Smiles of Memorial News

Professional Dental Cleaning: Procedure, Cost & Benefits

June 18, 2021

A good oral care routine plays an important role in protecting your teeth from damage and decay. But is it enough? Well, regular brushing and flossing are extremely important for your oral health. But they are not effective against stubborn plaque and tartar. This is why professional dental cleanings are a must. Your dental care professional can reach areas where your regular toothbrush cannot reach.

What Happens In A Professional Dental Cleaning?

A professional dental cleaning service is very different from a teeth whitening service. Teeth whitening targets your tooth discoloration. Dental cleaning targets stubborn plaque and tartar accumulation in your oral cavity. This procedure has several steps. Dental cleaning usually starts with a thorough physical examination of your mouth and ends with a fluoride treatment.

How Much Is A Dental Cleaning?

Wondering how much is a dental cleaning? Well, dental cleaning cost usually depends on the condition of your oral cavity, your area of residence, and how much treatment you require. During your visits to the dental clinic, your mouth is considered in quadrants. Taking the factors mentioned into consideration, you might have to pay $100 or more for each quadrant. However, it is recommended to not worry about dental cleaning costs. Several dental insurance companies cover these cleaning procedures. Forget your worries about how much dental cleaning is and do not allow it to be a hindrance.

Why Are Professional Dental Cleanings Important?

Our dentists at Smiles Of Memorial have compiled a list to provide you with some clarity regarding the importance of professional dental cleaning procedures. Let us take a look at them.

Timely Diagnosis & Treatment

A cleaning procedure has several steps and phases. Initially, your Houston dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth physically. This step is followed by an X-Ray to ensure that nothing is missed out. These steps help to detect any abnormal outgrowths in your oral cavity. For instance, your dental care professional might find cysts or tumors that could be an early indication of oral cancer. Hence, these cleaning procedures help in the early diagnosis of oral health conditions that can save your life.

Acts As An Effective Preventive Measure

Plaque and tartar buildup can worsen the condition of your oral health. Occasional dental cleanings and dental check-ups can act as an effective preventive measure in such cases. Cleaning out your stubborn plaque can prevent the onset of bacterial infections and stop damage and decay.

Can Combat Periodontal disease

A thorough dental cleaning can reverse your gingivitis and prevent your periodontal disease from advancing. Poor oral hygiene is the leading cause of this disease. Hence, dental cleaning by your Houston dentist is important and should be incorporated into your oral care routine.

No More Halitosis

Stubborn plaque can lead to bad breath. Professional cleaning by your Houston Dentist can remove the plaque and give you a squeaky clean mouth in a jiffy. However, if your bad breath does not seem to go then you must consult a dental hygienist. It could be the sign of some underlying medical condition and might require immediate attention.

An Economical Alternative

Professional teeth cleaning can prove to be a viable economical alternative in the long run. Regular cleaning can act as a preventive measure and reduce your chances of suffering from teeth damage. Skipping your cleaning appointments might lead to dental complications where you might have to opt for expensive procedures and surgeries. Do not skip your cleaning appointments and you can save a few bucks!

Now that you know the importance of professional teeth cleaning, do not skip your cleaning appointments. Looking for the best dental cleaning service in Houston, TX? Book an appointment with us at Smiles Of Memorial and make the most of our dental care services today!

How To Floss Your Teeth Properly?

June 8, 2021

We are all aware of how important brushing and flossing are for our oral health. However, not knowing the correct technique can do more harm than good. Don’t worry because our dentists at Smile of Memorial have got your back! Your favorite Houston dentist has given you a step-by-step guide to help you learn the art of flossing.

What is flossing?

Did you know that food can also get stuck between your teeth? This is why flossing becomes important. Your toothbrush is not equipped to access those areas. Only dental floss can help to get rid of the debris. The process of removal of these remnants stuck between your teeth is known as flossing. Flossing regularly can reduce the chances of cavities and keep your pearly white smile intact!

Do You Floss Before Or After Brushing?

Trying to figure out the correct order of your oral care routine? Well, the order does not really matter according to the ADA. As long as you brush and floss your teeth regularly, you are good to go. However, many people tend to floss before brushing as it helps to loosen the food particles stuck in between the teeth.

How Often Should You Floss?

Several people are confused about how often you should floss. Well, flossing once every day is usually enough. However, some people are not satisfied with that. Consult your Houston Dentist to figure out the exact number of times you should floss in a day. If the problem persists then you can avail their wide range of services to fix the issue.

How To Floss?

Now that we have a brief overview of the definition and procedure of flossing, let us learn how to floss properly.

Pick The Correct Floss

Before performing the procedure you must choose the correct floss. You can opt for either a multifilament floss or a single filament floss. A multifilament cord is made of nylon. They break easily for people whose teeth are tightly packed. Monofilament cords, on the other hand, do not shed that easily and are ideal for tightly packed teeth. If you are facing issues with your regular dental floss, then you can try floss picks, water flossing, and other flossing appliances. Consult your Houston dentist to choose a device that is ideal for you.

Get The Length Right

You must get the correct length for a better grip. It is best to use a strand that is between eighteen to twenty-four inches. This will help you to achieve a squeaky clean mouth. But you must not worry if you have broken off a shorter piece. Just break more whenever required.

Wind The Strand

Wind the filament around the middle finger of one hand. Now you must wrap the rest around the middle finger of the opposite hand. You will be rolling up the used filament with this finger.

Rub the floss in between your Teeth

Hold the strands in a flexed manner and start rubbing them between your teeth. Remember to be extremely gentle throughout. Excessive pressure can damage the tissues and pave the way for tooth decay. Push the filament back and forth and avoid snapping it into the gum line.

Maintain The Correct Angle

It is very important to maintain the correct angle while flossing. As soon as the filament reaches the gum line, make a “C” shape. Gently push back and forth in between your gum and teeth. Repeat the process in the opposite direction as well.

Roll Up The Used Strand

Using your thumb, unroll a new portion of the dental floss. Roll up the used strand from one hand to the other before moving on to other areas of your mouth. Do not ignore the sides and the back of your teeth. This gives the best results and prevents bacterial infections.

Discard the used floss

Never reuse your old floss. Throw it away whenever you are done. An old and used strand harbors several harmful microbes and reusing them will cause bacterial infections. Just use a new dental filament whenever you are brushing the next day.

We hope this checklist has helped you to understand how to floss. Looking for the best dental care services in Houston, TX? Contact us today at Smiles Of Memorial and go for our top-notch dental care services.

Sedation Dentistry: A Brief Overview

May 27, 2021

The thought of visiting the dentist makes some people anxious and fearful. This is one of the many reasons cited for skipping dental appointments. However, this habit can do more harm than good and lead you to serious dental complications in the future. With the advancements in the world of dentistry, it has been possible to put patients at ease and provide them with a comfortable experience. Sedation dentistry has been a savior for many and helped patients get rid of their fears. It has become extremely popular and is used by dentists everywhere.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation Dentistry is associated with the usage of sedatives for patients during dental procedures. This helps them to have a relaxed experience in the dentist’s chair. It could be used for simple as well as invasive procedures. The intensity of sedation ranges between mild, moderate, and deep. It usually depends on the procedure that is being performed and also on the amount of dental anxiety experienced by the client.

What Are The Types Of Sedation Dentistry?

Now that we have a clear understanding of dental sedation, let us take a look at the various types of sedatives offered by dentists. This will help us to make more informed choices regarding this particular dental service.

Oral Sedation- It is a pill that you must consume an hour before the procedure. This is a form of conscious sedation that will enable you to answer your dentist’s questions with ease. On the other hand, you will feel no pain.
Laughing Gas- Nitrous oxide or laughing gas is administered through a mask placed over your nose. The intensity can be easily regulated by your dental care professional and the effects wear off as soon as the mask is removed.
Oraverse- It is an anesthesia reversal agent that helps to remove the effects of the sedative faster than usual. It helps to get rid of the numbness and you can go back to your daily activities in the blink of an eye.

Advantages Of Dental Sedation

There are several benefits associated with this field of dentistry, some of which have been listed below.

Say Goodbye To Dental Anxiety

Dental sedatives are a holy grail for nervous clients. Fear and paranoia stop several patients from receiving the care they need. Well, with dental sedation you can bid goodbye to your dental anxieties. Relax and have a peaceful experience in the dentist’s chair.

No More Gagging

Sometimes dental hygienists have to probe deep within the oral cavity. This usually results in a gag reflex and hinders the smooth flow of dental work. It can also cause a lot of damage to the client. Sedation can solve the problem of gag reflex and dentists can work with ease.

Painless Procedures

The desire for a pain-free dental experience gave birth to sedation dentistry. Some people are scared of dental tools and stay far away from dental clinics. The brain does not register any pain stimuli while on sedation. Hence, procedures are practically painless and hassle-free.

Faster Dental Procedures

Sedation dentistry comes in handy for dental hygienists as well. Putting the patient at ease results in fewer disruptions. Hence, the procedure can be performed faster and chances of any complications are greatly reduced. The patient won’t move around in the chair which also results in highly efficient dental work.

We hope this blog will help you conquer all your fears from this moment onwards. Do not let your anxiety stop you from attending to your dental concerns. If you are looking for the best quality dental care services in Houston, TX then book an appointment with us at Smiles Of Memorial today!

Do I Really Need a Dental Filling? (Part 2)

May 17, 2021

Last month, we wrote a blog post about fillings. More specifically, about do you really need to get a dental filling. If you missed it, go back and read part one. This week we will cover the hidden causes of tooth decay.

So, What Are The Hidden Causes of Tooth Decay?

Could you be putting your smile at risk of getting cavities without even knowing it? Even if you brush daily, floss often, and go to your regularly scheduled appointments, you could be a ticking time bomb. Here are a few risk factors that you may need to talk about at your next appointment!

Tooth Decay and Sports Drink or Diet Soda

Do you work out regularly and eat like a health nut? Be sure you are hydrating the right way. Sports drinks and diet sodas contain hidden sugars and sweeteners that coat your teeth every time you drink them. When consumed regularly, they can lead to extensive decay no matter how good your oral hygiene is.

Tooth Decay and Chewing Gum

“Sugar-free” gum isn’t necessarily good for your teeth. Unless it contains Xylitol, an ingredient that can help your teeth rel plaque, other sugar alternatives may pose a risk to your smile. Bubble gum is especially dangerous, and should only be given to children in very limited quantities.

Tooth Decay and Bottled Water

Did you know that most bottled waters don’t contain appropriate levels of fluoride? Tap water does. If you find that you’re only drinking water that comes in a bottle off the shelf, it’s time to do a bit of detective work. You might be depriving your smile (and bones) of essential fluoride minerals that they need to start strong.

Tooth Decay and Xerostomia (aka Dry Mouth)

Whether it’s caused by allergies, cancer treatment, or prescription medication, dry mouth is a huge risk factor for developing cavities. Why? Because there isn’t saliva to naturally cleanse or wash your teeth throughout the day. Instead, acids or bacteria hang out over the surface of your enamel without being disturbed…allowing them to work against your teeth even longer.

Do any of these sources hit close to home? If so, schedule an exam with us here at Smiles of Memorial in Houston, TX and we will make sure you’re cavity-free!

Do I Really Need a Dental Filling?

You’re at your dental checkup for routine x-rays, a cleaning, and an exam. The next thing you know, we tell you that you have a cavity. How? You don’t feel any pain and haven’t had any problems. So, is it really necessary to have the tooth filled? In the next two blog posts, we will take you through why you need a dental filling.

Well, not all cavities hurt! That’s because the nerve inside your tooth may have been pulling itself back. Yes, sensitivity or pain can be a symptom that something is wrong, but here are a few other red flags to watch for when deciding that you need a dental filling.

Symptoms of Tooth Decay:

Food getting stuck inside of or between your teeth
Feeling rough edges with your tongue
Something seems “not quite right” with your tooth
Sensitivity when chewing
Eating or avoiding specific types of food due to sensitivity

What’s the Problem with Untreated Cavities?

Tooth decay is like a run in an old pair of stockings. Once it starts, it’s there for good. It doesn’t go away on its own and it will only be a matter of time before it gets bigger and deeper into the tooth. What can easily be fixed with a small dental filling today may blow up into an abscessed tooth needing a root canal further bit down the road.

Get a Second Opinion!

We should be someone your trust. If you feel pressured into getting treatment that you don’t need or are second-guessing our recommendations, we encourage you to get a second opinion. In some cases, small areas of tooth decay can be monitored between checkups. We will let you know if this is the case. But, if we recommend that you go ahead and have a dental filling, it’s best not to wait. Some cavities can only be diagnosed with the help of dental x-rays, so be sure not to cut yours off for too long! While we’re at it, schedule your appointment or call us at Smiles of Memorial Of Houston – Viet Tran DMD, TX today!
Be on the lookout for Part 2 of this dental filling blog series! Next month, we will go over the hidden causes of tooth decay!

Help! I Have a Dental Emergency

Tooth pain or a dental emergency can make it hard to think through the discomfort. Once you have gotten a grip on the initial pain or bleeding, what do you do next? Well, we here at Smiles of Memorial are available to assist you with your dental emergency!

What to Do If Your Tooth Is Knocked Out?

Avulsed or “knocked out” teeth can sometimes be re-inserted on your own and then stabilized by your dentist. First, locate the tooth and only handle it by the crown. Do not touch the root. If any debris is present, rinse it gently with tap water before putting it back into the socket. Do not scrub it clean. Call us immediately. If you cannot reinsert it, follow the instructions below for a chipped tooth. Our experienced team will see you promptly.

What to Do if Your Tooth is Chipped?

Locate your broken tooth fragment and place it into a container of milk or contact solution. Bring it to your us, here at Smiles of Memorial, within the next one to two hours to have it bonded back into place.

What to Do With Broken Crowns, Fillings, or Other Dental Work?

Store your broken restoration in a ziplock bag so that you do not accidentally misplace it. Call us at (281) 493-0061 and if you are not in pain (or embarrassment, depending on the tooth) make an appointment with our experienced staff and you will be seen at your earliest convenience. If you are in pain, we offer emergency appointments.

What About the Emergency Room?

Most emergency rooms are not equipped to handle dental-specific emergencies. If you have been involved in something such as a broken jaw, uncontrollable bleeding, or severe swelling that extends into the face, don’t call us. You should go directly to the closest emergency room.
You may not ever truly be prepared for a dental emergency, but we will be! We here at Smiles of Memorial block out parts of our day specifically for the unexpected emergency. Whether it’s a broken tooth or severe pain, call us or schedule your appointment right away for quick relief.

Your Commonly Asked Questions, Answered!

At Smiles of Memorial in Houston, TX, we often get asked a lot of questions, so we decided to share the most commonly asked questions along with our answers. So, here they are!

How often should I visit the dentist?

The answer to this is twice a year – well, for most people. For people who have periodontal disease, we encourage every 3-4 months. Even if your brush and floss daily, plaque will still build up. That is why you should get a cleaning every six months. And, by going to the dentist twice a year, we can also catch any potential oral health problems.

If my tooth isn’t hurting do I need a filling?

Most of the time you won’t feel any pain when a cavity is at the beginning stages. Decay will start to form on the outer layer of the tooth called the enamel. Because it is on the outside layer, you will most likely not experience any pain. However, if left untreated, the cavity will start to reach the inner layers and could create more of a dental issue.

How can I help my teeth sensitivity?

You are not alone! Many people have sensitive teeth. It could be too hot or cold food and drinks. But, the first thing you should do is to use a desensitizing toothpaste, which helps soothe the nerve endings in the tooth and reduce pain. Also, be sure to limit the number of acidic foods and drinks. The acid in certain foods and drinks can eat away at your tooth enamel over time, causing sensitivity. Lastly, be sure not to brush too hard. Bushing too hard can cause gum recession, which is a frequent cause of sensitive teeth.

Why are my teeth yellow?

Unfortunately, over time your teeth can start getting darker yellow. This happens because of age. But, trauma and some things like smoking, coffee, tea, wine, cola, berries, and some hard candies can cause tooth discoloration. The plus side to this is that we offer several teeth whitening options that can get your smile back to the beautiful white it once was! So if you are looking for teeth whitening in Houston, TX, schedule an appointment with our professional staff.

What type of toothbrush should I be using?

While we love using an electric toothbrush, a manual one will work just as well if you are brushing for two minutes using the correct brushing techniques. However, an electric toothbrush has a lot of features such as a timer, reminder if brushing too hard, and even have an app to help track your brushing and show you the place you are missing.

Do you have other questions that have not been answered above? Let us know and we will be happy to answer any questions you have! If not, schedule your appointment today and we can answer them at your appointment.

Vegan & Vegetarian Diets: How it Can Impact Your Teeth

Are you or a loved one a vegan or vegetarian? If so, this blog post brought to you by Smiles of Memorial in Houston, TX, might be helpful for your overall oral health. Many people who follow these lifestyles are aware of what nutritional values their bodies receive and what vitamins they need to take to ensure overall health. The same goes for your smile. There are numerous benefits when you are vegan or vegetarian but there might be some key nutrients your teeth need to remain strong. It is all about counteracting the process by balancing out your overall diet.

Tooth Decay in Vegan & Vegetarian Diets and How it Impacts your Teeth

The major concern to your teeth when living a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, is that your teeth can start to soften which places you at an increased chance of tooth decay. It is important to know the necessary nutrients and vitamins you will need to help combat possible tooth decay. One very important nutrient is protein. Protein not only keeps your body strong but also your teeth. And, phosphorous (which is found in protein) helps to strengthen your jawbone. Meat and eggs are a great source for protein, however, as a vegan or vegetarian, you need an alternative source to strengthen your teeth. Some great options might be mixed nuts or even lentils. Vitamin D and calcium are important for your teeth and oral health. Vitamin D ( which is found in meat) helps break down bacteria in your mouth as well as strengthens the enamel on your teeth. In order to get vitamin D, you could try soy milk or even some vegetable margarines. Calcium also is important for your teeth. Some sources of vitamin C are broccoli, brussels sprouts, spinach, or bell peppers. While oranges and pineapple are also high in vitamin C, it is important to limit the amount of citrus, as citrus can also break down the enamel of your teeth. If you eat citrus, just remember to rinse afterward.

It is always important to know how diet and lifestyle can affect your teeth and overall health. If you have concerns about your teeth and oral health, it is important to schedule an appointment with one of the top dentist in Houston Dr. Viet Tran and our dental team. If you are a vegan or vegetarian in Houston, Texas Contact Smiles of Memorial today!

Undesirable White Spots: How to Get Rid of Them

Do you live with white spots on your teeth? They could have formed when you were a child and you might not be sure what they are or where they came from. Even as a kid, you might have scrubbed and scrubbed and they still wouldn’t come off. White spots on your teeth can be irritating and affect how you feel about your smile. If you don’t have white spots, they can still happen. If you do have undesirable white spots, don’t worry! There are solutions on how to get rid of them.

So, what causes the whites spots to appear?

There are several reasons why white spots appear. First, white spots can appear due to poor dental hygiene. Forgetting to brush daily can actually cause white spots to appear. So, if you don’t brush regularly as a child or maybe you are forgetting to brush as an adult, this could be a cause of white spots. Next, certain foods and drinks can cause them, especially if they are acidic or sugary. These types of foods can damage the enamel of your teeth causing it to change in color. It is important to rinse after consuming these foods. Another cause of white spots is wearing dental braces for a long period of time. Last, there is something called dental fluorosis. This is being overexposed to fluoride while the teeth are developing as a child. This could happen to over-fluoride water or maybe swallowing too much toothpaste.

How can I prevent white spots from appearing?

The simple answer is to follow a good oral hygiene routine. It is important to brush and floss twice daily and to be sure you see your dentist every 6 months or every 4 months if you have periodontal disease. If you have children, make sure they use the proper amount of toothpaste and make sure they spit and swallow. This can be hard for children to grasp if the toothpaste is flavored. So be sure to supervise.

What are the treatment options?

Well, there are several options available to you or your child depending on how severe the case might be. We here at Smiles of Memorial offer:

Professional Teeth Whitening – We offer whitening products that are stronger and more effective than over-the-counter products.
Veneers – Veneers are placed over your teeth and cover imperfections like white spots.
Bonding – Bonding also is applied directly over the problem areas on your teeth.
Resin Infiltration – This procedure helps diminish the appearance of white spots.
Enamel Micro abrasion – When applied on the white spots, it can reduce the discoloration.

If you have white spots or are have concerns, reach out to us at Smiles of Memorial Of Houston – Viet Tran DMD and schedule your appointment today.

What is Cracked Tooth Syndrome?

Teeth are the strongest bones in your body, however, they can still become cracked and damaged through pressure. Smiles of Memorial patients asked and we are here to answer the question, What is Cracked Tooth Syndrome? Patients that have bruxism, teeth grinding, increased stress on their teeth can develop cracks under the gumline. Additionally, those who have large fillings or a root canal are more susceptible to develop cracked tooth syndrome.

Symptoms Of Cracked Tooth Syndrome

Pain and sensitivity from cracked tooth syndrome differ from discomfort during tooth decay because crack tooth syndrome is pain only occurs while eating while tooth decay pain is constant. Typically patients experience cracked tooth pain when applying pressure on the affected area while eating or biting. Patients may also feel sensitivity during extreme hot or cold temperatures.

Cracked Tooth vs. Tooth Decay

While both can cause serious damage to your teeth and gums, cracked tooth syndrome and tooth decay develop differently. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria and acids break through the tooth’s protectant layer, the enamel, and begin eroding the tooth. Early-stage cavities can be reversed, but once a hole has formed in the tooth the damage is irreversible and must be treated with a filling. Cracked tooth syndrome develops when excessive pressure is applied to the tooth which creates cracks in the tooth below the gumline. If the part of the tooth breaks away, the gum can become exposed and vulnerable to infections.

Treatment For Cracked Tooth Syndrome

Cracked teeth are common in adults and small cracks, called craze lines, in the protective layer typically do not need treatment. Patients with fractured enamel around a filling may not be painful, however, Dr. Viet Tran will fill in the area to prevent further damage.

If the crack breaks below both protectant layers, the enamel and dentin, then the soft tissue within the tooth, called the pulp, becomes damaged. This can cause irritation and damage to the core of the tooth. Early-stage of pulp damage can be treated with a root canal, but cracks that extend beyond the gum line require a tooth extraction. Sometimes the crack may begin at the bottom of the tooth root and extend upward. In this case, Dr. Viet Tran will probably extract the tooth, however, in special cases, endodontic surgery can be performed to save the tooth.

Cracked tooth syndrome can be difficult to spot because the symptoms can be inconsistent and vary from patient to patient. Regular exams and x-rays can help Dr. Viet Tran and his team to discover cracks early and hopefully treat or save your tooth before the damage causes detrimental. For more information about cracked tooth syndrome or to book an appointment today, call Smiles of Memorial of Houston – Viet Tran DMD at (281) 493-0061.