Tag Archives: dental appointment

Do You Suffer from Dental Anxiety? 7 Tips to Ease Your Anxiety.

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on August 24, 2021

Dental phobia is a real thing – so, if going to the dentist makes you uncomfortable or queasy, know that you are certainly not alone. In fact, “as many as 40 million Americans avoid the dentist because of fear and anxiety,” according to Columbia University College of Dental Medicine.

Signs and symptoms of dental anxiety

People with dental anxiety may experience:

sweating
racing heartbeat (tachycardia) or palpitations
low blood pressure and possible fainting (syncope)
visible distress, crying or signs of panic
withdrawal, or using humour or aggression to mask anxiety

Some anxious patients will routinely miss dental appointments, and may find it difficult to undergo dental treatment regardless of whether it is simple or complex.

However, dental anxiety is possible to overcome. Here are some of our favorite tips for overcoming dental anxiety so you can keep your oral health in tip top shape.

Who can be affected by dental anxiety

Dental anxiety is common and can affect people of any age.

Children who have had bad dental experiences in most cases can overcome their fear if the situation is managed well and they are well cared for and supported during further dental visits. Adults who are anxious about dental care tend to remain anxious throughout life.

Many anxious dental patients can find a dentist who is sympathetic to their situation, so they are able to cope with going to the dentist.

7 Tips to Ease Your Dental Anxiety

Find the right dentist

The right dentist can make all the difference. You’ll feel more comfortable and confident about the care you’re receiving. Look for a dentist who offers…

A friendly, caring staff
Great reviews from current patients
Simple answers to all your questions
A relaxing and comfortable office atmosphere
Personalized and high-tech dental care and treatments

Speak up

Sharing your feelings can make a world of a difference. Once your dentist knows how you’re feeling, your team can better assist you and be aware of your needs and concerns. Make sure to:

Tell the receptionist when you make your appointment. Let her know that you’re nervous about your dental visit and you can possibly share any previous bad experiences and ask for help on coping strategies.
You can set up a signal with your dentist. Maybe it’s raising your hand when you need a break or feel uncomfortable.
If you’ve ever dealt with pain from a local anesthetic, let your dentist know right away. Talk with your dentist beforehand about your pain experiences so your dentist can make you more comfortable.

Ask lots of questions

Throughout your appointment, be sure to voice any concerns, questions, or discomfort. Your dental team is there to help. Want to know about a specific instrument or treatment? Ask! Are you beginning to feel anxious and need a moment before continuing treatment? Let your dentist know.

A good dental team will gladly accommodate your requests, explaining what a sensation might be like and ensuring you’re comfortable the entire time.

Distraction is good!

If you can take your mind off a dental exam or procedure and distract yourself, it can be very helpful. Maybe bring headphones if the sound of a drill bothers you. You can listen to your favorite music or maybe an audiobook or podcast. You can also try squeezing a stress ball or try a fidget gadget to keep your hands occupied. Many dental offices also have TVs and magazines that can occupy your attention.

Bring a friend

Ask a friend or family member to join you during your appointment. Whether you want the person to wait out on the lobby during your appointment or in the room with you, having a supportive person nearby can help you feel safer and more relaxed.

Try Some Mindfulness Techniques

Try and relax your mind – this is where relaxation begins. Deep breathing exercises are great for calming and clearing your mind.

Count your breaths. While you’re waiting for your appointment to begin, or if you have a break, inhale and exhale slowly in the same number of counts. Do this five times.
You can do a body scan – relaxing each part of your body one section at a time. Start at the top, at your head, and work your way down your body. Relax your muscles and try to release any tension.

Arrive early

Rushing to get to your appointment on time can cause you to get worked up. Don’t put unnecessary stress on the experience. Plan to arrive extra early to give yourself enough time to take it slow.

If it will help, arrive early enough to enjoy a few extra minutes in the lobby, talking to the front desk staff, asking questions, or just relaxing.

A few more tips

Avoid caffeine and sugar before any appointments – these can make you jittery and more anxious. Instead, eat a high protein meal.
Choose an appointment time that is the least stressful for you.

More tips and tricks: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dental-anxiety-and-phobia

GPS Dental is Accepting New Patients

If you’re looking for a new dental home, Dr. Skrobanek and his Team at GPS Dental look forward to meeting you during your dental exam and cleaning. If you suffer from dental anxiety, we are here to help. Your appointment will be catered to your needs, ensuring you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the appointment. You’ll be informed and educated along the way and have plenty of time to ask questions and get the answers you need to feel confident. Let us know what we can do to deliver the best possible experience.

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek is a dental implant dentist and his experienced, friendly team at GPS Dental offer affordable family dentistry and gentle dental care in the San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at (210) 633-3477 to make an appointment.

Oral Cancer Screenings are Completed During Every Dental Exam

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on April 6, 2021

When you come in to see your dentist for a dental exam, you may think of getting your teeth cleaned, maybe an x-ray, and a general checkup. Actually, dental exams include so much for your wellbeing! When we conduct our dental exams, we also look for any warning signs of decay, disease, oral cancer, and anything else that may look out of the norm by completing simple oral cancer screenings on each patient.

This is great news for you! At GPS Dental, we take pride in taking care of our patients, so it’s more important than ever to schedule your twice-a-year checkups today.

Oral Cancer Awareness Month

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, so it’s the perfect time for us to remind ourselves of the importance of dental checkups that include oral cancer screenings and our oral health. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Oral cancer refers to cancer that develops in any of the parts that make up the mouth (oral cavity). Mouth cancer can occur on the lips, gum, tongue, the inner lining of the cheeks, the roof of the mouth, and floor of the mouth (under the tongue). Cancer that occurs on the inside of the mouth is sometimes called oral cancer or oral cavity cancer.”

Learn More about mouth cancer from Mayo Clinic HERE.

Oral cancer often affects men more than women, and also affects young people who are non-smoking. It’s important to catch oral cancer in its early stages, so frequent dental checkups where your dentist can look for any signs or symptoms of oral cancer through oral cancer screenings are imperative. Make sure to inform your dentist if you have anything out of the ordinary happening in or around your mouth. We’re also happy to answer any questions you may have.

Early detection and diagnosis is imperative, learn more HERE.

Stopping Oral Cancer

While oral cancer cannot be completely prevented, there are some things you can do to greatly reduce your risks and amp up your oral health.

Stop smoking
Eat healthy diet
Limit your alcohol intake
Use SPF outside
Maintain a health exercise schedule
Maintain good oral health habits and attend twice-a-year dental checkups

More about Oral Cancer Awareness from the Oral Cancer Foundation.

What to Look For

There are certain signs and symptoms that you can watch out for in-between your dental checkups. If you are experiencing any of these, please call us today for an appointment.

Weight loss
Numbness, pain/tenderness around the mouth or neck
White, red, or speckled patches in the mouth
Any crusty, eroded areas in or around the mouth, or lumps
Chronic sore throat or hoarseness, changes in voice
Trouble chewing or swallowing
Trouble speaking or moving your jaw or tongue
Changes in the way your teeth or dentures fit when closing mouth
Bleeding in the mouth

Regular Dental Exams Keep MORE than Your smile Healthy!

Professional dental exams and cleanings aren’t just for keeping your smile bright; they can have a significant impact on your general health.

Insufficient oral hygiene has been linked to several serious illnesses. Associated medical and dental issues include bone loss, cardiovascular disease, strokes, cancers, and many other problems. Brushing and flossing at home are essential, but to ensure teeth are healthy and thoroughly clean, you should schedule regular check-ups and oral cancer screenings with your dentist and annual dental cleanings with your dental hygienist.

Here are nine reasons professional cleanings are so important:

Your dental hygienist can remove most of the stains that dull and discolor your teeth, so you’ll be left with a brighter, whiter, healthy smile.
Having your teeth cleaned can prevent gum disease, which leads to early tooth loss.
In America alone, one person dies from oral cancer every hour, but many of these cancers are curable if detected at an early stage during routine cleanings that includes oral cancer screenings.
A strong link exists between cardiovascular disease and gum disease. Because getting your teeth cleaned twice a year helps prevent gum disease, it can also reduce your chances of potentially deadly heart attacks and strokes.
During a professional dental cleaning, it’s easy for your dentist to detect early signs of problems such as broken fillings and tooth fractures.
Many dental insurance plans cover cleanings, and you’ll save money on dental expenses in the long run by taking advantage of your policy.
If your dentist finds any serious problems during a teeth cleaning or exam, the office can help you make financial arrangements to cover the necessary procedures.
Professional dental cleanings give your dentist or hygienist an opportunity to compare the state of your oral health to that of previous visits. If you’re moving in the wrong direction, immediate intervention can put you back on track.
Regular check-ups and dental cleanings help prevent and resolve persistent bad breath.

Check out this article about how often you should see your dentist in SELF Magazine: Do I Really Need Teeth Cleanings Twice a Year?

Are you looking for a dentist in San Antonio? Learn more about how GPS Dental Offers Affordable Dental Care.

GPS Dental Can Help

Dental professionals are true advocates of oral care. We are not only adamant about keeping teeth clean, but we are also concerned with your overall dental health. Checking for defects, abnormalities, and indications of severe issues in the bone, teeth, or gums are also at the forefront of our practice. Similarly, offering advice on how to properly care for teeth and correct certain habits is also a part of the patient education that we offer. Should you be looking for a dentist that is serious about oral care, contact our dental office to book your dental appointment.

Children’s Dental Health: Why is Drinking Water Important?

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on February 16, 2021

We love raising awareness about the importance of oral health at any age! And in February, we get to celebrate our children with National Children’s Dental Health Month. While February might seem full of school projects, cold weather, and Valentine’s plans, it’s important and exciting to celebrate good oral care for your children. With extra stress on our kiddos with COVID-19, it’s more important than ever to visit us every 6 months for dental check-ups and exams.

Water: Nature’s Drink

This year’s theme for National Children’s Dental Health Month is Water: Nature’s Drink. It’s all about removing sugary liquids and replacing them with the healthiest alternative – water! Why is drinking water important? Let’s take a deeper look into the benefits of drinking water, especially for our kiddos!

More Benefits of Drinking Water: 10 Reasons Kids Need to Drink Water

Why is drinking water important? Here are 10 reasons for you and your kids to drink plenty of water every single day:

Benefit #1: Water Eliminates Dehydration

Water helps kids stay hydrated–which is important for their brains to work and for them to stay healthy!

Dehydration means that your body doesn’t have enough water to function properly. Seventy-five percent of people (including children) are chronically dehydrated.

Even mild dehydration will:

slow down your child’s metabolism as much as 3% and cause fatigue
cause your child to feel grumpy or tired
give your child headaches

The human body has no stored water to draw on during dehydration so it’s vitally important that your child drinks water throughout the day.

Suggestion:

Dehydration can happen very quickly—keep water with you in the car for thirsty kids. If they play sports or are involved in strenuous extra-curricular activities, send them with plenty of water in their backpacks.

If your children come home from school grumpy or tired—give them a glass of water.

Benefit #2: Water Helps Kids Suffering from Asthma and Allergies

Your children need water for their cells to grow. As they grow, 75% of the cell volume must be filled with water. This is one reason why children develop asthma and allergies during the growth stage of their physical development–they don’t have enough water for their body systems to function. Some research indicates that asthma can be caused by chronic dehydration and by increasing water and adding a bit of salt to the tongue, asthma coughing disappears.

Kids are also susceptible to allergies if they increase their food intake but not their water intake.

Suggestion:

If you have a child who suffers from asthma or allergies, water obviously will help. Kids with allergies should drink a glass of water BEFORE eating food. And kids with asthma need to drink more water. They also need to stop drinking sodas containing caffeine and reduce their orange juice consumption which can trigger an allergic reaction in some children.

Benefit #3: Water Lessens Hunger Pains

In a University of Washington study, it was discovered that dieters who drink one glass of water before bed will shut down late-night hunger pains by almost 100%! Drinking water helps separate the feelings of thirst and hunger. Thirty-seven percent of Americans suffer from a very weak thirst mechanism. In fact, it is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger. Many kids and parents who feel hungry are really in need of water.

Suggestion:

Does your child get up at night complaining of hunger or thirst? If so, either give him/her a glass of water an hour before bedtime or even 30 minutes before bed. If they get up feeling hungry or thirsty—give them another glass of water. You’re probably thinking, “they are going to be up all night going to the bathroom.” Possibly, but if your child’s body is in need of water, the water they drink will be used to replenish their organs and cells.

Benefit #4: Water Reduces Fatigue and Helps Kids Learn

When your kids are thirsty, they get tired very easily. In fact, studies show that not replenishing the body with water is the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue.

Kids in school need water to help:

Keep their brains alive and working
Water gives a child electrical energy for brain functions, particularly thinking.
It is needed for sustained focus energy
Water can also help prevent attention deficit disorder in children (and adults). In fact, kids who drink plenty of water, their attention spans increase.
Water integrates mind and body functions. It helps kids and teens with the desire to make goals and have a purpose. Hard to believe that water can do this–but research indicates it can and does!

Suggestion:

Send bottled water with your children to school. Let their teachers know exactly why you are doing this. If they don’t understand, encourage them to read the research connecting water to learning.

Benefit #5: Drink Water to Ease Growing Pains & Back and Joint Pains

Back, joint and muscle pain are not relegated to the aging. It can also happen to your kids. Growing pains are common among children. Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day can significantly ease back, joint and muscle pain for up to 80% of sufferers.

Suggestion:

If your kids are experiencing growing pains, give them plenty of water throughout the day and a glass of water about one hour prior to them going to bed (so they can empty their bladder before they nod off). It should help.

Benefit #6: Drinking Water Helps with Short-term Memory

Did you know that a mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory? It can also cause kids to have problems understanding basic math, and have difficulty focusing on a computer screen or printed page in a book. Drinking water every day can help prevent memory loss well into old age.

Suggestion:

Before starting their homework, make certain your kids have had a big glass of water to drink. And as mentioned above, send them to school with a bottle of water. It’s necessary for their memories and learning.

Benefit #7: Water Decreases the Risk of Certain Cancers

Drinking water can help ward off certain cancers. For instance:

Drinking 5 glasses of water daily help to decrease the risk of colon cancer by 45%
Drinking 5 glasses of water each day can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%
When a person drinks at least 5 glasses of water a day, they are 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer

Water also helps to normalize the blood-manufacturing system in the bone marrow which helps prevent childhood leukemia and lymphoma.

Suggestion:

Although some of these forms of cancer are not cancers common in children, it’s a good idea to get your kids in the habit of drinking plenty of water every day. It just may help prevent certain cancers when they are adults because water keeps the immune system working at peak performance and can fight infections and cancer cells where they are formed.

Benefit #8: Sip or Guzzle?

If your child sips water throughout the day, they will keep their systems hydrated and their abilities to learn and function will substantially increase. If they guzzle water (drinking it very rapidly) they will cleanse their systems. Both are helpful for their bodies and minds.

Suggestion:

Either sipping or guzzling water is good for your child’s health.

Benefit #9: Drinking Soda, Juice or Milk Doesn’t Count Toward Water Intake

Many parents think that as long as their child is getting some form of liquid (milk, juice, soda) in their systems, they will be hydrated. This is partially correct. However, sodas and juices are loaded with sugar and sugar drains water from the colon and can cause constipation and/or diarrhea. Plus, the sodium in sodas increases dehydration. Kids don’t need excess salt or sugar in their diets. It impedes their ability to learn. They need water.

Suggestion:

Make water your family’s #1 beverage choice. You’ll be glad you did. You will notice your children having sustained, focused energy; their brains will work better and more efficiently which all translates into a healthier more positive learning experience.

Benefit #10: Drinking Water Helps Clear Teen Skin

When your kids get to be teens, they will be concerned about their skin. Having healthy, acne-free skin is important for teens and their self-esteem. There are many reasons for teen acne, but several things that can help is drinking plenty of water, giving up sodas and eating plenty of fruits and veggies. Fruits and veggies are loaded with water and will help clean out the cells.

Drinking water every day will help improve your teen’s skin by:

eliminating toxins from the body
flushing out the system
hydrating the skin
making the skin smoother
decreasing the effects of aging

These tips and additional information can be found in the article titled: 10 Amazing Benefits of Drinking Water and How it Makes Kids Smarter

Children’s Oral Health

While this year’s theme may focus around water (and we hope we answered the question: Why is drinking water important?), Children’s Dental Health Month is really about the importance of oral health in our children. Regular, scheduled dental checkups every 6 months are a great way to stay on top of your child’s oral health. When you come and see us early on for family dentistry, we can assess your child’s gums and you can ask us any questions you’d like. It’s a great way to establish your child’s dental routine, monitor their oral health, and implement any preventative measures.

Stress can contribute to poor oral health choices, such as brushing and flossing less, or if we’re stressed, we may clench our jaw more or grind our teeth. If your child is suffering from any signs of oral stress, we can see them during our oral exam and can begin preventative measures, if needed.

Download posters, worksheets, and more for National Children’s Dental Health Month from the American Dental Association HERE!

Oral Care Begins Early On

Baby teeth and children’s teeth also need good oral care to prevent bacteria and decay. It’s important to implement brushing every day and help your child floss. In infants or baby teeth, it’s helpful to limit the amount of sugary liquids and remember our theme of water: nature’s drink! Instead of sending your child to bed with a bottle full of milk, formula, or juice, use water instead. For more information about Oral Bacteria, read our blog: Are Healthy Teeth Just About a Pretty Smile?

The American Association of Pediatric Dentists recommends that parents find a dentist for their child as early as their first tooth loss or first birthday. When your child experiences their first tooth, you can begin brushing and when two teeth are touching, you can begin helping them to floss. Learn more tips and tricks to keep your kiddo’s teeth healthy HERE.

Learn more about National Children’s Dental Health Month HERE.

GPS Dental Wants Your Family to Have Healthy Smiles

As you know, it’s so important for children to start their lives with a solid foundation and that includes oral health habits. Not only does that include brushing and flossing daily, but also having healthy habits — including drinking water! Why is drinking water important for you and your family? I hope we answered that question in this blog. Dr. Skrobanek and his Team love to talk about dental health and look forward to answering any of your questions during your next dental appointment.

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek’s experienced and friendly team at GPS Dental offers affordable dental care for all ages in San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we promote dental health awareness to our patients and provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at 210-633-3477 to make an appointment.

GPS Dental: Keeping You Healthy with Safety Precautions

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on November 11, 2020

The guideline for dental office health and safety is this – clean and disinfect like every patient is sick. Although disinfecting and cleaning has always been extremely important at our office, we have taken every single extra step and precaution to ensure that our patients are safe and in a sanitized, clean, and safe environment when they come into our office. We’ve even recently incorporated additional office disinfection procedures that are proven to disinfect against COVID-19.

Read the CDC’s recommendations HERE.

Our Newest Disinfection Procedure: Safe and Nontoxic Hypochlorous

Hypochlorous acid is an effective and natural acid that disinfects areas in as little as 15 seconds. According to experts, it can even clean 300 times better than bleach, without the harmful side effects. It’s safe and is naturally produced in our own white blood cells in our body to help fight against diseases.

Thankfully, we can use hypochlorous acid to disinfect all surfaces in our office – it destroys viruses and is an extremely effective disinfectant against COVID-19, proven to eradicate it from surfaces. We can even use this new acid in our waterlines without any harmful effects on the human body since it is already naturally occurring in our bodies.

Read more about Hypochlorous Acid Against COVID Review HERE.

Open for all Dental Appointments

With so many safety precautions, along with our newest disinfecting method, we are confident in the safety and security of our dental office. Therefore, we are open for all appointments – including routine dental cleanings and appointments.

We have implemented multiple safety measures are our office on top of our rigorous cleaning routines. We make sure to always social distance, wear masks and protection, and disinfect all tools, areas, etc.

It’s more important than ever to stay on top of your oral care. With the added stress of the global pandemic, we can grind our teeth and clench our jaw more than ever. This can result in cracked teeth or teeth grinding problems. By keeping on top of your dental health, you can keep your mouth healthy, which contributes to your overall health and wellbeing.

Read more about Dental Office Safety HERE.

Though so many things have changed recently, our commitment to our patients hasn’t changed!

Do You Need Your Teeth Cleaned? It’s Safe to Visit Your Dental Office

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on August 31, 2020

Leaving your home during COVID-19 can be concerning and unnerving. Thankfully, at GPS Dental, we’ve taken the steps and precautions needed to create a safe and sterile environment for our patients, making it safe to visit your dental office. Our infectious disease measures were put into place long ago, and since COVID-19, our safety standards have increased to keep our patients and staff safe and healthy.

Read about the CDC Dental Recommendations HERE.

Dental Office Safety and Security

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), no cases of COVID-19 have been attributed to any U.S. dental practices. This is a wonderful statistic for dental offices and shows how serious dental offices have taken their safety measures.

According to the CDC, many safety practices that dental offices are using during COVID-19 were in place long before 2020 and have been adapted to meet any COVID-19 concerns. Guidelines list how offices should:

Clean their equipment more often
Have personal protection for hygienists, and wear more protective gear than usual
Install HEPA filters
Space out appointments
Pre-screen patients
Require patients to wear a face mask
Adhere to social distancing measures
And more

The Importance of Seeing your Dentist

Oral health is so important, and when our gums and mouth are healthy, the rest of our body follows. Each part of our body is linked, so remembering to brush and floss daily are imperative to your overall health. Dental offices are now open and safe for routine visits, and it’s important to know if you have a dental emergency and need to be seen by your dentist right away. Some common dental emergencies symptoms include:

Dental pain
Gums bleeding
Broken tooth/crown
Swelling and pain

If you’re experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, then it is important to see your dentist right away.

Related Articles:

It’s safe to visit your dental office… so whether it’s time to schedule your 6-month dental exam and cleaning or you’re experiencing a dental emergency, Dr. Skrobanek and his experienced team take your health and safety seriously. GPS Dental appreciates all of our patients and is looking forward to seeing you and your family very soon!

What is that SMELL? (YIKES, it’s my Face Mask Bad Breath!)

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on July 15, 2020

There it is. You’re walking through a store and it hits you – a bad smell. It hits you again throughout the store and you finally realize – it’s your breath. Face masks have made some of us realize that, surprise, we do indeed have bad breath. It’s an extremely common problem, with over 80 million people experiencing bad breath, according to the Academy of General Dentistry.

Although you may have not noticed it before, now your breath is smacking you right in the face every time you wear your mask. Making your bad breath all the more noticeable and frustrating.

Related Article: What’s Up With My Bad Mask Breath

Why You’re Experiencing Bad Breath

There could be a few different reasons you’re experiencing bad breath, and your dentist can help! Some of us may have been experiencing bad breath for a while but have gotten used to the smell and don’t notice it until we wear a mask.

Bad Breath Diagnosis and Treatment process from Mayo Clinic.

This could be due to:

Bad oral hygiene. When you’re not brushing well or often enough, bacteria can build in the mouth and cause bad breath.

You ate or drank something smelly. Coffee, onions, garlic, and foods high in sulfur can make a negative impact on your breath for up to 72 hours, even with brushing. Try combating the smell with lemon, fresh fruit and vegetables.

Sweets. Sugary treats increase bacteria in your mouth tenfold and increase the stink-factor of your breath. Dentists suggest eating plain chocolate if you’re needing something sweet. Drink water after to remove any chocolate remnants.

Medications. Many common medications can dry out your mouth and contribute to bad breath. Talk with your doctor if you think your medications may be causing dry mouth issues.

Tobacco. Cottonmouth is a common side effect to smoking any tobacco products. Smoker’s breath is a real thing!

Sinus infection or allergies. When your nose gets stuffed up, you’ll probably breath more often through your mouth. This can dry out your mouth and reduce odor-killing saliva.

How To Treat Bad Breath

When the face mask bad breath sneaks up on you, it may be time to visit your dentist for a cleaning. In the meantime, brush your teeth twice a day and try brushing your tongue to get rid of any extra bacteria lingering in the mouth. You can also try an anti-bacterial mouthwash, and floss to remove any food buildup in-between the teeth.

Learn more oral hygiene tips from WebMD HERE.

GPS Dental Welcomes Back Patients for Routine Dental Appointments

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on April 30, 2020

4/30/2020

Dear GPS Dental Family,

We hope this letter finds you and your family in good health. Our community has been through a lot over the last few months, and all of us are looking forward to resuming our normal habits and routines, including routine dental appointments.

While many things have changed, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to your safety.

Infection control has always been a top priority for our practice, and you may have seen this during your visits to our office for dental appointments. Our infection control processes are made so that when you receive care, it is both safe and comfortable.

We want to tell you about the infection control procedures we follow in our
practice to keep patients and staff safe.

Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the:

American Dental Association (ADA)
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

We follow the activities of these agencies so that we are up to date on any new rulings or guidance that may be issued. We do this to make sure that our infection control procedures are current and adhere to each agencies’ recommendations.

You may see some changes when it is time for your next appointment. We made these changes to help protect our patients and staff.

For example:

Our office will communicate with you before your dental appointments to ask some screening questions. You will be asked those same questions again when you are in the office.
We have hand sanitizer that we will ask you to use when you enter the office. You will also find some in the reception area and other places in the office for you to use as needed.
You may see that our waiting room will no longer offer magazines, children’s toys and so forth, since those items are difficult to clean and disinfect.
Dental appointments will be managed to allow for social distancing between patients. That might mean that you are offered fewer options for scheduling your appointment.
We will do our best to allow greater time between patients to reduce waiting times for you, as well as to reduce the number of patients in the reception area at any one time.

We look forward to seeing you again and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we take to keep you, and every patient, safe in our practice.

To make an appointment, please call our office at (210)633-3477 or visit our website at GPSDentalSA.com.

Thank you for being our patient. We value your trust and loyalty and look forward to welcoming back our patients, neighbors and friends.

Sincerely,
Dr. Gary Skrobanek and the GPS Dental Team

February is Childrens Dental Health Month … Celebrate with Us!

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on February 5, 2020

SMILE!! February is National Childrens Dental Health Month and GPS Dental is excited to CELEBRATE with our Little Patients and their families!

What is Childrens Dental Health Month?

Brought to the public by the American Dental Association, every February thousands of dedicated dental professionals, healthcare providers, and educators come together to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers, and others during Childrens Dental Health Month.

Understanding Why Baby Teeth Are Important

Baby (primary) teeth are a child’s first set of teeth. A baby’s teeth start to come in at 6 to 10 months, and by the time a child is 2½ to 3 years old, all 20 baby teeth will have come into the mouth. Taking care of a child’s baby teeth is important for the child’s overall health and development.

Baby teeth are important for children to:

Chew and eat foods. Children need to eat healthy foods every day to grow and be strong. Children with tooth decay are less likely to eat crunchy foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Being able to eat these foods promotes good nutrition and a healthy weight.
Speak clearly. Children who lose baby teeth too early may have trouble making certain sounds. This can make it hard to understand the child. A child may need speech therapy to improve speech problems that may develop because of missing teeth.
Have self-confidence. Children with decayed front teeth tend to not smile or may cover their mouth when talking. Sometimes they stop playing with other children. A healthy smile helps give children the self-confidence needed to have good social experiences.
Stay healthy. Tooth decay in baby teeth can lead to infections that can cause fever and pain. If not treated, the infection from tooth decay can spread to other parts of the head and neck and lead to severe swelling.
Keep space for adult teeth. Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth growing in the jaw. If a baby tooth is lost too early, other teeth that are already in the mouth will move into the space. It can block out the adult tooth trying to come in and cause crowding. The upper and lower jaws may not meet properly because of the crooked teeth.
Related Article: Oral Diseases and Tooth Loss… GPS Dental Can Help

Why is dental health important for kids?

Did you know that 42% of children from the age 2 to 11 have had dental caries or cavities in their primary or baby teeth?

AND … did you know that tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease?

That’s why promoting childrens dental health to families is important to Dr. Skrobanek and his Team. Developing good dental health habits at an early age, including scheduling regular dental visits, helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. They can avoid many of the problems that result from poor oral health, including gum disease, cavities, and tooth decay.

Having a Healthy Mouth Also Means:

• Healthy growth and development

• Being able to focus and learn

• Lower dental care costs for your family

Why do children’s teeth decay?

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria make a sticky substance called plaque that can eat away at a tooth’s enamel. Poor oral hygiene can raise your child’s risk for tooth decay. A dentist can diagnose tooth decay with an exam and X-rays.

What will a Dr. Skrobanek do for toddler tooth decay?

Dr. Skrobanek can remove decayed parts of the tooth and perform either a dental filling or a dental crown to fill holes in the tooth. For a filling, he uses a tooth-colored composite resin or an amalgam filling.

How can I help my child develop healthy habits?

Here’s how to keep cavities away:

Start good oral habits early. Teach kids to brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and to floss regularly.
Get enough fluoride. Regular use of fluoride toughens the enamel, making it harder for acid to penetrate.
Limit or avoid some foods.

Things You Can Do to Help Your Child:

• Brush your child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day.

• If your child is younger than 3 years, brush with a smear of fluoride toothpaste.

• If your child is age 3 to 6 years, brush with a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste.

• Young children will want to brush their own teeth, but they need help until their hand skills are better. Brush children’s teeth or help children brush their teeth until they are about 7 or 8 years old.

• Be a role model for oral health! Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day (in the morning and at bedtime) and floss once a day.

• Serve healthy meals and snacks like fruits, vegetables, low-fat milk and milk products, whole-grain products, meat, fish, chicken, eggs, and beans.

• Limit the number of snacks your child has in a day.

• Do not give your child food for rewards.

• Take your child to the dentist for a check-up by her first birthday and keep taking her.

• If your child has not gone to the dentist take him.

GPS Dental Can Help too!

Visiting the Dentist with Your Child

Children need to visit the dentist to keep their teeth and mouth healthy. If children have regular dental visits, the dentist and dental hygienist can take care of their teeth and find oral health problems early. Having regular dental visits also teaches children to value good oral health.

At Your Child’s Dental Appointment, our Dental Team Will:

Check your child’s teeth and mouth.
Talk to you about the best way to take care of your child’s teeth. For example, brushing your child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste after breakfast and before bed.
Share other ways to help prevent tooth decay (cavities). For example, putting fluoride varnish or a sealant on children’s teeth.

Tips for Visiting the Dentist:

If your child asks what will happen at the dental clinic, give a simple answer. For example, say:
- “They may count how many teeth you have.”
- “They may clean your teeth to make them shiny and bright!”

If you don’t like visiting the dentist, don’t share that information with your child. That might make your child worry about going, too.
Set up a pretend dental chair. Pretend to be the dentist or dental hygienist. Look in your child’s mouth and count her teeth; then talk to her about brushing her teeth.
Read books or watch videos with your child about visiting the dental clinic. Don’t use books or videos that have words like hurt, pain, shot, drill, afraid, or any other words that might scare your child.
Let your child bring his favorite toy or blanket to the clinic.
If you find out that your child will receive a small toy or new toothbrush at the end of the visit, remind your child of this reward.
Plan a fun activity for after their visit to the dentist.

We love our little patients and strive to make their dental visits comfortable and fun! When they enjoy visiting Dr. Skrobanek and his Team, they will likely brush their teeth regularly and look forward to their next visit! We will do our best to schedule your children’s visits together, if that makes it easier for you to bring everyone at the same time!

Thank you for giving your child healthy dental habits that will last a lifetime!

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month: A Good Time to Visit Your Dentist for an Oral Cancer Screening

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on April 9, 2019

Oral health professionals and those affected by oral cancer work diligently to advocate for education and prevention; especially during April, as it is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Although this month is especially important in educating individuals on what oral cancer looks like and the available preventative steps that can lower risk, to include scheduling your oral cancer screening; it’s vital that people monitor their oral health year-round.

Oral cancer can affect anyone, making it critical that you know what warning signs and symptoms point to the early stages of various types of oral cancer.

Oral Cancer: The Statistics

Did you know that over 9,000 women and 21,000 men in the United States receive an oral cancer diagnoses each year; that statistic is according to the National Cancer Institute.

According to the American Cancer Society’s most recent estimates for oral cancer diagnoses in 2019, just in the United States are:

Approximately 53,000 people will get oral cancer
An estimated 10,860 people will die from this disease

Oral cancer typically strikes in the mouth and throat beginning in the flat cells, or squamous cells, that cover the surfaces of the mouth, tongue and lips.

What Adds to the Risk Factors for Oral Cancer?

Tobacco Use
Heavy Alcohol Consumption
Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV)
Sun Exposure
Betel Nut Use
Personal History of Oral Cancer

Here’s a side-note … 
during my research for this blog, I had to ask,
“What is a Betel Nut?” 
The information I discovered is disturbing:

Betel nuts are found across Asia, growing in palm trees. They’re used so widely, they’re one of the most popular mind-altering substances in the world. People chew on the nut and the leaf together to get high. Supposedly, it’s like a combination of tobacco and a lot of caffeine.

When they are chewed, the nuts give user a rush of stamina and euphoria. Excessive chewing causes discolored or even loss of teeth and oral cancer. Unfortunately, they’re not very difficult to purchase in the U.S. because they are not illegal or banned at this time.

Even though the betel nut is not a controlled substance, it can be illegal to import, especially wholesale. They can be dangerous, and the World Health Organization has labeled the betel nut as a carcinogen.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer?

Symptoms to watch for include:

Patches inside the mouth or on the lips
Sore on the mouth or lips that just doesn’t heal
Bleeding in the mouth
Loose teeth
Pain or difficulty swallowing
Lump in the neck
Numbness of lower lip and chin
Difficulty wearing dentures
Persistent earache

Visit your dentist or physician immediately for an oral cancer screening if you have any of these symptoms.

The death rate associated with oral and oropharyngeal cancers remains particularly high because the cancers routinely are discovered late in their development. Fortunately, when oral and oropharyngeal cancers are detected (most commonly through an oral cancer screening) and treated early, mortality and treatment-related health problems are reduced.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Oral Cancer?

Your best bet in catching oral cancer during its early stages is with a regular oral cancer screening performed by a trusted oral health professional, like Dr. Gary Skrobanek and his expert team at GPS Dental in San Antonio. They have the knowledge and experience to identify potential symptoms of various types of oral cancer and can connect you with the medical services you need.

In addition to an oral cancer screening during each of your dental appointments from Dr. Skrobanek, you can complete self-directed oral inspections. Inspect your mouth monthly for the warning signs listed above. For a more complete and thorough inspection, you can use a small light and mirror to see otherwise blocked areas. Upon finding anything suspicious, immediately contact your oral health professional.

Dentists and doctors alike will also recommend that people cut out tobacco use completely, as it is known to impact your overall health negatively. At GPS Dental, we’re dedicated to helping our patients maintain a healthy mouth and a healthy life. To schedule your oral cancer screening, contact us today.

Additional Resources:

The National Cancer Institute has resources on oral cancer at www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/oral
The American Dental Association’s consumer website, www.MouthHeathy.org , also features information about oral cancer

Oral Cancer Screening at Your 6-Month Dental Appointment

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on November 28, 2017

Is November the Forgotten Month?

As the eleventh month of the year, November is something of a time of transition and perhaps a pre-curser to the busy upcoming holiday season, thus November may resemble the proverbial “calm before the storm.” Apart from Thanksgiving of course, for many this might truly be the case as with Christmas and New Year’s on the horizon, November often seems to come and go without much notice.

However, this has recently began to change, as the dental industry has given the month of November a very important reason to be both noted and remembered by folks everywhere. Although this new distinction may still be catching on with the general public, thus far it has proven itself to be a worthy if not, a lifesaving cause!

Oral Cancer VS Professional Dentistry…

Oral Cancer Screening: Why Does It Matter?

As you probably know, cancer in all its forms is an extremely serious and potentially life-threatening illness; however, there are but few types of cancer that are more worrisome than that of oral cancer. Oral cancer is a particularly aggressive type of cancer that can manifest within the throat, cheeks, lips, or tongue, and may continue to spread throughout the body.

In response to this, as of 2003 November 1^st through the 31^st has been officially named “Mouth Cancer Action and Awareness Month” among the dental community. While this may be the first you’ve heard of this, it definitely won’t be the last and you can rest assured it is certainly a cause worth knowing about. With an annual death toll of approximately 7,500 deaths occurring within the U.S. alone, oral cancer is clearly a serious problem. However the field of professional dentistry has proven itself as something of a enemy to this treacherous illness, by providing patients with an oral cancer screening.

The oral cancer screening may in fact be the dental profession’s best kept secret, as many patients are unaware that they are receiving the screening even as it happens! An oral cancer screening, is a quick and painless procedure that Dr. Skrobanek at GPS Dental preforms as part of your standard dental exam. Therefore, when you come in for your routine dental checkup, you are simultaneously receiving an accurate screening for any early signs or symptoms of oral cancer, which is something that can be a deciding factor. Identifying and treating oral cancer within its earliest stages is often the best bet in fully overcoming the disease, as the cancer is not given the time to cause damage and spread, therefore it is paramount that you let Dr. Skrobanek take the time to give you that crucial oral cancer screening during your dental appointment!

Oral Cancer Screening: Related Articles

Dental Insurance Benefits: The Clock Is Ticking!

While November has been designated as oral health month, what you should also realize is that if you haven’t already, the sooner you schedule your routine dental exam/oral cancer screening the better! While certainly all dental insurance companies provide their own individual health and/or dental plans, as a general rule of thumb the vast majority of insurance providers adhere to the recommended six-month appointment rule that Dr. Skrobanek encourages. The six-month dental appointment rule is the notion that in order to truly provide patients with the best possible care in preventative dentistry, that all patients should plan on having at least two routine dental exams per year, with an approximant six-month gap between appointments. In compliance with this, dental insurance companies typically provide coverage for the two yearly preventative exams, providing that the patient uses them. However, if the coverage for two appointments goes unused, you may find yourself spending extra money on something you didn’t even use, (as dental coverage does not carry over from year to year) and surely nobody likes to be wasteful! Therefore if you have yet to use one or both of your covered exams, using them now would probably be in your best interest, because they certainly won’t last forever!

What To Remember This November!

As the year begins to draw to a close, and we enter the holiday season, obviously there will much to do and think about. However, before November, (as it often does) slips by without so much as a peep, we highly encourage you to consider the significance of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, by taking the time (if you haven’t already) to schedule your routine checkup/oral cancer screening.

Remember while those precious insurance benefits won’t last for long, a healthy and cancer-free mouth will, so schedule your dental appointment now!

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek and his experienced, friendly team at GPS Dental offer affordable family dentistry and gentle dental care in the San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at (210) 633-3477 to make an appointment.