TMJ

What are the worst 5 Halloween candies for your TMJ?

Posted on by Physiofit
What are the worst 5 Halloween candies for your TMJ?
What are the worst 5 Halloween candies for your TMJ?

When you have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, it’s essential to be cautious about the types of Halloween candy you consume, as some candies can be harder to chew and may exacerbate your TMJ symptoms.

Here are five types of Halloween candy that could be among the worst for your TMJ:

  1. Gummy Candy:
    • Gummy candies are often very chewy and can be tough on your jaw, especially if your TMJ is sensitive.
      • Chewing these candies can strain your jaw muscles and joints, potentially leading to discomfort or pain.
    • These can include Airheads, gummy bears, Starburst, and Skittles!
  2. Caramel or Taffy:
    • Caramel and taffy candies are extremely sticky and can get stuck to your teeth and dental work.
      • Chewing on them can place stress on your jaw, making them a poor choice for individuals with TMJ issues.
    • These can include Sugar Daddy’s, Caramel Creams, and Riesen’s!
  3. Gum:
    • Gum requires prolonged and forceful chewing, which can strain your jaw joints and muscles.
    • These can include Bubble Yum and Double Bubble!
  4. Jawbreaker Candy:
    • As the name suggests, jawbreaker candies are very hard and may require significant force to break down.
      • This can put excessive pressure on your TMJ and lead to discomfort.
    • These can include anything with Jawbreaker in the name!
  5. Tootsie Rolls:
    • Tootsie Rolls are a chewy candy that can be difficult to bite and chew, potentially causing strain on your jaw.
    • Quite frankly, these are the worst candy for your TMJ!

Instead of these candies, it’s a good idea to opt for softer and more easily chewable treats that are less likely to aggravate your TMJ, such as chocolate or marshmallow-based candies.

Always be mindful of your individual pain tolerance and listen to your body when choosing and enjoying Halloween candies.

If you have severe TMJ problems, you may want to consider avoiding chewy or hard candies altogether and choose softer alternatives or non-food treats.

Physical Therapy treatment for TMJ

If you are having trouble with proper oral hygiene or pain due to TMJ dysfunction, physical therapy has many options that can help you. We have several other articles associated with treatments on our Cranio-facial and TMJ page.

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