Smiles of Memorial News

Can Oral Health Affect the Skin?

May 14, 2021

Poor oral health is not only linked to a myriad of oral problems such as gum disease and tooth decay, but it can also even affect the appearance and health of your skin. Brushing and flossing not only improves the look and health of your teeth, but it can also improve the health of your entire body. In this blog we will look at poor oral health can lead to skin conditions like acne and how you can prevent acne caused by poor oral health.

Common Causes of Acne

If you remember feeling guilty about eating sugary foods as a teenager because you were afraid you would develop acne, you are not alone. One cause of acne is the onset of puberty and excess sugar. Simply, sugar increases insulin and inflammation in your body. When this happens it can cause the skin to age faster and develop acne. For the best skin and overall health, you should consume sugar in moderation. Although it is important to know that sugar does not act alone on the skin. Other common causes of acne are changing hormones and the introduction of bad bacteria. These two factors affect oral health and acne the most. Understanding how these causes affect your skin can help you prevent further acne formed from poor oral health.

How Can Poor Oral Health Affect The Skin?

As you may have guessed, the mouth and the skin share many things. One of these things is a bad bacteria that can cause infections. If you have poor oral health, bacteria can gather around your gumline. The early stage of this is called gingivitis, which can be reversed by gum disease treatment at Smiles of Memorial with Viet Tran and his team. However, if continue to have poor oral health, the bacteria attack more of your gumline causing an infection or an abscess, a fluid-filled sack on the gum. This infection can make its way into the bloodstream and infect other parts of your body. If you notice acne developing while you have gum disease, you may have an infection that has spread into your skin.

How To Prevent Acne With Oral Health.

There are many factors such as, sugar, age, hormonal balance, and bacteria that contribute to the development of acne. However, with the right oral health routine, you can decrease the number of bad bacteria that transfer to your skin from your gums. Likewise, this can decrease the amount of acne that develops from gum disease. To practice a good oral health routine, brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. Next, floss your teeth at least once per day. Lastly, remember to visit Viet Tran and his team every six months for your bi-yearly oral exam and cleaning. This will help Viet Tran and his team keep your teeth healthy and spot problem areas early.

Oral Health is not the only reason for your acne, but if you have gum disease, it could be exacerbating your acne’s effect on your skin. To reduce oral health-related diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, follow a good oral health routine. For more information please contact us today!

How To Care For Your Mouth During The Flu

If you are tired, have a fever or chills, sore throat, a headache, muscle aches, or a runny nose, you may have the flu. Compared to a cold, a flu has more aches and pains with a fever and a cold has more sneezes, coughs, and runny noses. If you think you have the flu, call your doctor. Once you have the flu your oral and overall health can become damaged. Below are a few ways that you can protect your oral health while you have the flu.

Change Your Toothbrush

After the flu, or any other illnesses, you should change your toothbrush. If you have an electric toothbrush, make sure you use a new head. The flu virus can stay in the bristles of the toothbrush for up to 72 hours. In addition to changing your toothbrush, remember to never share toothbrushes during the flu or any other time. These flu droplets can infect the person that you share with.

Do Not Brush After Vomiting

Although uncommon in adults, vomiting and diarrhea in children can be a symptom of the flu. If you are your child vomits, do not reach for the toothbrush afterward. When you vomit, the harsh acids from your stomach coat your teeth. Brushing after vomiting can rub these acids in more. This can tear the enamel on your teeth and increase your risk of tooth decay. Instead, if you vomit during the flu, rinse your mouth with a distilled mouthwash or a mixture of water and baking soda. This will remove the gross taste from your mouth and protect your teeth.

Avoid Sugary Cough Drops

As always, at Smiles of Memorial, we do not tell our patients to drink or eat sugar, especially for extended periods of time. However, during the flu or a cold you may have a sore throat or constant cough. Yes, you can still use cough drops. The best option to protect your teeth is to choose a sugar-free cough drop. This will limit the amount of sugar that sits on your teeth and will lower your risk of developing tooth decay.

How to Prevent The Flu

The best way you can prevent the flu is to receive a flu vaccine every fall. This not only protects you, but also the most vulnerable people in society through ‘herd immunity’. Some people such as, newborn, sick, and elderly people, cannot receive a flu vaccine because their immune system is not strong enough. However, if you get your vaccine, then you can limit the spread of the flu and protect those people. Other ways you can stop the spread of the flu is by washing your hands, avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, staying away from those with the flu, disinfecting common areas, and covering your mouth and nose when you cough.

No matter who you are, getting the flu is never a good experience. However, your oral health does not have to suffer. Remember to change your toothbrush after you are sick, do not brush your teeth after vomiting, and only use sugar-free cough drops. For more information about oral health or to plan your next visit with the dentist in Houston at Smiles of Memorial call us at (281)-493-0061, today!

Cracked Tooth Syndrome: Is It The Cause Of Your Toothache?

The set of symptoms that make-up cracked tooth syndrome are not always easy to see. The symptoms that do appear can be easily missed or not seen on an x-ray. However, if you have had a toothache and tooth sensitivity for a long period of time, you should talk to Dr. Viet Tran and his Smiles of Memorial team about the your risk of cracked tooth syndrome. The good news is that this can be fixed! You can use a night guard, crown, root canal, or implant. But, some cases to do not heal all-the-way. Below are a few signs and symptoms to look for and how you can begin to treat them.

Signs and Symptoms of Cracked Tooth Syndrome

At first, you may not see that your tooth is showing these signs because they come and go. One common sign of cracked tooth syndrome is pain while chewing or sensitivity while drinking hot or cold fluids. The amount of pain you feel depends on the way you bite and what you are drinking or eating. This is why many people miss the first signs of cracked tooth syndrome. If the crack gets bigger or part of the tooth falls off, you will experience more pain. This could be from an infection or a pimple-like item on the gum next to the tooth. If you do not see any of these signs, especially for a long period of time, call Dr. Viet Tran at Smiles of Memorial to plan a visit, today.

Causes

Small, hairline cracks can be on the outer edge of the tooth or even under the gums. These cracks cannot be seen by an x-ray, so they are hard to spot. Patients with cracked tooth syndrome may grind their teeth, which puts more pressure on the tooth, causing it to crack. Another cause is an uneven bite that puts pressure on some teeth more than others. If you have a large filling, crown, or root canal, you are at a bigger risk of cracked tooth syndrome because your tooth is not as strong. During your visit, Dr. Viet Tran will consider all of these factors when determining if you have cracked tooth syndrome.

Treatments at Smiles of Memorial in Houston, Texas

Depending on the severity of the cracked tooth syndrome, your treatment may be slightly different than someone else’s treatment. Dr. Viet Tran may want to place a crown if the top part of the tooth is cracked. Or, he may use a root canal if the crack is within the tooth. Some treatments will take away your symptoms of pressure and sensitivity. But, for some patients, only one symptom can be removed. You can prevent further damage and help the symptoms of cracked tooth syndrome by wearing a night-guard.

Strong teeth promote good oral health and can decrease your risk of developing more problems. If you feel pain or sensitivity when you bite or drink, you should contact Smiles of Memorial of Houston – Viet Tran DMD. For more information about cracked tooth syndrome, how we can help you heal, or to plan your next visit with us, call our office, Smiles of Memorial, at (281)-493-0061, today!

Drinking Red Wine May Improve Your Smile

Everything that you eat and drink affects your oral health, even if you only eat or drink a little bit or once in a while. Carbs and sugars can hurt the health and look of your smile. You do not rinse out your mouth with water or brush your teeth right away after eating of drinking sugars. Did you know? Starches and sugars can turn into acids that make holes in your teeth. This could cause a cavity, gum disease, and even a root canal! But, have you ever thought about drinking red wine to better your oral health? According to the American Dental Association, a little bit of red wine may help, instead of harm, your oral health!

How Does Red Wine Help?

Red wine contains chemicals called proanthocyanidins that act as antioxidants. These chemicals stop bad germs, called Streptococcus mutans, from staying on the tooth and causing decay. There are many studies from across the world, including countries like Italy and Canada, that have shown that this chemical in red wine can stop tooth decay before it starts. Researchers said they are not sure if white wine can better your oral health the way red wine can. Actually, they think that white wine may cause tooth decay because of the high amount of sugar.

Do I have to Drink Red Wine?

No, there are other ways to add antioxidants to your diet that stop the development of this bad germ. In food, you can eat grapes, chocolate, and apples to get these chemicals. Additionally, there are smaller amounts of this chemical that stops tooth decay in over-the-counter whiteners and whitening toothpastes. But, the best way to whiten your teeth is in-office! Yes, for the best whitening results, come to Smiles of Memorial for a professional whitening treatment from Dr. Viet Tran and the team.

Other Nutrition Tips For Good Oral Health

Good oral health always begins with oral health habits. A better way, other than red wine, to stop tooth decay is to floss and brush! You should brush twice a day for two minutes each time and floss once per day. If you are drink coffee and teas all day, sip water in-between to limit the amount of sugar on your teeth. Eating foods from all food groups can make your overall and oral health better. Lastly, when you want a snack, eat food high in calcium and water such as raw vegetables, yogurt, cheese, and milk.

If you already drink red wine for a healthy heart, drinking it for good oral health may be another benefit. However, you do not need to drink red wine to get its benefits. You can receive these antioxidants to prevent tooth decay in other foods and whitening products. The best way to achieve good oral health is through brushing twice a day for two minutes each, flossing once a day, eating a balanced diet, and drinking water with sugary drinks or foods. For more information on good oral health or to plan your next visit, call dentist Houston at (281)-493-0061, today!

What To Expect During a Tooth Extraction

There are a few reasons you may need a tooth removed. Infection, a crowded mouth, and a hurt tooth are just a few reasons that Dr. Viet Tran at Smiles of Memorial may suggest a tooth extraction. Don’t be worried! This procedure will not take long or be painful. This safe treatment can be done in one visit. Below is more about before, during, and after the removal.

Before a Tooth Extraction at Smiles of Memorial

During the visit, Dr. Viet Tran will explain the tooth extraction process. Tell Dr. Viet Tran and his team about all the meds that you take and any health issues you have. Typically, patients do not have issues during or after the tooth extraction. Although, in some cases, Dr. Viet Tran may suggest that you take an antibiotic before and after the procedure to strengthen your immune system.

During a Tooth Extraction

On the day of the tooth extraction, Dr. Viet Tran will numb the area with a local anesthetic. With this, you will little to nothing! After Dr. Viet Tran has removed your tooth, a blood clot will begin to form around the area. Sometimes Dr. Viet Tran will place self-dissolving stitches. Lastly, Dr. Viet Tran will place gauze in the wound to help it heal. Then, you are done!

After Removing a Tooth in Memorial, Texas

Get plenty of rest! A tooth extraction can be stressful for the body. And, remember RICE — Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate. Rest for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Eat soft foods, avoid tobacco use, and do not use a straw for the first few days. Ice the area after the procedure in 10 minute intervals to reduce swelling. Add compression to the area by holding the gauze in place to reduce bleeding. Lastly, elevate your head to prevent prolonged bleeding.

Caring for the area after an extraction is key to a speedy and successful recovery. For more questions about tooth extractions, call Smiles of Memorial of Houston – Viet Tran DMD at (281)-493-0061, today!

Tips To Reduce Gum Disease At Home

If your gums bleed, swell, or if they are painful when you brush your teeth, you may have gum disease. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. You can practice proper oral care to undo the damage. Here are a few tips to help you stop gum disease before it hurts your smile.

Tips To Reduce Gum Disease at Smiles of Memorial:

1. Be Gentle While Brushing

If you gum disease, you may want to brush your teeth for a long period of time and fast. Do not do this! Yes, it is true that brushing your teeth can reduce gum disease, but if you brush too hard or too long you could hurt the tissue on your gums. Once hurt, those tissues are hard to repair.

2. Stop Using Tobacco

Whether it is smokeless or smoking tobacco, it is bad for your health. If you stop using tobacco you can help your overall and oral health. Did you know? Smoking can increase your chance of getting gum disease seven times more compared to nonsmokers. Decide to stop using tobacco today to stop gum diseases and other conditions!

3. Avoid Stress

This may be a surprising tip, but stress can hurt your oral health. More stress not only decreases your body’s defense against infections, but it can also cause muscle tension. This could lead to clenching and grinding. This could make you gum disease worse. Also, the added pressure on your teeth from grinding can destroy tissues in your gums along with other oral conditions such as TMD.

4. Use Good Oral Hygiene to Stop Gum Disease

The best way to promote good oral health is with a good oral hygiene routine. This means brushing twice a day, every day. No excuses! Start by brush after you wake-up and before bed for two minutes each. Also, floss twice a day. If your gums bleed or you experience tenderness while flossing, use extra care by sliding between the teeth instead of shoving the floss. Lastly, avoid sugary drinks and foods. This can include brightly colored fruits. Sugar or starches, which turn into acid, breaks down your tooth’s enamel, putting your tooth at-risk for a cavity. If you consume sugar, rinse your mouth with water afterward.

Although gingivitis can be reversed through good oral habits and brushing, periodontal disease cannot be reversed. Actually, you may experience bone or tooth loss as the periodontal disease develops. Following the steps above can help you reduce gum disease. For more information about treating gingivitis, get in touch with top dentist in Houston, TX, Dr. Viet Tran at Smiles of Memorial today!

Does Sparkling Water Ruin my Teeth?

You should drink water to stop bad breath and prevent decay. Drinking sparkling water may not be as good for your teeth. In theory, bubbly drinks can hurt your teeth because they have a higher level of acidity. This can breaks down enamel. With that said, do not be afraid to drink sparkling water. Recent research has shown that regular tap water has the same effect as sparkling water on teeth. Although, below are a few items in sparkling water that could hurt your teeth.

How Can Flavoring Hurt My Teeth?

Some sparkling water brands have different flavors such as orange or lime. Some citrus sparkling water has more acidity and increases the risk of breaking your enamel. How can you drink flavored drinks safely? Drink these options during a meal or during short periods of time to avoid exposing your teeth.

What does added sugar do?

Compared to sugary drinks such as soda or juice, any type of water is better for your teeth. Beware of the added sugars within sparkling water. As a rule of thumb, natural sugars are better than added sugars. But, natural fruit sugars can still break down tooth enamel. Read the ingredients before drinking sparkling water.

Sparkling Water May Lack Flouride

In the United States, tap water includes Flouride. This is a natural material that coats your teeth. With this, the enamel on the surface of your teeth strengthens and limits decay. Again, before drinking water, look at the bottle to see if it has Flouride.

In general, enamel, your tooth’s protector, can be broken by acids with carbonation. Once the enamel is broken, a hole may begin to develop and create a cavity. If the cavity continues, the hole can extend to the root and make a painful root canal. The best way to stop this is to follow a good oral hygiene routine. For more information, contact Dr. Viet Tran at Smiles of Memorial, today!

Treatment Options for a Missing Tooth

Many people have experienced a missing tooth from an accident or an extraction. The next step? Choosing a treatment option. This could be hard, but we are here to help! Here are three recommendations that Dr. Viet Tran at Smiles of Memorial may give you if you have a missing tooth.

Bridges

First, you could get a bridge or partial denture. Bridges are secured to teeth. They are held into place near the affected area and can fill-in one or more missing teeth. Here are a few types of bridges: removable, fixed, and an implant. Of course, Dr. Viet Tran can help you find the best bridge that will provide a natural look for your missing tooth.

Dentures

Some patients prefer a removable option, especially if they have lost the majority of their natural teeth. This is the least invasive way to replace a missing tooth. A full mouth restoration not only changes your smile but also can restructure the look of your face and profile. Who knew? Dental work can change the appearance of your facial structure. A few denture options to replace a missing tooth are conventional, immediate, an overdenture. At first, dentures can feel uncomfortable. However, as you become familiar with them they will feel more natural.

Implants

Lastly, the most invasive, yet the most natural looking option to replace a missing tooth are dental implants. In the past 40 years, dental implants have been one of the biggest improvements in dentistry. Did you know that you can get more than one dental implant? In fact, you can have up to a full mouth restoration with dental implants. Here is how they work. The implants are rooted in the jaw bone. Then, a cap or crown is added on top to cover the missing tooth.

If you have a missing tooth, you can restore the natural look of your smile with bridges, dentures, or implants. Of course, you should maintain your oral health habits after you have replaced your tooth. For more information, contact Dr. Viet Tran – experienced dentist in Houston at Smiles of Memorial.

Top 3 Types of Dental Fillings

Prolonged exposure to sugars, irregular brushing, or an unhealthy diet can contribute to the break down of tooth enamel. You can reverse early-stage tooth decay by brushing twice a day for two minutes each, rinsing your mouth after consuming sugar, and staying well-hydrated. However, once a hole has formed in your tooth the only solution is a dental filling. Dr. Dan Viet Tran may not offer all dental filling types, so check with Smiles of Memorial to learn more.

Composite Resins

One of the most common dental fillings is a composite resin which is a durable option that matches the shade of your natural teeth. This natural looking option is a good fit for the back or the front teeth because they can withstand the pressure of chewing. However, composites are usually more expensive than other dental filling options and many insurance companies do not cover them. Additionally, composite resins may not last as long as amalgam fillings. Furthermore, to place the dental filling, the tooth must be clean and dry which makes the procedure longer than an amalgam filling.

Dental Amalgam

Also called “silver-colored” fillings, amalgam fillings are comprised of an array of metals including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. This is the least expensive dental filing option and has been used for over 100 years by dentists. If you have a large cavity or a cavity on a molar than Dr. Dan Viet Tran may recommend this type of dental filling because it is the most durable option. The procedure to place the dental filling is shorter, so it is often used for children who have difficulty sitting still for a while.

A downside of an amalgam filling is that they do not have a natural look and others may be able to see it when you laugh or speak. Lastly, there has been a recent debate about the safety of an amalgam filling because it contains mercury. However, when mercury is used in conjunction with other metals it is in a safe state. Multiple studies have shown that amalgams cause no health risks to patients.

Gold Fillings

These are the most durable dental filing; however, they are the most expensive and the procedure is the longest. A gold dental filling is usually made of gold, copper, and other metals and can last up to 20 years. Typically, this technique is used for small filings. Multiple appointments are usually necessary for Dr. Dan Viet Tran to develop an impression of the cavity to craft a gold foil in a laboratory. At your second appointment, Dr. Dan Viet Tran will place the gold foil in your tooth. Since this is a lengthy and costly process, it is not usually recommended.

The best way to care for your teeth is to prevent cavities by brushing twice a day for two minutes each, eating healthy, and visiting Dr. Dan Viet Tran twice a year. For more information about fillings, cavity prevention, or to schedule an appointment call Smiles of Memorial of Houston – Viet Tran DMD at (281)-493-0061.

5 Ways to Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

At Smiles of Memorial, we want you and your children to achieve your best smile. Often times, this begins with preventative techniques such as brushing every day and eating healthy. Below are a few ways that can help you and your child prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay.

1.Avoid Sharing Saliva

Sharing saliva through a spoon or a pacifier can expose your child’s mouth to cavity-creating bacteria. This bacteria can break down the enamel on your child’s tooth leading to baby bottle tooth decay. Once a hole begins to form, the baby bottle tooth decay is irreversible and your child will have to receive a filling to prevent further damage.

2.Brush Twice a Day

Before your child’s teeth arrive, clean their gums with a damp washcloth after each feeding. This will prevent the build-up of sugars, acids, bacteria, and baby bottle tooth decay. When your child’s first tooth emerges, call Dr. Dan Viet Tran to schedule an appointment. It is important to visit Smiles of Memorial soon after losing their first tooth to ensure their teeth are growing properly. If your child’s first tooth does not appear by their first birthday, bring them to Smiles of Memorial for an exam.

3.Supervise Before Age 6 or 7

You should always supervise your child while they brush their teeth before age 6 or 7 to ensure that they do not swallow the toothpaste. Teach your child to use a pea-size of toothpaste to brush their teeth. Explain the importance of using toothpaste with fluoride because it helps strengthen your tooth’s enamel, a cavity protector. Neglecting to brush their teeth can cause baby bottle tooth decay.

4.Avoid Sugary Liquids

Do not put sugary drinks such as sodas, juice, sugar water, or sweet tea in your child’s bottle. These sugars work fast to break down enamel and cause irreversible cavities. If your child loses a tooth from a cavity their permanent tooth may not have enough room to grow and therefore causing misaligned teeth.

5.Don’t Sleep With the Bottle

Lastly, do not let your child sleep with their bottle. This can cause prolonged exposure to sugars on your teeth which can cause baby bottle tooth decay.

Of course, Smiles of Memorial’s best advice is to encourage your child to brush twice a day for two minutes each, exclude all sugar drinks, and avoid prolonged exposure to milk. For more information about baby bottle tooth decay prevention or to schedule an appointment call the best dentist in Houston at (281)-493-0061 today!