Tag Archives: teeth clenching

Are You Suffering from Jaw Pain? TMJ Awareness Month

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on November 23, 2021

TMJ Awareness Month 2021

What are your knowledge levels on temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD)? TMJ Awareness Month is November, so now is a great time to learn more about TMJ and how it might affect you. TMD treatment and management are available at GPS Dental in San Antonio, Texas in a variety of ways.

TMJ Awareness: What is TMD?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a collection of muscles and nerves that connect your jaw to your skull on either side of your head. Acting like a hinge for your jaw, the TMJ allows you to freely open and close your mouth while assuring you of smooth movement in your jaw when you are eating or speaking.

There are several concerns that could lead to a dysfunctional TMJ. Sometimes they are not entirely clear, but at other times it is easy to pinpoint them after a consultation with Dr. Skrobanek.

One of the contributing factors to developing TMD is thought to be stress. By minimizing your stress or developing better coping strategies for it, you may be able to find relief.

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TMJ Awareness: Signs of TMD

The several signs of a temporomandibular joint disorder are why this disorder goes undiagnosed or is misdiagnosed. During your consultation with Dr. Skrobanek, you’ll be able to discuss concerns. By comparing your symptoms with what the dentist can see during your exam, a diagnosis may be possible.

Some of the signs of TMD could include the following:

Pain felt in the TMJ or jaw muscles
Pain inside of your ears, or around the ears
Joint sounds such as clicking or popping
Consistent headaches or migraines, especially in the temples
Tenderness in the jaw
Inability to open or close the jaw
Discomfort when eating or speaking
Limitations in jaw movement
Tension in face or neck

Treatment Options for TMD

According to Dr. Skrobanek, there are several TMD treatment options for those who have TMD. Quite often, a conservative less-is-more approach is the most effective. For TMD, this could include eating softer foods, avoiding repetitive function, such as gum chewing, biting nails, ice-chip chewing, taking over-the-counter pain medications (anti-inflammatories, analgesics, muscle relaxants, anti-anxiety drug) and modifying pain by applying heat packs and ice packs to the area that is feeling discomfort.

Practicing relaxation techniques to minimize jaw tension such as meditation or biofeedback. Also gentle massages on the jaw and the muscles in the neck can also prove to be helpful. Dr. Skrobanek may recommend exercises to strengthen your jaw muscles, Alter your diet to exclude excessively chewy foods. This includes chewing the sugar-free gum that you love so much. All of this excess chewing could put further strain on the TMJ.

If these easy at-home solutions are not quite as effective as you’d have hoped, Dr. Skrobanek can offer a dental appliance to help provide support for the TMJ. Most often a night guard will also keep your from clenching and grinding your teeth in your sleep.

Contact GPS Dental for TMD Treatment

We feel that TMJ awareness and diagnosis are important steps before treatment. Consult with Dr. Skrobanek, the dentist who treats TMJ disorders and Bruxism in the San Antonio area, to determine what type of jaw condition is causing you to suffer. Part of the dental examination includes checking the muscles and joints for clicking, popping, tenderness or difficulty moving.

It’s also important to stay up to date on your cleanings and routine visits to your dentist. In the meantime, having a strong and steady oral health routine – brushing twice a day and flossing once – is the best thing you can do for your oral health!

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.

Jaw Conditions: TMJ Syndrome, Clenching and Grinding

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on September 21, 2021

Talking, eating, and drinking are all important to your well-being; not to mention, they’re simple activities that we take for granted. If you’re experiencing jaw pain, caused by jaw conditions, these everyday activities can be very painful and uncomfortable. We’re here to help you get to the bottom of what could be wrong and help you move forward onto treatment to correct your problem and get you out of pain.

What are jaw conditions?

Jaw conditions include any disorder or disease that affects the jaw.

Here are some facts:

Among the many possible causes of jaw conditions are infection, cancer, injury, inflammation, and genetic and birth defects.

Jaw conditions can occur in any age group or population.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) is a common jaw condition in the United States.
- Between 5 – 12% of people in the United States have TMJ
- TMJ is more common in younger people, particularly women
In children, a common jaw condition is a birth defect known as cleft palate.
Malocclusion (misalignment) of the teeth is a common cause of jaw problems in children and adults.
Common causes of jaw problems in middle-aged adults:
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Periodontal disease
- Jaw clenching
Poorly fitting dentures are a common cause of jaw problems in older adults and seniors.
Signs and symptoms of jaw conditions vary depending on the specific type of jaw disease, disorder, or condition. Common symptoms include jaw pain and difficulty chewing.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome is often caused by tension, spasm, or fatigue of the muscles that allow a person to chew, called the masticatory muscles.
Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms that include:
- severe injury to the face
- bleeding
- inability to open or close the mouth
- difficulty breathing or swallowing

Causes of Jaw Conditions

Jaw conditions develop from a number of causes. Most commonly, people have jaw pain as a result of:

Jaw infection
Benign or malignant tumors
Trauma to include head injury, dislocation or fractures
Inflammation
TMJ Disorder
Bruxism (teeth grinding)
Medication side effects
Dental abscess
Periodontal disease
Poorly fitting dentures or dental appliances
Genetic diseases and disorders
Birth defects
Arthritis

Jaw Conditions Include:

jaw fracture
TMJ disorder
misaligned teeth
dislocated jaw
jaw fracture
jaw clenching
bruxism (teeth grinding)
wisdom tooth impaction
periodontal disease
tooth abscess
jawbone cancer
cleft palate

What are the Symptoms of Jaw Conditions?

Jaw conditions cause dysfunction and pain in the jaw and face region that may result in a number of symptoms. The symptoms can vary in intensity among individuals, based on the type of condition they are suffering from.

TMJ Symptoms and Causes

The temporomandibular joints, called TMJ, are the jaw muscles and joints that make it possible to open and close your mouth. Many patients refer to it as “TMJ”. Located on each side of your head, the TMJ or jaw muscles work together when you speak, chew or swallow and include ligaments, muscles and the jaw bone. They also control the lower jaw (mandible) as it moves backward, forward, and side to side.

Although not life threatening, if TMJ disorder is left untreated, it can contribute to significant discomfort and tension. Chronic pain can even lead to the development of diseases like anxiety and depression.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder include:

Jaw pain or tenderness
Chewing difficulty or discomfort
Difficulty opening and closing mouth (locking of the joint)
Earache (aching pain around and in your ear)
Ringing in the ears
Aching Facial pain
Headaches
Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth
Grating or clicking sounds in the jaw joints
Uneven bite
Misaligned teeth

TMJ disorders can also cause a grating sensation or clicking sound when you chew or open your mouth. If you are not experiencing pain or limited movement with your jaw clicking, you probably don’t need treatment for a TMJ disorder. However, if left untreated, the TMJ symptoms increase in number and severity as you get older.

Possible causes of TMJ disorders include:

Arthritis
Dislocation
Injury
Tooth and jaw alignment
Stress and teeth grinding

What should I do if I suspect TMJ Syndrome?

Bite problems associated with the alignment of the jaws, muscles and teeth cause the majority of TMJ disorders. By adjusting your bite (the way your teeth come together), many times we can properly align the teeth, muscles and jaws to be in the most comfortable positions. This alignment correction will often reduce or eliminate your TMJ symptoms.

Consultation of your TMJ issues by Dr. Skrobanek is an important first step in determining the best course of treatment.

Bruxism Symptoms & Causes

Bruxism is a condition where you grind, gnash, or clench your teeth. Not only does this mean you may clench your teeth while you’re awake, but it also means you grind your teeth at night. When you grind at night, it’s also known as sleep bruxism. If you do this, you’re also prone to other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea or snoring.

Symptoms related to bruxism (tooth grinding and jaw clenching) include:

Chewed tissue on the inside of the cheek
Chronic facial pain
Earache
Enlarged jaw muscles
Headache
Increased tooth sensitivity
Indentations on the tongue
Jaw pain or tightness in jaw muscles
Pain while chewing
Teeth grinding or clenching
Damaged teeth that are worn down, flattened, fractured or chipped
Worn tooth enamel that exposes deeper layers of the tooth

Possible causes of Bruxism include:

Anxiety
Stress
Anger
Tension
Frustration
Coping strategy or habit during deep concentration

What should I do if I suspect Bruxism?

If you know you are grinding your teeth, or if you suspect teeth clenching and grinding may be to blame for pain or other symptoms, see a dentist. They can examine your teeth for wear to determine if you grind them. They can also look at your bite and alignment.

Teeth grinding is a common condition and treating it early is important to avoid significant dental complications. Your dentist is a good resource for diagnosing and treating bruxism.

Dr. Skrobanek can help prevent cracked and fractured teeth by designing a mouthguard or oral appliance to wear at night to keep you from clenching and grinding your teeth. As we know, there is a link between dental health and mental health and thankfully, mouthguards are a wonderful way to protect your teeth at night. They can also help with sleep apnea and snoring. Each mouthguard will be custom-made by Dr. Skrobanek to fit your mouth comfortably and will keep your teeth separated so they don’t grind together.

There’s more good news: Custom mouthguards or oral appliance therapy is covered by many insurance plans and the team at GPS Dental can help answer any questions you may have about your coverage.

Mouthguards Protect Your Smile – They Aren’t Just for Athletes!
Stressed Out Oral Health: Gum Disease, Clenching and Grinding
More on Mouthguards from HealthLine

Other Symptoms

There are a number of other causes of jaw conditions. Symptoms will vary depending on the underlying cause. Examples of symptoms include:

Bleeding
Deformity of the jaw or face
Lump in the jawbone or surrounding tissues
Redness, warmth or swelling
Stiffness or spasms

Symptoms Indicating a Serious Condition

In some cases, a jaw condition can be a serious condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these serious symptoms:

Difficulty breathing
Difficulty swallowing
Painful chewing
Locked jaw (unable to open or close)
Numbness or tingling sensation
Severe bleeding
Stiffness, spasm

Diagnosis is an important step before treatment. Consult with Dr. Skrobanek, the dentist who treats TMJ disorders and Bruxism in the San Antonio area, to determine what type of jaw condition is causing you to suffer. Part of the dental examination includes checking the muscles and joints for clicking, popping, tenderness or difficulty moving.

Mouthguards Protect Your Smile – They Aren’t Just for Athletes!

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on August 11, 2021

Many of us have heard of (or have used) retainers at one point in our lives. Retainers are often used in orthodontic treatment and can keep our teeth straight, but are not specialized in helping protect our teeth – that falls to mouthguards.

According to Cleveland Clinic,

“Mouthguards cover your teeth to protect teeth and gums. Custom-fitted mouthguards fit and protect your teeth better than over-the-counter mouthguards. Night guards can ease bruxism (teeth grinding). Kids and adults should wear mouthguards during contact sports or activities like biking.”

Learn More from Cleveland Clinic: Mouthguards: What are they and what do they do?

The Benefits of Mouthguards

Mouthguards protect your smile, whether you’re an athlete or grind your teeth while you sleep!

When we play sports. Mouthguards are great athletic gear, especially for collision sports such as boxing, higher-risk sports, and non-contact activities.
When we’re sleeping. If you’re experiencing sleep apnea or breathing problems when sleeping, mouthguards can help. Research shows that oral appliance therapy, or a mouth guard, is an effective treatment option for sleep apnea and snoring. This mouth guard is worn only while you sleep and fits like an orthodontic retainer. These oral appliances support your jaw, to help maintain an open upper airway even as your muscles relax.
When we’re stressed and/or clench our teeth. When we’re dealing with stress, we can unconsciously clench our jaws and teeth during the day and during the night. With the additional stress that has come with a year and a half COVID-19, many dentists are seeing their patients break their teeth or crowns from clenching. Mouthguards provide wonderful protection from this!

Who Needs a Mouthguard?

Mouthguards protect your smile and can be used by anyone – children and adults alike. In fact, with so many kiddos going back to school, it’s important to consider the importance of a mouthguard for sports – such as basketball, soccer, football, volleyball, gymnastics, etc.

Even if you or your child only participates in recreational activities, such as skateboarding or hiking, mouthguards are still a great option for protection to remove risk of oral injury.

Mouthguards are also common for adults or children who have Bruxism – or grind their teeth at night. At GPS Dental, we can create custom-fitting mouthguards that are comfortable and fit perfectly within your mouth for sleep without damaging your teeth!

Are You Grinding Your Teeth? Mouthguards are a Solution

Dr. Skrobanek can help prevent cracked and fractured teeth by designing a mouthguard or oral appliance to wear at night to keep you from clenching and grinding your teeth. We know there’s a dental health mental health link and thankfully, mouthguards are a wonderful way to protect your teeth at night. They can also help with sleep apnea and snoring. Each mouthguard will be custom-made by Dr. Skrobanek to fit your mouth comfortably and will keep your teeth separated so they don’t grind together.

There’s more good news: Custom mouthguards or oral appliance therapy is covered by many insurance plans and the team at GPS Dental can help answer any questions you may have about your coverage.

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Taking Care of My Mouthguard

Similar to a retainer, you can rinse your mouthguard daily with cold water and gently brush it with mild soap and a toothbrush. You can also:

Clean it with cool, soapy water and rinse.
Place your mouthguard in a perforated container to keep airflow while it’s stored. Or, if you have an acrylic mouthguard, you can keep it in fresh, clean water.
It’s good to protect your mouthguard from hot temperatures – hot water, surfaces, etc.
If you see any holes or wear and tear on your mouthguard, it is time to replace it.
You can also bring your mouthguard with you when you visit us and we can examine it!

GPS Dental AND Mouthguards Protect Your Smile

Know you know more about how mouthguards protect your smile! It’s also important to stay up to date on your cleanings and routine visits with Dr. Skrobanek. In the meantime, having a strong and steady oral health routine – brushing twice a day and flossing once – is the best thing you can do for your oral health!

Are You Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth While You Sleep?

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on April 27, 2021

Did you know that Bruxism is a condition where you grind, gnash, or clench your teeth, according to The Mayo Clinic? Not only does this mean you may clench your teeth while you’re awake, but it also means you grind your teeth at night. When you grind at night, it’s also known as sleep bruxism. If you do this, you’re also prone to other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea or snoring. Although mild cases of bruxism may not require treatment, more severe cases of bruxism can cause headaches, jaw problems, damaged teeth, and more.

Learn More about Bruxism from Mayo Clinic HERE.

Bruxism Causes – What We Know

Now that we know what Bruxism is, it’s important to look at some of the probable causes. Stress is a major factor in teeth grinding/clenching. When our levels of stress have peaked, we may not even know we’re clenching or grinding until we see our dentist or notice that we’re doing it. According to Mayo Clinic, stress isn’t the only factor for Bruxism.

Additional Bruxism factors include:

Anger, frustration, and stress
Age – Sometimes Bruxism is prevalent in children, but can be outgrown into adulthood
Personality type – some aggressive personality types can increase the risk
Family members who also experience bruxism
Medications – Alcohol, tobacco use, and certain medications can increase the risk
Other disorders – Bruxism has been associated with other disorders, such as sleep apnea, mental health disorders, dementia, etc.

Stress and Oral Health

Can stress cause harm to your teeth? Unfortunately, the answer is yes and we know there is a dental health mental health link. Just like how stress can affect most areas of your body and your mental wellbeing, it can also impact your oral health. When your mind feels strained and out-of-control, your whole body can feel it as well.

Though it may not be widely known, anxiety and stress can cause patients to clench their jaw and grind their teeth often, and this can result in cracked teeth or inflamed gums. With the additional stress and tension that most Americans are dealing with, many dentists have stated that they’re busier than ever with repairing fractured teeth multiple times a week or even every day.

What are the side effects and complications of teeth grinding?

Teeth grinding can lead to a variety of side effects, including:

headaches
pain in the jaw, face, and ears
wearing down and flattening of teeth
loose or painful teeth
cracked, damaged, or fractured teeth
breakage of fillings and crowns

In extreme cases, problems chewing, speaking, and swallowing may also occur. You may not realize you grind your teeth until symptoms appear.

The risk of complications from teeth grinding may increase if you have untreated bruxism for an extended period of time. Long-term complications may include:

chronic ear and headache pain
facial muscle enlargement
damage to teeth that requires dental procedures, such as dental bonding, filling, crowns, or bridges
temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ)

Teeth Grinding Spike

We’ve all experienced new levels of stress and, at times, have to adapt to new surroundings, procedures, and more. It’s been a lot to take in, to say the least. According to The New York Times, there are three major components to tooth fractures and mental health, and those are:

Working from home. If you’re used to working in an office setting, you may find it difficult to find the best place to work at home. You may not have the space for a desk and ergonomic office chair that helps you maintain a good posture. Believe it or not, bad posture and strain on your body throughout the day is a big contributor to teeth grinding.
Insomnia and restlessness. Many people are experiencing restlessness and anxiety when trying to sleep at night during the pandemic. When you’re not experiencing restorative sleep, your body goes into its “fight or flight” response, which often leads to grinding the teeth.
Not seeing your dentist. You might forget to check in for your cleaning appointment and see your dentist. It’s so important to visit your dentist for an exam and cleaning every six months, especially if you think you may be grinding your teeth.

What to Do to Stop Bruxism

At GPS Dental, we can set you up with a mouth guard to protect your teeth and jaw from any grinding at night. This mouthguard will be made specifically for your mouth, so the fit is perfect. If your Bruxism is linked to stress, then there are some stress-reduction techniques you can try as well, including:

Meditation: Meditation may help reduce stress and alleviate anxiety, pain, and depression. Try downloading a meditation app or joining a meditation group. Meditation takes practice. It may be best used in conjunction with other treatments, too.
Yoga: Another key benefit of yoga is that it helps with stress. Accumulation of stress can cause your nervous system to be constantly in overdrive, making it difficult to unwind, focus, and sleep. The breathing exercises you practice during yoga can help lower your heart rate and shift your nervous system into a more relaxed state. It also promotes better sleep and increased focus.
Talk therapy: Talking to a therapist, counselor, or trusted friend may help reduce anxiety, depression, and stress. If your stress is affecting your daily life, a psychiatrist may also prescribe medications to help reduce stress and anxiety, if needed.
Exercise: Exercise also reduces stress by producing feel-good endorphins. If you’re new to exercise, start slow. Try building daily activity into your life at first. You may also need to explore a variety of activities to find one that helps you relax.

Related Article: Custom Mouthguards can Help Sleep Apnea

You can also try tongue and jaw muscle exercises! This exercise is from Healthline.com and can help relax your facial muscles to reduce clenching.

“Open your mouth wide while touching your tongue to your front teeth. This helps relax the jaw.”
“Say the letter “N” out loud. This will keep your top and bottom teeth from touching and help you avoid clenching.”

When to seek help

Teeth grinding is a common condition with many possible causes. Treating it early is important to avoid significant dental complications. Your dentist and doctor are both good resources for diagnosing and treating bruxism. If you’re concerned about Bruxism or notice any signs, please contact us today!

Solution for Grinding Your Teeth – Mouthguard

There’s more good news: Custom mouthguards or oral appliance therapy is covered by many insurance plans and the team at GPS Dental can help answer any questions you may have about your coverage.

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