Smiles of Memorial News

Burning Mouth Syndrom – What is it?

May 17, 2021

If your mouth sometimes feels like a hot, dry sauna, you are not alone. This is called burning mouth syndrome which can be related to a variety of diseases, infections, and medications. If you have a dry, burning sensation on your tongue, hard palate, lips or anywhere in your mouth, call Dr. Viet Tran at Smiles of Memorial to plan a visit. Although burning mouth syndrome is usually associated with another cause, it can occur on its own in response to stress or hormonal changes.

What are the Symptoms of Burning Mouth Syndrome?

One of the tell-tale signs of burning mouth syndrome is in the name, an uncontrollable burning, dry sensation in your mouth. Other common symptoms are thirst, loss of taste or a metallic sense of taste, or a tingling in or around your mouth. Symptoms can occur all the time, in the morning and/or at night, or worsen throughout the day. If you have any of these symptoms, call Dr. Viet Tran and the Smiles of Memorial team to discuss your symptoms.

Causes Of Burning Mouth Syndrome

Alone, there is not usually a clear sign of what causes burning mouth syndrome. The syndrome is usually a side effect or complication of another dental or overall health concern. Common conditions that accompany burning mouth syndrome are: dry mouth (xerostomia), oral infection (thrush), clenching and grinding teeth (bruxism), certain medications, stomach reflex (GERD), nutritional deficiencies, and endocrine disorders. Further, as with most oral health conditions, a poor oral health routine can lead to the secondary condition, burning mouth syndrome.

Treatment Options For Burning Mouth Syndrome

Burning mouth syndrome usually occurs with no warning signs and there is no clear treatment option. Decreasing your stress level, eliminating the use of tobacco products, avoiding spicy foods, and limiting acidic and/or carbonated drinks can decrease your risk of developing burning mouth syndrome. The population that has the highest risk of developing burning mouth syndrome is postmenopausal women over 50 years old. Even though there is no clear treatment, don’t hesitate to call Dr. Viet Tran if you experience any of these symptoms. Dr. Viet Tran and the Smiles of Memorial team can help you live with burning mouth syndrome.

Although burning mouth syndrome is not common, it is important to know the risk factors and symptoms associated with it. For more information about burning mouth syndrome or oral health call Smiles of Memorial Houston, Texas, today!

How To Care For Sensitive Teeth

It’s a hot summer day and you take a big, delicious bite into a bowl of rocky road ice cream. Just as the chocolate and vanilla hit your tongue a sharp, painful stabbing pain fills your tooth. This situation is all too common for people with sensitive teeth. At Smiles of Memorial, we want to help you enjoy the hot or cold foods and drinks that you love without pain.

What Causes sensitive teeth?

There are a number of reasons that you may have sensitive teeth. The first is that there may be fine cracks in the enamel of your tooth. This small crack may reach the middle pulp of your tooth where your blood vessels and nerves are stored. Another reason you may experience tooth sensitivity is if you have shrinking gums naturally or through gum disease. People who are over age 40 have an increased risk of shrinking gums which can uncover the sensitive tooth roots, also called pulp. Another reason that your gums may be receding is gum disease. This can occur at any age. A build-up of plaque and tartar from bacteria can create pockets between your teeth and your gums. Similarly, receding gums from gum disease lead to exposure of your pulp allowing sugars, hot and cold liquids, and other foods to cause a painful feeling when you eat or drink them.

How can I strengthen My Enamel?

The enamel is the hard surface around the outside of your tooth. This is the hardest substance in your body, it is even harder than bone! Even though they are extremely strong, this substance can be broken down by sugars and starches in your food. Additionally, using a hard-bristled toothbrush or brushing too hard can lead to enamel wear. When you brush, it is best to use a soft bristled brush and softly move the brush against your teeth on a 45-degree angle. Opt for a toothpaste with fluoride to help strengthen the enamel on your teeth.

Another way your teeth can wear down is by grinding or clenching your teeth. This usually happens unconsciously when patients are sleeping or stressed. Lastly, refrain from over bleaching your teeth. At Smiles of Memorial in Houston, Texas we do encourage patients to participate in a healthy dose of teeth whitening. However, over whitening, your teeth can also weaken the enamel exposing sensitive nerves to foods and drinks.

Protecting sensitive teeth is not only beneficial for a comfortable lifestyle but also important to maintain your overall health. For more information about sensitive teeth or strengthening your enamel, call Smiles of Memorial of Houston – Viet Tran DMD, Texas, today!

Eat Candy And Have A Healthy Smile

Spring has sprung! This is the time of year children start to ask for spring goodies, like peeps, jelly beans, and chocolate. If your worried about how this will affect the health of their teeth, you’re not alone. However, at Smiles of Memorial, Dr. Viet Tran promotes a healthy way to eat candy without damaging the health of your teeth.

Rinse With Water

If your child is not at home when they are eating candy, teach them the importance of rinsing their mouth after eating sugar. When your child eats candy, the sugars turn into acids and bacteria that eat away the protective layer of their teeth called enamel. One way they can prevent sugars from eating their enamel is by drinking water after eating candy. This will rinse off the surface of their teeth removing some of the sugars.

Sugar-Free Candy

Although this may not be their go-to option, whenever possible, choose sugar-free candy. Like mentioned above, this will limit the number of sugar molecules eating away their enamel. Additionally, it is healthier for your child’s overall health.

Brush

Rinsing with water and choosing sugar-free candy are great options when your child is not at home. However, there is no replacement for brushing! Remember to encourage your child to brush twice a day for two minutes each time. The abrasive material in their toothpaste and the scrubbing of the toothbrush will remove sugars.

Floss

Even if your child brushes twice a day for two minutes each time, they could be missing important spots between their teeth. Teaching your children to floss at a young age will help them develop the habit of flossing for the rest of their life.

Eating candy, especially in the spring and summer, can be fun, but you don’t have to sacrifice your oral health to enjoy it. By following these few tips, your child can maintain good oral health, even when they’re eating candy. For more oral health tips or to plan your next visit to Smiles of Memorial in Memorial Texas, call our office today!

What’s Up With Saliva?

At times, saliva can seem like a liquidy nuisance making your mouth uncomfortably watery. Other times, saliva is nowhere to be found and your mouth feels like a desert in the middle of summer. So, what does saliva really do and how can it help your oral and overall health. Let’s take a deeper dive into the watery world of saliva.

What is Saliva?

Saliva, or spit, is the liquid inside of your mouth responsible for breaking down your food, rinsing sugars from your teeth, and protecting your body from bad bacteria. First, saliva uses an enzyme called amylase to turn a piece of bread into small molecules that your body can digest. Next, saliva is a fluid that rinses over your teeth washing away bacteria that can cause decay and cavities. Lastly, saliva fights off bacteria that want to harm your body from entering with the enzyme called lysozyme. This same enzyme is also in your tears preventing bacteria from entering the body through the eyes. It turns out, saliva does a lot of good!

What if I Don’t Have Enough Saliva?

If you don’t eat or drink for a few hours, your saliva production will probably decrease causing dry mouth and even bad breath. Not only is this uncomfortable and possibly smelly, but it can also even cause cavities. As you may remember from before, saliva washes of bacteria. Without saliva, the bacteria can eat away the outer layer of your tooth called enamel, therefore developing a hole in this tooth. This hole of decay is a cavity and if it is not treated right away, you may need a filling to prevent the cavity from increasing in size and potentially losing the tooth. Staying hydrated and chewing sugar-free gum are both ways that you can improve your saliva production and avoid decay.

Medical Conditions for Less Saliva

If you stay hydrated, but you still experience a low level of saliva, there could be a medical cause. Common conditions that lead to low saliva levels are salivary stones, salivary gland infection, cysts, tumors, infections, and Sjogren’s syndrome. In these cases, you may experience pain, fever, and swelling of the gland which may look like swollen cheeks. For more information about these conditions, contact Smiles of Memorial of Houston – Viet Tran DMD, Texas.

Although it may seem troublesome and inconvenient, saliva can help us in many ways. From fighting off bacteria to digesting food, saliva is a necessary part of good oral health. If you feel like you have a problem with your saliva production or if you want to plan your next visit with Dr. Viet Tran, call Smiles of Memorial, TX, today!

Do You Really Need to Fill Your Cavity?

At Smiles of Memorial, Dr. Viet Tran and his team hear this question often. It is a valid one. When a dentist, like Dr. Viet Tran, tells you that you have a cavity and need a dental filling, do you ever wonder, “but, do I really need a filling?”. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of getting a filling to learn if patients can forgo small fillings and if cavities can heal themselves.

What is a Dental Cavity?

First, let’s talk about a cavity. When you eat sugars or carbs, molecules in the food cling to your teeth and start to wear down your tooth’s outer defense mechanism called enamel. This then forms a cavity. There are a few ways you fight against these invaders. First, drinking water or chewing sugar-free gum that stimulates saliva production will rinse the bacteria from your enamel. secondly, as a part of a good oral hygiene routine, remember to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and floss once per day. This reduces the number of bacteria on your teeth and spots them from wearing down your teeth.

What Happens if you Don’t Treat a Cavity?

Over time, the small amount of decay in your tooth will grow larger. With poor oral hygiene, the decay the size of the decay will grow larger quicker. When the decay first develops, it can sometimes be resolved with good oral hygiene and without a filling. The next intervention is filling the cavity. If the cavity is too big to fill, you may need a root canal. In severe cases, the tooth may have to be extracted and replaced with a crown, bridge, denture, or dental implant.

Stem-Cell Advancements

Although, a filling may not always be the answer to restore a cavity. Right now, scientists are testing a new medication named Tideglusib. The GSK3 antagonist is a cloth-like material that is attached to the decayed area. So far, the treatment has only been tested on rats and the Tideglusib material helped the rat’s body use its own cells to restore the tooth. The advancements seem promising, but the team of researchers needs to test the medication on humans before organizations like the American Dental Association can recommend it for clinical use.

The answer to your question? Right now, if the cavity is not found early, the best treatment is to receive a filling from Dr. Viet Tran at Smiles of Memorial in Houston, Texas. However, there is a possibility that stem cells could help your tooth repair itself without a dental filling. For more information about dental fillings or to plan your next visit to Smiles of Memorial, call us today!

All About Oral Cancer

Dr. Viet Tran and his team at Smiles of Memorial in Houston, Texas want to ensure that you have good oral and overall health. One way they do this is by providing a complimentary oral cancer screening during regular exams. In this blog, we will discuss some risk factors for developing oral cancer, common signs and symptoms, and what you can do to prevent oral cancer.

Risk Factors for Developing Oral Cancer

One of the main risk factors is tobacco use. Not only are smokeless and smoke tobacco products bad for your overall health, but it can also badly damage your oral health and increase your chance of developing oral cancer. Other risk factors are excessive drinking, prolonged sun exposure, family history of oral cancer, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). If you have one or more of these risk factors, talk with Dr. Viet Tran and his team at your next Smiles of Memorial visit to learn how to protect yourself from oral cancer.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

There are a number of symptoms that can relate to oral cancer. If your gums bleed, then this could be a sign of periodontal disease; however, if you experience unexplained bleeding or numbness in your mouth, it could be a sign of oral cancer. Other signs include multiple sores lasting for longer than 2 weeks on your throat or in your mouth, bumps or growths in your mouth or throat, dramatic weight loss, hoarse voice, and ear pain. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, call Dr. Viet Tran and his team at Smiles of Memorial in Houston, Texas to learn more.

How Can I Prevent Oral Cancer?

The best way to reduce your risk of developing oral cancer is to minimize the risk factors that you can change. For example, if you use smoke or smokeless tobacco, quit today. Another way you can reduce oral and other types of cancers is to limit sun exposure and use UV A/B sunblock when in the sun. Lastly, look out for common oral cancer signs. Consider giving yourself an oral cancer screening once a month at home. Additionally, during your biyearly appointments with Dr. Viet Tran and his team at Smiles of Memorial in Houston, Texas, you will receive an oral cancer screening.

Oral cancer is a serious disease that should be treated right away. Limiting sun exposure, avoiding tobacco products, getting regular screenings, and eating right are all ways you can reduce your risk. However, if you have any of the risk factors or signs and symptoms, call at Smiles of Memorial of Houston – Viet Tran DMD, Texas at (281) 426-0120 for more information.

Common Dental Emergencies

Whether you were in a recent accident, had a traumatic fall, or have a toothache you may have a dental emergency. Many patients discount their pain and do not visit Dr. Viet Tran and his team when they have a true dental emergency because they think it is not a ‘big deal’. Well, if you are in excruciating pain or you have experienced one of the dental emergencies below, visit Dr. Viet Tran and his team at Smiles of Memorial in Houston, Texas right away.

1. Missing or Dislodged tooth

If your child plays a contact sport, they should always wear a mouthguard. This can prevent a dental emergency such as a cracked, missing, or dislodged tooth. However, if their tooth falls out, it is important to get to Smiles of Memorial, or any dentist, within 30 minutes. This will preserve the tooth so Dr. Viet Tran and his team can hopefully save your natural tooth. If you or your child’s tooth dislodges, gently hold it in place in the mouth until you get to the dentist. If the tooth falls out, quickly rinse it under water. Avoid scrubbing the tooth. This can damage the tissue and roots of the tooth. Gently try to put it back in place, but do not force it in. If it does not go back into its original position, place the tooth in a bag or cup of milk and go to Smiles of Memorial in Houston, Texas for a dental emergency appointment right away. Before you reach the dentist, you can relieve the pain with a cold compress on the cheek and/or take an over-the-counter medication like Tylenol or Advil.

2. Toothache or Chipped Tooth

The first step you should take with a toothache is to thoroughly brush your teeth and rinse your mouth. Then, carefully floss between the teeth. Many times a toothache dental emergency can be caused by an object lodged in between the teeth. If you see the object between your teeth, only use dental floss, never other sharp tools, to remove the object. If you cannot remove it, call Dr. Viet Tran and his team at Smiles of Memorial in Houston, Texas to make an appointment right away.

First, for a chipped tooth dental emergency, remember to collect the pieces that disconnected from the tooth. These may be important parts of saving your tooth. Next, rinse your mouth and tooth chips with water. Finally, apply pressure with a tissue or gauze to bleeding areas and visit Dr. Viet Tran at Smiles of Memorial right away. In either situation, if pain continues, you can put a cold compress on the affected area and take over the counter medication such as Tylenol or Advil.

3. Lost Crown or Filling

Although a lost crown or filling is not as time sensitive as a missing tooth dental emergency, it is still important to visit Dr. Viet Tran right away to avoid further decay and damage to the affected tooth. To prevent further decay, you can fill your cavity with dental cement or sugar-free gum before visiting Dr. Viet Tran. For your dental crown, you can place clove oil or dental cement in the crown and temporarily reattach it to the tooth. Remember, these are not permanent solutions and you should schedule an appointment with Dr. Viet Tran and his team at Smiles of Memorial right after you lose the crown or filling.

4. Abscess

Although you may not be familiar with this term, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of this dental emergency. If untreated, this infection can spread throughout your body causing damage to your oral and overall health. So, what is an abscess dental emergency? Typically, an abscess presents as a painful, pimple-like bulge on your gums around your teeth. Before your dental appointment, rinse with salt water to relieve the pain. Then, call Dr. Viet Tran at Smiles of Memorial in Houston, Texas right away to plan your visit.

What do I do in a Dental Emergency?

Your oral health may be more important to your overall health than you initially realize. This is why dental emergencies should be taken seriously. If you have a missing or dislodged tooth, toothache, chipped tooth, lost crown or filling, or a dental abscess, make a dental emergency appointment with Dr. Viet Tran at Smiles of Memorial in Houston, Texas right away! For more information, or to plan your next visit call (281)-493-0061, today!

What Dental Procedures are Considered Cosmetic?

Investing in your oral health is one of the best decisions you can make. Not only will it improve your confidence, but it can also improve your overall health. There are numerous chronic diseases linked to poor oral health, including heart disease and diabetes. First, we will discuss the difference between preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry.

Preventative vs. Restorative vs. Cosmetic Dentistry

Sometimes it is hard to understand the difference between preventative, restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Simply, preventative dentistry is used to protect your teeth from future damage. For example, brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day is an example of a preventative treatment. You are probably most familiar with restorative dentistry. This includes crowns, fillings, and dentures. In restorative dentistry, Dr. Viet Tran works to repair weak or damaged teeth. Lastly, cosmetic dentistry refers to the appearance and look of your smile. At Smiles of Memorial we want to give you the confidence to embrace every moment, so we offer procedures like teeth whitening and veneers to enhance your smile. Many times, restorative and cosmetic dentistry are done together. For example, a dental implant is an example of both a restorative and cosmetic procedure. Below are a few examples of cosmetic procedures.

1. Veneers and Bonding

Have you ever wanted a bigger smile? Or perhaps you are interested in reshaping the height of your cheekbones. Well, veneers may be the cosmetic procedure for you. Veneers, also called composite bonding, are usually placed on four to six of your front teeth. A prosthetic covering is attached, or bonded, to the front of the tooth to make it appear larger and more symmetrical. Before requesting veneers, talk to Dr. Viet Tran and his Smiles of Memorial team to ensure your teeth are healthy enough for this cosmetic procedure. It is important that Dr. Viet Tran addresses all health concerns before cosmetic concerns.

2. Dental Implants

As mentioned above, dental implants can be considered as a restorative or a cosmetic procedure. Dr. Viet Tran and his team at Smiles of Memorial in Houston, Texas may suggest a dental implant if you have had a dental trauma, a deep cavity, or an infected tooth. First, Dr. Viet Tran will clear out the root and replace it with a metal post screwed into your jawbone. This is the restorative part of the procedure. Next, for the cosmetic procedure. Dr. Viet Tran and his Smiles of Memorial team will place a crown over the metal post to maintain the natural function and look of your smile.

3. Teeth Whitening

Most patients know that teeth whitening is an example of a cosmetic dentistry. Teeth whitening procedures at Smiles of Memorial in Houston, Texas come in two forms: in-office and take-home. The quickest and most effective treatment is in-office. Dr. Viet Tran and his team use Zoom! technology for in-office treatments. If you are looking for a less expensive option, try take-home whitening. Dr. Viet Tran and his Smiles of Memorial team will craft a dental tray custom to your unique smile. Next, at home, you will place a whitening gel in the tray. Whitening from Smiles of Memorial is more efficient and accurate than over-the-counter brands, so we always recommend professional whitening.

In most cases, improving the look of your smile is just as important as improving the function and health of your smile. For more information on cosmetic dentistry or to plan your next visit with Dr. Viet Tran at Smiles of Memorial in Houston, Texas, call (281)-493-0061, today!

How Does Aging Affect My Oral Health?

Numerous physiological changes occur through aging. Just as you feel aging in your bones and muscles, you may feel aging related to your oral health. However, do not worry. Aging is a natural process and with the right care, you can maintain good oral health as you age.

Normal Wear And Tear

Grinding, eating, and rubbing your teeth together causes normal wear when aging. At first, you may notice this as a chipped or cracked tooth. Luckily, the body compensates for this change by slowly moving to erupt more teeth as you age. Theoretically to maintain good oral health. There is no established standard to indicated how much ‘normal wear’ is, but the wear should coincide with your age. Meaning, the wear should be typical for those in your age group. If you grind or bite down hard, this could increase wear and decrease the size of your tooth. At this point, Dr. Viet Tran in Smiles of Memorial may need to treat an underlying problem.

Receding Gums

With time, your gums may recede away from your teeth causing your teeth to appear longer. There are a number of reasons that this may occur, including gum disease and poor oral health. As the tissue of your teeth, called the papillae, moves further from the tooth, your teeth may feel more sensitive or you may get more food and particles stuck in between your teeth. This could put your oral health in danger during aging. If you think your gums are receding, call Dr. Viet Tran at Smiles of Memorial in Houston, Texas to address your symptoms right away.

Decreased Saliva

A lower amount of saliva in your mouth is not necessarily caused by aging; however, it usually accompanies aging. As you age, you may take more medications which can inadvertently cause dry mouth. Additionally, many illnesses can also cause dry mouth. Not only is this uncomfortable, but dry mouth can also cause bad breath and poor oral health because the salvia is not actively rinsing your teeth.

Oral Cancer

According to the National Cancer Institute, the median age that people are diagnosed with oral cancer is 62 years old. In addition to a higher age, those who also drink and smoke increase their risk of developing oral cancer. Regular dental visits at Smiles of Memorial in Houston, Texas with Dr. Viet Tran can increase the chance of finding oral cancer early.

Aging and Oral Health

There are a number of different concerns you may have about your oral health related to your age. However, there is no need to worry. With a good oral health routine and regular visits to Smiles of Memorial in Houston, Texas with Dr. Viet Tran, you can improve your oral health. For more information or to plan your next visit, contact Smiles of Memorial at (281)-493-0061, today!

Can I Go To The Dentist With A Cold?

If you feel sick with watery eyes, a runny nose, cough, or sore throat before your dental visit, don’t cancel your visit with the dentist. As a rule of thumb, you should never cancel your visit at Smiles of Memorial in Houston, Texas, even if sick, unless you have a good reason. That’s because your oral health is very important and at your visit, our dentist, Dr. Viet Tran, can help you improve your oral and overall health. Yes, you can go to the dentist if you are sick. However, if you are throwing-up, have a fever, or if you are contagious, you should not visit the dentist.

Is My Cold Related to My Oral Health?

Some symptoms when you are sick could be related to your oral health. If you feel well enough to sit through a dental visit and you are not contagious, then you should visit the dentist. Your visit with the dentist may reveal why you are sick. Here are a few common symptoms you may have while sick that are actually related to your oral health.

Gingivitis or Periodontal Disease:

If you have red, swollen, or bleeding gums you may have gum disease. This causes the teeth to move away from your gums causing a pocket between your teeth and your gums. In this pocket, bacteria can collect and enter into your bloodstream. This can make you feel sick and have a fever, congestion, runny nose, and chills. Although bleeding or sore gums may not feel serious at first, if it develops into periodontal disease, it can be irreversible. If this happens, you will need to visit Dr. Viet Tran at Smiles of Memorial in Houston, Texas for frequent cleanings to prevent it from worsening. If you have the symptoms while sick, you should visit the dentist.
Abscess:

Simply, an abscess is a fluid filled pocket in your mouth that is infected. Similar to gum disease, this infection can make you feel sick. Additionally, an abscess can cause swelling in your throat which can make it hard to breath. If you think you may have an abscess, call Dr. Viet Tran at Smiles of Memorial in Houston, Texas, today!
Sinus Infections:

Did you know your sinus infection may actually be a caused by infected tissue above your teeth? Yes, your runny nose and fever that makes you feel sick could actually be an infection in your mouth. If you feel pressure above your upper teeth or have trouble breathing because of inflamed oral tissue, you should call your dentist, Dr. Viet Tran at Smiles of Memorial in Houston, Texas.

What Should I Do If I Go To The Dentist When I am Sick?

If you feel well enough to sit through a dental visit and you are not contagious, you may want to take a few precautions during your visit at Smiles of Memorial in Houston, Texas. First, remember to call Smiles of Memorial and tell them how you feel. Being sick at the dentist is not always fun, but Smiles and memorial can make you comfortable. Also, Smiles of Memorial may give you specific instructions before your visit if you are sick. They may also adjust your treatment. Some dental procedures can clog your nostrils making it hard to breath. The most important point is communication when sick at the dentist!

It is never fun to be sick, but it is important that you care for your cold as well as your oral health. Your dentist, Dr. Viet Tran, will help you while sick. If you are well enough to go to the dentist and you are not contagious, you shouldn’t cancel your dental visit! Yes, you can go to the dentist while sick. For more information or to plan your next visit with Dr. Viet Tran at Smiles of Memorial in Houston, Texas, today!