Using a food calorie chart to choose foods when shopping or eating out is a pretty wise thing to do. It will not only help you lose and maintain weight. It will also help you get healthy and stay that way. And keeping a food calories chart handy will help keep you on the right track.food nutrition chart

Telltale Signs That You Should See An Atlanta TMJ Specialist

By Jason Lee


The hinge responsible for jaw movements is called the temporomandibular joint. It joins the skull to the jawbone making it possible for one to chew and talk. In case this joint suffers injuries or gets damaged, a patient suffers from localized pain disorder or rather TMJ syndrome. The concern is often triggered by arthritis, gum chewing, poor posture, jaw misalignment or teeth grinding. Here are signs and symptoms that would indicate a dire need to consult with a seasoned Atlanta TMJ specialist.

Research shows that over 10 million Americans suffer from temporomandibular joint syndrome. The issue causes immeasurable levels of discomfort, and it is hence crucial to seek help as soon as possible. Here are some of the signs and symptoms of TMJ.

The first warning sign is face and jaw tenderness. This is normally one of the early signs of TMJ. In the majorities of cases, the discomfort experienced can be managed with self-care and it is only temporary. It is however safe to seek the opinion of a dentist just to ensure that a serious concern is not overlooked. A competent professional would run some tests to better understand the root cause of your problems.

The temporomandibular joint serves as the hinge between the jawbone and skull. That said, you are likely to know the instant something is wrong. Depending on the cause of the concern, you could feel some level of pain on one or both temporomandibular joints. It goes without saying that the discomfort should not be ignored and it would be best for you to see a dentist and find out the real cause of the concern.

Most patients experience some level of ear pains when suffering from temporomandibular joint syndrome. The ear will ache from the inside and even from the areas that surround it. To rule out ear problems, you should consult with your primary physician. In case your ears are in good health, then you must be screened for TMJ. Unfortunately, the position of the ear could leave it affected if the temporomandibular joints are damaged or injured.

Because this condition affects the jaw, patients may have difficulties with chewing. In addition, their joints could lock up making it challenging to open or close the mouth. In case this is happening, it goes without saying that you should not postpone your trip to a seasoned specialist.

The jaw should not produce clicking sounds when chewing. You also have reason to worry if you are experiencing a grating feeling when opening your mouth or eating. Any signs that the joint in question has movement limitations would also show a need to seek the expertise of a dependable dentist.

Unfortunately, experts have not discovered specific tests that can help in diagnosing the condition. Even so, your doctor can find out whether you have the syndrome based on your medical history. He or she can also run physical exams to find out the actual source of your pain or discomfort. Depending on the results that are generated, the specialist could provide anti-inflammatory medications or recommend dental surgery or even complete joint replacement if a concern is severe. Then again, in some instances, it would simply be adequate to seek chiropractic care.




About the Author: