Author Archives: Phuong Ngo

If you’re planning to become pregnant or suspect you’re already pregnant, it’s important that you see Dr. Ngo right away. Pregnancy may cause unexpected oral health changes due to hormones—particularly an increase in estrogen and progesterone—which can exaggerate the way in which gum tissues react to plaque. Research continues to show that overall health and oral health coincide, so it’s especially important for you to maintain good oral hygiene throughout your pregnancy. Visiting Dr. Ngo  will allow her to assess your oral condition and map out a dental plan for the remainder of your pregnancy.

How does plaque build-up affect me?

When plaque isn’t removed, it can cause gingivitis—red, swollen, tender gums that are more likely to bleed. So-called “pregnancy gingivitis” affects most pregnant women to some degree and generally begins to surface as early as the second month of pregnancy. If you already have gingivitis, the condition is likely to worsen during pregnancy. Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that includes bone loss.

How does gingivitis affect my baby’s health?

Research suggests a link between pre-term delivery, low birthweight babies, and gingivitis. Excessive bacteria can enter the bloodstream through your gums; the bacteria can travel to the uterus, triggering the production of chemicals called prostaglandins, which are suspected to induce premature labor.

How can I prevent gingivitis?

You can prevent gingivitis by keeping your teeth clean, especially near the gumline. You should brush with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and after each meal when possible. You also should floss each day. Good nutrition keeps the oral cavity healthy and strong; in particular, you should get plenty of vitamins C, and B12. More frequent cleanings Dr. Ngo also will help control plaque and prevent gingivitis.

What are pregnancy tumors?

Pregnant women are at risk for developing pregnancy tumors—inflammatory, non-cancerous growths that develop between the teeth or when swollen gums become irritated. These localized growths or swellings are believed to be related to excess plaque. Normally, the tumors are left alone and will usually shrink on their own after the baby’s birth; however, if a tumor is uncomfortable and interferes with chewing, brushing, or other oral hygiene procedures, your dentist may decide to remove it.

Are there any dental procedures I should avoid?

Routine exams and cleanings can be performed throughout pregnancy; however, non-emergency procedures should only be performed during the second trimester of pregnancy. Dental emergencies that create severe pain can be treated during any trimester, but your obstetrician should be consulted during any emergency that requires anesthesia or whenever medication is prescribed. X-rays should only be taken for emergency situations. Lastly, elective and cosmetic procedures should be postponed until after the baby’s birth.

Because every woman is different, it’s best to discuss and determine with Dr. Ngo.

For more oral health tips, talk to Dr. Ngo or visit KnowYourTeeth.com. Brought to you by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)

Focus Dental is conveniently located on the corner of Jupiter Rd and Campbell Rd in the Campbell Park Shopping Center at 3443 W Campbell Rd, Ste 650 Garland, TX 75044. So if you are in Garland TX, Richardson TX, Dallas TX, Plano TX, Murphy TX, Sachse TX, Wylie TX or surrounding areas we are here to help you with your family, restorative or cosmetic dentistry needs.

What is orthodontics, and why do people get braces?

Orthodontics is a special discipline of dentistry concerned with aligning the teeth and jaws to improve one’s smile and oral health. Dr. Ngo usually recommends braces to improve the patient’s physical “orofacial” appearance. Through orthodontic treatment, problems like crooked or crowded teeth, overbites or under bites, incorrect jaw position, and disorders of the jaw joints are corrected.

When is the right time for braces?

Patients with orthodontic problems can benefit from treatment at nearly any age. An ideal time for placement of braces is between ages 8 and 14, while the head and mouth are still growing and teeth are more amenable to straightening. And braces aren’t just for kids. Adults are increasingly wearing braces to correct minor problems and improve their smiles.

What kind of braces will I have to wear?

Dr. Ngo will know what appliance is best for your particular condition, but the patient often has a choice. Braces generally come in three varieties. The most popular type of braces uses brackets (metal or plastic) that are bonded to teeth. “Lingual” braces are braces fitted behind the teeth on the tongue (lingual) side so they are hidden from view. “Band” braces cover most of your teeth with metal bands that wrap around the teeth. All types use wires to move the teeth to the desired position. Invisible braces utilizing a series of clear plastic trays are an alternative to conventional bracketing and have become popular in recent years.

How long will I have to wear braces?

That depends upon your treatment plan. Patients with more complicated spacing or bite problems, and older patients, generally have longer treatment periods. Most patients wear full braces for between 18 and 30 months, followed by a retainer, which must be worn to set and align tissues surrounding straightened teeth.

Will treatment be uncomfortable?

At each visit, the interconnecting wires are changed. The wires place mild pressure on the brackets or bands to shift teeth or jaws gradually into a desired position. Your teeth and jaws may feel slightly sore after your appointments, but the discomfort is brief.

Do I have to avoid any foods?

Dr. Ngo will instruct you on which foods you should avoid to best maintain your braces and your oral health.

How do I clean my teeth with braces?

With braces, oral hygiene is more important than ever. Braces have tiny spaces where food particles and plaque can be trapped. Dr. Ngo will show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

Who will provide my orthodontic treatment?

Dr. Ngo is responsible for coordinating your dental treatment, which may include orthodontics.

For more oral health tips, talk to Dr. Ngo or visit KnowYourTeeth.com. Brought to you by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)

Focus Dental is conveniently located on the corner of Jupiter Rd and Campbell Rd in the Campbell Park Shopping Center at 3443 W Campbell Rd, Ste 650 Garland, TX 75044. So if you are in Garland TX, Richardson TX, Dallas TX, Plano TX, Murphy TX, Sachse TX, Wylie TX or surrounding areas we are here to help you with your family, restorative or cosmetic dentistry needs.

Do I really need to floss?

Yes. Floss removes plaque and debris that sticks to teeth and gums in between teeth, polishes tooth surfaces, and controls bad breath. Flossing is the single most important weapon against plaque and, in some ways, more important than the toothbrush. By flossing your teeth daily, you increase the chance of keeping them for a lifetime and decrease the chance of getting gum disease. Many people don’t spend enough time flossing and many never have been taught the proper way to floss. Dr. Ngo recommends everyone to floss at least once a day and spend at least two or three minutes.

Which type of floss is the best?

Dental floss comes in many forms: waxed and unwaxed, flavored and unflavored, wide and regular. They all clean and remove plaque. Wide floss, also known as dental tape, may be helpful for people with a lot of bridgework and is usually recommended when the spaces between teeth are wide. Waxed floss might be easier to slide between tight teeth with very little space between. The unwaxed floss, however, makes a squeaking sound to let you know your teeth are clean. Bonded unwaxed floss does not fray as easily as regular unwaxed floss, but does tear more than waxed floss.

How should I floss?

The spool method: Take an 18-inch piece of floss and wind the bulk of the floss lightly around the middle finger. (Don’t cut off your finger’s circulation!) Wind the rest of the floss similarly around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger takes up the floss as it becomes unusable. Maneuver the floss between teeth with your index fingers and thumbs. Bring the floss up and down several times forming a “C” shape around the tooth being sure to go below the gum line.

The loop method: Dr. Ngo recommends this method for children or adults with less nimble hands, poor muscular coordination or arthritis. Take an 18-inch piece of floss and make it into a circle. Tie it securely with three knots. Place all of the fingers, except the thumb, within the loop. Use your index fingers to guide the floss through the lower teeth, and use your thumbs to guide the floss through the upper teeth, going below the gum line forming a “C” on the side of the tooth.

Do I need a waterpick?

Waterpicks should not be used as a substitute for brushing and flossing. They are effective, however, around orthodontic braces that retain food in areas a toothbrush cannot reach. Unlike flossing, waterpicks do not remove plaque. Dr. Ngo frequently suggests waterpicks for people with gum disease.

For more oral health tips, talk to Dr. Ngo or visit KnowYourTeeth.com. Brought to you by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)

Focus Dental is conveniently located on the corner of Jupiter Rd and Campbell Rd in the Campbell Park Shopping Center at 3443 W Campbell Rd, Ste 650 Garland, TX 75044. So if you are in Garland TX, Richardson TX, Plano TX, Dallas TX, Murphy TX, Sachse TX, Wylie TX or surrounding areas we are here to help you with your family, restorative or cosmetic dentistry needs.

Need Braces but hate the look of wires? Afraid it may cost too much? At Focus Dental we are now offering Invisalign, the clear alternative to braces! During the month of October we are offering a discount for Invisalign!

What is Invisalign?

• The Invisalign system is a ground-breaking technology that straightens your teeth with a series f clear, customized, removable aligners. The aligner is a thin piece of medical-grade plastic that fits over the teeth like a glove fits on a hand. Hardly anyone can tell you’re going through treatment. And, because the aligners are removable, you can eat whatever you want during treatment.
• Learn about Invisalign treatment at www.invisalign.com.
• We also want you to know that our office can work with you to find a financing option that will work with your budget.

To schedule your free consultation, give our office a call at 972-414-1515.

Invisalign, among others, is a registered trademark of Align Technology, Inc.

Focus Dental is conveniently located on the corner of Jupiter Rd and Campbell Rd in the Campbell Park Shopping Center at 3443 W Campbell Rd, Ste 650 Garland, TX 75044. So if you are in Garland TX, Richardson TX, Plano TX, Dallas TX, Murphy TX, Sachse TX, Wylie TX or surrounding areas we are here to help you with your family, restorative or cosmetic dentistry needs.

Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children, and, unfortunately, children who develop cavities in their baby teeth are more likely to develop cavities in their permanent teeth, as well. Protect your child from tooth decay and other oral health issues by taking steps to care for your child’s teeth throughout his or her childhood.

How I can protect my child from tooth decay?

Prolonged exposure to sugar-containing liquids can cause tooth decay in children, so limit your child’s consumption of sugary beverages like soft drinks or sweetened fruit juice. If you give your child a sippy cup for long periods of time, fill it only with water and don’t allow him or her to take it to bed. Children should learn to drink from a regular cup as early as possible; liquid is less likely to collect around the teeth that way. You also should limit your child’s consumption of sugary or starchy snacks, especially those that can remain stuck in the teeth after eating.

When should my child see Dr. Ngo?

The best way to prevent oral health problems is to take your child to Dr. Ngo regularly. After your child’s first dental visit—which should occur six months after the child’s first tooth erupts or by the child’s first birthday—he or she should see Dr. Ngo every six months. Some dentists schedule appointments for very young children every three months; early visits will help familiarize your child with the dental office, reducing anxiety and making future visits less stressful. In addition to examining the development of your child’s mouth, Dr. Ngo can teach you how to ensure good oral health and recommend special preventive care if necessary.

How can I promote my child’s oral health at home?

A proper at-home oral health care regimen is important. Parents should care for their child’s oral hygiene until the child is old enough to take responsibility for the daily routine of brushing and flossing. To help promote good oral health, follow these simple steps:

• Make sure your child brushes his or her teeth for two minutes twice a day. Children 2 years and older can use a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste. Before your child turns 2, clean his or her gums with a damp cloth and brush the teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush and water.

• Start flossing between your child’s teeth as soon as he or she has two teeth that touch each other.

• Monitor excessive sucking of pacifiers and fingers, both of which are habits that can lead to future misalignment of teeth.

• Give your child fluoridated water, whether it’s bottled or from the tap.

• Encourage your child to brush and floss his or her own teeth when he or she is old enough, but always monitor the child’s technique and thoroughness.

• Lead by example: Brushing and flossing your teeth with your child will teach him or her to understand the importance of good oral hygiene. For more oral health tips, talk to Dr. Ngo or visit KnowYourTeeth.com.

Brought to you by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)

Focus Dental is conveniently located on the corner of Jupiter Rd and Campbell Rd in the Campbell Park Shopping Center at 3443 W Campbell Rd, Ste 650 Garland, TX 75044. So if you are in Garland TX, Richardson TX, Plano TX, Dallas TX, Murphy TX, Sachse TX, Wylie TX or surrounding areas we are here to help you with your family, restorative or cosmetic dentistry needs.

Dental restorations restore the function, integrity, and morphology of missing tooth structure, which can be caused by caries or external trauma, such as chipping or cracking a tooth. Fabrication of a crown (a type of dental restoration) usually requires two dental visits. The first visit involves an examination of the tooth to determine how it should be restored and preparation of the tooth for the restoration; this visit may include a core build-up (sometimes requiring a post), fabrication of a temporary crown, and making an impression to be sent to the laboratory. The second visit usually involves delivery of the final restoration, which has been fabricated in the laboratory.

What is a crown?

 A crown is a restoration that covers (or “caps”) a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and size, which can strengthen and improve the appearance of the tooth. Crowns are necessary when a tooth has been damaged significantly and cannot be adequately restored with a filling. A crown can protect a weak tooth from fracturing; it also can prevent a cracked tooth from further damage. Crowns can cover discolored or misshapen teeth for more aesthetically pleasing smiles.

What is a post and core build-up?

Dr. Ngo may use a filling material to restore a more ideal shape for supporting a crown (core build-up) when a tooth is severely decayed or fractured and lacks sufficient tooth structure. In some cases, Dr. Ngo will first perform a root canal, a procedure in which pulp is cleared out of the tooth and the canal is sealed with a special material. After the root canal, Dr. Ngo  may place a post in the open canal and secure it with dental filling to] “build up” the structure of the tooth. Once the material has hardened, the tooth can be prepared for a crown.

Will a crown look natural?

 It can, depending on the type of crown you elect to have made. A crown can be fabricated from porcelain, from gold, or from a combination of porcelain and metal. A crown can look just like a natural tooth when it is made with porcelain coverage. Numerous factors are considered when determining the crown material that is best for your particular tooth, including the color, bite, shape, space, and location of the tooth in your mouth.

How should I care for my teeth after I receive a crown?

To prevent damaging or fracturing the crown, avoid chewing extremely hard foods and ice. You also should avoid grinding or clenching your teeth. In addition to brushing twice a day and visiting your dentist regularly, cleaning between your teeth is essential if you have crowns. Use floss or interdental cleaners (specially shaped brushes and sticks) to remove plaque from the crown area where the gum meets the tooth. This process helps to prevent both dental decay and gum disease.

What do I do if I’m a still confused about these procedures?

 If you are still unclear about the process of placing a crown or a post and core build-up, speak to Dr. Ngo. She can walk you through the steps of the procedures and address any questions or concerns you may have. It is important to have these types of conversations with Dr. Ngo  so that your journey to an improved smile doesn’t start—or end—with a frown.

Brought to you by the AGD

Focus Dental is conveniently located on the corner of Jupiter Rd and Campbell Rd in the Campbell Park Shopping Center at 3443 W Campbell Rd, Ste 650 Garland, TX 75044. So if you are in Garland TX, Richardson TX, Plano TX, Dallas TX, Murphy TX, Sachse TX, Wylie TX or surrounding areas we are here to help you with your family, restorative or cosmetic dentistry needs.

In addition to good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, there are other ways to protect teeth from decay. Dental sealants can protect teeth and seal them off from decay-causing bacteria.

 What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are made of plastic and are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to prevent decay. The plastic fits into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of teeth. The sealants protect tooth enamel from the bacteria and acids that cause decay.

 Why can’t I just brush and floss?

While brushing and flossing help to remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth, toothbrush bristles often can’t reach into the teeth’s depressions and grooves. Sealants protect those areas and prevent food and bacteria from getting in.

 How does the dentist apply a sealant?

Dr. Ngo can apply sealants easily, and it takes only a few minutes to seal each tooth. She first cleans the teeth that will be sealed, which may require the use of a dental drill to open the grooves of the teeth and determine if decay is present. Then she will roughen the chewing surfaces with an acid solution, which will help the sealant stick to the teeth. Dr. Ngo then “paints” the sealant on the tooth. It bonds directly to the tooth and hardens. Sometimes she will use a special curing light to help the sealant harden.

 Aren’t sealants just for kids?

Decay can begin early in life, so Dr. Ngo usually apply sealants to children’s and teenagers’ premolars and molars to protect them. But sealants can protect adults’ teeth, too. Ask us about sealants for your children or for yourself to see if they would be beneficial.

 How long do they last?

As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be protected from decay. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and usually last several years before a reapplication is needed. The risk of decay decreases significantly after sealant application. During your regular dental visits, Dr. Ngo will check the condition of the sealants and reapply them when necessary.

 Are sealants safe?

Sealants are extremely safe, though some people may have an allergic reaction to the plastic. Talk to Dr. Ngo if you or your children have allergies so that she can provide the best treatment options.

 Will my insurance pay for sealants?

Health insurance usually will pay for sealants for children’s and teenagers’ permanent molars. If Dr. Ngo suggests sealants for other teeth, she will tell you whether or not the costs will be covered. Be sure to check with your dental insurance company about your insurance plan as coverage may vary.

For more oral health tips, talk to Dr. Ngo or visit KnowYourTeeth.com. Brought to you by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)

Focus Dental is conveniently located on the corner of Jupiter Rd and Campbell Rd in the Campbell Park Shopping Center at 3443 W Campbell Rd, Ste 650 Garland, TX 75044. So if you are in Garland TX, Richardson TX, Plano TX, Dallas TX, Murphy TX, Sachse TX, Wylie TX or surrounding areas we are here to help you with your family, restorative or cosmetic dentistry needs.