Your Child's Teething

Yesterday my wife asked me,"a friend of mine, her child is having a problem with growing a new tooth.  Both of them could not sleep well. Is there anything that she can do to help her baby?"

Since this is one of the most common dental questions, I think it is best for me to write down my recommendation in this blog, so that the information can be shared to all mothers when needed.

Teething is the process by which a baby tooth erupts (or cuts through) the gum.  It usually occurs between 6 to 24 months of ages.  As the tooth is coming from beneath the surface of the gum, the area may appear slightly red or swollen.  Sometimes a fluid-filled blister similar to a bruise may be seen over the erupting tooth.  The surrounding teeth may also feel more tender.

Common signs and symptoms of teeth include irritability, tender and swollen gum, increased drooling, restless, not sleeping well, refusal of food, and sucking fingers (perhaps.. because he or she is trying to reduce the discomfort in the mouth).

What can you do to help your child?

First, you need to make sure that your child does not have a flu or bacterial infection (like ear infection).  Normally with teething, your child's symptoms should not have fever, cough, and diarrhea.  If your child have any of the "cold" symptoms, it is best to take your child to see the doctor right away.

Second, you can use:

1. Oral over-the-counter pain relievers like children Tylenol or Motrin
2. Topical lidocaine gel (Note that topical medication containing bezocaine may have severe side effect and should not be used to treat teething problem)

Finally, your child's teething problem should be naturally resolved within a few days.  If the problem continues for more than one week, or if the problem is getting worse, then your child may need to be evaluated by your dentist.   Often a quick surgical procedure can be performed in the dental office to assist with the tooth eruption.

Houston dentist
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.

The Secret in Your Mouth

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.

Where can people with special needs obtain dental care?

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.




You May Be Also Interested In ...

• Good Guys in White Hats- Houston dentist's articles

  Dentist needs no extra training to use amalgam. Not all dentists offer composite. Must have special training in composite fillings. ... www.softdental.com/articles/good_guys_in_white_hats.html

• Ultrasonic Scaling and Root Planning treatment of periodontal ...

  Since brushing and flossing only removes plaque about three millimeters below the gum line, you'll need special tools to clean the affected areas. ... www.softdental.com/houston.../Ultrasonic_Scaling_and_Root_Planning.html

• How to care for your teeth when you have periodontal disease

  You need to use special tools and techniques to reach down beyond the normal three millimeters to thoroughly clean the indentations in the sides of the ... www.softdental.com/houston.../homecare_for_periodontal_disease.html

• Dental Appointment With Dr. Nguyen, the Houston Friendly Dentist

  New Patients that need emergency service after the regular office hours will be seen at the next working ... Any Signs or Symtoms: Special Requests/Services ... www.softdental.com/appointments.html

• Dental Air Abrasion - Minh Nguyen, D.D.S., P.A., Houston TX ...

  Special dyes locate tiny pockets of decay, air abrasion gently opens and cleans out the ... How do I know I need a filling? Fillings Do I have cavities? ... www.softdental.com/about_tech_air_abrasion.html

• Periodontal (gum) disease therapy with Peridex, Periochip, and ...

  Special care may be needed. If you miss a dose of this medicine, ... You'll still need to be meticulous about your daily oral hygiene and come to see us ... www.softdental.com/houston_dentist/Peridex_Periochip_and_Periostat.html

• Shine On

  ... that actually snaps onto your teeth in a single piece with no need for adhesive. ... Each jewel is attached to your teeth with a special light-cured ... www.softdental.com/articles/shine_on.html

Single- or multiple-visit endodontics ?

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)

You may also be interested in:

1. Root Canal Treatment in Houston Endodontic Office
2. Root Canal No More?
3. Do I Need a Crown after Root Canal Treatment
4. Post-Op Instructions after a Root Canal Treatment
5. Alternatives to a Root Canal Treament
6. How Do I Know if I Need a Root Canal - Houston Root Canal
7. I'd Rather Quit Than Get a Root Canal
8. Steps of Root Canal Treatment
9. Periapical and Dentoaveolar abscesses

Don't Let Your Teeth Flunk College!

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.

You may also be interested in:

1. Tongue Piercing Causes Serious Health Problems
2. Primary Herpes Simplex (HSV) Infection
3. Oral Candidiasis (Moniliasis, Thrush)
4. How to Brush Your Teeth Properly
5. A Kiss is More than a Kiss
6. Fresh Breath - How to Get it, How to Keep it
7. Oral Erythematous Macule and Erosion
8. Spring Cleaning Includes Your Teeth, Houston TX Dentist, Dental Care
9. Brush My Teeth with Cranberries?
10. A Healthy Smile Lasts a Lifetime
11. How to care for your teeth when you have periodontal disease
12. The Proper Flossing Technique
13. What is a dental hygienist

y8rtgei3au

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

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!

You may also be interested in:

Toothbrush Abrasion
Grinding Your Teeth (Bruxism)
Gum Disease and Heart Attacks: Is There a Connection?
Think smokeless tobacco is safer than cigarettes? Think again
Sleep Apnea—It's More Than Just Snoring
Brushing Your Teeth
The Proper Flossing Technique
Importance of Regular Exams
Plaque Disclosing Tablets
Fluoride
Homecare for periodontal disease
Dental superfloss
Preventive dental sealants
Nutrition and Your Health
Dental Ultrasonic Scaling

Crawfish

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

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