Smiles of Memorial News

Vegan & Vegetarian Diets: How it Can Impact Your Teeth

May 17, 2021

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.

15 Steps to Good Oral Health – 5 Part Series (Part Five)

We finally made it to the last part of our 5 part series. By now, you should be seeing a huge difference in your oral health. We have covered brushing, flossing, avoiding certain foods & tobacco products, and even mouth wash. Here are the last 3 steps in our 15 steps to good oral health.

13. Drink more water for good oral health

Water is a good way to wash away any sugars or acids from your teeth and mouth. Plus, water doesn’t stain or lead to cavities! Most water contains Fluoride which is nature’s cavity fighter. Drinking water that contains fluoride helps protect your teeth from decay. Water also prevents dry mouth. When your mouth is dry, more bacteria can build in your mouth. Water is a great way to keep your mouth hydrated. So, remember to drink lots of water.

14. Use fluoride for good oral health

We touched on it a few times in this article, but Fluoride helps protect your teeth! Fluoride is a naturally occurring compound that can help prevent dental decay. That is why it is widely known as nature’s cavity fighter. Fluoride can protect teeth two ways, systemically and topically. Systemic fluorides are those ingested into the body. Topical fluorides strengthen teeth already present in the mouth by being incorporated into the surface of teeth making them more decay-resistant. Water fluoridation is a very effective method for preventing dental decay for children, adolescents, and adults. Fluoride is safe for people of all ages!

15. Visit the dentist regularly for good oral health

Be sure to come to the dentist twice a year. Getting your exam and teeth cleaning is a good way to maintain good oral health and help prevent cavities and gum disease. Going to the dentist also can help find any problems or issues that are below the surface. If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, you should reserve your appointment today!

We hope you have enjoyed this series on 15 steps to good oral health. If you have any concerns about your mouth or want to ask about what you can do to improve your oral health, schedule an appointment with Dr. Dernick at Smiles of Memorial today!

15 Steps to Good Oral Health – 5 Part Series (Part Four)

Here we are on part four of our 5 part series on the 15 steps to good oral health. Hopefully, you have incorporated these each week and are now seeing a big difference in your smile! Last week, we talked about how sugary foods can influence your oral health. This week, we want to talk about a few things that can affect the inside of your mouth. Here are the next steps to good oral health.

10. Avoid tobacco products for good oral health

Cigarettes or smokeless tobacco both contain a ton of chemicals that is detrimental to your oral health. Cigarettes contain over 4000+ chemicals. The smoke you inhale and exhale can reduce the blood flow to your gums. Cigarettes also cause bad breath, stained teeth, and dull your sense of taste and smell. Smokeless tobacco causes tooth decay and gum disease. Both can lead to oral cancer. If you smoke or use smokeless tobacco, now is the time to stop.

11. For good oral health, invest in a good mouth wash

Mouth wash is good for your oral health because it is a powerful agent that can not only freshen your breath, but it can reach areas you might have missed while brushing and help ward off gum disease! Many dentists prefer you use a mouth wash that contains fluoride. If you are worried about bad breath or gum disease, there are mouthwashes out there that are antibacterial. Antibacterial rinses help fight plaque and gingivitis. Read the ingredients before choosing a mouth wash that is right for you.

12. Don’t ignore any pains in your mouth if you want good oral health

Pain is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. If you feel pain in your mouth, it is best to get an appointment to get it looked at. A lot of times, people will take some over-the-counter pain medicine and avoid the issue altogether. Well, that is not always the best idea when it comes to your oral health. By avoiding the issue, you can end up causing more damage to your tooth or gums. It is always best to get it looked at.

If you have any concerns about your mouth or want to ask about what you can do to improve your oral health, schedule an appointment with top dentist in Houston Dr. Viet Tran at Smiles of Memorial today!

15 Steps to Good Oral Health – 5 Part Series (Part Three)

We are back again this week to continue our journey of good oral health. In the third part of our five-part series on 15 Steps to Good Oral Health, we want to cover what effects food can have on your oral health. Remember, last week we went over the steps you can take to get you back on track such as brushing your tongue, floss every day, and ingest plenty of vitamin C. Here are the next 3 steps to try to incorporate this week for good oral health.

7. Stay away from sugary snacks and drinks for good oral health

These types of foods are what cause cavities! Sugar converts to acid which in turn starts to erode the enamel on your teeth. Try to limit your sugar intake daily. Avoid soda, beer, candy, and cookies/cake. If you do eat or drink something high in sugar, just remember to brush your teeth!

8. Eat foods that are good for your teeth for good oral health

There are a ton of food options that maintain good oral health and help create a happier, healthier smile! Foods like milk, yogurt, seafood, and cheese contain good amounts of Vitamin C. There are also crunchy foods like apples, celery, and carrots that contain a lot of water and also help “brush” your teeth while you eat. Foods like berries, raisins, nuts, and beans are high in antioxidants. Fermented foods like sauerkraut and kombucha contain probiotics which are good for your gums. There is a whole list of foods out there that will help your oral health.

9. Avoid chewing ice for good oral health

Chewing on ice is bad for your overall oral health and can become an addiction. If you are an avid ice chewer, now is the time to stop! Chewing ice can crack or even chip your teeth. On top of that, ice damages the enamel on your teeth making you more prone to cavities or decay. If you have any fillings or dental crowns, you run the risk of damaging those as well. In some cases, people have even started getting teeth sensitivity to hot or cold foods/drinks.

Certain foods can create plaque around your teeth and gum lines. It may be time for a new checkup. Schedule an appointment with Smiles of Memorial of Houston – Viet Tran DMD and get a cleaning with one of the hygienists today!

15 Steps to Good Oral Health – 5 Part Series (Part Two)

Staying on the topic of good oral health, this week we pick up where we left off. Last time we touched on how people tend to brush off their oral health care and put it on the back burner. In order for us to get back on track, we suggest you invest in a proper toothbrush, be sure to brush twice a day, and brush your teeth using the proper technique – 2 minutes at a time. This week we go over steps 4-6 of 15 in this five-part series you can take to good oral health.

4. Brush Your Tongue for good oral health

Don’t forget your tongue! There are a ton of bacteria on the tongue and bad breath comes from the tongue. Your tongue is covered in tiny bumps called papillae, and within the grooves of these bumps, they collect bacteria, dead skin cells, and food particles. Gently scrub your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth using back and forth movement for good oral health. You can also use a tongue scraper. You can glide the tongue scraper over your tongue which “scrapes” off the thin layer of mucus and bacteria. You should use your tongue scraper before you brush your teeth. Once you have scraped your tongue, brush and floss your teeth like normal.

5. Floss Every Day for good oral health

Flossing is an important part of good oral health. This is also the hardest for most people to keep on top of. Small bacteria infiltrate the small cracks in your teeth. Without flossing, those bacteria can build up and cause decay and build-up. Flossing also helps prevent gum disease. Gum disease is irreversible. So it is good to stay on top of flossing daily.

6. Ingest plenty of Vitamin C for good oral health

Calcium helps build strong teeth and healthy gums. There are a ton of foods out there, like milk and yogurt, which contain healthy doses of Vitamin C. There are also lots of fruits and veggies that contain Calcium as well. One thing you want to avoid is acidic fruits. So, fruits like oranges, lemons, or limes should be avoided. The acid in these fruits can break down the enamel on your teeth.

Not sure if you are flossing well enough or do you have concerns with bad breath? Let one of the experienced hygienists take look. Schedule an appointment today at Smiles of Memorial of Houston – Viet Tran DMD for good oral health.

15 Steps to Good Oral Health – 5 Part Series (Part One)

Are you Practicing Good Oral Health Care?

We often find that people tend to put their oral health on the backburner. You might say, “Well, I can floss tomorrow.” Or, “I brushed my teeth this morning; I should be fine.” The fact of the matter is, in order to have proper oral health care, you should practice these 15 steps to good oral health in this five-part series with Smiles of Memorial to help get you back on track!

1. Invest in a Proper Toothbrush for Good Oral Health

This is a big one. Most people don’t know how often they should change their toothbrush. According to the ADA, you should change your toothbrush every 3-3 months, depending on the bristles. Most dental professionals recommend using soft-bristled toothbrushes vs. hard-bristled. The soft-bristled toothbrush is softer on the gums, removes plaque easier, and can eliminate debris from your mouth. However, we here at Smiles Of Memorial recommend a powered toothbrush. Powered toothbrushes do a better job of cleaning your teeth. Plus, most powered toothbrushes come with an automatic timer, assuring proper cleaning time. And, today’s powered toothbrushes are smart and can tell you where you are missing places and even where you should target more.

2. Brush Twice a Day for Good Oral Health

Brushing twice a day is important for your oral health. In the evening is where most people miss brushing. They are either tired after a long day or just forget. The evening is the most important time to brush. Think about all the food and drinks you have consumed in one day. By not brushing at night, the bacteria in your mouth have more time to multiply and take over. This is how cavities can start to form. So remember, brush twice a day for 2 minutes at a time.

3. Brush using the Proper Technique for Good Oral Health

The proper way to hold your toothbrush is at a 45° angle. Angle your toothbrush and use small strokes going up and down and left and right. Be sure to not press too hard. You want to avoid making your gums bleed. Be sure to brush your teeth and gums. Brush the front and back of your teeth. Also, brush for 2 minutes.

Brushing is extremely important to your overall oral health. If it has been some time between your last dental visit, schedule an appointment today to see Dr. Viet Tran!

What is Xylitol and How Can It Improve My Smile?

Derived from fiber in natural fruits and vegetables, the natural substance, Xylitol can be used as a “sugar-free” additive and a decay prevention tool. In this blog post we will discuss how the use of Xylitol can prevent cavities. Keep reading for more information!

How Does Xylitol Prevent Cavities?

Well, you may know that starches that turn to sugars and pure sugars are largely responsible tooth decay. This is because these sugars can easily turn into acids which can eat away the outside of the tooth, compromising the outer layer, called the enamel. With this information, it may be confusing that a sweet, sugar-like substance can prevent cavities. Well, here is how it works. Although sweet like sugar, Xylitol does not easily turn into acid and promote a slippery coating over the tooth which makes it harder for bacteria to stick to the mucus membrane on the outside of the tooth.

One common form that Xylitol is consumed in is a 100% pure xylitol gum. Chewing any type of gum will stimulate your salivary glands and produce more saliva. However, chewing xylitol gum will also help reduce bad bacteria in the saliva which stimulating its production. An abundance of saliva can reduce dry mouth, bad breath, and rinse the outer layer of the teeth to prevent bacteria from sticking to the surface.

Can Xylitol Affect My Blood Sugar?

Yes, Xylitol, which is a sugar-alcohol can affect your blood sugar, but usually to a lesser degree than man-made sweeteners or other sugars. Compared to other sweeteners, Xylitol has a lower glycemic index (GI), which means it will have a minimal affect on your blood sugar. However, when trying a new sugar it is important to test your blood sugar before and after using Xylitol to understand how it affects your body.

Caring for your oral health can benefit the appearance of your smile and your overall health. For more information on how Xylitol can improve your oral health or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Viet Tran and the Smiles of Memorial team in Houston, Texas, call us today!

Senior Dental Care

As many of our patients and community members age, we are faced with a familiar question – is senior dental care different than oral health care for middle-aged or younger adults? The simple answer is yes … and no. Although aging presents unique dental concerns, the same oral health hygiene rules apply to a 3 year old as they do to a 99 year old – brush and floss! Maintaining a good oral health routine is one of the easiest ways you can prevent adverse health complications in your oral and overall health.

Reviewing a Good Oral Health Routine

Remember, for good senior dental care, a good oral health routine begins with daily brushing and flossing. Twice a day, for two minutes each time, brush you teeth and floss your teeth at least once per day. This will remove debris and food sitting on the outer layer of your tooth. Next, remember to visit Dr. Viet Tran every six months for a dental cleaning. This will ensure that hard-to-reach plaque does not eat away at your teeth and cause cavities or tooth loss. Finally, remember to stay hydrated! As we get older, take more medications, and the amount of saliva in our mouth decreases, it is easier to get a dry mouth which can create a breeding ground for bacteria. Drink water all day to avoid this unwanted side effect.

Senior Dental Care Concerns

Each age group deals with their own unique dental concerns. Children develop cavities, adolescence need orthodontic treatment, and so on. Senior dental care is no different. Here are a few of the most common senior dental care concerns: thrush, uneven jawbone, gum disease, root decay, less saliva and sense of taste, discolored teeth, tooth loss, and stomatitis. The good news is that many of these senior dental care conditions are treatable. With good oral health care and six-month visits to Dr. Viet Tran and the Smiles of Memorial team in Houston, Texas, we can help diminish the effect of these conditions.

Senior Oral Care Treatments in Houston, Texas

At Smiles of Memorial, we understand that a beautiful, healthy smile is important for anyone, no matter your age. Dr. Viet Tran and his team offers Senior Oral Care Treatments which focus on reversing the appearance of dark spots on your teeth. Further, Dr. Viet Tran will inspect your gums for disease which can lead to tooth loss, and root decay. Lastly, if needed, Dr. Viet Tran can direct you to products that can help you produce more saliva to reduce bad breath, dry mouth, and tooth decay. For more information about Senior Oral Care Treatments in Houston, Texas or to reserve an appointment, call Smiles of Memorial, today!