Tag Archives: dental exam in San Antonio

Oral Health: Mouth-Healthy Foods to include in your diet

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on November 22, 2022

Your Smile is Beautiful and It Is Meant to Last a Lifetime

Your smile was meant to last a lifetime. That’s why it’s so important to take care of your teeth, so they can function well and last as long as they’re supposed to. Ultimately, the best thing you can do for your teeth’s durability is seeing your dentist for regular dental exams and cleanings; however, we’re also going to talk about mouth-healthy foods for healthy teeth too!

According to the Oral Health Foundation,

“Dental appointments shouldn’t just be made when you have a problem that needs to be addressed. Prevention is always better than needing a cure and there are plenty more reasons why it’s important to maintain regular visits to your local dental practice.”

Some of these reasons include:

Checking for oral cancer and other health issues
Prevention of plaque, tartar, and decay
Helps keep gum disease away
Getting advice on your specific needs/oral health goals

Preventative dentistry focuses on dental care practices, good oral health, and early detection – which is what’s happening during your routine dental exams. So, your dentist and hygienist may talk with you about what steps to take to avoid gum disease, cavities, and tooth decay, and bring you up to speed on best oral health practices to incorporate into your daily routine, and so on.

What are the Best Mouth-Healthy Foods for Healthy Teeth?

We KNOW Sugar is Bad for Our Teeth!

But, let’s review. The reason sugar is bad for our teeth is due to the bacteria in the mouth, which converts sugars and carbohydrates into acids. It’s these acids that begin to attack the enamel on teeth, starting the decay process. But are there foods that can actually contribute to your oral health? The answer is yes! So, let’s find out the best mouth-healthy foods for healthy teeth & gums!

Your oral health and total health are connected – the mouth is part of the systemic whole. Here are our top 10 recommended ‘superfoods’ that will not only benefit your mouth but are also good for the rest of you!

Mouth-Healthy Foods & Drinks

Celery: Chewing celery (or apples or carrots) produces saliva, neutralizing the bacteria Streptococcus mutans that causes cavities. It’s also a naturally abrasive food that massages gums and cleans between teeth.

Cheese: High in phosphate and calcium, cheese (and milk) helps neutralize the acid in the mouth, killing bacteria and preserving tooth enamel. This prevents cavities and gum disease.

Cacao Nibs or Dark Chocolate: Chocolate is certainly a comfort food, but without added sugar content, it can help prevent cavities by keeping certain oral bacteria in check and stopping plaque from forming on teeth. Stick to cacao nibs or dark chocolate with very little to no sugar, as the extra stuff in your average Snickers bar will totally counteract the benefits of the chocolate.

Fatty Fish: Fatty Fish is high in vitamin D. This nutrient is necessary for nearly every system of the body, but one of its lesser-known benefits is its ability to reduce the risk of tooth decay. Vitamin D works synergistically with vitamins A and K2 to deliver calcium to the teeth, strengthening enamel from the inside out. A deficiency in any of these nutrients can lead to weakened enamel.

Oily fish are also high in omega-3s. Omega-3 fats support gum health and may even help prevent and reduce symptoms of periodontitis (gum disease), which affects nearly half of adults in the United States. If your gums regularly bleed when brushing or flossing, consider upping your omega-3 intake to reduce inflammation and bleeding. Tuna, mackerel, salmon, and trout are some of the fish highest in both vitamin D and omega-3s.

Kiwis: Most fruits contain Vitamin C, which is vital for the health of your gum tissue, but kiwis contain the highest amount. Without Vitamin C, the collagen in your gums breaks down, the gums become tender and more susceptible to the bacteria causing periodontal disease.

Leafy Greens: Darker leafy greens are best for teeth, as they’re also high in minerals your teeth uptake during remineralization to strengthen their structure. Good examples of these include kale, spinach, turnip greens, Swiss chard, and arugula.

Onions: Onions have powerful antibacterial sulfur compounds, making them terrific for oral health. They are strongest when eaten fresh and uncooked.

Oranges and Grapefruit: While acidic foods can have a negative effect on teeth, grapefruit, oranges, and other citrus fruits can actually benefit oral health when eaten in moderation. Both grapefruit and oranges contain high levels of vitamin C, which strengthens the blood vessels and connective tissues within the mouth. It slows the progression of gum inflammation that could otherwise lead to gum disease.

Raisins: Naturally sweet raisins contain phytochemicals like oleanolic acid that inhibit two species of oral bacteria to prevent cavities and gum disease. Unsweetened cranberries contain polyphenols, which may keep plaque from sticking to teeth, thus lowering the risk of cavities.

Sesame Seeds: High in calcium, sesame seeds preserve the bone around the teeth and gums. They also help slough off plaque while helping build tooth enamel.

Sweet Potatoes: Along with carrots, pumpkin and broccoli, sweet potatoes have high amounts of Vitamin A, which is essential for tooth enamel formation and promotes healing of gum tissue.

Shiitake Mushrooms: These mushrooms contain lentinan, a naturally occurring sugar that prevents mouth bacteria from forming plaque.

Tea: Both black and green teas contain compounds called polyphenols, which slow the growth of bacteria associated with cavities and gum disease. They also help with bad breath. Green tea contains catechins that kill the bacteria leading to plaque while preventing gum disease and cavities.

Water: Water is as effective as mouthwash at swishing away stuck particles and residue from teeth. It also keeps your gums hydrated while stimulating saliva – the best defense against bacteria.

What You Should Eat for Good Oral Health

For a diet filled with the best mouth-healthy foods, fill your diet with fresh produce, nuts and seeds, legumes, lean meats and whole grains. These contribute to a more alkaline state in the body, which defends against bacteria and inflammation. For healthy teeth and gums, avoid food with artificial preservatives, artificial sweeteners, food coloring, high fructose corn syrup, refined sugar, refined flour and partially hydrogenated oils. These contribute to a more acidic state in the body, which increases bacteria and creates inflammation.

For healthy teeth and gums (and for healthy living) think before you eat and drink!

Let’s Review what NOT to eat (or eat less)

To prevent cavities and maintain good oral health, your diet — what you eat and how often you eat — are important factors. Changes start the minute you eat certain foods. Bacteria in the mouth convert sugars and carbohydrates from the foods you eat to acids, and it’s the acids that begin to attack the enamel on teeth, starting the decay process. Too many carbohydrates from sugars (like cake, cookies and candies) and savory foods and starches (like pretzels and potato chips) can cause tooth decay. The more often you eat and snack, the more frequently you’re exposing your teeth to the cycle of decay. Time between meals allows saliva to wash away food particles that bacteria would otherwise feast on. Frequent snacking, without brushing immediately afterward, gives bacteria constant fuel. Try to limit snacks as much as possible — no more than one or two a day. Remember to brush your teeth after each snack, if possible.

Poor food choices for oral health include candy — such as lollipops, hard candies, jellybeans, and mints — cookies, cakes, pies, breads, muffins, potato chips, pretzels, french fries, bananas, granola bars, caramel, honey, molasses, syrup, raisins, and other dried fruits. These foods have large amounts of sugar and some can stick to teeth, giving a fuel source for bacteria. Cough drops should be used only when necessary as they, like sugary candy, coat the teeth with sugar. If you plan to give your child any sweets, give them as desserts immediately following the meal. There’s usually an increased amount of saliva in the mouth around mealtime, making it easier to wash food away from teeth. The mealtime beverage also helps to wash away food particles on teeth.

Don’t forget what you’re Drinking!!

It’s not just mouth-healthy foods, but drinks TOO!! The best beverage choices include water and unsweetened tea. Limit your consumption of sugar-containing drinks, including soft drinks, lemonade, and coffee or tea with added sugar. Also, avoid day-long sipping of sugar-containing drinks — day-long sipping exposes your teeth to constant sugar and, in turn, constant decay-causing acids.

Is Chewing Gum OK for Teeth?

Chewing sugarless gum is actually beneficial to your teeth as chewing helps dislodge food that becomes stuck to your teeth and also increases saliva flow to buffer (neutralize) mouth acids. Some gums contain ingredients that can reduce cavities as well as heal areas on the teeth where cavities are beginning.

Preventing Tooth Decay Each Day

With these tips for best mouth-healthy foods for healthy teeth, you’re sure to enhance your oral health.

Preventing the unhealthy aftermath of your sweet tooth is important and the best way to do that is to take proper care of your teeth. Limiting the sugar intake in treats and snacks is obvious, but when we talk to our patients, we find out that sometimes the sugars sneak up on them (and they don’t even realize it)! That’s right, gum and beverages are just as guilty at leaving their marks on your teeth. If you drink soda, it doesn’t make any difference whether it’s sugar-free or not because these drinks will leave acid on your teeth that begin to wear down the enamel too. Remember, opting for healthy choices, like water or milk are always better options for your oral health (just make sure they’re not “flavored water”… see how sneaky??)

Brushing and flossing away the plaque (twice each day) will make it harder for a cavity to develop because you are strengthening your enamel at least twice every day. By adding regular visits to your dentist for thorough dental exams, you’re well on your way to preventing cavities and keeping your mouth healthy.

Making a Difference One Dental Exam at a Time

Now you understand why keeping your gums healthy by eating the best mouth-healthy foods for healthy teeth is such an important task AND you know what to do to help keep you and your smile in the best possible health and avoid Gum Disease. Why almost half of Americans suffer some form of gum disease, why wait??

Regular dental exams and cleaning is wonderful preventative care. Although you may be brushing and flossing really well at home, tartar and plaque is impossible to remove with regular brushing and flossing, and can build-up over time. Dentists are able to use specific tools to remove that plaque and tartar, keeping our mouth cleaner and our chances of other complications much lower.

When almost half of Americans suffer some form of gum disease, why wait?

Now you understand why keeping your gums healthy is such an important task – they keep your teeth in place! AND you know what to do to help keep you and your smile in the best possible health and avoid Gum Disease.

At GPS Dental, we take your oral health seriously and want to help you avoid gum disease by checking your oral health and every scheduled cleaning. We are also happy to answer any gum disease questions you have. Take the time to be extra diligent in your normal oral health routine to reduce your risk for gum disease.

If you have questions or concerns about the health of your mouth, teeth, and gums, please give us a call, Dr. Skrobanek and his experienced team at GPS Dental in San Antonio will be happy to schedule your dental appointment and help you keep your gums, teeth and mouth healthy. Please call our office at 210-633-3477 to schedule your 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.

Oral Health: Wishing You & Your Little Goblins a Cavity-Free Halloween

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on October 18, 2022

Halloween is the scariest holiday — for your teeth. During this holiday season, it might feel impossible to keep your kids (and yourself … I know it’s impossible for me to stay away from my favorites) away from the sweets. Use these tips to limit candy consumption and keep your kid’s teeth healthy and happy for a cavity-free Halloween.

Many people know that eating too much of anything is a bad idea, especially during the Halloween and Holiday Seasons! Cutting down on sugary snacks is one way to keep your pearly white smile healthy. Unfortunately, sometimes it can go sour and tooth decay can happen. Do you know how?

Your Sweet Tooth and Decay

When you eat sugar, there is a series of events that begin to happen as soon as you pop that sweet treat in your mouth; however, sugar alone does not cause tooth decay. If your teeth are not properly cleaned, the tooth enamel can begin to wear down and cavities can form.

Cavities can Develop

Your mouth is filled with hundreds of bacteria, many of which benefit the health of your teeth; however, some are harmful. These harmful bacteria feed on the sugars that are left on your teeth when they are not brushed after that sugary snack. They create acid that destroys your tooth enamel. Your tooth enamel is the shiny, outer layer that protects your teeth; if this layer becomes compromised, decay and cavities can form and leave tiny holes in your teeth. If the cavity isn’t treated properly, additional issues, such as gum disease and tooth loss can occur. See how your sweet tooth can go sour, quickly?

Preventing Cavities is Pretty Simple

Brush your teeth regularly, especially after sweet treats and before bedtime
Avoid sugar when possible (this includes snacks, gum and beverages)
Eat healthy foods that are rich in fiber
Make regular trips to visit your dentist

Have a Cavity-Free Halloween

With Halloween just around the corner, which for most children means bags of free candy and easy access to all kinds of sweets. It’s also a pretty tempting holiday for adults. Here are 5 ways everyone can stay mouth healthy during your cavity-free Halloween and every day.

Stay away from things that stick

Besides how often you snack, the length of time sugary food is in your mouth plays a role in tooth decay. Unless it is a sugar-free product, candies that stay in the mouth for a long period of time subject teeth to an increased risk for tooth decay. The stickier candies, like taffy and gummy bears, also take longer to get washed away by saliva.

Think twice before picking hard candies

Besides how often you snack, the length of time sugary food is in your mouth plays a role in developing cavities. Unless it is a sugar-free product, candies that stay in the mouth for a long period of time subject teeth to an increased risk for tooth decay.

Try and eat candy with meals

We know candy can be hard to resist, especially after all that hard work trick or treating for it! If you can, try and eat Halloween candy and other sugary foods with meals or shortly after mealtime. That’s because saliva production increases during meals and helps cancel out acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and helps rinse away food particles.

Avoid beverages with added sugar

When teeth come in frequent contact with beverages that contain sugar, the risk of tooth decay is increased. Drinking water can also help prevent tooth decay and who needs extra calories from sugary sweet drinks?!

Chew Gum that has the ADA Seal

Instead of candy, consider gum. Studies show that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after meals helps reduce tooth decay, because increased saliva flow helps wash out food and neutralize the acid produced by dental plaque bacteria.

Remember, Candy Causes Tooth Decay

Here’s the recap: The outer layer of our teeth is called the enamel. It’s a resilient and shiny substance on the surface of your teeth that keeps the inner layer of your teeth, the dentin, safe from damage. But when sugars mix with bacteria in our mouths, an acidic environment leaves enamel vulnerable to harm and decay.

Remember, Not All Candy is Created Equal

What are the worst and best to give Trick-or-Treaters to preserve the health of their teeth for a cavity-free Halloween?

WORST:

Gummies, Taffy, and Caramels: Anything containing chewy or sticky ingredients is harder to remove from teeth and can easily lead to cavities
Hard Candy: Like chewy candy, they are hard to fully clean off of teeth
Sour Candy: As it is highly acidic and can erode the enamel of the teeth

BEST:

Sugar-Free Candy: While it’s less fun, you can rest assured knowing that damage won’t be done to teeth
Sugar-Free Gum: A great way for older kids to keep breath fresh and teeth clean
Chocolate, especially DARK Chocolate: It’s the most easily removable of all sugary candy, but remember the extra ingredients, like caramel, may cause problems!

Handy Halloween Candy Facts

With Halloween comes a ton of parties, trick or treating, and, of course, sweets. 4% of all candy consumption occurs on this spooktacular holiday. We’ve gathered up some fun facts in our “Halloween Candy Facts” below.

Consider our tricky tips below for a safe and healthy Halloween season:

Only 4% of candy consumption occurs on the day of Halloween
Almost 3 out of every 4 households will be handing out Halloween treats in the U.S. this year!
Experts estimate that $3.1 Billion will be spent on Halloween candy this year
25% of the candy industry’s revenues come from Halloween-related sales
The average household will spend $44 just to purchase Halloween candy
Consumers are seeing a price increase of around 13% over their bulk candy purchases for Halloween 2021
76% of households serve Hershey’s Kisses at Halloween
Candy corn is the most popular candy-related search for search engines
3 out of 4 households will put the purchased Halloween candy in-sight at home
From a health standpoint, it’s actually better to eat more candy at once than spread it out during the day; because the added saliva cancels out the acids that can ruin teeth
Many candies have more than 15 ingredients in them, with many of them being different types of sugars
Pro Tip: Freeze It!! Chocolate can last up to 6 months in the freezer

Sorting after Trick or Treating

Many families return home with their sweet loot and start a sorting ritual. If you don’t typically do this, consider it this year. Throw out any candies or treats that aren’t properly wrapped. Recent articles are pointing more and more toward drugs being presented as candy. Protect your family by making sure anything they consume won’t hurt their mouth. Remember, if your goal is a cavity-free Halloween and your haul is excessive, consider putting some of your chocolate in the freezer. It will keep nicely for up to 6 months.

Battling Decay After All the Sweets

If you want to be sure you or your family members’ teeth don’t suffer extreme consequences for all that Halloween candy consumption, then encourage and increase these healthy oral habits even more than you already do to ensure a cavity-free Halloween:

Be sure you are brushing your teeth for 2 minutes twice daily. Around Halloween, it might even be worth it to brush after eating the candy, or a third time midday.
Increase flossing from 1 to 2 times daily for the week following Halloween.
Even if you don’t normally choose to use mouthwash, doing so around Halloween and throughout the holidays is a great idea. It can keep sugars at bay and strengthen teeth with the fluoride often included in it.
Drinking lots of water can help keep your mouth flushed out and sugars to a minimum.
Eating healthy foods to balance out sugar intake is a wonderful way to keep blood sugar from spiking and your teeth free from decay. Munching fresh apples, carrots, celery, and other fibrous produce can actually scrub away plaque buildup and sugars in your mouth, and offer hydration that has been depleted.
Consider scheduling teeth cleaning after Halloween or in January following all the major Holidays of the year. If any damage is done, we’ll be sure to find it and prevent it from getting any worse.

Preventing Tooth Decay:

Preventing the unhealthy aftermath of your sweet tooth is important and the best way to do that is to take proper care of your teeth and have a cavity-free Halloween. Limiting the sugar intake in treats and snacks is obvious, but when we talk to our patients, we find out that sometimes the sugars sneak up on them (and they don’t even realize it)! That’s right, gum and beverages are just as guilty at leaving their marks on your teeth. If you drink soda, it doesn’t make any difference whether it’s sugar-free or not because these drinks will leave acid on your teeth that begin to wear down the enamel too. Opting for healthy choices, like water or milk are always better options for your oral health (just make sure they’re not “flavored water”… see how sneaky??)

GPS Dental Wishes You a Cavity Free Halloween

With these tips, you’re sure to have a wonderful time this Halloween Weekend without compromising on the health of your mouth. We hope everyone has a safe and wonderful Cavity-Free Halloween!

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.

Maximize Dental Insurance Benefits before December 31st

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on October 12, 2021

Use Your Dental Benefits Before It’s Too Late!

We can help you maximize dental insurance benefts! Did you know that your dental insurance plan will automatically reset on December 31 every year? That date is approaching quickly, so it’s time to start thinking about making the most of your dental benefits before time runs out. Call us today to get your end-of-the-year appointments scheduled and on the books for peace of mind, and to get the most out of the dental insurance you pay for.

Learn More about dental insurance from the American Dental Association: “Use it or Lose it”

What Should I Make an Appointment For?

This will vary from person to person, depending on what unique services you need to make your oral health 100 percent. Talk with your dentist to determine what services you need to stay healthy. More than likely, a routine dental exam and cleaning is an appointment almost everyone can make before the end of the year – this is a preventive care appointment.

Check over your insurance plan to learn if your insurance covers multiple cleanings every year. If so, make the most of your benefits by getting your cleaning in before the holiday-craziness begins and schedules tighten. Also, if you have questions for your dentist or curious about the status of your oral health, a routine check-up is the perfect way to learn about your teeth’s health and ask questions.

Appointment Types – Preventative and Elective Services

Appointments can often be categorized into two groupings – preventative and elective services.

Preventative Dentistry Services

Preventative dentistry is all about maintaining oral care and preventing oral health problems down the line. This often includes regular cleanings, regular oral exams, routine x-rays, and a oral cancer screening. Dental insurance plans often fully cover preventative care services and appointments. You can also help maintain your oral health at home by brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.

Elective Dentistry Services

Elective dental services often fall under the cosmetic category. They are services you often elect to have done, rather than routine services or preventative services that maintain oral health. Veneers, teeth-whitening, and other smile-enhancing services are often elective services, and insurance coverage may vary between each provider. Check with your insurance provider to see what elective coverage you have and schedule these big appointments at the end of the year!

Learn more about the Dental Services we offer at GPS Dental HERE.

Large Treatments

If you need restorative dental treatments, otherwise known as large dental treatments, because they are more extensive, and you’ve met your deductible, the end of the year is the perfect time to get these treatments completed! Restorative treatments can include dental implants, dentures, or other services to help restore your smile. Once you reach your deductible, out-of-pocket expenses drop dramatically, so treatments are easier to get done and less expensive for your wallet.

If you’re getting close to reaching your annual maximum, talk with us at GPS Dental and we can help create a plan to split treatments between year to year if needed and maximize dental insurance benefits. We would love to work with you and your insurance to create the perfect plan for your treatments to get you and your family the services you want and need!

Maximize your FSA now!

Also … REMEMBER to check your dental insurance plan to see if your FSA funds rollover. Most likely, they don’t! Check with our office today to schedule your appointments before the end of the year to make the most of your FSA plan. Your oral health, and your wallet, will thank you.

Know the Basics of an FSA … learn more HERE.

GPS Dental Can Help You Maximize Dental Insurance Benefits

Now you know you can save possibly thousands of dollars by using your dental insurance benefits before the end of the year! Deductibles are often met, annual maximums won’t roll over, and premiums may increase. So, it’s more important than ever to use your dental insurance benefits to the maximum now. Don’t let your 2021 dental insurance benefits go to waste! Call and make your appointments today to get on the books before the holiday season begins and schedules get busier! GPS Dental can help you maximize dental insurance benefits! We can’t wait to see you.

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.

Dental Exams Can Lead to Early Diagnosis of Disease

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on May 25, 2021

Most Oral Problems Don’t Cause Pain, Unless it’s Serious. Your Dental Exam can detect issues and lead to early diagnosis!

Dentists can do so much more for us than find cavities or tell us how to properly brush our teeth! In fact, dental exams can provide us with detection and early diagnosis for multiple diseases and health issues. Our dentists are really our first line of defense and diagnosis for our overall health and our oral health – which go hand in hand.

According to Nico Geurs, DDS, chair of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Periodontology, and director of the UAB Dentistry Wellness Clinic…

“Diabetes, leukemia, and immune compromised patients will exhibit oral signs [of disease]. Many times, these are the first outward signs of the disease and a keen eye could facilitate the diagnosis. Oral health is not separate from overall health.”

Learn what The Mayo Clinic has to say about Dental Exams

Oral Care Impacts Diabetes and Heart Disease

Did you know that, according to Mayo Clinic…

“Poor dental health increases the risk of a bacterial infection in the blood stream, which can affect the heart valves. There is also a strong connection between diabetes and cardiovascular disease and evidence that people with diabetes benefit from periodontal treatment.”

The proof is in the pudding, as they say! A healthy mouth helps contribute to whole body health and vice versa. So, while you may just be brushing and flossing your teeth, you’re also helping the rest of you stay healthy. Learn more about Whole Body Health.

Overall Checkup and The Importance of Oral Health

Oftentimes, we don’t even notice some oral health problems unless they cause us pain or discomfort. Maybe we have a signs and symptoms of a problem that we never would’ve noticed until later on, when issues have progressed.

The good news is, your dentists can look for multiple signs and symptoms that show signs in our mouths – such as oral cancer, Crohn’s Disease, and other serious health problems. So, when you get your regular dental checkups, you’re doing so much more for your overall health and wellbeing. How amazing is that? Early diagnosis through dental exams can sometimes determine health issues such as:

Crohn’s Disease
Diabetes
Oral Cancer
Anemia
GERD
Intense stress
Osteoporosis
Dementia
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Heart Disease

According to Gigi Meinecke, DMD, spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry and a dentist in private practice in Potomac, Maryland…

“People think we’re only looking at teeth. But typically, we’re looking at all of the soft tissues in the mouth. If I can’t find a reasonable explanation for the symptoms (that I see), I’ll recommend my patient see their regular doctor.”

Don’t Wait for a Toothache

Experiencing tooth pain is no small thing. In fact, tooth pain can ruin your day or put you in a bad mood. Sharp pain can make it difficult to concentrate at school or work, and extreme sensitivity can ruin mealtimes. What causes these frustrating tooth pains? Let’s take a closer look at the top five reasons for tooth pain and see when it’s time to visit your dentist!

Top 5 Reasons for a Toothache

Sensitivity: Has a certain tooth developed sensitivity to cold and/or hot temperatures? Tooth sensitivity can happen for a myriad of reasons and is often the indicator of an underlying symptom, so it’s important to let your dentist know if you’re experiencing extreme sensitivity.
- Related Article: “I Have Sensitive Teeth!!” How Can You Reduce Tooth Sensitivity

Chipped Tooth: Although enamel is extremely tough and durable, sometimes we experience a chipped or broken tooth whether it be from an injury or whatnot. Try to not chew on ice, pens, open packages with your teeth, and so on to prevent any breakage. A crack in the tooth can cause extreme sensitivity and pain. Sometimes, a crack may not be clearly visible to you and may be in the back area of the tooth. If you think you may have a crack, visit your dentist right away. Treatment options often include crowns and root canals, depending on severity.

Decay: Plaque and bacteria in the mouth do more than just bother your gums, they also begin to dissolve your enamel on your teeth. When your enamel gets broken down, your teeth aren’t as strong anymore and are more susceptible to weak spots and pain. When bacteria concentrate in an area, you can experience a cavity/holes in the teeth. When this happens, your teeth may feel sore and sensitive.
- Related Article: “Mask Mouth” is more than Stinky Breath: Gum Disease is on the Rise

Dental Abscess: Also caused from an excess of bacteria, an abscess forms when bacteria builds up inside your tooth’s pulp. This causes an infection and leads to swelling and soreness, or a toothache. Pus can also develop around the tooth, so it’s important to visit your dentist right away if you see these symptoms. An x-ray can confirm the diagnosis and often antibiotics are used to fight the infection.

Gum Disease: Gum disease is as worrisome as it sounds and affects many adults every year. Gum disease, or periodontitis, is when bacteria eat away at your gums. This is most often caused from bad dental hygiene and excess bacteria in the mouth. Gum disease can make your gums feel tender, or sometimes bleed, and cause tooth pain. The earlier you catch gum disease and begin treatment and better dental hygiene, the better. If you notice a toothache and swollen or red gums, come in and see your dentist quickly for an examination.
- Dental Health Awareness: Gum Disease & Heart Disease

Oral Bacteria and Health

Bacteria in the mouth cause tooth decay – by feeding on the sugars in the foods and drinks we consume – they leave behind the waste, in the form of a biofilm known as dental plaque.

Our mouths have lots of bacteria that is usually harmless. (Did you know that the bacteria in our body aids with digestion and other biological tasks?) However, if you do not brush or floss regularly, oral bacteria can reach dangerously high levels. When this happens, tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections can be the nasty result.

Bacteria and Decay Create Health Risks Throughout the Body

We talk a lot about the early diagnosis of disease during dental exams, here is evidence that the oral bacteria and high level of inflammation associated with the serious gum disease known as periodontitis can play a role in diseases in other parts of the body.

The following health issues and diseases are linked with poor gum health:

Infections from Abscesses: In some rare instances, severe tooth decay can lead to an abscess. The infection can travel to the heart, brain, or lungs, causing severe illness or even death.
Cardiovascular Diseases: There are researchers who suggest that heart disease, stroke and clogged arteries are linked to the inflammation and infections caused by too much oral bacteria.
Pregnancy and Birth Complications: Severe gum infection has been linked to premature births and low birth weight.
Endocarditis: This is an infection of the inner lining of the heart. This can occur when bacteria from other parts of your body, such as your mouth, move through your bloodstream and become attached to damaged areas in the heart.

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 with early diagnosis when 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.

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

Nearly all oral diseases don’t cause pain until they are very advanced, so early detection is key to stopping/helping any health problem. Make sure to see your dentist once every 6 months to stay on top of your overall health and wellbeing. Give us a call today to make your appointment!

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. Dental Exams Can Detect Signs of Disease Elsewhere in the Body. Experts say infections inside your mouth can cause health problems in other parts of the body and signal diseases such as leukemia and diabetes. You may want to think twice before delaying your dental checkup, as you could be delaying early diagnosis.

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.

Is there a link between Pneumonia and Poor Oral Health?

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on August 11, 2020

Anyone and everyone can get pneumonia. In fact, according to a study by Science Daily, over 1 million Americans are infected with pneumonia every year. Furthermore, studies have also shown that there is a link between oral health and your risk for getting pneumonia – with people who never get dental checkups having an 86 percent higher risk of getting pneumonia.

More information about geriatric oral health and pneumonia risk HERE.

Pneumonia & Poor Oral Health: Pneumonia Prevention

Knowing that there is a link between pneumonia and poor oral health, one can assume that good oral health can help prevent pneumonia. According to scholar, Koichiro UEDA, “In recent years, the need for oral care in preventing aspiration pneumonia has been recognized across the academic disciplines.”

Pneumonia prevention consists of:

Regular Dental Cleanings

Regular cleanings and visits to the dentist will greatly reduce the number of harmful bacteria and plaque in the mouth. This keeps your mouth healthy and less at risk. On the flip side, when dental cleanings are ignored, there is a much greater risk for bacterial pneumonia because the bacteria are thriving in your mouth. According to Michelle Doll, MD, “In the case of bacteria that cause pneumonia, for example, they have to be inhaled to cause an infection. Getting regular cleanings and check-ups may reduce the amount of these bacteria.”

Read more on the importance of dental cleanings from Health.com HERE.

Related Articles:

Clean Teeth and Clean Lungs

Did you know that dental cleanings do much more than just clean your teeth and improve your oral health? They’re also beneficial for your lungs!

Here’s the basic rundown.

Dental cleanings reduce bacteria in the mouth.
When bacteria are reduced in the mouth, it doesn’t get into the lungs.
This also reduces your risk for lung infection and helps keep your lungs bacteria free.

Learn more from WebMD about oral health and lung health HERE.

As you can see the link between pneumonia and poor oral health is a true concern, especially for our older dental patients. It’s clear that oral health is connected to your overall health, so remember to take care of your smile and your body will thank you!

Dental Exams are Important for SO Many Reasons …

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on May 26, 2020

We ALL need to visit our Dentist every 6 months!!

Every person, whether you have good teeth or not, whether your gums are healthy or not, whether you build up a lot of plaque and tartar or not, whether you are the world’s best brusher and flosser, or not.

That’s right, everyone needs to see the dentist every 6 months.

Regular dental exams are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. The American Dental Association recommends a visit to the dentist at least once a year but making an appointment once in six months prevents a host of oral related problems.

Regular Dental Exams Keep MORE than Your smile Healthy!

Have you had a dental cleaning and exam this year? 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 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 smile.
Having your teeth cleaned can prevent gum disease, which leads to early tooth loss. We’ll discuss more about this later…
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 a routine cleaning.
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 fractures.
Many dental 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?

Don’t let oral bacteria (or cavities) get you down!

Bacteria is a sneaky opportunist that loves to break down your enamel and cause issues that can affect the health of your teeth and gums. When you get regular, professional cleanings, your dentist can help you avoid bacteria build up and catch any problems early on, including cavities – saving you time and money!

Cavities happen all the time. They’re an extremely common problem that most everyone faces when they’re a child, teen, or adult. When you sit in the dentist’s chair and find out you have a cavity, it can put a damper on your day. Cavities are often minor inconveniences, and annoying toothaches and tooth sensitivity are often associated with cavities.

Cavities are simply no fun at all. Nonetheless, with quick treatment by your dentist and oral hygiene diligence, cavities don’t have to form into bigger problems. If left untreated; however, cavities can form into much bigger oral complications, such as tooth loss, broken teeth, and gum disease.

Don’t forget, your dentist also performs an oral cancer screening during your dental exam as well!

More on Cavities and Tooth Decay from The Mayo Clinic.

Cavity Formation and Risk Factors

Cavities form because of tooth decay – often due to excess bacteria and plaque in the mouth. Once the tooth begins to decay, a cavity forms over time and creates little holes in teeth. Sometimes, when a cavity forms, you can experience a toothache or sensitivity to hot and cold. Some people may not experience any pain or discomfort from a cavity and that’s why it is so important to see your dentist for regular dental exams and cavity checks.

Bacteria is a destructive force in the mouth. When bacteria are present, they begin breaking down enamel, causing a build-up of plaque and tartar, and irritate the gums. Everything in connected with your oral health and if bacteria begins affecting a tooth and causing a cavity, it could also be causing gum disease.

Here’s a deep dive into Gum Disease.

Gum Disease Causes and Treatment

Cavities are a tell-tale sign of excess bacteria in the mouth. This means that you probably need to ramp-up your oral hygiene routine. Maybe you need to spend more time brushing, add in more flossing, and so on. Talking with your dentist will help you pin-point what you can do to eliminate the risk of cavities and gum disease. When cavities are present and bacteria is left untreated in the mouth, your gums can begin to get inflamed, which is the basis of gum disease.

According to WebMD, gum disease begins with bacteria in the mouth and can lead to tooth loss because of the loss of gum tissue. Gum disease attacks the gums, making them recede and not hold on to your teeth as well as they should. Look for these signs and symptoms:

Swollen or sensitive gums
Bleeding gums
Receding gums
Pockets between the gums
Loose teeth
Bad breath

Catching gum disease early is key to recovery, much like cavities. Proper plaque and bacteria control are key to eliminating gum disease and cavity risk! So, talk with your dentist to see what works best for you, and remember that proper oral healthcare, including dental exams twice each year, is the best defense against bacteria.

More on Gum Disease Treatment Options from WebMD.

Dental Benefits are on Your Side

Keeping up with a regular cleaning schedule helps you make the most of your dental benefits. Remember, prevention is always better than a treatment. Preventive Dental Care is almost always covered 100% by your insurance provider, so talk with your provider to understand the full benefits of your preventive care, and, once you know them, schedule dental exams with your dentist in advance.

When you make the most out of your benefits, you’re not leaving money on the table. Benefits will not roll over into next year, so once they are gone, they are gone for good! Make sure your oral health is on track and use your benefits to the maximum this year.

According to WebMD, read more about what is and is not (typically) covered by Dental Insurance. If you have questions about your dental insurance benefits or coverage, please give us a call at 210-633-3477 — we’d love to help you!

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