Refreshing Summer Snacks Compatible with TMJ/TMD
Hello, I’m Dr. Mike Gallagher and I am passionately focused on helping people with TMJ/TMD diagnosis, treatment and how to enjoy a healthy lifestyle with this condition.
If you’re like most people you probably enjoy having a couple snacks each day in between meals. The human body needs food about every three or four hours to maintain optimal functionality. This is why we start to get hungry during the time between lunch and dinner.
Most people have a tendency to snack on items like chips, nuts, and granola bars because they’re convenient. However, if you have TMJ Disorder, snacks like these can be bad for your health. Hard, crunchy, and chewy snacks cause the jaw to work harder and can result in TMJ pain.
Fortunately, there are still many healthy foods you can enjoy that won’t impact your TMJ health. Below, I’ve listed some refreshing summer snacks that individuals with TMD can enjoy worry-free.
TMJ-Friendly Snacks for Summertime
Just because you have TMD doesn’t mean you have to go hungry in between meals. Stay energized, healthy, and happy with these nutritious TMJ-friendly summertime snacks!
Enjoy Some Delicious Grilled Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are light, healthy, and packed with nutrients, which makes them great summertime snacks. However, if you have TMJ Disorder, you may want to avoid eating certain items like carrots, apples, and celery in their raw form. Instead, try grilling your veggies to soften them up. They’ll taste just as good, but will put significantly less strain on your jaw.
Cottage Cheese is a favorite TMJ-friendly protein snack for my Eden Prairie patients
If you’re feeling low on energy, you may feel tempted to grab a protein bar as a quick snack. But think about how hard your jaw muscles are going to have to work to break down its super chewy texture. You may want to rethink your choice of protein. As an alternative, you could eat cottage cheese instead. Cottage cheese is high in protein, low in sugar, and is fairly soft. This makes it a great TMJ-friendly snack.
Fresh Juices & Smoothies, Great for you and Fun for your Kids and Grandkids
What could possibly be more refreshing on a hot summer day than a delicious fruit smoothie?! Smoothies are a great snack if you have TMJ because you can enjoy all your favorite fruits without having to worry about them putting stress on your jaw or chewing muscles. You can even toss in some veggies if you’d like! Or, opt for a green smoothie made from spinach, kale, and other leafy greens. You can make it a fun activity for your kids or grandkids and let them choose all their ingredients and learn about healthy fruits and vegetables and how mixing them is delicious.
Foods High in Potassium are really good for your chewing muscles!
Did you know that potassium helps regulate muscle contractions in your body? That’s why soft foods that are high in potassium are an excellent option for people with TMJ Disorder. Snacks like bananas and cooked sweet potatoes can provide the extra potassium that TMJ sufferers need to keep their chewing muscles healthy.
Caffeine-Free Drinks
Many people drink beverages like iced coffee and tea during the summer in an effort to stay cool. However, if you have TMD, you should avoid beverages that are high in caffeine. These drinks are notorious for causing teeth grinding and jaw pain. Instead, opt for something caffeine-free like herbal tea, lemonade, or flavored water to quench your thirst.
Get More Tips & Advice on TMJ Health with Eden Prairie Dentist, Dr. Mike Gallagher, DDS
If you would like more information on TMD-friendly snacks or TMJ health in general, please do not hesitate to give me a call! My team and I are always happy to chat with our patients and provide answers to dental-health related questions.
More About Gallagher Dentistry & Facial Pain Center
Dr. Michael Gallagher and our Eden Prairie Dentistry team are committed to providing exceptional care and empowering our patients with information about their dental health. If you have any questions about our services or would like to schedule an appointment, we invite you to give us a call at (952) 942-9600. The outstanding experience of our dental team, Dr. Gallagher, and the skills of our staff have helped us in successfully treating our patient’s oral problems. We’re always welcoming new patients throughout Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, Bloomington, Minnetonka, Edina, Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Burnsville, Plymouth, Eagan, Richfield and surrounding areas. For more information, please contact us!
