Your Diet – Does My Diet Play a Part in Bruxism and TMJ?

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies play a part in bruxism and TMJ. Find out which vegetables, herbs and other food you need to add to your diet.

Herbs and Vegetables

1. You can help relax your nerves and anxiety with herbal tea, such as green tea, chamomile or lavender. Put a pinch or two of fresh herb leaves in a mug of boiled water. Allow it to brew for a short while before drinking. Drinking herbal tea is a very important part of a healthy diet.
2. Orange and green vegetables are considered to be soothing, as is parsley root, which has stress-relief properties. You can either boil it until it’s soft, or slice it thinly and add it to a salad or herbal tea.

Diet Supplements

Research[1] shows that magnesium deficiency contributes to bruxism. You can boost your magnesium intake by taking a magnesium supplement.

It is recommended[2] that an adult takes approximately 100 mg per day, while a child should take 25-50 mg per day. Take into account your weight or your child’s weight – Dr Nissani recommends about 0.7mg per pound of body weight per day. According to this calculation, a 70 pound child should take about 49 mg per day, a 100 pound teenager or adult should take approximately 70 mg per day, and a 150 pound adult should consume roughly 105 mg of magnesium per day, and so on[2].

Of course, how much you should take also depends on your lack of magnesium. Be aware of the risks of overdosing – people with heart or kidney problems probably shouldn’t take extra magnesium. Side effects aren’t common but include diarrhoea, dizziness, drowsiness, and blurred vision[3].

Another option is to eat magnesium-rich foods, such as:

• Green leafy vegetables
• Nuts
• Wholegrains
• Legumes
• Tuna
• Figs
• Tap water – it is higher in magnesium than “soft” (boiled, filtered or purified) water.

References

1. Lehvila, P. (1994). Bruxism and magnesium: literature review and case reports. Proceedings of the Finnish Dental Society, 70, 217-224.
2. Nissani, M. Bruxism: Advice, Links, Resources. Retrieved October 17 2008, from http://www.is.wayne.edu/mnissani/bruxnet/Advice.htm
3. Magnesium Supplement. (2007). In MayoClinic.com. Retrieved October 3, 2008, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR602371

• Author
• Recent Posts

Christopher

Christopher has been writing professionally for 17 years. He specializes in health and dentistry. He has written extensively on bruxism, mouth guards and alternative approaches.

Latest posts by Christopher (see all)

• Top 5 Dental Labs For Custom Mouth Guards - March 30, 2020
• denLAB Direct – Dental Lab Full Review - June 27, 2016
• SleepGuard Biofeedback Headband | Full Review - June 16, 2016