Smiles of Memorial News

15 Steps to Good Oral Health – 5 Part Series (Part Two)

May 17, 2021

Staying on the topic of good oral health, this week we pick up where we left off. Last time we touched on how people tend to brush off their oral health care and put it on the back burner. In order for us to get back on track, we suggest you invest in a proper toothbrush, be sure to brush twice a day, and brush your teeth using the proper technique – 2 minutes at a time. This week we go over steps 4-6 of 15 in this five-part series you can take to good oral health.

4. Brush Your Tongue for good oral health

Don’t forget your tongue! There are a ton of bacteria on the tongue and bad breath comes from the tongue. Your tongue is covered in tiny bumps called papillae, and within the grooves of these bumps, they collect bacteria, dead skin cells, and food particles. Gently scrub your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth using back and forth movement for good oral health. You can also use a tongue scraper. You can glide the tongue scraper over your tongue which “scrapes” off the thin layer of mucus and bacteria. You should use your tongue scraper before you brush your teeth. Once you have scraped your tongue, brush and floss your teeth like normal.

5. Floss Every Day for good oral health

Flossing is an important part of good oral health. This is also the hardest for most people to keep on top of. Small bacteria infiltrate the small cracks in your teeth. Without flossing, those bacteria can build up and cause decay and build-up. Flossing also helps prevent gum disease. Gum disease is irreversible. So it is good to stay on top of flossing daily.

6. Ingest plenty of Vitamin C for good oral health

Calcium helps build strong teeth and healthy gums. There are a ton of foods out there, like milk and yogurt, which contain healthy doses of Vitamin C. There are also lots of fruits and veggies that contain Calcium as well. One thing you want to avoid is acidic fruits. So, fruits like oranges, lemons, or limes should be avoided. The acid in these fruits can break down the enamel on your teeth.

Not sure if you are flossing well enough or do you have concerns with bad breath? Let one of the experienced hygienists take look. Schedule an appointment today at Smiles of Memorial of Houston – Viet Tran DMD for good oral health.

15 Steps to Good Oral Health – 5 Part Series (Part One)

Are you Practicing Good Oral Health Care?

We often find that people tend to put their oral health on the backburner. You might say, “Well, I can floss tomorrow.” Or, “I brushed my teeth this morning; I should be fine.” The fact of the matter is, in order to have proper oral health care, you should practice these 15 steps to good oral health in this five-part series with Smiles of Memorial to help get you back on track!

1. Invest in a Proper Toothbrush for Good Oral Health

This is a big one. Most people don’t know how often they should change their toothbrush. According to the ADA, you should change your toothbrush every 3-3 months, depending on the bristles. Most dental professionals recommend using soft-bristled toothbrushes vs. hard-bristled. The soft-bristled toothbrush is softer on the gums, removes plaque easier, and can eliminate debris from your mouth. However, we here at Smiles Of Memorial recommend a powered toothbrush. Powered toothbrushes do a better job of cleaning your teeth. Plus, most powered toothbrushes come with an automatic timer, assuring proper cleaning time. And, today’s powered toothbrushes are smart and can tell you where you are missing places and even where you should target more.

2. Brush Twice a Day for Good Oral Health

Brushing twice a day is important for your oral health. In the evening is where most people miss brushing. They are either tired after a long day or just forget. The evening is the most important time to brush. Think about all the food and drinks you have consumed in one day. By not brushing at night, the bacteria in your mouth have more time to multiply and take over. This is how cavities can start to form. So remember, brush twice a day for 2 minutes at a time.

3. Brush using the Proper Technique for Good Oral Health

The proper way to hold your toothbrush is at a 45° angle. Angle your toothbrush and use small strokes going up and down and left and right. Be sure to not press too hard. You want to avoid making your gums bleed. Be sure to brush your teeth and gums. Brush the front and back of your teeth. Also, brush for 2 minutes.

Brushing is extremely important to your overall oral health. If it has been some time between your last dental visit, schedule an appointment today to see Dr. Viet Tran!

What is Xylitol and How Can It Improve My Smile?

Derived from fiber in natural fruits and vegetables, the natural substance, Xylitol can be used as a “sugar-free” additive and a decay prevention tool. In this blog post we will discuss how the use of Xylitol can prevent cavities. Keep reading for more information!

How Does Xylitol Prevent Cavities?

Well, you may know that starches that turn to sugars and pure sugars are largely responsible tooth decay. This is because these sugars can easily turn into acids which can eat away the outside of the tooth, compromising the outer layer, called the enamel. With this information, it may be confusing that a sweet, sugar-like substance can prevent cavities. Well, here is how it works. Although sweet like sugar, Xylitol does not easily turn into acid and promote a slippery coating over the tooth which makes it harder for bacteria to stick to the mucus membrane on the outside of the tooth.

One common form that Xylitol is consumed in is a 100% pure xylitol gum. Chewing any type of gum will stimulate your salivary glands and produce more saliva. However, chewing xylitol gum will also help reduce bad bacteria in the saliva which stimulating its production. An abundance of saliva can reduce dry mouth, bad breath, and rinse the outer layer of the teeth to prevent bacteria from sticking to the surface.

Can Xylitol Affect My Blood Sugar?

Yes, Xylitol, which is a sugar-alcohol can affect your blood sugar, but usually to a lesser degree than man-made sweeteners or other sugars. Compared to other sweeteners, Xylitol has a lower glycemic index (GI), which means it will have a minimal affect on your blood sugar. However, when trying a new sugar it is important to test your blood sugar before and after using Xylitol to understand how it affects your body.

Caring for your oral health can benefit the appearance of your smile and your overall health. For more information on how Xylitol can improve your oral health or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Viet Tran and the Smiles of Memorial team in Houston, Texas, call us today!

Senior Dental Care

As many of our patients and community members age, we are faced with a familiar question – is senior dental care different than oral health care for middle-aged or younger adults? The simple answer is yes … and no. Although aging presents unique dental concerns, the same oral health hygiene rules apply to a 3 year old as they do to a 99 year old – brush and floss! Maintaining a good oral health routine is one of the easiest ways you can prevent adverse health complications in your oral and overall health.

Reviewing a Good Oral Health Routine

Remember, for good senior dental care, a good oral health routine begins with daily brushing and flossing. Twice a day, for two minutes each time, brush you teeth and floss your teeth at least once per day. This will remove debris and food sitting on the outer layer of your tooth. Next, remember to visit Dr. Viet Tran every six months for a dental cleaning. This will ensure that hard-to-reach plaque does not eat away at your teeth and cause cavities or tooth loss. Finally, remember to stay hydrated! As we get older, take more medications, and the amount of saliva in our mouth decreases, it is easier to get a dry mouth which can create a breeding ground for bacteria. Drink water all day to avoid this unwanted side effect.

Senior Dental Care Concerns

Each age group deals with their own unique dental concerns. Children develop cavities, adolescence need orthodontic treatment, and so on. Senior dental care is no different. Here are a few of the most common senior dental care concerns: thrush, uneven jawbone, gum disease, root decay, less saliva and sense of taste, discolored teeth, tooth loss, and stomatitis. The good news is that many of these senior dental care conditions are treatable. With good oral health care and six-month visits to Dr. Viet Tran and the Smiles of Memorial team in Houston, Texas, we can help diminish the effect of these conditions.

Senior Oral Care Treatments in Houston, Texas

At Smiles of Memorial, we understand that a beautiful, healthy smile is important for anyone, no matter your age. Dr. Viet Tran and his team offers Senior Oral Care Treatments which focus on reversing the appearance of dark spots on your teeth. Further, Dr. Viet Tran will inspect your gums for disease which can lead to tooth loss, and root decay. Lastly, if needed, Dr. Viet Tran can direct you to products that can help you produce more saliva to reduce bad breath, dry mouth, and tooth decay. For more information about Senior Oral Care Treatments in Houston, Texas or to reserve an appointment, call Smiles of Memorial, today!

Common Treatments For TMJ Therapy

TMJ discomfort can be an unwelcome guest. From constant jaw pain to a snapping and clicking jaw, TMJ discomfort can put a wrench in your lifestyle. At Smiles of Memorial, Dr. Viet Tran and his team are committed to maintaining and improving your TMJ discomfort through TMJ Therapy.

What Causes TMJ Discomfort?

TMJ discomfort can appear in many different ways from neck pain, back pain, or chronic headaches. Usually, TMJ discomfort occurs because the Temporomandibular Joints are under stress from everyday activities such as, clenching and grinding your teeth. The more pressure you exert on this ligament and joint, the more discomfort and soreness you will feel. Often, patients do not even know they are putting strain on their TMJ because grinding and clenching usually happens at night while patients are sleeping. Using a treatment plan from Dr. Viet Tran and his team can ensure your TMJ and teeth do not become damaged.

Does TMJ Discomfort Put My Teeth At Risk?

Yes. This is a consequence of TMJ discomfort that many patients do not consider at first. When clench and grind teeth together it puts your TMJ and oral health at risk. Teeth have many ridges and grooves that are designed to help us chew easier. However, when the sharp ridges are rubbed together during grinding or pressed together during clenching, your teeth begin to wear away. The outside layer of the tooth is the most important and protects bacteria from entering your bloodstream. If the enamel is worn away from teeth grinding, you could be at an increased risk for infection and cavities. Eliminating grinding and clenching not only relieves TMJ discomfort it can also reduce the risk of developing cavities and infections.

TMJ Therapy – NightGuards

Since most grinding and clenching occurs while patients are sleeping, Dr. Viet Tran and his team in Memorial, Texas recommend night guards. Dr. Viet Tran will design a custom fit night guard to fit every ridge in every tooth. Then, he will ask you to wear it every night while sleeping. A night guard is made of a plastic material that fits between your teeth. This barrier not only makes it harder for you to grind and clench your teeth, it also protects the enamel on your teeth from wearing away. You can discover relieving results in just 3 to 6 months!

Don’t struggle with TMJ discomfort alone. It is time to get help from your general dentist in Houston. If you have TMJ discomfort in Memorial, Texas, call our office, Smiles of Memorial today, to learn more about our TMJ treatment options.

Is Gum Disease Contagious?

The debate of whether gum disease can be classified as contagious is heated. However, most patients don’t care about the technical classification of gum disease. Patients want to know if they can contract gum disease from sharing utensils, drinks, or kisses with someone that has gum disease. In this post, we will discuss that.

Can I Get Gum Disease From Someone Else?

Gum disease is an infection caused by bacteria. Theoretically, if one of these gum disease-causing bacteria enters your mouth, you could contract gum disease. However, even if this bacteria transfers to your mouth, you may not get gum disease. Everyday, millions of bacteria enter your mouth, but good oral health habits, you can prevent disease-causing bacteria from multiplying. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, eating a good diet, visiting Dr. Viet Tran at Smiles of Memorial twice a year, avoiding excessive alcohol, and not smoking are all ways that you can stop disease causing bacteria from multiplying in your mouth.

Who Is At Risk For Contracting Gum Disease?

Anyone who shares saliva with those who have gum disease is at risk for developing gum disease themselves. However, mothers who have gum disease and share utencials, kisses, and drinks with their infant children put their babies at an elevated risk of developing gum disease. This is why primary care providers and pediatric dentists stress the importance of not sharing saliva with young children.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Most adults have gum disease, but not everyone knows it. At first, the signs of gum disease can be subtle and may seem natural. Bleeding, red, irritated, receding, and swollen gums are all signs of gum disease. If you experience any of these symptoms, we urge you to visit Dr. Viet Tran at Smiles of Memorial right away. Early treatment is crucial. Gum disease is reversible in the early stages, called gingivitis. However, once gum disease reaches later stages, called periodontal disease, it is no longer reversible. Dr. Viet Tran and the Smiles of Memorial team wants to help you and your family avoid or control periodontal disease.

To Share Or Not To Share

Yes, we want to teach children at a young age to share, but sharing saliva could be dangerous. Next time you eat with your child, remember to use different utensils and cups. Lastly, avoid sharing mouth to mouth kisses because this could spread disease causing bacteria. If you think you or a loved one has gum disease, call Smiles of Memorial today of Houston – Viet Tran DMD to schedule an appointment.

Get a Hollywood Smile with Dental Veneers

Have you ever wondered how Hollywood superstars have such beautiful smiles? Well, there are many reasons, but one is dental veneers. Get yourself red-carpet ready this summer with a big, straight, beautiful smile. Here’s how Dr. Viet Tran and the Smiles of Memorial team can help you achieve the smile of your dreams in Houston, Texas.

What are Dental Veneers?

Think of dental veneers like masks for your teeth. During your first consultation appointment, Dr. Viet Tran and the Smiles of Memorial team will discuss your concerns and desires. The number of veneers that Dr. Viet Tran will recommend depends on the size of your mouth, teeth, and your desired look. Dr. Viet Tran typically recommends between four and six dental veneers each for the top set and for the bottom set. Once Dr. Viet Tran measures your teeth, his office or a lab will produce a veneer for each tooth. Next, Dr. Viet Tran will temporarily place the veneer on top of your natural tooth. Dr. Viet Tran will clean up the edges so that the tooth will fit perfectly. Once it is to your liking, Dr. Viet Tran will heat-fix the veneer on your tooth with a putty. Veneers are durable and typically last ten to fifteen years before being replaced.

Dental Veneer Results

After your dental veneers are placed, you will be amazed with your smile. Dental veneers will make your teeth appear straight. Further, Dr. Viet Tran can create veneers that are slightly larger than your natural teeth for your smile to appear larger. A bigger smile can also give you the appearance of higher cheekbones and a more contoured face.

Who Can Get Dental Veneers?

Many patients are eligible for dental veneers; however, it is important to discuss your oral and overall health with Dr. Viet Tran before completing any dental procedure. Patients that have underlining dental concerns such as, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and missing or broken teeth, should not have cosmetic procedures until they address these concerns. Completing cosmetic procedures before imperative restorative dentistry procedures can damage your oral health.

Dental Veneers are a unique way to achieve a beautiful, Hollywood like smile. For more information on how to enhance your smile with cosmetic dentistry, call Smiles of Memorial of Houston – Viet Tran DMD, Texas.

Oral Cancer – It’s Important to Spot it Early!

Oral cancer can be a dangerous disease if not found early. An oral cancer screening from Dr. Viet Tran and his team at Smiles of Memorial scan patients for oral cancer during their yearly dental exam. This is one reason why the oral health team encourages patients to complete bi-annual dental visits. Prevention is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of expensive, time consuming, and risky dental restorations in the future.

Who Can Get Oral Cancer?

Similar to most diseases, anyone can be susceptible to oral cancer; however, according to the American Cancer Society, the demographic that is most likely to develop oral cancer is men over 50 years old. Apart from this, risk factors that can increase anyones risk of developing oral cancer is smoke or smokeless tobacco, a history of cancer, excessive alcohol or sun exposure, or Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

Reducing Your Risk For Oral Cancer

It is important that patients are aware of their risk factors and know that there are certain things they can do to prevent oral cancer. The first, of course, is an oral cancer screening with Dr. Viet Tran at Smiles of Memorial in Houston, Texas. During this screening, Dr. Viet Tran will consider your symptoms, if you have any, and feel for lumps and abnormalities around your neck and mouth. If he finds a concerning area, he will send part of it for a biopsy.

You can also prevent oral cancer by reducing the behavioral risk factors: alcohol consumption, sun exposure, and tobacco usage. There are a number of oral and overall health benefits to quitting smokeless and smoke tobacco, but one is its ability to increase your risk of developing oral cancer. Additionally, limit your sun exposure, and when you are in the sun, apply sunscreen on your face and lower lip. This will help reduce your risk of developing oral cancer.

Patients that discover their oral cancer early have a higher chance of recovering and riding themselves of the cancer. If you have not been to the dentist in a while or if you have any oral health concerns, call Smiles of Memorial of Houston – Viet Tran DMD, Texas to book an appointment, today!

Treating Periodontal or Gum Disease

If your gums become red, swollen, or start to bleed while brushing your teeth, you may have gum disease. Many patients assume these sensitive tooth symptoms are from decay; however, gum disease could be causing underlying oral health problems. If untreated, periodontal disease, also called gum disease, can cause an infection in your body and tooth loss. The best way to prevent these complications is through effective gum disease treatment.

Gum Disease Treatment

Non-Surgical Gum Disease Treatment Options

When diagnosed early, Dr. Viet Tran may suggest a gum disease treatment of an enhanced oral health routine and regular periodontal appointments. In this gum disease treatment, a Smiles of Memorial hygienist will scrape away tarter and plaque build-up on or around your gums and teeth. This build-up leads to the progression of gum disease by forming pockets between the tooth and the gums. This is also a reason why gums appear red, inflamed, and bleed in the early stages of gum disease.

Gum disease puts your oral health and overall health at risk for infection. To combat this, Dr. Viet Tran also offers a powdered based medication called Arestin. This gum disease treatment helps your body eliminate infections caused by gum disease. Without this gum disease treatment, an infection that spreads through the body can cause complications like stroke and heart disease.

Surgical Gum Disease Treatment Options

Another option that Dr. Viet Tran offers his patients is a surgical gum disease treatment. The Smiles of Memorial team typically recommends this gum disease treatment for patients with advanced gum disease. However, many patients that have been told they need periodontal surgery in the past, qualify for a non-surgical laser treatment. Contact the Smiles of Memorial team to find out which gum disease treatment is right for you.

The risks of gum disease are not on the radar of many patients. However, it is just as important to pay attention to the health of your gums as well as the health of your teeth. For more information about gum disease treatment options or to plan your next visit to Smiles of Memorial of Houston – Viet Tran DMD, call our office, today!

Cosmetic Smiles How You Want Them

Many of our patients in Memorial and Houston, Texas dream of beautiful, Hollywood worthy smiles. At Smiles of Memorial, we can help you achieve you dream smile. From simple cosmetic updates to full mouth restorations, our Smiles of Memorial team is dedicated to enhancing your smile.

Cosmetic Dentistry in Memorial, Texas

When patients first come to our office, many of them ask, “What is cosmetic dentistry?” A cosmetic dental procedure can be done when the patient is in good oral health and wants to improve the appearance of their smile. If you have underlying dental concerns, such as a large decay or gum disease, Dr. Viet Tran at Smiles of Memorial may not recommend a cosmetic treatment. If you have poor oral health, a cosmetic dentistry procedure could worsen your oral health. At Smiles of Memorial we offer a number of cosmetic procedures ranging from porcelain veneers, Invisalign, teeth whitening, and dental implants. Below, we will describe each procedure. If you have any questions or if you would like to plan a consultation visit with Dr. Viet Tran, please call our dental office in Houston, Texas.

Dental Veneers

For a quick, smile restoration with cosmetic dentistry, opt for dental veneers. At Smiles of Memorial, we offer dental veneers that can be placed in just one short appointment and will whiten and brighten your smile for years. Dental veneers can even also make your smile appear straighter and your check bones may appear lifted.

Teeth Whitening

Whether you opt for at-home or in-office teeth whitening at Smiles of Memorial, you will not be disappointed. With our prescription strength whitening gel and custom fit trays, we can help lighten your smile multiple shades.

Brighten you smile with our cosmetic dentistry products at Smiles of Memorial with Dr. Viet Tran in Memorial, Texas. Call our office if you would like to discuss cosmetic dentistry with us or plan your next visit.