Houston Dentist

Smile Transformations Give Mother Nature a Hand

2011-05-02T19:24:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-02T19:23:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-30T21:48:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-27T19:57:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-27T19:35:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-04-02T13:47:00.001-07:00

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!

2011-04-02T13:47:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-01T17:14:00.001-07:00

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

2011-04-01T17:14:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-28T21:59:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-28T21:50:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-03T09:54:00.000-08:00

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?

2011-03-01T23:05:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-19T12:32:00.000-08:00

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?

2011-02-11T21:46:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-07T19:23:00.000-08:00

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.

Hide Denture in Plain View

2010-12-11T12:12:00.000-08:00

You can wear a denture that only you and I know is in your mouth: a partial flexible denture. And not only is a partial flexible denture nearly invisible, it adapts to the constant movement in your mouth.

A removable, partial flexible denture may be an excellent choice if you need to replace existing teeth or missing teeth, and the remaining teeth in your dental arch are healthy.

Unlike a conventional partial denture that is made from rigid acrylic material and uses metal clasps to clamp onto neighboring teeth [top photo], this appliance is constructed from a soft nylon-type material that matches the natural color of your gums. The "clasps" are extensions of the base material and curl snugly around the neighboring teeth [bottom photo]. Sometimes, a hole is punched in the material and the appliance is slipped over the top of a natural tooth like a turtleneck sweater.

A partial flexible denture has desirable advantages:

It is strong and stays in place when you chew, unlike a conventional denture that loses suction and pops loose, which can be embarrassing.
Your natural teeth do not need to be reshaped like they would with a bridge, for example.
It maintains the shape of your face and prevents your teeth from shifting.
It is thin and lightweight.
There is little or no speech adaption necessary.
Most patients immediately become accustomed to its fit and feel.

A removable, flexible partial denture can magically restore your beautiful smile. Call and schedule an appointment. We can discuss your smile goals and options.

Houston dentist
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.

Twitter Tweets Twist Truth

2010-12-09T21:56:00.000-08:00

Social networking sites, such as Twitter, can be beneficial. In one instance, an Oregon police department posted a Twitter alert about a lost Alzheimer patient. Tweeters' lightening fast tweets assisted police in immediately locating the patient.

We have read that Twitter has been used to hawk unused medicines or to find someone who is willing to give up their unused medicine. Tweeters also give medical advice even though they are not healthcare professionals.

Technology can provide faster ways to deliver information; however, it will never replace knowledgeable healthcare professionals.

For example, we might prescribe a medication to help you resolve a dental condition. Even though we instruct you to take all of the medication, you might be tempted to stop the medication as soon as you feel better. What will you do with the leftovers?

Sometimes, well-meaning people will offer their unused medications to others not realizing they might be putting that person in danger. If you are considering giving your unused prescription to someone else, don’t. A medication is not one size fits all. It was prescribed based on your specific condition, other medications, age and weight, for example.

You always need to be on guard against potentially harmful "advice." Please, ask us about dental medication "advice" no matter where you get it—through mobile technology, the Internet or your local coffee shop.
We have many years of education and experience, and we constantly update our knowledge and skills, just to protect you.

Houston dentist
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.

Teeth Might Save a Child’s Life

2010-12-08T22:22:00.000-08:00

Your youngster's teeth may one day have the ability to save his or her life.

Everyone's teeth contain pulp, a spongy material made up of tissue, blood vessels and nerves in the center of each tooth. A child's tooth pulp contains special stem cells that can become different types of tissue, such as oral and facial bone, cartilage, muscle and soft tissues.

Many people are already aware that bone marrow (that contains stem cells) is removed from one person and injected into a cancer patient in hopes of conquering the cancer. Imagine your child at an older age being inflicted with a condition such as Parkinson's disease. Your child's own stored dental stem cells could be used to repair the brain tissue damaged by Parkinson's.

Using one's own cells is called "personalized medicine," and it is becoming a popular way to use resources from a person's body to conquer disease or regenerate tissue, which eliminates ethical concerns. Using one's own stem cells also prevents the body from rejecting the cells or from inheriting an unwanted condition from an outside donor.

A dental stem bank has been set up (outside the U.S.) to explore using one’s own stem cells for dental applications. So far, three states have certified the stem cell bank’s processing and quality control procedures.
Even though we can't use this personalized medicine technology today, the prospect of its development is very exciting!

Houston dentist
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.

It's Not What You Eat; It's How Often

2010-12-05T19:40:00.000-08:00

This is the time of year everyone is giving you advice on eating. And this is no exception. But we aren't as concerned about how living off of hors d'ouevres or having that extra piece of pie will impact your waistline. We're concerned that the constant availability of food, especially during the holiday season, will wear out your teeth.

It can be confusing trying to make sense of the information about eating regular meals and avoiding foods that increase your risk for caries, especially when the trend is to snack throughout the day. Some weight-loss diets recommend eating five or six small meals a day.

Saliva washes harmful bacteria off your teeth and helps neutralize decay-causing acid, but snacking overwhelms your saliva. Consequently, when you constantly snack, your teeth are bathed in bacteria-produced acid all day long, putting you at high risk for tooth decay. Every time you eat, it takes your saliva about 20 minutes to put your mouth back into balance. If you are constantly eating, you don’t give your mouth enough time to recover from the acid attack.

When you snack, snack wisely. We recommend that you choose foods and beverages that have a low caries risk (low sugar and not acidic). And don't forget that beverages can be treacherous. That gingerbread, cocoa, egg nog latte with the chocolate snowflake may look like a harmless holiday indulgence, but those fancy coffee drinks can have as much as 69 grams of sugar. And you know sugar feeds cavity-causing bacteria. Consume foods made with the three natural sugars that prevent caries: tagatose, isomalt and xylitol.

Tagatose is sold under the name Naturlose, which is also a healthy sugar for diabetics. Naturlose foods include candy, cocoa, ice cream, powdered milk, yogurt, cheese, fruit juices and diet soft drinks.
Isomalt is a common ingredient in diabetic foods and candies.

Xylitol, a natural sugar found in some plants, is used in several foods, gum, candy, and lozenges.
The American Diabetes Association states that sugar alcohols such as isomalt, maltitol and xylitol contain fewer calories and carbohydrates than regular sugars. Look for products marketed as "no sugar added."
Of course, your best strategy is to minimize snacking and eat regular meals; brush at least twice each day with fluoride toothpaste, and floss at least once each day. In a pinch, chew a piece of xylitol or other sugar-free gum after the snack.

Enjoy the holidays. Eat, drink, but be wary of constant indulgence. Pace yourself. That's good advice for any time of year.

Houston dentist
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.

e-Cigarettes Are Not Smoke and Mirrors

2010-12-04T11:41:00.000-08:00

E-cigarettes look like a smoke and mirrors party trick, but they are a serious nicotine delivery system.

An electronic cigarette uses liquid nicotine dissolved in propylene glycol (an ingredient in antifreeze) instead of tobacco. A small heating device vaporizes the liquid mixture. The "smoker" inhales the vapor. When exhaled, the vapor looks like cigarette smoke, but it quickly dissipates like the steam from a teakettle of boiling water.

The FDA reports that early tests show e-cigarettes contain cancer-causing components. One participant in a university medical school's research reported that liquid nicotine caused a burning sensation at the site of some dental work.

There are too many unknowns about e-cigarettes.

We know that liquid nicotine prescribed for smoking cessation has risks for pregnant women, anyone taking medications or who has allergies, as well as anyone with a medical condition such as asthma, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. We simply do not yet know if the same is true about the liquid nicotine used in e-cigarettes.

Because e-cigarettes have not been thoroughly tested, several countries have banned their sale, and the World Health Organization has objected to false claims that their organization approves and endorses e-cigarettes.

Until we have reliable data about health and safety issues, we recommend that our patients be safe and not use e-cigarettes.

If you use e-cigarettes, it's extremely important to see us twice each year so we can perform an oral cancer exam, check for decay and periodontal disease because we know they increase in people who use nicotine. Also, please tell us that you use e-cigarettes so we can adjust your treatments accordingly.

Houston dentist
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.

Straighten Teeth Without Braces

2010-11-16T20:10:00.000-08:00

Research shows that people with attractive smiles are more self-confident and judged to be more successful and happier. But if your teeth are crooked, crowded or have gaps, you may not feel you have a lot to smile about.

You can have a beautiful smile without braces!

Traditional braces use wires and bands affixed to your teeth. Aligners, however, are a series of nearly invisible, removable trays that are custom-fitted to your needs. They work somewhat differently than braces, but, in many cases, they achieve a beautiful result.

Aligners are especially beneficial to adults who shy away from traditional braces because their appearance can be a distraction in business settings and inhibit social encounters, for instance.
In the past, patients with only minor tooth misalignments were candidates for aligners.

Today's aligners are suitable for a shallow or deep overbite, if your teeth show excessive wear from clenching or grinding, you have porcelain or gold restorations, or your teeth are crowded together.

It is difficult to maintain an effective oral homecare routine with traditional braces. Braces promote gingivitis (swollen, red gums) and periodontitis (chronic infection that causes tooth loss) because plaque cannot be effectively removed. An aligner doesn't interfere with brushing and flossing because it is taken out of the mouth.

Aligners are removed for short periods of time while eating, brushing and flossing.

If you have been reluctant to improve your smile because of the stigma of wearing traditional braces, give us a call. Let's see if you are a candidate!

Houston dentist
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.

The Sweet Way to Avoid Decay

2010-11-15T17:11:00.000-08:00

Xylitol: It's got a funny name, but it's sugar sweet with a lot fewer calories.

Xylitol is a natural sweetener that is found in plants like corn, lettuce, raspberries, cauliflower, strawberries, pears, mushrooms, and even birch trees.

When you eat foods that contain simple carbohydrates, like table sugar, decay-causing bacteria feed on the sugar and produce an acid that attaches to a tooth's surface, weakens the enamel and eventually causes decay. But decay-causing bacteria can't digest xylitol. Without a food source, the bacteria die.
Children are born without any cavity-causing bacteria. Where do they get it? From you!

The caries bacterium is passed from the primary caregiver to the child through sharing food and kisses. So, when a new mom chews sugarless, xylitol gum or eats xylitol mints, for example, the bad bacteria eventually die and cannot be passed to baby. Studies indicate that if you use xylitol products for at least two years, beginning shortly after baby is born, your child can be protected from decay for as long as six years.
For xylitol to be effective, you need to get five exposures every day. Taking a boat load of xylitol all at once doesn't give you much effect. It's important to spread it out throughout the day. Xylitol gum contains about one gram of xylitol. Chew one piece of gum after each meal and brush with xylitol toothpaste twice a day to get recommended amount: Strive for Five.

Products that contain xylitol include mouthwashes, lozenges, tablets, toothpastes, cough products, nutraceuticals (food extracts that have medicinal qualities), syrup, candies, cookies, gels and pacifiers. Xylitol also comes in a granular form so you can sweeten beverages and even cook with it.

Xylitol is convenient—pop a stick of gum or a mint in your mouth—and away you go.

Ask us about xylitol products during your next office visit, or if it's time to schedule your hygiene check-up, just give us a call.

Houston dentist
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.

The Secret in Your Mouth

2010-11-08T17:20:00.000-08:00

In just a few years, if your dentist asks you to spit, it may be the first step in saving your life. Saliva is a miraculous fluid that helps protect your oral tissues and your body.

Right now scientists are developing saliva tests that can help diagnose systemic diseases before any other sign is visible. The list includes breast, oral, and ovarian cancers; type 2 diabetes; Alzheimer's disease; and rheumatoid arthritis.

A saliva test is non-invasive and safe. It just takes a quick swab of the inside of your cheek. And it's a lot more comfortable than a blood test.

Today, saliva testing is available that can help us better treat periodontal disease. This is the condition that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. In fact, perio disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in people over 35. It has also been connected to heart disease, stroke, pancreatic cancer, premature births and a host of other serious conditions.

Usually, all periodontal disease is treated in the same way. But with the advent of DNA testing through saliva, we can now see which bacteria are causing your disease and develop a treatment program specifically for your needs. For example, some perio bacteria can be treated with antibiotics while other kinds won't respond to antibiotics at all.

Your dentist and hygienist have been trying to tell you for years that if you take care of your teeth and gums, your whole body will be much healthier. Thanks to saliva testing, it won't be long before dentists will be able to help diagnose whole body diseases in their earliest of stages. And that's nothing to spit at.

Houston dentist
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.

Fresh Breath and False Claims

2010-11-05T00:31:00.000-07:00

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notified three companies that one of their mouthwashes makes false claims about its ability to remove plaque or kill the bacteria that cause gingivitis (gum disease) and periodontitis, the chronic, advanced stage of gingivitis.

The products are CVS Complete Care Anticavity Mouthwash, Listerine Total Care Anticavity Mouthwash and Walgreen Mouth Rinse Full Action.

According to the FDA, two of the mouthwashes list sodium fluoride as the active ingredient. Sodium fluoride fights cavities because it remineralizes and hardens tooth enamel that is softened when you eat acidic foods. There is no proven evidence that it has any other benefits.
The third mouthwash lists sodium fluoride and another compound as active ingredients. The company claims that, when combined, the two ingredients prevent gum disease and periodontitis. However, there is no proven evidence that their alleged claim is true, either.

Regular brushing removes plaque and fights gum disease. However, if your gum disease has progressed to periodontitis, we must approach your oral care differently. We can only treat periodontitis, not cure it.

Don't throw out the baby with the bathwater; be an informed consumer.
Just because these mouthwashes have misleading claims does not mean that you shouldn't use them. They effectively fight cavities and should remain a part of your oral care at home.
If you are concerned or curious about any oral care product, just ask us. We will be happy to explain product ingredients and answer your questions.

Houston dentist
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.

Chills, Fever, Heart Attack

2010-11-01T20:12:00.000-07:00

Don't let flu season be heart attack season. Studies are showing that if you get the flu and you have periodontal disease, the additional inflammation can cause even more harm to your body.

First, studies are linking periodontal disease (perio), a chronic bacterial inflammation, to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, pancreatic cancer and pneumonia.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, perio bacteria enter your bloodstream and travel to your heart. They can also be inhaled into the lungs (within one minute, according to research). The bacteria attach to plaque clumps that accumulate on your artery walls. Some studies suggest that there is a correlation between perio bacteria and the protein that creates blood clots. When a clot dislodges, it can cause a heart attack or stroke.

Second, the flu is also associated with inflammation. Flu makes your heart race. Your heart works harder when it strains to obtain enough oxygen, which can dislodge plaque clumps.

If you have perio and the flu, the combined effects from both inflammations put tremendous stress on your body.

We can't predict if you will get the flu, but we can keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you have perio, it is critical that we get it under control as quickly as possible. We use a special cleaning technique that can include medications to control the perio inflammation.

Unfortunately, once you have perio, you will always have it. There is no cure; we can only treat and manage it.

Home oral care is important when you have perio. Brush with fluoride toothpaste at least twice each day and floss once daily. Follow up with regular hygiene exams. If you have perio, we might need to schedule more frequent therapy appointments.

Healthy teeth and gums do your body good.

Houston dentist
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.

When your plate is full

2010-10-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

If you were dining in a restaurant and the waitperson kept putting more food on your plate, you would likely say you were full. Does it not make sense to do the same when your being—your emotions, intellect, and spirit—is on overload? Know when your plate is full and you will be much happier.

In today's fast pace, few encouraging words are given in the workplace for a balanced and thoughtful life, in which one has clear priorities of family, physical, spiritual, and mental health. A common attitude has become "the more stress you can handle the better." Compliments are given to those who look haggard while saying, "Boy, what a rough day! I had twelve hours of nonstop work."

Eight common signs of having too full a plate are:

1. People close to you suggest you slow down.
2. There are no more people close to you.
3. The mere thought of working less brings on anxiety.
4. Rather than relaxing on vacation you bring along "just a little" work or have a long list of things to do or sights to see. Or, you begin to feel anxious on returning from a holiday.
5. You spend less and less time doing activities that are important to you.
6. Little, insignificant things easily annoy you.
7. Your body reacts with frequent illness.
8. You die young.

It is possible that you live a life so constantly full of stress that you have become acclimated to it. Even when your plate is full you may continue to take on more. In fact, you may be so used to stress that when it is not there it feels like something is wrong.

You may believe that you have no choice other than to live with your current level of stress.

Think again. Your stress can be reduced. Begin by:

Knowing when your plate is full and responding accordingly!

Houston dentist
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.
www.softdental.com

Be Oral Healthy with Herbs

2010-10-17T13:30:00.000-07:00

Medicinal herbs have been used for thousands of years. However, herbal remedies can have an adverse effect on dental treatments and healing.

Herbal doesn't mean that it's safe.

For example, if you take ginger, ginko or garlic supplements, you could experience abnormal bleeding at the treatment site, such as major oral surgery or a tooth extraction. Prolonged bleeding also slows down the healing process.
When taken with traditional medicines, an herbal supplement can cancel out or heighten the effect of a traditional medicine. If you use astralagus, dong quai or sag along with a prescribed high blood pressure medication, you could experience an extreme dizzy spell (dangerously low blood pressure) when you stand up out of the exam chair.

Unfortunately, statistics show that about 70 percent of patients do not include herbal supplements in their medical histories because they are unaware of their potential dangers, or they don't think it's important.

It is crucial that we always have a current list of all prescribed and over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements you take because we may have to adjust our procedures to protect your health.

The table lists a few of the herbal supplements that can be problematic during dental treatments and procedures.

Astralagus
Chamomile
Dong quai
Evening primrose
Fenugreek
Feverfew

Garlic
Ginger
Ginko
Grape seed
Horse chestnut
Kava

Motherworth
Red clover
Sag
Turmeric
Valerian
Willow

At your next visit, please bring a current list of all medications and supplements with you. Keeping you healthy and safe is our top priority.
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.
Houston dentist
www.softdental.com

Where can people with special needs obtain dental care?

2009-09-26T23:21:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

The ADA Council on Access, Prevention and Interprofessional Relations suggests the following tips:

* Inform the dentist about your special health or financial conditions.

* Ask if the dentist has training and/or experience in treating patients with your specific condition.

* Ask if the dentist has an interest in treating patients with your specific condition.

* Find out if the dentist participates in your dental benefit plan (dental insurance program.)

* Ask if the dental facility is accessible to the disabled.

In addition, the Council suggests that patients with special needs

* Call or write the dental director at your state department of public health.

* Contact the nearest dental school clinic or hospital dental department, especially if it is affiliated with a major university.

* Contact the Special Care Dentistry (Formerly Federation of Special Care Organizations in Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry for a referral.

* Also, the National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse may have useful information.

* Contact the National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped (NFDH), a charitable affiliate of the American Dental Association since 1988. The NFDH, via several programs, facilitates the provision of comprehensive dental care for needy disabled, elderly, and medically compromised individuals.

* Dentists and dental institutions organizing or participating in voluntary projects that care for uninsured and underserved patients will find information, and grant opportunities through Volunteers in Health Care (VIH). VIH Program staff are available to assist you at the toll-free number 1-877-844-8442.

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Single- or multiple-visit endodontics ?

2009-07-06T04:47:00.000-07:00

Question: When individuals undergo root canal treatment, does a single-visit approach result in a higher frequency of post-treatment problems than a multiple-visit one?

Image via Wikipedia

Studies were included if subjects had a noncontributory medical history; underwent nonsurgical root canal treatment during the study; there was comparison between single- and multiple-visit root canal treatment; and if outcome was measured in terms of pain degree or prevalence of flare-up.

Data were extracted using a standard data extraction sheet. Because of variations in recorded outcomes and methodological and clinical heterogeneity, a meta-analysis was not carried out, although a qualitative synthesis was presented.

Sixteen studies fitted the inclusion criteria in the review, with sample size varying from 60–1012 cases. The prevalence of postoperative pain ranged from 3–58%. The heterogeneity of the included studies was far too great to yield meaningful results from a meta-analysis.

Compelling evidence is lacking to indicate any significantly different prevalence of postoperative pain or flare-up following either single- or multiple-visit root canal treatment.

(Source: Evidence-Based Dentistry (2009) 10, 16. doi:10.1038/sj.ebd.6400630)

Don't Let Your Teeth Flunk College!

2009-07-05T23:12:00.000-07:00

College life is challenging. Baggy-eyed, you gulp down a soda on your way to that 7 A.M. class and a bag of chips when you cram late at night for a midterm. On-the-run nutrition choices, stress and hit-and-miss oral care can cause your teeth to weaken and decay.

Studies show that college students have a high incidence of tooth decay caused by acid erosion.

Sodas, sports and energy drinks, designer coffees laden with sugary delights, chips, candies, or any high carbohydrate or starchy food like pasta or bread provides the source for the acid that erodes and destroys teeth.

Acids and sugar pull minerals from tooth enamel. Enamel-buildingtakes place only when you were a child and your teeth were forming. Without those protective minerals, your teeth are targeted by decay-causing bacteria.

Give yourself an "A" for adopting these tips:

Cut back on the amount of sodas and other acidic beverages you drink. Frequently substitute less acidic beverages, and include water in your beverage selection.
Eat healthy snacks when you hit those cram sessions.
Eat sweets along with healthy, nutritional foods.
After eating sweets or other acid-producing foods, chew gum that contains xylitol, a natural sugar that prevents tooth decay.
It takes only a short time to brush and floss—twice daily. Use toothpaste that contains a remineralization ingredient and fluoride.
Lastly, even though you might be far from home, see a dentist regularly! Ask us; we may be able to refer you to a dentist, or ask at the campus health office for a recommendation.

Before you begin this new chapter of your life, please come int the office so we can do a thorough exam of your oral tissues.

Your teeth are counting on you to help them to smile beautifully during "Pomp and Ceremony"!

Minh Nguyen, D.S.S., P.A.

Fresh breath and how to get it, how to keep it

2009-07-02T06:05:00.000-07:00

No one wants bad breath, but everyone gets it—or at least worries about it—at one time or another. Here are some things you can do to keep bad breath to a minimum:

Eliminate the bacteria and food particles that can cause bad breath. Floss, then brush your teeth, gums and tongue after each meal. Make this easier by keeping floss, toothpaste and a toothbrush in your desk, your purse and your car.
If you can't brush and floss, rinse your mouth with water after eating to dislodge food and moisten your mouth.
Have your teeth cleaned and examined by a dental professional twice a year.
If you are certain you have bad breath, seek out a Houston dentist who offers specialized treatment in that area.
Learn the proper way to brush and practice what you learn.
Drink lots of liquids, preferably water, to keep your mouth moist.
If your mouth feels dry, chew sugarless gum to stimulate production of saliva.
You can also chew on raw parsley—it's a natural breath freshener.
Baking soda is an effective odor eliminator; if you can handle the taste, try brushing with a mixture of baking soda and water. Or try a toothpaste that contains baking soda.
Try rinsing your mouth for one minute with a 50-50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and warm water to kill odor-causing bacteria.
Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol; read the label! Instead, try a mouthwash that contains chlorine dioxide. This compound doesn't just mask odor, it actually eliminates it at the source by attacking the odor-causing volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs).
Snack on raw vegetables such as carrots, celery and red peppers. This stimulates production of saliva, and some Houston dentists believe it can help to remove plaque from your teeth.
To avoid stress-related dry mouth, practice "conscious relaxation" in stressful situations: breathe deeply, visualize peaceful settings, recognize parts of your body that feel tense and consciously relax them. If you can't get past the stress, chew sugarless gum or mints to keep the salivary glands going.
Use an oral irrigation device such as a Waterpik to remove particles of food wedged between your teeth; portable models are available.
If you wear dentures or a retainer, clean them frequently, and periodically soak them in an antiseptic solution.

Bad breath that's resistant to these remedies, or that continues for an extended period of time, should be evaluated by our Houston dentist.

You don't have to live with bad breath. Recognize it, treat it, then kiss it goodbye!

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Dental superfloss
Preventive dental sealants
Nutrition and Your Health
Dental Ultrasonic Scaling

Crawfish

2009-05-01T01:22:00.000-07:00

This is the crawfish season and like many of the Texan, I love to eat them, too. There is one precaution you should know, when you plan to enjoy this delicious food.

Last week I saw a young Asian man with a broken central incisor (the front upper tooth). He told me that his tooth was damaged when he ate the crawfish.

I had to restore his broken tooth a porcelain crown. The fee was about $1000 USD. Although the crown looks great and he is now able to smile again, no artificial crown is equal to the real tooth.

I think this accident could be easily avoided, if he was careful and used his hands to peel the shell off the crawfish instead of the teeth.

The front teeth play an important role in the overall aesthetics of a person. They are very valuable.. so be advised!

Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.
houton dentist

Model dental patient

2009-04-28T21:06:00.001-07:00

This 6 year old hispanish girl gives me joy in dentistry Monday. This is her third visit. Her mother is by her side and both of them are smiling.

Before (above) and after (below) pictures of her upper molar teeth ( Tooth A & J).

Minh Nguyen, DDS