Smiles of Memorial News

Common Treatments For TMJ Therapy

May 17, 2021

TMJ discomfort can be an unwelcome guest. From constant jaw pain to a snapping and clicking jaw, TMJ discomfort can put a wrench in your lifestyle. At Smiles of Memorial, Dr. Viet Tran and his team are committed to maintaining and improving your TMJ discomfort through TMJ Therapy.

What Causes TMJ Discomfort?

TMJ discomfort can appear in many different ways from neck pain, back pain, or chronic headaches. Usually, TMJ discomfort occurs because the Temporomandibular Joints are under stress from everyday activities such as, clenching and grinding your teeth. The more pressure you exert on this ligament and joint, the more discomfort and soreness you will feel. Often, patients do not even know they are putting strain on their TMJ because grinding and clenching usually happens at night while patients are sleeping. Using a treatment plan from Dr. Viet Tran and his team can ensure your TMJ and teeth do not become damaged.

Does TMJ Discomfort Put My Teeth At Risk?

Yes. This is a consequence of TMJ discomfort that many patients do not consider at first. When clench and grind teeth together it puts your TMJ and oral health at risk. Teeth have many ridges and grooves that are designed to help us chew easier. However, when the sharp ridges are rubbed together during grinding or pressed together during clenching, your teeth begin to wear away. The outside layer of the tooth is the most important and protects bacteria from entering your bloodstream. If the enamel is worn away from teeth grinding, you could be at an increased risk for infection and cavities. Eliminating grinding and clenching not only relieves TMJ discomfort it can also reduce the risk of developing cavities and infections.

TMJ Therapy – NightGuards

Since most grinding and clenching occurs while patients are sleeping, Dr. Viet Tran and his team in Memorial, Texas recommend night guards. Dr. Viet Tran will design a custom fit night guard to fit every ridge in every tooth. Then, he will ask you to wear it every night while sleeping. A night guard is made of a plastic material that fits between your teeth. This barrier not only makes it harder for you to grind and clench your teeth, it also protects the enamel on your teeth from wearing away. You can discover relieving results in just 3 to 6 months!

Don’t struggle with TMJ discomfort alone. It is time to get help from your general dentist in Houston. If you have TMJ discomfort in Memorial, Texas, call our office, Smiles of Memorial today, to learn more about our TMJ treatment options.

Is Gum Disease Contagious?

The debate of whether gum disease can be classified as contagious is heated. However, most patients don’t care about the technical classification of gum disease. Patients want to know if they can contract gum disease from sharing utensils, drinks, or kisses with someone that has gum disease. In this post, we will discuss that.

Can I Get Gum Disease From Someone Else?

Gum disease is an infection caused by bacteria. Theoretically, if one of these gum disease-causing bacteria enters your mouth, you could contract gum disease. However, even if this bacteria transfers to your mouth, you may not get gum disease. Everyday, millions of bacteria enter your mouth, but good oral health habits, you can prevent disease-causing bacteria from multiplying. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, eating a good diet, visiting Dr. Viet Tran at Smiles of Memorial twice a year, avoiding excessive alcohol, and not smoking are all ways that you can stop disease causing bacteria from multiplying in your mouth.

Who Is At Risk For Contracting Gum Disease?

Anyone who shares saliva with those who have gum disease is at risk for developing gum disease themselves. However, mothers who have gum disease and share utencials, kisses, and drinks with their infant children put their babies at an elevated risk of developing gum disease. This is why primary care providers and pediatric dentists stress the importance of not sharing saliva with young children.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Most adults have gum disease, but not everyone knows it. At first, the signs of gum disease can be subtle and may seem natural. Bleeding, red, irritated, receding, and swollen gums are all signs of gum disease. If you experience any of these symptoms, we urge you to visit Dr. Viet Tran at Smiles of Memorial right away. Early treatment is crucial. Gum disease is reversible in the early stages, called gingivitis. However, once gum disease reaches later stages, called periodontal disease, it is no longer reversible. Dr. Viet Tran and the Smiles of Memorial team wants to help you and your family avoid or control periodontal disease.

To Share Or Not To Share

Yes, we want to teach children at a young age to share, but sharing saliva could be dangerous. Next time you eat with your child, remember to use different utensils and cups. Lastly, avoid sharing mouth to mouth kisses because this could spread disease causing bacteria. If you think you or a loved one has gum disease, call Smiles of Memorial today of Houston – Viet Tran DMD to schedule an appointment.

Get a Hollywood Smile with Dental Veneers

Have you ever wondered how Hollywood superstars have such beautiful smiles? Well, there are many reasons, but one is dental veneers. Get yourself red-carpet ready this summer with a big, straight, beautiful smile. Here’s how Dr. Viet Tran and the Smiles of Memorial team can help you achieve the smile of your dreams in Houston, Texas.

What are Dental Veneers?

Think of dental veneers like masks for your teeth. During your first consultation appointment, Dr. Viet Tran and the Smiles of Memorial team will discuss your concerns and desires. The number of veneers that Dr. Viet Tran will recommend depends on the size of your mouth, teeth, and your desired look. Dr. Viet Tran typically recommends between four and six dental veneers each for the top set and for the bottom set. Once Dr. Viet Tran measures your teeth, his office or a lab will produce a veneer for each tooth. Next, Dr. Viet Tran will temporarily place the veneer on top of your natural tooth. Dr. Viet Tran will clean up the edges so that the tooth will fit perfectly. Once it is to your liking, Dr. Viet Tran will heat-fix the veneer on your tooth with a putty. Veneers are durable and typically last ten to fifteen years before being replaced.

Dental Veneer Results

After your dental veneers are placed, you will be amazed with your smile. Dental veneers will make your teeth appear straight. Further, Dr. Viet Tran can create veneers that are slightly larger than your natural teeth for your smile to appear larger. A bigger smile can also give you the appearance of higher cheekbones and a more contoured face.

Who Can Get Dental Veneers?

Many patients are eligible for dental veneers; however, it is important to discuss your oral and overall health with Dr. Viet Tran before completing any dental procedure. Patients that have underlining dental concerns such as, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and missing or broken teeth, should not have cosmetic procedures until they address these concerns. Completing cosmetic procedures before imperative restorative dentistry procedures can damage your oral health.

Dental Veneers are a unique way to achieve a beautiful, Hollywood like smile. For more information on how to enhance your smile with cosmetic dentistry, call Smiles of Memorial of Houston – Viet Tran DMD, Texas.

Oral Cancer – It’s Important to Spot it Early!

Oral cancer can be a dangerous disease if not found early. An oral cancer screening from Dr. Viet Tran and his team at Smiles of Memorial scan patients for oral cancer during their yearly dental exam. This is one reason why the oral health team encourages patients to complete bi-annual dental visits. Prevention is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of expensive, time consuming, and risky dental restorations in the future.

Who Can Get Oral Cancer?

Similar to most diseases, anyone can be susceptible to oral cancer; however, according to the American Cancer Society, the demographic that is most likely to develop oral cancer is men over 50 years old. Apart from this, risk factors that can increase anyones risk of developing oral cancer is smoke or smokeless tobacco, a history of cancer, excessive alcohol or sun exposure, or Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

Reducing Your Risk For Oral Cancer

It is important that patients are aware of their risk factors and know that there are certain things they can do to prevent oral cancer. The first, of course, is an oral cancer screening with Dr. Viet Tran at Smiles of Memorial in Houston, Texas. During this screening, Dr. Viet Tran will consider your symptoms, if you have any, and feel for lumps and abnormalities around your neck and mouth. If he finds a concerning area, he will send part of it for a biopsy.

You can also prevent oral cancer by reducing the behavioral risk factors: alcohol consumption, sun exposure, and tobacco usage. There are a number of oral and overall health benefits to quitting smokeless and smoke tobacco, but one is its ability to increase your risk of developing oral cancer. Additionally, limit your sun exposure, and when you are in the sun, apply sunscreen on your face and lower lip. This will help reduce your risk of developing oral cancer.

Patients that discover their oral cancer early have a higher chance of recovering and riding themselves of the cancer. If you have not been to the dentist in a while or if you have any oral health concerns, call Smiles of Memorial of Houston – Viet Tran DMD, Texas to book an appointment, today!

Treating Periodontal or Gum Disease

If your gums become red, swollen, or start to bleed while brushing your teeth, you may have gum disease. Many patients assume these sensitive tooth symptoms are from decay; however, gum disease could be causing underlying oral health problems. If untreated, periodontal disease, also called gum disease, can cause an infection in your body and tooth loss. The best way to prevent these complications is through effective gum disease treatment.

Gum Disease Treatment

Non-Surgical Gum Disease Treatment Options

When diagnosed early, Dr. Viet Tran may suggest a gum disease treatment of an enhanced oral health routine and regular periodontal appointments. In this gum disease treatment, a Smiles of Memorial hygienist will scrape away tarter and plaque build-up on or around your gums and teeth. This build-up leads to the progression of gum disease by forming pockets between the tooth and the gums. This is also a reason why gums appear red, inflamed, and bleed in the early stages of gum disease.

Gum disease puts your oral health and overall health at risk for infection. To combat this, Dr. Viet Tran also offers a powdered based medication called Arestin. This gum disease treatment helps your body eliminate infections caused by gum disease. Without this gum disease treatment, an infection that spreads through the body can cause complications like stroke and heart disease.

Surgical Gum Disease Treatment Options

Another option that Dr. Viet Tran offers his patients is a surgical gum disease treatment. The Smiles of Memorial team typically recommends this gum disease treatment for patients with advanced gum disease. However, many patients that have been told they need periodontal surgery in the past, qualify for a non-surgical laser treatment. Contact the Smiles of Memorial team to find out which gum disease treatment is right for you.

The risks of gum disease are not on the radar of many patients. However, it is just as important to pay attention to the health of your gums as well as the health of your teeth. For more information about gum disease treatment options or to plan your next visit to Smiles of Memorial of Houston – Viet Tran DMD, call our office, today!

Cosmetic Smiles How You Want Them

Many of our patients in Memorial and Houston, Texas dream of beautiful, Hollywood worthy smiles. At Smiles of Memorial, we can help you achieve you dream smile. From simple cosmetic updates to full mouth restorations, our Smiles of Memorial team is dedicated to enhancing your smile.

Cosmetic Dentistry in Memorial, Texas

When patients first come to our office, many of them ask, “What is cosmetic dentistry?” A cosmetic dental procedure can be done when the patient is in good oral health and wants to improve the appearance of their smile. If you have underlying dental concerns, such as a large decay or gum disease, Dr. Viet Tran at Smiles of Memorial may not recommend a cosmetic treatment. If you have poor oral health, a cosmetic dentistry procedure could worsen your oral health. At Smiles of Memorial we offer a number of cosmetic procedures ranging from porcelain veneers, Invisalign, teeth whitening, and dental implants. Below, we will describe each procedure. If you have any questions or if you would like to plan a consultation visit with Dr. Viet Tran, please call our dental office in Houston, Texas.

Dental Veneers

For a quick, smile restoration with cosmetic dentistry, opt for dental veneers. At Smiles of Memorial, we offer dental veneers that can be placed in just one short appointment and will whiten and brighten your smile for years. Dental veneers can even also make your smile appear straighter and your check bones may appear lifted.

Teeth Whitening

Whether you opt for at-home or in-office teeth whitening at Smiles of Memorial, you will not be disappointed. With our prescription strength whitening gel and custom fit trays, we can help lighten your smile multiple shades.

Brighten you smile with our cosmetic dentistry products at Smiles of Memorial with Dr. Viet Tran in Memorial, Texas. Call our office if you would like to discuss cosmetic dentistry with us or plan your next visit.

Burning Mouth Syndrom – What is it?

If your mouth sometimes feels like a hot, dry sauna, you are not alone. This is called burning mouth syndrome which can be related to a variety of diseases, infections, and medications. If you have a dry, burning sensation on your tongue, hard palate, lips or anywhere in your mouth, call Dr. Viet Tran at Smiles of Memorial to plan a visit. Although burning mouth syndrome is usually associated with another cause, it can occur on its own in response to stress or hormonal changes.

What are the Symptoms of Burning Mouth Syndrome?

One of the tell-tale signs of burning mouth syndrome is in the name, an uncontrollable burning, dry sensation in your mouth. Other common symptoms are thirst, loss of taste or a metallic sense of taste, or a tingling in or around your mouth. Symptoms can occur all the time, in the morning and/or at night, or worsen throughout the day. If you have any of these symptoms, call Dr. Viet Tran and the Smiles of Memorial team to discuss your symptoms.

Causes Of Burning Mouth Syndrome

Alone, there is not usually a clear sign of what causes burning mouth syndrome. The syndrome is usually a side effect or complication of another dental or overall health concern. Common conditions that accompany burning mouth syndrome are: dry mouth (xerostomia), oral infection (thrush), clenching and grinding teeth (bruxism), certain medications, stomach reflex (GERD), nutritional deficiencies, and endocrine disorders. Further, as with most oral health conditions, a poor oral health routine can lead to the secondary condition, burning mouth syndrome.

Treatment Options For Burning Mouth Syndrome

Burning mouth syndrome usually occurs with no warning signs and there is no clear treatment option. Decreasing your stress level, eliminating the use of tobacco products, avoiding spicy foods, and limiting acidic and/or carbonated drinks can decrease your risk of developing burning mouth syndrome. The population that has the highest risk of developing burning mouth syndrome is postmenopausal women over 50 years old. Even though there is no clear treatment, don’t hesitate to call Dr. Viet Tran if you experience any of these symptoms. Dr. Viet Tran and the Smiles of Memorial team can help you live with burning mouth syndrome.

Although burning mouth syndrome is not common, it is important to know the risk factors and symptoms associated with it. For more information about burning mouth syndrome or oral health call Smiles of Memorial Houston, Texas, today!

How To Care For Sensitive Teeth

It’s a hot summer day and you take a big, delicious bite into a bowl of rocky road ice cream. Just as the chocolate and vanilla hit your tongue a sharp, painful stabbing pain fills your tooth. This situation is all too common for people with sensitive teeth. At Smiles of Memorial, we want to help you enjoy the hot or cold foods and drinks that you love without pain.

What Causes sensitive teeth?

There are a number of reasons that you may have sensitive teeth. The first is that there may be fine cracks in the enamel of your tooth. This small crack may reach the middle pulp of your tooth where your blood vessels and nerves are stored. Another reason you may experience tooth sensitivity is if you have shrinking gums naturally or through gum disease. People who are over age 40 have an increased risk of shrinking gums which can uncover the sensitive tooth roots, also called pulp. Another reason that your gums may be receding is gum disease. This can occur at any age. A build-up of plaque and tartar from bacteria can create pockets between your teeth and your gums. Similarly, receding gums from gum disease lead to exposure of your pulp allowing sugars, hot and cold liquids, and other foods to cause a painful feeling when you eat or drink them.

How can I strengthen My Enamel?

The enamel is the hard surface around the outside of your tooth. This is the hardest substance in your body, it is even harder than bone! Even though they are extremely strong, this substance can be broken down by sugars and starches in your food. Additionally, using a hard-bristled toothbrush or brushing too hard can lead to enamel wear. When you brush, it is best to use a soft bristled brush and softly move the brush against your teeth on a 45-degree angle. Opt for a toothpaste with fluoride to help strengthen the enamel on your teeth.

Another way your teeth can wear down is by grinding or clenching your teeth. This usually happens unconsciously when patients are sleeping or stressed. Lastly, refrain from over bleaching your teeth. At Smiles of Memorial in Houston, Texas we do encourage patients to participate in a healthy dose of teeth whitening. However, over whitening, your teeth can also weaken the enamel exposing sensitive nerves to foods and drinks.

Protecting sensitive teeth is not only beneficial for a comfortable lifestyle but also important to maintain your overall health. For more information about sensitive teeth or strengthening your enamel, call Smiles of Memorial of Houston – Viet Tran DMD, Texas, today!

Eat Candy And Have A Healthy Smile

Spring has sprung! This is the time of year children start to ask for spring goodies, like peeps, jelly beans, and chocolate. If your worried about how this will affect the health of their teeth, you’re not alone. However, at Smiles of Memorial, Dr. Viet Tran promotes a healthy way to eat candy without damaging the health of your teeth.

Rinse With Water

If your child is not at home when they are eating candy, teach them the importance of rinsing their mouth after eating sugar. When your child eats candy, the sugars turn into acids and bacteria that eat away the protective layer of their teeth called enamel. One way they can prevent sugars from eating their enamel is by drinking water after eating candy. This will rinse off the surface of their teeth removing some of the sugars.

Sugar-Free Candy

Although this may not be their go-to option, whenever possible, choose sugar-free candy. Like mentioned above, this will limit the number of sugar molecules eating away their enamel. Additionally, it is healthier for your child’s overall health.

Brush

Rinsing with water and choosing sugar-free candy are great options when your child is not at home. However, there is no replacement for brushing! Remember to encourage your child to brush twice a day for two minutes each time. The abrasive material in their toothpaste and the scrubbing of the toothbrush will remove sugars.

Floss

Even if your child brushes twice a day for two minutes each time, they could be missing important spots between their teeth. Teaching your children to floss at a young age will help them develop the habit of flossing for the rest of their life.

Eating candy, especially in the spring and summer, can be fun, but you don’t have to sacrifice your oral health to enjoy it. By following these few tips, your child can maintain good oral health, even when they’re eating candy. For more oral health tips or to plan your next visit to Smiles of Memorial in Memorial Texas, call our office today!

What’s Up With Saliva?

At times, saliva can seem like a liquidy nuisance making your mouth uncomfortably watery. Other times, saliva is nowhere to be found and your mouth feels like a desert in the middle of summer. So, what does saliva really do and how can it help your oral and overall health. Let’s take a deeper dive into the watery world of saliva.

What is Saliva?

Saliva, or spit, is the liquid inside of your mouth responsible for breaking down your food, rinsing sugars from your teeth, and protecting your body from bad bacteria. First, saliva uses an enzyme called amylase to turn a piece of bread into small molecules that your body can digest. Next, saliva is a fluid that rinses over your teeth washing away bacteria that can cause decay and cavities. Lastly, saliva fights off bacteria that want to harm your body from entering with the enzyme called lysozyme. This same enzyme is also in your tears preventing bacteria from entering the body through the eyes. It turns out, saliva does a lot of good!

What if I Don’t Have Enough Saliva?

If you don’t eat or drink for a few hours, your saliva production will probably decrease causing dry mouth and even bad breath. Not only is this uncomfortable and possibly smelly, but it can also even cause cavities. As you may remember from before, saliva washes of bacteria. Without saliva, the bacteria can eat away the outer layer of your tooth called enamel, therefore developing a hole in this tooth. This hole of decay is a cavity and if it is not treated right away, you may need a filling to prevent the cavity from increasing in size and potentially losing the tooth. Staying hydrated and chewing sugar-free gum are both ways that you can improve your saliva production and avoid decay.

Medical Conditions for Less Saliva

If you stay hydrated, but you still experience a low level of saliva, there could be a medical cause. Common conditions that lead to low saliva levels are salivary stones, salivary gland infection, cysts, tumors, infections, and Sjogren’s syndrome. In these cases, you may experience pain, fever, and swelling of the gland which may look like swollen cheeks. For more information about these conditions, contact Smiles of Memorial of Houston – Viet Tran DMD, Texas.

Although it may seem troublesome and inconvenient, saliva can help us in many ways. From fighting off bacteria to digesting food, saliva is a necessary part of good oral health. If you feel like you have a problem with your saliva production or if you want to plan your next visit with Dr. Viet Tran, call Smiles of Memorial, TX, today!