Richardson, TX Dentist Shares Interesting Facts about Saliva

Posted September 13, 2013 by Dr. Truong

Saliva is an incredible solution made entirely from one gland in the body, yet, most people don’t know much about saliva. As a matter of fact, saliva is the substance that helps ward off cavities. By creating a neutral oral environment, saliva slows down bacteria and stops the acid production that breaks down enamel.

For more facts about saliva, read this blog post provided by your Richardson, TX dentist, Dr. Diep Truong.

Did You Know This about Saliva?

Neutralizer. Saliva contains an enzyme called, amylase, which helps breakdown cooked starches and converts these into sugar. Additionally, humans make about 1.7 liters of saliva each day and roughly 10,000 gallons of saliva throughout an entire lifetime.
No saliva equals no taste. Did you know your taste is attributed to saliva? In fact, without saliva you’re ability to taste is complete hampered. For example, if your tongue was completely dry and a pinch of sugar was placed on the surface, the sugary taste wouldn’t exist. However, as soon as it was allowed to mix with saliva, the sweetness would appear.
Water-based compound. According to your Richardson, TX dentist, saliva is made mostly of water by about 98%. The other 2% is small traces of electrolytes, mucus, enzymes, and even antibacterial compounds. Furthermore, due to the added compounds in saliva, it has a boiling point three times that of regular water.
None is made during sleep. Just about everyone is familiar with morning breath and the associated dry mouth that comes with it. This is because the production of saliva slows down to almost nothing while a person sleep, which allows the mouth to dry out. With a dry mouth, oral bacteria tends to skyrocket, and thus, morning breath occurs.

For General Dental Care, Visit Viva Dental

If you would like more helpful tips and tricks to maintain your smile healthy, ask Dr. Truong. She can suggest products and daily dental tools that clean teeth effectively. To schedule an appointment with your Richardson, TX dentist, call us at (214) 337-7800. Also, visit our website for services, reviews, to learn more about our dental team. We happily serve new and existing patients in North Oak Cliff, Kessler Park, Duncanville, Grand Prairie, Richardson, Carrolton, Garland, Addison, Farmers Branch, and nearby suburbs.

Richardson, TX Dentist Presents: Diabetes and Oral Health

Posted September 9, 2013 by Dr. Truong

Most dentists tell their patients that oral health can determine the state of your overall health. This statement is very much true! As a matter of fact, some cases of dementia, Alzheimer’s, and even low birth-weight babies have been cause by untreated oral diseases and illnesses.

In this article, though, your Richardson, TX dentist Dr. Diep Truong, discusses the affects of diabetes on your smile.

Oral Ailments that Stem from Diabetes

Gum disease. Several studies have shown the link between gum disease and other bodily ailments like heart disease. Another one of those diseases is a diabetes. In fact, the connection between gum disease and diabetes goes hand-in-hand.
A patient with diabetes has a harder time warding off infections and diseases, which makes them more susceptible to developing gum disease. Furthermore, when gum disease is eliminated, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is much easier.
Infections. As aforementioned, having diabetes decreases your immune system’s ability to function properly. Therefore, you’re more prone to oral fungal infections. If this occurs, your symptoms may include painful sores within the oral cavity and difficulty swallowing. Should any of these ailments appear, contact your Richardson, TX dentist quickly.
Delayed healing. This applies more to those who have undergone oral surgery or other types of invasive surgeries. However, for patients who have surgical procedures, the doctor prescribes an antibiotic to avoid the onset of infections and to promote faster healing. Yet, if your blood sugar levels don’t fall within a satisfactory range, the healing process may take longer than anticipated.

For Diabetic Dental Care, Visit Viva Dental

If you’re a diabetic and would like a dental office that can cater to your specific needs, then take care to visit Dr. Truong. She can evaluate your mouth to ensure it’s healthy—should you require treatment, she can create a plan made just for you. To schedule an appointment with your Richardson, TX dentist, call us at (214) 337-7800. Also, visit our website for services, reviews, to learn more about our dental team. We happily serve new and existing patients in North Oak Cliff, Kessler Park, Duncanville, Grand Prairie, Richardson, Carrolton, Garland, Addison, Farmers Branch, and nearby suburbs.

Dallas, TX Dentist: Learn to Avoid Dry Sockets

Posted September 6, 2013 by Dr. Truong

When patients have a tooth extracted, the doctor often warns about dry sockets, which is a painful complication. A dry socket occurs when the extraction site loses the blood clot protecting the area. This causes patients a great deal of discomfort and pain. To avoid the development of dry sockets, your Dallas, TX dentist, Dr. Diep Truong, provides some suggestions to help your blood clot stay in place.

Dodge Dry Sockets with These Tips

Rest. Immediately after the extraction, wait at least a day before returning to normal activities. Afterward, don’t partake in rigorous activities that could cause injury to your mouth. This includes playing sports and intense exercise.
Watch your drinks. During the first week post extraction, don’t use a straw. The sucking motion could dislodge the blood clot, which leads to dry sockets. Additionally, drinking anything caffeinated, hot, or alcoholic could cause the clot to dissolve; therefore, avoid those beverages, too.
Eat soft foods. According to your Dallas, TX dentist, applesauce and yogurt, amongst other soft foods, is what your diet should consist of for the first few days. Once you feel comfortable eating more solid foods, you can. However, don’t eat anything crunchy, chewing, hot, or spicy as this could cause injury to the extraction site.
Clean the area. Once you’ve arrived at-home, you’re more than welcome to clean your mouth by rinsing gently and brushing your teeth. Yet, leave the extraction site untouched. After 24 hours, you can start the warm salt water rinses, which consists of a cup of water for every half teaspoon. You should complete these rinses after every meal and snack or every two hours.
Refrain from tobacco use. If you’re smoker, refrain from smoking for at least 48 hours. For patients who use dip or other forms of tobacco, wait a week before continuing use. Tobacco use not only delays the healing process, it allows the possibility for complications to arise, including the development of dry sockets.

Viva Dental Provides Patients with Tooth Extraction Advice

With diligent care, healing from a tooth extraction shouldn’t pose any problems. If you would like more information about dry sockets or other complications that may arise from an extraction, talk to Dr. Truong. Before an extraction takes place, she explains the procedure and which issues to anticipate. To schedule an appointment with your Dallas, TX dentist, call us at (214) 337-7800. Also, visit our website for services, reviews, to learn more about our dental team. We happily serve new and existing patients in North Oak Cliff, Kessler Park, Duncanville, Grand Prairie, Richardson, Carrolton, Garland, Addison, Farmers Branch, and nearby suburbs.

Dallas, TX Dentist Explains the Importance of Dental Cleanings

Posted August 30, 2013 by Dr. Truong

For patients who need their teeth cleaned soon, reading this article may benefit you a great deal. Dr. Diep Truong, your Dallas, TX dentist, shares the importance of dental cleanings with her patients.

Top-Marked Reasons to Schedule Routine Dental Visits

Reason # 1 – Oral cancer screenings.

Having a dental cleaning is about preventative care and oral cancer screenings is a standard practice amongst dental offices nationwide. Since oral cancer is quickly becoming a growing problem, your Dallas, TX dentist wishes to remain vigilant of the disease.

To check for oral cancer, Dr. Truong looks for any oral abnormalities. This includes the presence of unhealed sores, white or red patches upon the tongue or cheeks, and inexpiable bumps on oral tissues. Should the dentist find any of these, she can perform a biopsy to determine if the growth is cancerous. Depending upon the results, the dentist acts accordingly.

Reason # 2 – Gum disease detection.

Oftentimes, when gum disease begins, many patients don’t know they have it—especially during the gingivitis stage. Before completing the actual dental cleaning, the doctor looks for any unwarranted bleeding or tenderness. Furthermore, should your gums appear swollen or bright red, Dr. Truong notes the need for gum disease treatment. If the oral ailment is caught early enough, it won’t advance in development and your smile should recover nicely.

Reason # 3 – Ensuring overall health.

Surprisingly, the state of your oral health can also determine the state of your overall health. When your mouth is ill-stricken and diseased, the infection can travel into your body through saliva. In patients with the advanced stages of gum disease, their risk of developing stroke, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and even dementia increases. By protecting the state of your smile, your body benefits, too.

Reason # 4 – Brilliant smile.

Going in for cleanings isn’t always about just cleaning teeth. Sometimes, patients complete the appointment and stay afterward to have a session of teeth whitening. The in-office treatment not only removes surfaces stains, it can penetrate down to the dentin to truly whiten your smile.

For Excellent Preventative Care, Visit Viva Dental

Completing your bi-annual dental cleanings is an important part of maintain sound oral health. If you would like more information on the importance of cleanings, talk to Dr. Truong. She highlight the benefits during your next visit.To schedule an appointment with our Dallas, TX dental practice, call us at (214) 337-7800. Also, visit our website for services, reviews, to learn more about our dental team. We happily serve new and existing patients in North Oak Cliff, Kessler Park, Duncanville, Grand Prairie, Richardson, Carrolton, Garland, Addison, Farmers Branch, and nearby suburbs.

Dallas, TX Discusses the Differing Types of Dental X-Rays

Posted August 29, 2013 by Dr. Truong

People who visit the dentist regularly for dental cleanings have some experience with dental x-rays. Yet, did you know that x-rays have varying types. In fact, each x-ray type serves an alternate purpose. To explain the nature of x-rays during dental cleanings, your Dallas, TX dentist, Dr. Diep Truong provides this post.

There’s More than One Dental X-Ray

Bite-wing. The distinct winged flaps of this x-ray type prove quite common during routine dental visits. The doctor may choose to complete these either once a year or during each six-month dental cleaning. The purpose of a bite-wing x-ray is to see any decay on the back molars. Additionally, bite-wing x-rays give a fairly clear view of the entire mouth.
Periapical. These x-rays tend to concentrate on one or two teeth at a time. While this type of x-ray mimics bite-wing x-rays almost to the letter, the periapical x-ray can view the entire tooth. From crown to root tip, the picture shows everything, allowing the doctor to pinpoint a specific problem.
Occlusal. The occlusal x-ray is typically performed on children since it’s larger and shows the development of teeth. With an occlusal x-ray, the doctor can see if any dental issues will occur in the future, to take necessary preventative steps.
Extraoral. While these x-rays show a clear picture of the mouth, it also shows the skull. Much like the occlusal x-ray, this type is commonly used on children because it makes tracking dental development and growth very simple.
Panoramic. Your Dallas, TX dentist can view your entire mouth with a panoramic x-ray. However, unlike the aforementioned x-rays, the panoramic type requires the use of a special machine. This unit requires the patients to stand motionless, while the head and jaw is held carefully in place. Then, the machine moves around your head, capturing your teeth and skull from a continuous angle. Moreover, panoramic x-rays produce less radiation, making these x-rays safer and more effective.
Cephalometric. Orthodontist use these x-rays more often than not. The picture displays the side of mouth and head, which allows the orthodontist to determine the correct type of orthodontic treatment.

Schedule Bi-Annual Dental Visits with Viva Dental

For an in-depth view of your teeth, a hygienist competes x-rays once a year during dental cleanings. If you have questions about dental x-rays, ask Dr. Truong. She can discuss your results with you and proceed with the proper treatment—should you require any. To schedule an appointment with our Dallas, TX dental practice, call us at (214) 337-7800. Also, visit our website for services, reviews, to learn more about our dental team. We happily serve new and existing patients in North Oak Cliff, Kessler Park, Duncanville, Grand Prairie, Richardson, Carrolton, Garland, Addison, Farmers Branch, and nearby suburbs.

Learn How Your Dallas Dentist Brightens Smiles with Today’s Quiz

Posted August 27, 2013 by Dr. Truong

Over time, a variety of factors can lead to stained teeth. The foods and drinks we consume, poor oral hygiene, and even the use of certain antibiotics may discolor the outer enamel or inner structure of our teeth. Fortunately, at Viva Dental Family Dentistry we offer cosmetic solutions to stained smiles. In today’s blog, your Dallas dentist, Dr. Diep Truong, uses a fun quiz to discuss our teeth whitening techniques.

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Richardson, TX Dentist Discusses Surgical Treatments for Gum Disease

Posted August 23, 2013 by Dr. Truong

Do you know the more advanced stages of gum disease don’t respond to alternative, non-surgical methods of treatment? For those who require a more involved process to eliminate this oral ailment, Dr. Diep Truong, your Richardson, TX dentist, explains surgical methods to cure gum disease.

Surgeries that Alleviate Gum Disease

Flap surgery. When gum disease has advanced to the later stages, root scaling and planing isn’t as effective. The flap surgery allows the dentist to lift the gum tissue to access deeper portions of the gum tissue.
Additionally, since periodontal disease tends to affect the bone, the doctor may recontour the bone a bit to repair any prevalent bone loss.
Soft tissue grafts. Frequently, gum disease cause the gum line to recede, giving your teeth a longer appearance. To correct this ailment, your Richardson, TX dentist removes a small piece of tissue from with your palate and places the tissue on the affected area. Not only does this prevent further gum recession, it also covers the space that’s lost some of gum tissue.
Bone grafting. Tissue and bone is what anchors your teeth in place. With both the bone and soft tissue reduced from gum disease, tooth loss ensues. A bone graft is necessary when a patient has endured enough bone loss to reach the tooth loss stage.
By using either your own bone, a synthetic material, or even donated bone, the graft supplements the lost bone. After healing period, patients’ teeth have become strongly rooted back into place.
Tissue regeneration. Much like the bone graft, tissue regeneration is meant to supplement bone loss. However, there isn’t a need for actual bone-like material. Instead, the doctor uses a biocompatible fabric to separate the tooth from the bone. The bone then begins to regenerate without any unwanted tissue developing.
Enamel matrix derivative. As third alternative to tissue regrowth, the derivative application involves the use of a gel. The gel stimulates healthy bone and tissue growth when placed on the diseased tooth; plus, the solution contains the same elements seen in enamel, which makes the regrowth process more effective.

Viva Dental Can Expertly Eliminate the Presence of Gum Disease

When gum disease doesn’t respond to alternative treatments, surgery may prove the most effective method to eliminate the disease. If you would like more information about surgical remedies for gum disease, contact Dr. Truong—she can explain your options. To schedule an appointment with our Richardson, TX dental practice, call us at (214) 337-7800. Also, visit our website for services, reviews, to learn more about our dental team. We happily serve new and existing patients in North Oak Cliff, Kessler Park, Duncanville, Grand Prairie, Richardson, Carrolton, Garland, Addison, Farmers Branch, and nearby suburbs.

Gum Disease Can Affect Children, Says Richardson, TX Dentist

Posted August 22, 2013 by Dr. Truong

Did you know that children can develop gum disease just like adults can? In fact, kids become particularly susceptible to the disease throughout puberty when their hormones have started to overtake their growing bodies. Dr. Diep Truong, your Richardson, TX dentist explains the types of gum disease seen amongst children in this article.

Types of Gum Disease Seen in Children

Chronic gingivitis. Cases of gingivitis arise amongst children quite often. Just like in adults, the gingivitis creates bright red, swollen gum tissue. Additionally, bleeding can also occur.
However, since gingivitis is the only the beginnings of gum disease, it’s preventative and treatable. Simply enforce a stricter teeth cleaning routine alongside making regular dental visits a habit. With the proper treatment, the gingivitis should clear up easily; yet, if left unattended, the gum disease will only worsen.
Aggressive periodontitis. This type of gum disease is seen in kids, teens, and young adults alike. Oftentimes, aggressive periodontitis affects the first molar and incisors. Furthermore, the alveolar bone is significantly riddled with bone loss. Surprisingly, though, kids with aggressive periodontitis don’t have a lot of plaque or tartar build-up.
Generalized aggressive periodontitis. Frequently, this form of periodontitis is seen throughout puberty; it’s actually quite common for the sudden rush of hormones produced by puberty to affect oral health. Typically, heavily accumulations of plaque and tartar makes generalized aggressive periodontitis much worse. Without proper care, this advancement in gum disease can lead to tooth loos.

Prevention Tips for Parents

Establish healthy oral habits at an early age. By the time your child is year old, a dentist should have already seen them for their first dental appointment. Additionally, after their first birthday, you can start brushing their teeth with baby-safe toothpaste. When their teeth become close enough together, you can start flossing their teeth, too.
Use yourself as a role model for them. Let you child see that you follow the same teeth cleaning routine they do.
Make dental appointments for the entire family at the same time. This way, your child can have you nearby, should they want you in the treatment room.
Your Richardson, TX dentist recommends checking your child’s teeth for any signs of gum disease. If they have swollen, bleeding, or very red gums, take them dentist as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment is the key to preventing oral ailments.

Bring Your Entire Family to Viva Dental for Preventative Care

In order to protect your entire family against the effects of gum disease, take care to visit Dr. Truong. She can provide treatment to virtually anyone, regardless of age or ailment. To schedule an appointment with our Richardson, TX dental practice, call us at (214) 337-7800. Also, visit our website for services, reviews, to learn more about our dental team. We happily serve new and existing patients in North Oak Cliff, Kessler Park, Duncanville, Grand Prairie, Richardson, Carrolton, Garland, Addison, Farmers Branch, and nearby suburbs.

Richardson Dentist Answers FAQs About Dental Cleanings

Posted August 20, 2013 by Dr. Truong

A cleaning is such a routine procedure that many people underestimate its importance. Without regular cleanings, your smile becomes susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. In today’s blog, your Richardson dentist, Dr. Diep Truong, answers common questions about the importance of dental cleanings.

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Dallas, TX Dentist Busts Common Myths about Gum Disease

Posted August 16, 2013 by Dr. Truong

In our previous post about gum disease, we discussed risk factors that make you more susceptible to developing this oral illness. Here, Dr. Diep Truong, your Dallas, TX dentist debunks a few common misconceptions about gum disease.

Learn the Real Truth about Gum Disease

Gum Disease Myth # 1 – Gum disease is a natural part of the aging process.

Gum disease can affect anyone regardless of age. One of the main culprits of gum disease is plaque, which builds up around and between teeth. In its hardened state, plaque becomes tartar (or calculus). An excess of tartar forces periodontal pockets into your gums. These pockets fill with more bacteria and food particles, and the cycle continues until gum disease has manifested.

Since many older adults have endured some type of gum recession, they’re more susceptible to the accumulation of bacteria and the onset of gum disease.

Gum Disease Myth # 2 – Gum disease goes away on its without treatment.

Actually, gum disease only worsens without treatment. In fact, periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease where patients endure tooth loss. Yet, before gum disease has a chance to reach that stage, gingivitis sets in. Should you notice bleeding while brushing and flossing, persistent bad breath, or swollen gums, take care to talk to your Dallas, TX dentist to start treatment.

Gum Disease Myth # 3 – Bleeding a little while brushing or flossing is normal.

Unwarranted bleeding from any area of your body is usually a sign of trouble. If bleeding during your normal teeth cleaning regimen is a common occurrence, don’t hesitate visiting the dentist. The sooner the issue is addressed, the more effective treatment will prove for your smile.

Gum Disease Myth # 4 – Gum disease only affects my mouth.

Many studies have shown that gum disease tends to affect the body as a whole. In fact, gum disease increases your risk of developing heart disease, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and stroke. Furthermore, women who suffer from gestational gum disease can have preterm births and low-weight babies.

Viva Dental Provides Patients with Periodontal Treatment

If you’ve seen some pink-in-the-sink or have any other telltale signs of gum disease, talk to Dr. Truong as soon as possible. She can evaluate your mouth and begin treatment right away. To schedule an appointment with our Dallas, TX dental practice, call us at (214) 337-7800. Also, visit our website for services, reviews, to learn more about our dental team. We happily serve new and existing patients in North Oak Cliff, Kessler Park, Duncanville, Grand Prairie, Richardson, Carrolton, Garland, Addison, Farmers Branch, and nearby suburbs.

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