Bleeding Gums Could Signal Trouble, Says Dallas Dentist

woman covering mouth If your gums bleed a little when you brush, your toothbrush bristles may be too hard. Perhaps you’re pressing too hard when you scrub your pearly whites. In many cases, bleeding gums indicate the beginning stage of gum disease, called gingivitis. Other symptoms include redness, tenderness, swelling, and halitosis (bad breath).

While poor oral hygiene is the leading cause of adult gum disease (periodontal disease), other factors can contribute to the development of this chronic and progressive condition.

What Increases Risk for Gum Disease?

Age, genetics, certain medications, hormone fluctuations, and systemic diseases can increase risk for gum disease.

The Centers for Disease Control claim that nearly half of Americans over 30 years old have some form of periodontal disease. As adults age, maintaining sound oral health becomes increasingly difficult, which makes us more susceptible to developing diseases. To prevent the onset of gum disease, Dr. Truong recommends continuing dental visits, regardless of age, and brushing teeth twice, flossing once, each day.

Smoking or chewing tobacco increases your risk of developing both gum disease and oral, throat, and lung cancers. Also, using tobacco tends to cause a dry mouth, which leads to an increase in oral bacteria and plaque build-up. Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue, so if you already suffer with gingivitis, stop smoking now.

Unfortunately, some patients have a genetic predisposition to gum disease. Even with sound dental care habits, these patients can still suffer with bouts of periodontal disease. Dr. Truong can conduct a genetic test of your saliva to screen your proclivity for developing gum disease. Based upon the results, the doctor can begin proactive treatments to prevent gum disease.

Medications, such as asthma inhalers, and hormone fluctuations contribute to an increased risk for developing gingivitis. Even for those with excellent oral hygiene, teens, pregnant women, and menopausal women are prone to gum disease flare ups. In most cases, symptoms of the disease subside when hormones regulate.

Systemic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, weaken the body’s defenses and increase the possibility of infections. Patients with diabetes have a greater likelihood of developing gum disease.

Visit Viva Dental for Preventative Gum Disease Care

If you’re experiencing symptoms that may indicate gum disease, visit Dr. Diep Truong. With her expertise, your condition can be treated so that you can enjoy improved oral health. To schedule an appointment at our Dallas dental office, call (214) 337-7800. Also, visit our website to learn more about services, to read our reviews, to obtain patient information. 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 Dentist Offers Tips for Keeping Your Smile Beautiful

cleaning

When you catch a glimpse of your smile in the mirror, what do you see? Do you see a gorgeous row of teeth or a smile dulled by teeth stains? Without regular dental maintenance, the health and appearance of your smile suffers. Fortunately, at Viva Dental Family Dentistry, we can help you boost the beauty of your smile. In today’s blog, your Dallas dentist, Dr. Diep Truong, offers tips for keeping your teeth bright and healthy.

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Dallas Dentist Brightens Smiles with General Dentistry

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Without regular dental care, the appearance of our smiles suffers. In fact, lack of routine dental treatment increases the risk of serious issues, such as tooth decay and gum disease. At Viva Dental Family Dentistry, your Dallas dentist, Dr. Diep Truong, offers quality general dental care to improve the health of your smile, including thorough cleanings. In today’s blog, Dr. Truong answers questions about the smile brightening capabilities of dental cleanings.

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Richardson Dentist: Try Our Dental Checkup Quiz

checkup

Few things help fill a person with confidence like a beautiful smile. In fact, a recent Kelton Research study shows that people with healthy smiles are considered both more attractive and successful. Many of the people polled for the study also said the smile is one of the first things they notice when meeting someone new. A healthy and gorgeous smile requires regular dental care. In today’s blog, your Richardson dentist, Dr. Diep Truong, discusses the importance of regular checkups.

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Richardson Dentist Offers Tips for Preventing Tooth Decay

checkup

Does your child complain about sensitive teeth? Does he/she experience a toothache that doesn’t seem to go away? These are all common symptoms of tooth decay. A cavity endangers the health and stability of your child’s smile. Unfortunately, many parents don’t realize that a few simple steps can help prevent the onset of tooth decay. In today’s blog, your Richardson dentist, Dr. Diep Truong, offers tips for safeguarding your child’s smile against tooth decay.

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Richardson General Dentist: The Truth About Tooth Loss

covering smileMany patients worry about losing teeth as they grow older, and some mistakenly believe that it’s a natural part of aging. Approximately 69% of adults in the United States lose at least one permanent tooth by the age of 44, and many more exhibit dental health issues, like gum disease, that can lead to tooth loss if not adequately treated. The tragedy of losing teeth is that it shouldn’t happen; we only grow one set of permanent teeth in a lifetime, and they’re vital to processing food and speaking clearly. To help you understand the importance of retaining natural teeth, or replacing them if lost, your Richardson general dentist, Dr. Diep Truong, explains how tooth loss affects more than a smile’s appearance. (more…)

Spicy Food Cooling Methods, from Your Dallas, TX Dentist

chili pepperHave you ever eaten a very spicy dish and your tongue felt like it was on fire? While your tongue is able sense five tastes, it’s particularly sensitive to spicy foods. In fact, many people have encountered the same issue and don’t have the slightest idea on how to find relief. Thankfully, at Viva Dental we have an answer—you can learn to end the heat with our tips.

In this fun and informative blog post, Dr. Diep Truong, your Dallas, TX general dentist shares methods for relieving your tongue after consuming spicy foods.

Save Your Tongue after Eating Spicy Food

  • Sweet and cold. If your tongue feels like it’s on fire after eating something spicy, try eating something very cold and sweet. Ice cream or frozen fruit work the best. Additionally, if you don’t have cold and sweet items around your home, take a teaspoonful of sugar and place it in your mouth. For the next 20 seconds suck on the sugar until it dissolves or near to instant relief.
  • Drink milk. To neutralize any flavor milk is the go-to beverage. The fats in milk coat the tongue to mask the spiciness and cool down your tongue. For these instances whole milk is better than any other type of milk due to the higher fat content. Next time you’re planning on eating anything remotely spicy, have glass of whole milk at your side to rid your tongue of the spice.
  • Eat bread. When you look at bread, it’s packed with tiny holes, which is what makes the bread light and fluffy. Those same qualities allow bread to absorb the oiliness associated with spicy foods. Therefore, if you’ve eaten something spicy your Dallas, TX general dentist recommends having bread or a similar type of wheat-based carb, like, muffins.
  • Eat a lime. Though many people think that eating something sour is counterproductive at relieving spicy food heat, it’s actually conducive towards relief. To use this method, try slicing a lime wedge and chew it with the skin. The oil from the lime removes the oil from the spicy food item.

Viva Dental Provides Dental Care Tips to Patients

If you would like more simple tips and tricks about dental care, consult with Dr. Truong. To schedule an appointment with your Dallas, TX general 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 General Dentist Shares the Benefits of Cranberries

cranberriesWho doesn’t like a nice bit of cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving? Almost every American household serves cranberry sauce during their Thanksgiving meal as a part of tradition. While cranberries do add a sweet zing to this tasty meal, eating these on a daily basis can improve your health. Since cranberries provide a number of nutrients, consuming a cranberry-based supplement, eating the fruit, or even drinking pure cranberry juice is incredibly beneficial—especially to your oral health.

In this article, your Dallas, TX general dentist, Dr. Diep Truong, shares the many health benefits of eating cranberries.

Cranberries Can Improve Your Dental and Overall Health

  • Prevents dental issues. You can stave off common dental ailments like gum disease, plaque and tartar build-up, and cavities by simply eating cranberries daily.
  • Fights cancer. Oral cancer is a growing problem worldwide. However, by consuming more cranberries you can decrease your chances of developing oral cancer. Cranberries also help ward off other cancers, such as: lung, colon, and even prostate. In fact, researchers have found that cranberry extract prevents cancerous cells from developing or even multiplying.
  • Prevents heart disease. Patients who have gum disease have a greater risk of developing heart disease and stroke alongside other bodily ailments. Yet, cranberries can help prevent those diseases. Cranberries help reduce bad cholesterol and inhibits plaque from forming within the artery walls.
  • Improves immune system. Do you want an improved immune system? Then your Dallas, TX general dentist suggests eating more cranberries. Packed with antioxidants, cranberries help rid the body of toxins and increases the immune system’s functionality. With an improved immune system, you can prevent more oral diseases and illnesses.
  • Clears skin conditions. If you happen to suffer from a skin condition, like, acne, psoriasis, or even eczema, eating more cranberries can help clear-up those ailments.

Visit Viva Dental for General Dentistry Health Tips

For more tips and tricks on maintaining sound overall and dental health, ask Dr. Truong. She can recommend daily routines that can fortify both your smile and body.To schedule an appointment with your Dallas, TX general 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 Shares Interesting Facts about Saliva

salivary glandsSaliva 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?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

diabetesMost 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.