Happy hauntings! It’s finally fall, so it’s time to look forward to all the seasonal fun that accompanies this exciting time of year. From hayrides to pumpkin patches, parties to trick-or-treating for candy, autumn offers plenty of opportunities for fun for the whole family!
But for people who suffer from temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ dysfunction, or TMD), the Halloween season can be pretty scary – and not just because of all those spooky monsters wandering around the neighborhood. When you have temporomandibular joint dysfunction, indulging in at least one Halloween tradition can be a real pain in the jaw.
We’re talking, of course, about Halloween candy. Though these delicious treats are a source of joy for people of all ages (come on, admit you’ve stolen a few pieces from your child’s pumpkin pail!), indulging in seasonal sweets can be a significant source of pain for people with temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction occurs when the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to your skull, becomes inflamed, detached or dislocated. This can happen for many reasons, including stress, injury or genetics. There are many triggers for temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and symptoms too. Triggers can include teeth grinding (bruxism), anxiety and chewing crunchy or extra-chewy foods – including some popular Halloween candies.
If you suffer from temporomandibular joint dysfunction but still want to indulge in sweets this Halloween, here are some tips for enjoying your haul without worsening your temporomandibular joint dysfunction symptoms.
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction and Candy: Helpful Tips
Avoid Hard Candy: Though it may seem like sucking on hard candy is harmless, many people aren’t patient enough to let their candy dissolve entirely, prompting them to crunch their hard candies when the candy piece gets small enough. While the teeth are usually strong enough to accommodate this crunching if they’re healthy, the strain on your jaw when crunching a hard candy can worsen your temporomandibular joint dysfunction symptoms and make you feel much worse.
Avoid Sticky or Gummy Candies: Sticky or chewy candy make the jaw work extra hard to break your sweet dessert down. Caramels, gummies and taffy are all common, super-chewy culprits that you should avoid if you have temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
Softer Is Better: If you’re still trying to satisfy that sweet tooth, don’t despair! You can still enjoy a piece of Halloween candy. Opt for softer options like chocolate, which are less crunchy and less likely to strain your jaw. Chocolate? You don’t need to tell us twice!
Make It Bite-Sized: Another way to enjoy candy of all kinds is to cut it into smaller, more manageable pieces. This will make it easier to chew and reduce some of the strain on your jaw that you might create with larger pieces.
Watch What You Eat: While an occasional treat to celebrate the season isn’t bad, it’s always best to consume sweets in moderation. Aside from the pain extra sweets can put on your jaw, too much sugar is bad for your waistline and oral health. Excess sugar can also cause cavities, bad breath and gum disease.
Keep Up Your Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Care: While the holiday season can get busy with all the parties and special events, it’s essential to your oral health that you maintain whatever temporomandibular joint dysfunction treatment program you are undergoing. Don’t skip your physical therapy exercises, wear your bite guard, and don’t skip your appointments with Dr. Mingus.
Work It Out: Speaking of jaw exercises, if you’re not already doing them, it may be time to consider adding them to your temporomandibular joint dysfunction care regimen. Speak to Dr. Mingus to see if you’re a good candidate for these exercises, and he can instruct you on some exercises or refer you to a physical therapist who can help.
Practice these exercises as prescribed before or after you indulge in your Halloween candy.
Pay Attention: When you’re chewing your Halloween candy (or any food, for that matter), be sure to pay attention to your jaw movements and how you’re chewing. Avoid opening your mouth too wide, grinding your teeth or crunching anything too hard.
Use Compresses If Necessary: If you experience jaw pain, apply a cold compress to your jaw at the site of the pain. This will help numb the affected area and reduce painful jaw inflammation.
Give Us a Ring: No, not a diamond (although that would be nice!), but if you are feeling an abnormal amount of pain after consuming candy or any other food, don’t hesitate to call Dr. Mingus.
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction and Candy: The Bottom Line
Remember, while living with temporomandibular joint dysfunction can be painful and frustrating at times, you shouldn’t let it prevent you from doing the things you love in life, even if that means enjoying a sweet treat from time to time.
If you really must indulge in some candy this Halloween, follow these guidelines for protecting your jaw while you enjoy it!
