Dining Out with TMJ Disorder

Eating out is perhaps one of the more difficult situations to contend with if you have a severe case of TMJ. It can be depressing as hell, as most restaurants do not seem to cater to this particular ailment. Few restaurants offer many items that can be chewed easily.

Forget These Places

Forget about steak houses. Forget about pizza. These types of restaurants will probably not work and will only serve to make you depressed about your condition. This does not mean that you cannot eat out, however. You’ll just have to use some creativity and select your restaurants carefully. This can be difficult if you are dating, if you are part of a group, or if you are participating in a group gathering where the choice of where to eat is made by others.

Remember What You Can Eat

Remember the things you CAN eat: pasta, soups, fish (not fried) rice, cheese, and most ground meats (depending on your TMJ condition). Obviously, Italian restaurants will work well for you, and surprisingly, many Mexican dishes will work, particularly cheese or ground beef enchiladas, although some may not regard this as particularly healthful fare. But it’s not like you’re eating this every day! Burritos can be doable if they are not dry. Avoid the chips and salsa.

Fish is a safe choice, but only if it is grilled, baked, or poached, and please do not eat farmed salmon as it has received a great deal of bad press, is potentially full of dioxins and PCB’s, and is not nearly as full of Omega 3 fatty acids as wild salmon. In general, be careful about consuming any farmed fish. Also, fish can be too chewy for you if it is not cooked correctly or if it’s been frozen.

Breakfast restaurants are a no-brainer with their multiple egg and pancake offerings.

The soups in many restaurants are very high in fat and salt, but they are tasty, and what the heck, at least you’re not eating meat containing hormones and antibiotics, and you’re not wolfing down bread lathered with butter, or appetizers that are deep fat fried. Splurge.

Sometimes buffets offer edible choices, and remember there are always side dishes. I once had a tiny spinach soufflé and a baked sweet potato for dinner, both of which had been offered as side dishes. My meal was incredibly filling and delicious.

Chinese food is not particularly easy to eat. Finding edible food at Grills and Sports Bars is also next to impossible.

Try to think of all the money you’ll save by not eating out so much. And, remember, most sufferers of TMJD do improve.

These and other tips for dealing with TMJ Disorder are available in "You Can Conquer TMJ: Ideas and Recipes." Available at http://www.rlcoffield.com/ and amazon.com

Not Everyone Will Recover from TMJ Disorder

Recently I was abruptly reminded, by two long term TMJ Disorder sufferers, that not all cases of TMJ Disorder will self-resolve. These ladies were incensed at my book title, "You Can Conquer TMJ." And I do agree with them. This is a sad fact of this disorder: For a multitude of reasons, some cases are never going to be “cured.”

For Some, Surgery May Be Necessary

I do know that some cases of TMJD may require irreversible procedures performed, like surgery. Unfortunately, all too often sufferers are worse off after surgery than they were before the procedure. I have had contact with far too many individuals who’ve paid thousands of dollars for irreversible procedures and not been left better off. I still say that surgery should be done only as a last case resort, and one should be prepared to suffer the unforeseen consequence that perhaps, just perhaps, they will not be better off for the experience. For some, however, surgery IS the solution.

Book Title

In fact, were I to re-title my book, I would not use the current title ( You Can Conquer TMJ: Ideas and Recipes ) because it is, I now see, misleading. This was completely unintentional on my part given that, statistically, most cases of TMJD do resolve with a SOFTER DIET and TIME. For those who have shaken their fists in anger at this Pollyanna approach to TMJD, I apologize sincerely. It has totally never been my intention to belittle or diminish the extent of a person’s suffering from this disorder. I’ve had this disorder. It was not only excruciatingly painful, it was extremely, totally depressing.

Pain Free, but Cautious

In point of fact, can I truly state I am completely recovered from my case of TMJD? No. Even though I am pain free, I am very cautious about what I eat. If anything is the least chewy or tough, I take an immediate pass on that item. I cannot eat apples on the core; I cannot eat corn on the cob; I seldom attempt to chew gum; no jaw breakers; sandwiches can sometimes be difficult; the list can go on. At best I can state I am now pain free and able to eat most foods, even crunchy items like carrot sticks. I cherish this because I know it can take only one careless moment, one thoughtless bite on something, and I could be back at square one.

Many Treatment Options Available

TMJD sufferers have a plethora of options they can now explore before they go the surgical or “irreversible procedure” route. Some steadfastly claim that chiropractic intervention cures their sporadic attacks of TMJD. Some cling to their use of mouthguards at night. Others resort to acupuncture. I, and others, believe that time and a softer diet alleviate the problem (along with stopping nocturnal clenching and grinding). There are, basically, many paths one can take to find relief from this malady. Not every path is right for every person. And for a few individuals, there may be no paths. Pain management may be the only option left.

So, for those who have been offended at the title of my book because time and a softer diet did not work for them, I apologize. It was never my intention to mislead anyone. Despite the fact that many dentists and health practitioners agree with me, I do recognize that my path may not be everyone's path.

I wish you well and a speedy recovery.