Going out to eat is perhaps one of the most difficult situations to deal with if you have a severe case of TMJ. It can be very depressing, as most restaurants don’t seem to cater to this particular garlic. Few restaurants offer many items that can be easily chewed.
Forget these places
Forget the grills. Forget the pizzas. These types of restaurants will probably not work and will only serve to depress you about your condition. However, this does not mean that you cannot eat out. You’ll just have to use a little creativity and select your restaurants carefully. This can be difficult if you are dating, part of a group, or participating in a group gathering where others choose where to eat.
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 status). Obviously, Italian restaurants will work just fine for you, and surprisingly, many Mexican dishes will work, particularly cheese or ground beef enchiladas, although some may not consider this a particularly healthy meal. But it’s not like you’re eating this every day! Burritos can be made if they are not dry. Skip the chips and salsa.
Fish is a safe choice, but only if it’s broiled, baked, or poached, and don’t eat farmed salmon, as it’s gotten a lot of bad press, is potentially full of dioxins and PCBs, and not as full of Omega 3 fatty acids like wild salmon. In general, be careful when consuming farmed fish. Also, fish can be too chewy for you if it is not cooked properly or has 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 that contains hormones and antibiotics, and you’re not devouring bread and butter or snacks. they are fried with a lot of fat. Waste.
Buffets sometimes offer edible options and remember there are always side dishes. I once dined on a tiny spinach soufflé and a baked sweet potato, both of which were offered as side dishes. My food 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 as much. And remember, most TMJ patients get better.