Dallas, TX Dentist Discusses Gum Disease and Men’s Health

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man exercising Gum disease is one of the few diseases that causes different reactions to men and women. For women, gum disease can arise during any major hormonal change. This includes: pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and even throughout a menstrual cycle. Since men don’t experience as many hormonal changes, periodontal disease triggers other vital systems. To warn patients about male-related illnesses associated with gum disease, Dr. Diep Truong, your Dallas, TX dentist, provides the following blog post.

Consequences of Untreated Gum Disease for Men

  • Decline in prostate health. Prostate cancer is one of the leading cause of death amongst men. Yet, men with periodontal disease have an increased risk of developing the illness. This is due to a naturally secreted enzyme in the prostate called the prostate-specific antigen (PSA). While this enzyme secretes in minimal amounts in a healthy man, men with gum disease and prostate cancer alike tend to secrete roughly double the normal amount.
  • Increased heart disease risk. Many studies have show the link between heart disease and periodontal disease. However, men already have an increased risk of developing heart disease—gum disease only makes that possibility even more likely.
  • Impotence. Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease and prolonged inflammation causes damage to the blood vessels. Therefore, men with untreated cases of gum disease become more susceptible to impotence—as per a study conducted by the American Urological Association.
  • Increased cancer risk. As aforementioned, gum disease places men under a greater risk for prostate cancer and prostate-related health issues. Additionally, men with gum disease become 49% more likely to develop kidney cancer over women. These increased risk factors extend to pancreatic and blood cancers, too.

Visit Viva Dental for an Oral Examination and a Clean Bill of Oral Health

Gum disease affects men and women differently; however, overall, the disease is detrimental to your body. If you’re interested in learning more about oral illnesses and diseases, consult with Dr. Truong. 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.

filed under: Dallas Dentist, General Dentistry, Gum Disease, Oral Health, Patient Education

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Dallas Dentist Explains What to Do When Your Child Damages a Tooth

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With summer coming to a close and school around the corner, your children may soon start signing up for school-related sporting events. With any school sport, there is always the risk your child may damage, or even knock out, a tooth. When this occurs, there are immediate steps you can take to address discomfort before bringing your little one to see your Dallas dentist, Dr. Diep Truong. In today’s blog, Dr. Truong explains what to do in the event of a dental emergency. She will also be offering a back-to-school special on mouth guards.

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filed under: Children's Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dallas Dentist, General Dentistry

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Risk Factors that Can Worsen Gum Disease, Says Richardson, TX Dentist

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gum dieaseSince gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss amongst Americans, knowing which factors may cause the disease is key. If you’re aware of the risk factors, then your vigilance can increase. To teach her patients about said risk factors, Dr. Diep Truong, your Richardson, TX dentist, provides the following information.

What Makes Your Smile More Susceptible to the Development of Gum Disease?

  • Age. As we age, our bodies become more susceptible to diseases and illnesses; plus, once an illness has had a chance to invade the body, it takes awhile to get rid of the ailment. This is exactly why older people—especially the ones 65 and over—develop gum disease.
  • Tobacco. Smoking, dipping, and the just the general use of tobacco doesn’t bode well for your teeth because these habits dry-out your mouth. A dryer mouth allows cavity-causing bacteria to attack the enamel. Plus, the use of tobacco products has been linked to cancer and heart disease.
  • Genetics. Unfortunately, genetics have a huge influence on how your teeth turn out. As far as gum disease is concerned, some people have a genetic predisposition to developing the disease. Should you fall into that category, take care to visit your Richardson, TX dentist more often.
  • Stress. When you’re stressed your body begins to breakdown and is often incapable of fighting off diseases. Aside from developing high blood pressure or even cancer, stress can allow gum disease to nestle on and between your teeth.

Talk to Your Viva Dental Dentist about the Effects of Gum Disease

Having gum disease isn’t simply an oral ailment, it can become detrimental to your body as a whole. If you’re interested in learning more about oral illnesses and diseases, consult with Dr. Truong. She can explain how oral diseases also tackle the body. 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.

filed under: Dallas Dentist, General Dentistry, Gum Disease, Oral Health, Richardson dentist

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Richardson, TX Dentist Explains Dental Cleanings During Pregnancy

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pregnant womanHow often should pregnant women visit the dentist? Most women choose to not go altogether during pregnancy, which is a mistake. Pregnancy makes women more susceptible to certain illnesses, especially ones within the oral cavity. To help stave off said diseases, Dr. Diep Truong, your Richardson, TX dentist, explains the importance of dental cleanings throughout pregnancy.

Is it Safe to Have Dental Cleanings While Pregnant?

Pregnant women have to take extra precautions throughout their term in order to protect the lives of their unborn babies. While women tend to keep as close-knit relationship with their obstetrician and general physician during pregnancy, many women forget to increase their visits to the dentist.

When you’re pregnant, your body uses twice as much of everything. Food, water, vitamins, and even minerals suddenly have to increase for the sake and health of the baby. One the vitamins that decreases tremendously during pregnancy is calcium. This vitamin fortifies your teeth and gums and a lack of calcium makes women more susceptible to developing cavities and oral diseases such as gum disease. In fact, gestational gum disease is a common ailment in pregnant women, alongside gestational diabetes. Therefore, once you know you’re pregnant, take care to tell your Richardson, TX dentist. Dr. Truong. She can schedule more dental cleanings to monitor the health of your mouth, should the development of gum disease arise.

Treating Gestational Gum Disease

Most traditional treatments for gum disease prove quite effective for pregnant women. Depending on how soon the gum disease is discovered, you may only require a scaling and planing to remove the bacteria from within the gum line.

The doctor can also use a laser treatment, which is more comfortable and requires a minimal healing period. Furthermore, a dental laser requires minimal anesthesia, which is safer for both the mother and the baby.

To Maintain Optimal Oral Health Throughout Pregnancy Visit Viva Dental

Ensuring your mouth stays healthy during pregnancy is crucial for both you and your baby. Therefore, having dental cleanings while pregnant should occur more frequently than before to stave off oral diseases. 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.

filed under: General Dentistry, Gum Disease, Oral Health, Patient Education, Richardson dentist

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Richardson Dentist: Learn About the Benefits of Dental Cleanings with Today’s Quiz

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exam

People often underestimate the importance of a dental cleaning. This routine procedure helps safeguard your smile against serious dental issues, such as tooth decay and gum disease. At Viva Dental Family Dentistry, we offer comfortable and thorough cleanings using the latest dental technology. In today’s blog, your Richardson dentist, Dr. Diep Truong, uses a fun quiz to illustrate the advantages of receiving regular dental cleanings.

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filed under: General Dentistry, Gum Disease, Patient Education, Preventive Dentistry, Richardson dentist

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Learn the Types of Dental Cleanings from Your Dallas, TX Dentist

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people smilngNot all dental cleanings were created equal. In fact, the varying degrees of cleanings allow dentists to treat patients according to their needs. For example, a patient who has healthy teeth and gums won’t need a deep scale cleaning. However, a patient suffering from gum disease requires more in-depth care to rid their mouth of oral illnesses and infections.

To help her patients understand the key differences, Dr. Diep Truong, your Dallas, TX dentist, explains the classifications of dental cleanings.

Each Dental Cleaning Serves a Different Purpose

  • Prophy. This is the standard dental cleaning that includes plaque and tartar removal, alongside a light tooth buffing. Patients with a clean bill of health during their dental examinations receive a prophy (prophylaxis) cleaning. Additionally, this cleaning is covered by insurance, since it counts as preventative care.
  • Full mouth debridement. If you’ve been diagnosed with gingivitis—the reversible form of gum disease—then a full mouth debridement is in order. With this cleaning, the hygienist needs to remove the excess build-up before the examination is performed. Once your gingivitis clears up, the dentist will perform prophy cleanings again.
  • Scaling and root planing. For patients who have the more advanced stages of gum disease, none of the aforementioned cleanings will prove beneficial. The dentist must access above and below the gum line in order to provide effective treatment.

    Scaling and root planing (SRP) is a non-surgical treatment for gum disease. During the procedure, your Dallas, TX dentist smooths out the tooth roots to remove the disease-causing bacteria. Afterward, Dr. Truong applies antibiotics onto the root to help quicken the healing process. SRP usually takes several visits before the treatment is complete.

Viva Dental Provides Excellent Preventative Care to Patients

If you’re unsure of which type of dental cleaning will prove most effective for you, visit Dr. Truong. During an examination she can determine which treatments or cleanings your require. 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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Your Dallas, TX Dentist Explains a Typical Dental Cleaning Appointment

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dental cleaningDo you know what happens during a dental cleaning and examination? Most patients know the routine for a dental visit. However, patients who don’t quite know the ins and outs of an dental exam, Dr. Diep Truong, your Dallas, TX dentist, gives her patients a rundown of a typical visit.

Expect the Following During Your Check-Up

  • Thorough inspection. Before the doctor begins the actual cleaning, she first conducts an inspection of your mouth. With a dental probe, she checks for any weaknesses (or soft spots) in your enamel. These soft spots often mean demineralization, which is the onset of tooth decay. In those instances, the dentist uses the DIAGNOdent laser to measure for decay from the inside of the tooth.
    Additionally, your     Dallas, TX dentist will also check for periodontal pockets (a depth of more than 3 mm could indicate gum disease) alongside an oral cancer screening. Should you not require any immediate treatment, Dr. Truong continues onto the cleaning.
  • Plaque and tartar removal. A sticky, film-like substance called plaque clings onto your teeth throughout the day. Plaque is teeming with bacteria that feed off the lingering sugars left behind by food. While plaque is water-soluble, tartar—the hardened version of plaque—is not. After the dentist performs the examination, a hygienist uses a specialized tool to remove the presence of plaque and tartar from your teeth. Proceeding this comes the remainder of the dental cleaning.
  • Cleaning. The rest of the visit is simple. The hygienist cleans your teeth with electric toothbrush, of sorts, that removes many surface stains. Afterward, the receptionist schedules your next six-month visit to ensure your mouth stays healthy.

Visit Viva Dental for Bi-Annual Dental Examinations and Check-Ups

Part of maintaining a healthy mouth means going to the dentist for regular dental cleanings. With visits twice-a-year, Dr. Truong can detect oral illness and diseases before the damage becomes too severe. To schedule an appointment with our Dallas, TX dental practice, call us at (214) 337-7800. Also, visit our website for services, reviews, and 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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Richardson Dentist Improves Smiles with Crowns

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crowns

Did you know that your tooth enamel is one of the hardest substances in the human body? The outer protective layer of your tooth safeguards your smile against injury and bacteria. Unfortunately, a variety of factors can weaken enamel, allowing bacteria to reach your inner tooth structure. When this happens, you may develop tooth decay or gum disease, threatening the stability of your smile. In order to restore a tooth damaged by injury, decay, or periodontal disease, we offer dental crowns. In today’s blog, your Richardson dentist, Dr. Diep Truong, explains how dental crowns can return a tooth to full function and appearance.

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filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, crowns, Dallas Dentist, General Dentistry

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Dallas Dentist: Learn About Teeth Whitening with Today’s Quiz

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teethwhitening

Do you suffer from unsightly teeth stains? Due to a variety of factors, our teeth may become discolored over time. Fortunately, at Viva Dental Family Dentistry, we offer an array of cosmetic whitening solutions. In today’s blog, your Dallas dentist, Dr. Diep Truong, uses a fun quiz to illustrate the benefits of our teeth whitening procedures.

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filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dallas Dentist, teeth whitening

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Dallas Dentist Answers Questions About Dental Crowns

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At Viva Dental Family Dentistry, we offer a method of dental restoration that addresses tooth decay, damaged teeth, and even aids in the replacement of missing teeth. Crowns can help return your tooth to full function and appearance. In today’s blog, your Dallas dentist, Dr. Diep Truong, addresses frequently asked questions about the restorative capabilities of dental crowns.

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filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dallas Dentist, General Dentistry

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