Smile Transformations Give Mother Nature a Hand

The bad news is that a cleft palate is one of the most common birth defects. The good news is that it usually treatable, with most of the major correction done before a child is out of diapers.

However, many patients require corrective surgical procedures throughout their adult lives to try to give them a pleasing smile.

In the past, our options were limited, but today we have a better understanding of how the skull and facial bones grow, new technologies (including soft and hard tissue lasers), and new dental appliances and treatments that are providing beautiful results.


Correcting a facial deformity requires surgery. However, without performing major surgical procedures to move boney structures, we can use bonding (tooth-colored material that is layered over a tooth and sculpted to mimic a natural tooth), all-porcelain crowns and gum contouring to create a beautiful smile. [We chose not to include "before" photos because of their disturbing nature].

Building up the teeth can help correct a malocclusion (bad bite when teeth don't match up) and provide lip support to make the lip area appear full and even.

A soft tissue laser can be used to contour uneven or overgrown, unsightly gum tissue.

Finally, frequent professional dental cleaning can remove built up plaque that irritates gum tissue and starts the infection process.

If you want to improve your smile, we can discuss your options with you and create a treatment plan to give you a beautiful smile.

Houston dentist
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.

Seal the Deal on Decay

There are about 4 million children in the U.S who have difficulty sleeping, eating and learning because of caries (tooth decay). Caries is the number one, chronic childhood disease, and it is preventable. One simple way to prevent caries is applying sealant to the top surface of your child's permanent molars where the majority of cavities start.

It is especially important for us to examine your child’s first permanent molars when they erupt (about 6 years old). Permanent molars are susceptible to decay because the top surface is not smooth. There are cusps (bulges at each corner of the tooth), and pits and fissures between the bulges where bacteria and food particles can lodge. The bristles of your child's toothbrush often cannot dislodge all the food debris out of those deep crevices.

Bacteria feed on the lodged food particles and produce an acid that leeches calcium and phosphorous out of tooth enamel. This results in a soft spot on the tooth. If left alone, this spot eventually becomes a cavity.
We can prevent tooth decay with a resin material called a sealant. Sealant is brushed over the top of the pits and fissures. It quickly dries to form a hard, impenetrable surface. If placed in time, a soft spot rarely progresses to a cavity.
Statistics show that caries are reduced by 87 percent the first year the sealant is applied.

Sealant eventually wears down and must be reapplied about every four to five years.
It's important to remember that sealant is not a substitute for daily brushing, flossing, a tooth-friendly diet and regular dental examinations.

A sealant isn't just for kids; adolescents and adults can benefit from it, too!

Houston dentist
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.

CSI: Dental Crime Stoppers

Crime-time TV shows have introduced a new term to the American lexicon: petechial hemorrhaging. This happens when blood vessels burst leaving tiny, flat, round, red or purple bruises where blood has pooled in the tissue. They don't blanch or fade color when pressed.

On TV, it's evidence an evil-doer strangled the hapless victim. Closer to home, you can see it on your arm where your bratty brother gave you an Indian burn, or in your own mouth. Your own mouth? Let’s examine the evidence.

The most common cause of petechiae is trauma. For example, chewing on a pencil or toothbrush ruptures blood vessels when you push the object against the roof of your mouth. Petechiae can also form if you eat rough, hard foods like chips or crackers. An ill-fitting denture or a jagged, rough filling can cause tiny blood vessels to break.


Petechiae can also be caused by blood disorders, systemic diseases and vitamin C deficiency, and the mouth is often the first place a disease appears.

If the petechiae are caused by a trauma like eating crackers, the bruises usually go away without treatment in a few days. However, an area that is continually traumatized from a habit like chewing pencils or an intentional injury jeopardizes your health.

If you notice anything unusual in your mouth, it is best to let us take a look to rule out a serious condition that needs treatment. Catching a condition in its early stage can be key to your good health, just like catching the butler in the library with the rope right before the credits roll.


Houston dentist
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.

Kids with cancer - How to Protect Their Teeth

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, everyone's life turns upside down. As your dental care professionals, we can help with your child's dental needs while he or she is undergoing treatments.

We need to begin an oral care program two weeks before your child starts cancer treatments because there are several procedures we cannot perform if your child has already begun radiation or chemotherapy.


We can identify and take care of most existing dental needs so your child's cancer treatment won't be delayed. For example, if your child has an oral infection, cancer treatments will be postponed.


If your child wears braces or a retainer, we need to examine it. An ill-fitting appliance can damage soft oral tissues and provide bacteria an opportunity to cause a gum infection. We can provide you with information about the daily care of an orthodontic device.

Your child needs to maintain a consistent, rigorous daily oral care routine. Start by using xylitol products as soon as possible before treatments begin. Using xylitol five or more times a day will help build a healthier grouping of bacteria in the mouth. Stock up on toothbrushes, too. Switching to a new one about three days after a chemo treatment will provide less contamination when the white blood cell count goes down and your child is least resistant to infection. And come visit us often. The best time is just before a chemo treatment when we can apply fluoride varnish or send fluoride trays home with you to help prepare the teeth for their difficult journey.

We can recommend minor dietary changes to eliminate or minimize foods and supplements that can cause tooth decay.

You can be confident that your child will receive excellent professional medical and dental care before, during and after cancer treatments.


Houston dentist
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.

Diabetics: Hold the Mayo

There are over 24 million diabetics in the U.S., and another 57 million are teetering on the edge. Diabetics are at risk for developing or worsening their periodontitis (perio), a chronic dental inflammation that prevents their bodies from controlling their blood sugar levels.

Periodontitis destroys a tooth's surrounding support structures and can result in irreversible jawbone and tooth loss [X-ray shows healthy bone level vs jawbone bone loss]. We cannot yet cure perio; we can only manage it.

Like perio, diabetes is an inflammatory disease.

Over 80 percent of diabetics who have perio also show signs of developing heart disease and strokes, which are also inflammatory diseases. The oral infection uses your bloodstream to travel to other parts of your body.


Research is showing that type 2 diabetes and perio are locked into a relationship in which a poorly controlled diet provides sugars and carbohydrates to the bacteria associated with perio. When the inflammation in your mouth becomes more severe, your body overreacts to the acids produced by the bacteria. The chemicals produced by perio make your body more resistant to insulin and keep your blood sugar levels out of balance.

A healthy diet and good oral care can help break you out of that vicious cycle.

As you work with your physician to eat a healthy diet, we will help restore your dental health by treating your perio and regularly monitoring your progress.


Houston dentist
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.

Do You Feel Safe in Our Office?

Look around when you enter your exam room. Do you see equipment out of place? soiled hand towels? a dirty countertop? Of course not. The dental assistant makes sure your room is clean, disinfected and ready for you. If you have any anxiety, our assistant tries to help you know that everything will be OK. He or she sincerely cares about your well being and your experience in our office.

One of your dental or dental hygiene assistant's many functions is to make sure we use the proper disinfectants and sterilization products, that our employees have infection control training, evaluates our office infection control protocols and monitors our office for compliance with state and federal regulations. Dental assistants regularly attend training classes to keep up with new techniques and information.


The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) maintains a list of 70 functions a dental assistant can perform; however, every state can add functions that have been approved by their state.

A few of the DANB functions are managing infection control, ordering supplies, taking X-rays, applying sealant, taking impressions and updating medical histories.

Even though patients are highly informed people, they might not want to ask about the treatment plan. In some states, a dental assistant helps by answering questions so that the patient has the information needed to make an informed decision about their dental health care.

Your safety and our staff safety are in his or her capable hands.

You, your dental assistant and I form a strong team that works towards optimal dental care for you.

Look around when you leave your exam room; aren't you glad it didn't look like that when you came in?

Houston dentist
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.

Blech! Dragons Breath!

You brushed your teeth, but 20 minutes later your dragon's breath is back. Halitosis (bad breath) refers to stinky sulfur compounds that accumulate especially at the back of your tongue.
Halitosis has several causes and treatments, including—

Diet—digested foods such as hi-protein foods, coffee, tea, acidic foods, cookies, candy, garlic and onions are absorbed into the bloodstream, carried to your lungs and exhaled.

• Eat fewer offending foods and drink more water.

Inadequate oral hygiene—food particles between your teeth and trapped in the grooves on your tongue ferment and produce sulfur compounds.

• Brush twice each day with an anti-bacterial or baking soda toothpaste and floss once each day or after each meal.
• Thoroughly clean dental appliances.
• Use a tongue scraper to remove trapped food and bacteria from the back of your tongue.  
• Avoid mouth rinses that contain alcohol. Use mouthwashes that contain xylitol and essential oils such as tea tree and spearmint that help freshen breath.
• Chew xylitol gum between brushings. Xylitol is an ingredient in some mouth rinses, toothpastes and gels.

Inadequate oral care lets biofilm build up on your teeth and below your gumline. Most of the sulfur compounds that cause bad breath come from bacterial compounds deteriorating gum tissue.

• A professional cleaning above and below the gumline removes bacteria and dead tissue.

Medicines—can cause xerostomia (dry mouth).

• Change medications, if possible.
• Saliva helps to clean the mouth, so, use products made with xylitol to stimulate saliva flow and kill oral bacteria.
  

Medical conditions—stomach or intestinal conditions such as the flu and Crohn's contribute to halitosis.

• Add more alkaline foods to your diet.
• Drink plenty of water.

If our suggestions don't help, don't be embarrassed to ask us about stinky breath.

Houston dentist
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.

Kids Teeth: Blinded by the White

Peer pressure can have a tremendous impact on your 'tween or teen's self-esteem. One of the trends we see is children under the age of 18 whitening their teeth. Whitening at this stage in their tooth development is risky.
Self-esteem is fragile. Your child might have a nice smile, but dark teeth, for example. They may feel as if their dark teeth kisses goodbye that invitation to sit next to a special someone during the pep assembly.

A child who has both primary and permanent teeth and who uses an over-the-counter whitening product without your knowledge can end up with teeth of drastically different shades of white. That's because primary teeth have a thinner layer of enamel than permanent teeth.

Whitening agents can wear away enamel, especially if improperly used on primary teeth where the enamel is thinner. An indication is that suddenly your child's teeth are sensitive to cold beverages or foods, or a sharp pain stabs down the center of their teeth. They might also complain that their gums tingle or hurt from the whitening agent.


Not following directions or improper application could also result in serious damage to tissues that help support the teeth as well as a tooth's root.

Some teens who have become addicted to whitening experience extreme tooth sensitivity and have teeth with blue-ish, translucent edges [top photo].


There's not a lot of research yet on the long-term effects of whitening at this age level, but some think that there is a possibility of permanently damaging the tooth pulp (contains nerves and blood).

If your 'tween or teen wants to whiten, let us examine his or her teeth to determine if whitening will be safe and appropriate. We can identify dental problems that will need to be addressed prior to whitening, then, create a whitening procedure suitable for your child.
 
Houston dentist
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.

Wobbly Denture Wobegone

If you have a removable dental appliance, there is a high likelihood that you will develop denture stomatitis. Stomatitis refers to inflammation.

The inflammation can appear as patches of small red sores or tiny bruise-like spots underneath the denture [bottom image].

We're not sure exactly what causes denture stomatitis, but we often see it in patients who have poorly-fitting dentures, have trouble keeping their oral tissues clean and don't remove their dentures at bedtime.


Some patients have bad breath, a stinging sensation or notice changes in their ability to taste foods.

Denture stomatitis typically affects patients who fall into two or more categories: they—

• are over 60 years old,
• wear a dental appliance including a partial or full denture,
• live in a nursing home,
• have type 2 diabetes,
• have an organ transplant or weak immune system,
• take steroids (orally or by inhaler) or antibiotics, or they
• receive cancer therapy.

Denture stomatitis isn't contagious. However, studies show that oral bacteria can be inhaled into the lungs and cause pneumonia, or they can travel through the bloodstream into artificial joints, the kidneys, and into the heart and contribute to a heart attack or stroke.

Denture stomatitis is easily treated by thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing the denture, removing it at bedtime, and applying topical medications. A wobbly, ill-fitting denture can be stabilized with implants (metal posts surgically embedded into the jawbone).

If you notice anything unusual in your mouth, please call immediately and schedule an appointment. Early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to healthy teeth and body.

Houston dentist
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.

Protect Your Unborn Baby

Protecting your baby before birth is a natural instinct; yet, you may not know that your oral health and food choices affect the dental health of your unborn child.

For example, a mother-to-be who has poor oral health can pass on a lifetime of dental disease to her unborn baby.

Dental caries, which causes cavities, is the most common, preventable childhood disease. Caries is an infection that is transmittable from mom to baby, and children typically acquire caries before they are 2-years old.

If you have untreated caries or periodontitis (chronic, oral bacterial infection), you will transmit those bacteria to your newborn baby, so, it is essential that we remove the bacteria before you give birth. Controlling your periodontitis can help prevent the likelihood of a pre-term birth and low birth weight baby.


Your baby's dental health is at risk even though your baby's teeth have not yet erupted because bacteria-causing bacteria cling to other oral surfaces besides teeth.

Your diet is important. Pregnancy often means craving food. You likely reach for something quick—a snack that is sugar-laden which adds more food for your oral bacteria to feast on, thereby, increasing your risk for getting more cavities.
One way to help your newborn's dental health is for you to brush with fluoride toothpaste at least twice each day and floss once every day.

Many pregnant women don't seek dental treatment, but having regular checkups during your pregnancy helps protect your newborn against painful caries.

Houston dentist
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.

Shine On

Want a Hollywood smile but don’t have a superstar bank account? Here are three ways to quickly get you ready for the paparazzi. 

Stunning smiles in a snap

If your teeth are crooked, stained, chipped, have gaps, or are damaged from grinding, there are several things you can do to improve your smile. However, most remedies involve some pretty aggressive procedures. Now, the same way press-on nails can give you an instant manicure, a Snap-On Smile can instantly give you a movie star smile. In fact, you can choose a celebrity smile as your very own. Want to look like Jessica Simpson, Halle Berry, or George Clooney? You can. Well, your teeth can, anyway.

The Snap-On Smile was invented by Dr. Marc Liechtung as an affordable alternative to veneers. Getting the Snap-On doesn’t require drilling or reshaping your teeth; so, there is no discomfort and no permanent change to your teeth. The appliance is made of a flexible resin that actually snaps onto your teeth in a single piece with no need for adhesive. Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth, you’ll decide on the shade and shape you want, and, in just a couple of weeks, you’ll get your new smile. Initially, it will take 24 to 48 hours to get used to speaking and eating with it.

With proper home care, the Snap-On Smile should last three to five years. Since the appliance is removable, you must practice good hygiene. In fact, your oral hygiene should be better than usual. Take the appliance off to clean it and to brush and floss your teeth after every meal or snack. You should start off with soft foods and add harder foods as you get more comfortable. 

This device is for cosmetic enhancement only. To be a good candidate for the Snap-On Smile, you must begin with healthy teeth. And remember, most insurance will not cover cosmetic dentistry. Your dentist will tell you if the Snap-On Smile will get you ready for your close-up.

Diamonds are a grillz best friend 

As a perfect smile becomes the latest must-have fashion accessory, many people are adding sparkle to their grin with jewels. They are literally putting their money where their mouth is by adding diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and gold to their pearly whites.

Inspired by hip-hop artists, celebrity followers are enjoying their own fling with bling. The temporary Grillz or “fronts” snap over your teeth and cost as little as $20 but often soar into the thousands of dollars.

Kiosks, Web sites and jewelry stores have sprung up across America selling this latest fashion trend, but this is definitely a case of “buyer beware.” Your teeth and gums are delicate, and ill-fitting appliances can irritate the gums and damage the tooth enamel. Jewelry store clerks fitting a customer for a Grill probably won’t offer advice about the importance of brushing and flossing. They may also neglect to tell a customer that these are meant to be temporary adornments that should be worn only occasionally, never while eating. According to the American Dental Association, Grillz are also a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to tooth decay.

If you decide to go for the gold despite the risks, there’s one other thing to consider: fitting you could mean breaking the law. Jewelers and shop clerks might take an impression of your teeth to create your bling, but in some states that’s considered dentistry and requires a license.

Subtle shine 

There is a safer way to get that sparkle in your smile without the potential damage of Grillz. Teeth jewelry is small gems made just for dental use. Each jewel is attached to your teeth with a special light-cured composite and will stay put for several months or several years. It only takes about 20 seconds to attach this little bit of bling and can easily be removed by a dentist when you’re ready to update your fashion statement. 

You can find teeth jewels in dental offices and dental spas. The price depends on your choice of jewel and the dental fees, but this option is usually less expensive than getting a full Grill. And because dental professionals attach them, you can be assured of better care than a jeweler or Web site store can provide.

So, no matter if you’re drawn to a celebrity smile you can snap in, a row of hip-hop dazzle, or just want to add a little sparkle, you have a lot of choice. But, remember, there’s nothing as beautiful as a row of healthy, white teeth.

For more information, you might find the following Web sites useful:

American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry http://www.aacd.com/
American Association of Orthodontics http://www.braces.org
American Society for Dental Aesthetics http://www.asdatoday.com/

Houston dentist
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.

5 Tips to Turn Back the Clock

How are your New Year's resolutions coming along? If you made a resolution to look younger, there's a way to reverse the years, look better and be healthier without going to the gym or resorting to surgery.

There is a lingering myth that a dull smile is caused by aging. Age has nothing to do with the appearance of your teeth, but your lifestyle, habit choices and health do.

It's well documented that someone with a dull smile is perceived to be less attractive, less interesting and unsuccessful. There is no need to be that person if you use these easy tips to turn back the aging clock.

1—Diet—Coffee, tea, red wine, colas, berries and grapes, for example, can discolor your teeth. When you consume them, follow up by brushing and flossing.
2—Nicotine—Tobacco products stain and darken your teeth as well as have a detrimental impact on your health. Our advice is to avoid tobacco products, but if you can’t, use rigorous oral care.
3—Oral care—There are many products to help you maintain a beautiful smile, especially whitening toothpaste that contains fluoride. Toothbrush bristles quickly wear out, so remember to buy a new soft-bristle toothbrush every three months. Brush at least twice daily and floss at least once daily.
4—Professional whitening—Our in-office whitening procedure can quickly turn your dull teeth into a brilliant, attractive smile.
5—Dental exams—It's important to have regular bi-yearly check-ups or more often if you are in treatment for a health condition that affects your oral tissues or we are treating you for a dental condition. We can identify even slight changes in your oral health when we see you on a regular basis and can get a head start on protecting your oral and overall health.

With those tips, you can have an ageless winner's smile, and that's no myth.

Houston dentist
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.

Does the Tooth Fairy Pay Less for These Teeth?

A child grinding his or her teeth together while sleeping is a sound that can set your nerves on edge. Teeth grinding and clenching is called bruxism and is very common in children, especially 5 to 6 years old. By the age of 12, bruxism usually goes away on its own.


We're not exactly sure what causes bruxism, and in most cases it doesn't harm your child's teeth. However, there are children who grind so intently that they wear down the edges of their teeth to the extent that we must intervene to save the teeth.

Sometimes, as your child's jawbone and teeth are rapidly growing and changing and primary teeth are erupting, teeth don't match together comfortably, or there is overcrowding, and your child will grind to try to get comfortable.


The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the hinge that allows the lower jaw to move up and down, can have an issue that will result in tooth grinding. There is also thought to be a psychological factor from stress, fear or anxiety.

If necessary, we can polish the teeth to help them fit together, or we can make a custom nightguard that will stop the tooth wear [bottom photo].
Some signs of bruxism include—

• a sore jaw or ear in the morning,
• sore facial muscles, and
• grinding noises during the night.

If you suspect bruxism, it's best that we examine your child right away to make sure there is no serious damage being done.

Houston dentist
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.

A Pure, Ancient, Simple Pleasure of Life

What comes to mind when you think of “comfort food”—popcorn, chocolate, fresh strawberries or apple pie, perhaps? If you were the Emperor of ancient Rome, you might think of ice cream. Story has it that Nero (A.D. 37-68) sent runners to the mountains to bring back snow to which he added nectar, honey and fruit pulp. Some historians believe this was the origin of ice cream.

There are also stories that Marco Polo brought ice cream from China to Europe with him. The Chinese, circa A.D. 618-97, developed ice and milk mixtures that may be the true ancestor of our ice cream.
Ice cream was a favorite treat in the early White House. Both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson served ice cream to White House guests. Dolly Madison served an ice cream dessert at the second inaugural ball in 1812. During the eighteenth century, ingredients that are synonymous with today’s ice cream—cream, milk and egg yolks—first appeared in a cookbook. Today, in the U.S., we eat an average of 23 quarts of ice cream each year!

Thanks to a New England housewife who invented a hand-cranked ice cream machine in the mid-1800s, we have the convenience of being able to eat ice cream any time of the year. Yet, there are many who have never eaten snow ice cream, not because of their age or modern conveniences, but because of their geographic location. There are areas of the United States where snow never falls.

Simple pleasurable times
If you were a child living in an area before electricity made it to your home or there was no ice vendor driving through your city’s streets, one of your favorite treats might have been snow ice cream. Many cherish fond memories of gathering fresh, clean snow, adding their favorite flavorings and feeling the smooth, icy tingle of a treat that unfortunately was unavailable in heat of summer.
Making snow ice cream doesn’t take a master’s degree in food preparation; in fact, if you have a youngster in your home, it is a fun activity for a child.

I can see the calories piling on
We have food choices today that weren’t available even 5 years ago. If you want to try this luxurious concoction, let your imagination and your dietary needs be your guide. Snow ice cream can be low-cal, non-fat and non-dairy, cooked and uncooked.

Main ingredient	Ingredient alternatives	Ingredient function
Milk	4% (whole), 2%, 1%, skim, flavored (chocolate, malt, etc), evaporated, sweetened condensed, half and half, cream, powdered (regular, low-fat, non-fat)	Fat gives ice cream a smooth texture and flavor. Skim milk gives ice cream more body and adds protein.
Non-dairy milk substitutes	Soy, rice, almond, hazelnut, oat, liquid coffee creamer* (flavored and non-flavored)
Sugar	Several sugar substitutes are currently available	Adds sweetness, increases body and improves texture.
Gelatin		Absorbs some of the moisture and prevents large crystals from forming.
Eggs	Several egg substitute products are available	Helps fat and water combine and prevents ice cream from melting so quickly.
Vanilla	Flavored syrups, any flavoring extract, flavored coffee creamer*	Flavor of your choice! Is today a hazelnut mocha or a peppermint day?
Toppings	Nuts, fruit, berries, sprinkles, freezer jam, preserves, commercial ice cream syrup toppings, etc

The following basic, uncooked snow ice cream recipes can be modified to your personal taste. Recipes containing uncooked eggs were not included because of the risk of salmonella poisoning. Experiment with a variety of milk, non-dairy products, flavorings and toppings. Snow ice cream will quickly melt in a warm room, so eat it as soon as it is made.

Snow Ice Cream Southern Style
Large bowl or pan of fresh, clean snow 1 2/3 cups evaporated milk or 1 pint of half and half or 1 pint of cream 1 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla
Chill the bowl or pan before scooping in snow. Add sugar to the snow. Fold together snow and sugar. Add vanilla. Gradually stir in some or all of the evaporated milk (or alternate milk choice) until the mixture becomes thick. Spoon into chilled bowls and enjoy! (Some people prefer the taste of sweetened condensed milk in this recipe.)

Non-dairy Snow Ice Cream
1 soup bowl of snow Non-dairy milk substitute (refer to chart) Vanilla Maple syrup
Chill the bowl before scooping up fresh, clean snow. Pour some non-dairy milk substitute over the snow. Add vanilla and maple syrup. Stir and sample. Add more milk if you need to thin it down, more vanilla or more syrup to taste.

Spumoni Snow
4 cups of clean snow 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk 1 cup canned cherry pie filling 1/2 teaspoon rum flavoring 1/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Chill the bowl or pan before scooping up snow. Add the sweetened condensed milk and rum flavoring; stir well. Fold in cherry pie filling and mini chips. Serve in chilled bowls.

Don't forget to brush!
As delicious as these cool treats are, remember your dental hygiene: brush and floss regularly. Brushing and flossing removes the sugary film from your teeth and helps to prevent tooth decay. Tooth decay can lead to serious dental problems which can also affect your general health.

Start the new year off right with a happy mouth and healthy teeth!

For more information, you might find the following Web sites useful:
Academy of General Dentistry http://www.agd.org/
American Dental Association http://www.ada.org/
Dairy Science and Technology, University of Guelph : http://www.foodsci.uoguelph
FamilyFun: http://FamilyFun.com
International Dairy Foods Association: http://www.idfa.org
Learning Haven: http://www.learninghaven.com
Seeds of Knowledge--Old Fashioned Living: http://oldfashionedliving.com
Steve Spangler Science: http://www.stevespanglerscience.com
Cook's Recipes: http://www.cooksrecipes.com

Houston dentist
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.

It's Natural, So Whats the Harm?

Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) may be harmful to your oral health.

Women entering menopause often seek hormone replacements to relieve menopause's undesirable symptoms, but those replacements can cause gingivitis and have been linked to cancer and heart disease.


Think gingivitis is nothing to worry about? Gingivitis is a gum infection that produces swollen, red gums that bleed when you brush and floss. If not treated, gingivitis can progress to a severe, incurable infection that can result in jawbone and tooth loss.

Because something is derived from a plant doesn't mean it's safe. For example, plants like soybeans are chemically altered in order to produce a BHRT.

Studies show that over 70 percent of women believe "natural" hormones have fewer risks, and over 60 percent believe they are more effective than FDA-approved hormone therapies. However, BHRT products cannot demonstrate that they are safer or more effective than traditional hormone replacements.

BHRT falls outside the jurisdiction of the FDA, so there is no reliable, clinically-controlled testing of those products. In fact, BHRT claims to mimic your body’s hormones, so, BHRT likely carries the same risks and adverse effects, including gingivitis, as traditional hormone therapies.

Your healthcare provider can advise you about taking BHRT.

It is vitally important that you tell us if you are taking any hormone replacements so that we can adjust your dental care to keep your teeth and oral tissues healthy.


Houston dentist
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.

Something's Fishy About Gum Disease

Pack a picnic lunch, gather your fishing gear and head to the nearest fishing hole. Certain types of fish contain omega-3 fatty acids that can potentially protect your teeth.

 An epidemic dental infection, periodontitis (perio, for short), is the advanced stage of gum disease. Your body tries to eliminate the tooth by breaking down the fibers and bone that hold it in the socket. Eventually, the tooth will fall out.

Perio bacteria can also travel through your bloodstream and build plaques in your arteries to cause a heart attack and stroke.


We have known for some time that the heart and arteries benefit from omega-3 oil that is produced by fish including salmon, lake trout, tuna, herring and halibut. Researchers have discovered that omega-3 oils produce a product called Resolvin. Resolvin prevents inflammatory cells from travelling to an infected site.

According to the study, a topical agent containing Resolvin was placed on the oral tissues and effectively prevented more inflammation from developing, which protected the gum tissue from destruction and prevented bone loss.

While we don't yet have a product that we can prescribe to our perio patients, adding at least two servings of a fatty fish to your meals each week could certainly help your arteries and heart to stay healthy, especially because perio bacteria are directly related to their health.

Perio effects can't be reversed; we can only manage the bacteria and bone loss, so anything that can be done to protect your teeth is at the top of our list.

If you are experiencing a dental issue or it is time for your check-up, give us a call.

Houston dentist
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.