We are professional Women dedicated to the service of others. We are here to serve people who understand the importance of good health. We understand that optimal health is different for each person and therefore our goal is to educate and facilitate each individuals discovery of their own needs.
Dieu-Mi completed her undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree from University California, Davis in 2012. After graduating, she continued her education and received her Associate of Science degree in Dental hygiene from Chabot College, Hayward in 2016. Prior to starting dental hygiene school, she gained a strong dental background by interning at a dental office. She takes pride on staying on the cutting edge of dentistry and patient education. She is excited to join the team and is dedicated with one primary goal- your care. During her free time she enjoys outdoor adventures, reading, and trying new restaurants.
I, too, am a clencher as well as a practicing dentist with a background as a Registered Nurse. I have easily spent 20 years searching for answers to address my clenching issues and have finally found relief. The good news is that you can too.
A great deal of my post-doctoral studies have focused on the jaw (TMJ), the bite (occlusion), and the muscles [of the head and neck]; that are related to jaw movements. There is a lot we can do to control bruxism (grinding) but not for clenching; Its pretty much a neurological mystery left to those stuck with the problem.
Ive tried biofeedback, night guards, orthotics, NTIs, acupuncture, acupressure, massage, chiropractic, and medications with minimal results. Actually the NTI helped me survive although it caused my teeth to shift so that I developed an anterior open bite. I could not longer touch my front teeth together. Talk about embarrassing when eating. Forget Sushi because I couldnt cut through anything with my front teeth. Even worse for a clencher because even more load gets sent to the back teeth. I eventually corrected this with Orthodontics.
Most clenchers dont realize they clench. When examining patients in my office its not uncommon to hear them say i think I might clench. I look for the common; wear patterns;teeth and check for overactive [head and neck] muscles that are involved with clenching. I suggest that they check in with themselves several times to see if they notice tight shoulders and jaw. If they notice this then think about letting the shoulders drop away from the ears and let the lower jaw drop. In a relaxed jaw there should be a space between the upper and lower teeth. Teeth shouldnt touch except for when eating and speaking.
The Masseter is a thick muscle that runs from the cheekbone and wraps around the angle of the lower jaw. It exerts more pressure than any other muscle in the body so the back molars suffer damage from continuous overload that teeth were not designed to handle. This is what caused me to fracture an upper molar and ended up losing my tooth. When overdeveloped it accentuates a widened jaw in appearance.
The Temporalis is a broad fan-shaped muscle on the side of the head and down the temples and cheekbones before attaching to the lower jaw. Patients point to their temples as an area of discomfort and this muscle also can cause tension headaches.
A few years ago I was took a course in Miami to study the benefits of therapeutic Botox. Clearly, I had been clenching all day during this lecture. By the end of the day my jaw muscles were sore and I had a headache. The next morning I awoke with my jaws tight shut. I had so overworked my muscles that they became stiff and it was not easy to open my mouth. That day I was able to receive Botox on my own muscles.After about 5 days I started to feel my jaw muscles relaxing and letting go. After 10 days I couldnt believe the relief! My clenching muscles let go and I can best explain it as the Lightness of Being because thats exactly how I felt.
by | Aug 5, 2020 | ArticlesDear valued Patients, Embarcadero 4 Dental is up and running! If you are in need of treatment or are overdue for a cleaning please callus at (415) 576-9800or use the contact form below. Next time you see us things might look a little different. Following...
by Dr. Dorothy Gogol-Mach | Feb 7, 2017 | Articles, BotoxBotox is often thought of as a way to reduce wrinkles, but there are a number of uses in dentistry. Botox and dermal fillers can help minimize TMJ and migraine symptoms, as well as reducing gummy smiles. While Botox and other dermal fillers are similar, its important...
by Dr. Dorothy Gogol-Mach | Jan 20, 2017 | Articles, Halcion, Sedation DentistryWhat is Halcion When Used for Sedation Dentistry? Sedation dentistry using Halcion is growing in many dental practices as a way to help anxious patients receive quality dental care. Some may be familiar with nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, but Halcion is another safe...
by Dr. Dorothy Gogol-Mach | Dec 16, 2016 | Articles, Gum DiseaseSan Franciscos Gum Disease Experts Have you ever heard the expression, Your teeth are fine, but your gums have to go? Theres more truth to this than you may think because of periodontal disease, better known as gum disease or gingivitis. This article will explain...
by Dr. Dorothy Gogol-Mach | Nov 23, 2016 | Articles, InvisalignPros and Cons of Invisalign This article will explain: The story behind Invisalign Detail its pros and cons Let you know if youre a good candidate for it Share why we recommend using Invisalign over traditional metal braces Why Invisalign? In 1999, an adult...