut squash as the base for this soup recipe creates a sweet and nutty flavor, a creamy consistency and a bowlful of nutrients! Since it’s time consuming to cook a whole butternut squash, remove the seeds, scoop out the flesh and then puree it, this recipe calls for a prepared low-sodium butternut squash soup. Using a prepared low-sodium butternut squash soup puree makes this recipe easy to make in about 30 minutes, depending on how quick you are at washing and chopping a few vegetables. The use of the butternut squash soup puree is perfect for a soft food diet and especially for those suffering with jaw problems and TMJ pain.

Teeth Grinding At Night?

Chronic teeth grinding at night is called sleep bruxism.

What is bruxism?

Bruxism is defined as repetitive jaw muscle activity characterized by clenching and/or grinding of teeth that happens involuntarily.

To brux or bruxing means to clench and/or grind your teeth.

This condition can occur during the day or while sleeping and affects adults and children.

Causes of Bruxism

• Abnormal alignment of the jaw
• Situational anxiety
• Stress
• Intense concentration 
• Certain type of antidepressant medication

Bruxism Can Lead to Other Problems

• Temporomandibular (TMJ) disorders
• Tooth wear and restoration failure

Signs and Symptoms of Bruxism

• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Facial pain
• Sensitive teeth
• Headaches
• Tension in the face and neck
• Locking of the jaw
• Jaw pain
• Popping or clicking of the TMJ 

TMJ Diet: Vegetable Ramen Soup

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 the vegetables before adding protein and the noodles. For a *gluten-free variation, choose brown rice or buckwheat noodles.

Covid-19 Pandemic Delivers a Blow to The Jaw

There is an epidemic of teeth grinding and jaw clenching, and it’s no secret that the stress of the Covid-19 pandemic is a contributing cause. Long term grinding can wear down teeth leading to expensive dental bills. Habitual teeth grinding and clenching can cause aching joints and feel like a blow to the jaw, resulting in difficulty chewing. These teeth grinding and jaw habits can create severe temporomandibular joint problems like TMJ jaw pain, TMJ headaches, ear pain, neck pain and jaw popping, clicking and crackling.