Do you reach for a piece of gum without giving it a second thought? You're not alone. Billions of pieces of gum are sold every year, and for many people, it's simply a part of daily life. Gum is used as a way to freshen breath, ease stress, or keep the mouth busy between meals. But if you've been noticing jaw pain, headaches, or a clicking sensation when you open your mouth, your chewing habit could be the culprit.

If you've found your way here you already know (just like I do) exactly what TMJ disorder is and exactly how it feels. And the foods that you’ve always eaten suddenly become your worst enemy. Finding out what you can eat without inflicting even more pain becomes a bit of a minefield. The good news? Your diet can make a real difference. Understanding which foods to avoid with TMJ disorder is one of the simplest, most immediate steps you can take to reduce pain and give yo

When I had a TMJ flare-up on my “good” side, I was devastated. I’d lived with it on my bad side (right) for so many years that it had just become part of who I was. But when it started on the side I could still rely on, it felt like reliving it all over again. When you have TMJ disorder, you get used to the crunching and cracking. I barely noticed it after so many years. I mainly chewed food on my good side, so everything felt manageable. But this sudden flare in the side o

In 2001 I moved into my first home with my then-partner. If I’m being honest, I didn’t really want to, but at that age, it felt like the right thing to do. Before I knew it, I was moving in, swept along by the plan. It was the wrong decision for both of us.