Using tobacco can harm your mouth, including your teeth and gums, in a number of ways. There is no safe form of tobacco— using it produces many problems and risk factors, from tooth discoloration and gum disease to throat, lung, and oral cancer, and, ultimately, even death. It’s important to understand what happens to your mouth when you use any form of tobacco, and to discuss those effects—and how to quit—with Dr. Ngo and your physician.
What happens to my mouth when I smoke?
Smoking reduces blood flow and the supply of vital nutrients to your gums, including vitamin C. Without the proper nutrients, you can develop gum disease, bone loss, and even tooth loss. This is because smoking triggers the accumulation of bacteria in plaque. Smoking also reduces the amount of saliva that flows through your mouth. Saliva is important for cleaning your mouth and preventing tooth decay. In addition, when you smoke, the temperature in your mouth increases and the heat kills important cells in your mouth. You also can see the effects of tobacco use. Nicotine and tar, the major ingredients of cigarettes, discolor your teeth—yellow and brown stains will appear and the sticky tar deposits will adhere to crevices. The roof of your mouth will become inflamed and turn red. You also will lose a lot of your sense of taste, and the smell of your breath may become offensive.

Is smokeless tobacco safe?
No! Just because you don’t smoke the tobacco, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t harmful effects. Smokeless tobacco—which includes snuff, dip, or chewing tobacco—eats away at your gums, exponentially increasing the chances for gum disease. You also are four to six times more likely to develop oral cancer from chewing tobacco. In fact, the area of your mouth where you place the tobacco is 50 times more likely to be the site of an oral cancer.
What about cigars?
Cigars contain the same toxic and carcinogenic compounds that cigarettes do, and even though you might not inhale cigar smoke, cigars are not a safe alternative. Regular cigar smoking increases the risk for oral cancers, lung cancer, and larynx and esophageal cancers.
What are the signs of oral cancer?
Oral cancer can develop at any time. It’s important to know what to look for and to tell Dr. Ngo and your physician right away if you have any concerns. If you experience any sign of irritation, like tenderness, burning, or a sore that will not heal, tell Dr. Ngo or you physician. Also, tell Dr. Ngo or your physician if you have pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in your mouth or lips. The development of a lump or a wrinkled or bumpy patch inside your mouth also can be a sign of oral cancer. In addition, if the tissues in your mouth change color to gray, red, or white, make an appointment to see Dr. Ngo or physician.
What can I do to stop the effects?
The most obvious way to stop the effects of smoking and tobacco use on your mouth—and body—is by quitting. Although it can be extremely difficult to quit because the toxins in tobacco products are addictive, there are ways to stop using tobacco. Talk with Dr. Ngo and your physician about treatment plans. Once you have made the steps toward quitting, it is important to improve your dental hygiene with regular brushing and flossing. It is advised for smokers to get a professional cleaning (scaling and polishing) for the removal of stains. But without quitting, the cleaning and stain removal will have only a temporary effect.

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 the Garland, Richardson, Dallas, Plano, Murphy, Sachse, Wylie or surrounding areas in Texas we can help you with your family’s anxiety-free dentistry, fillings, braces, dentures, dental implants, and cosmetic dental needs.

What do hormones have to do with a woman’s oral health?
Hormonal changes occur throughout a woman’s life, and with these hormonal changes come changes in oral health. Puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause all can have an effect on a woman’s oral health. The use of oral contraceptives (birth control pills) can affect a woman’s oral health as well.

When might I notice changes in my oral health?
During puberty, fluctuations in hormones can make gums more susceptible to gingivitis. As a result, the gums may appear red and swollen, and they can bleed. During menstruation, women who have a tendency to develop canker sores and cold sores may develop a pattern in which these sores recur during every menstrual cycle. During pregnancy, gingivitis may develop. In fact, gingivitis is the most common oral condition associated with being pregnant. Sometimes, however, women will avoid dental checkups for fear that treatment might harm the developing baby. In truth, untreated gum infections and decayed teeth can put a mother and her baby at risk. Dental infections may be responsible for as much as 5 percent of low-birth-weight pre-term babies. Pregnant women need routine checkups. Always tell Dr. Ngo and her staff if you are pregnant. Some women also experience dry mouth while pregnant. Taking frequent sips of water and chewing sugarless gum or candy can help alleviate this symptom. Women who experience morning sickness need to brush their teeth more frequently than twice a day. This will help to prevent stomach acids from contacting the teeth and causing permanent damage to tooth enamel. The use of oral contraceptives may cause gum tissue changes in some women. Women who use birth control pills may also be more prone to healing problems or dry socket after tooth extraction. During menopause, women may experience oral changes that include pain, a burning sensation in the oral tissue, changes in taste, and dry mouth. After menopause, there is an increased risk of developing osteoporosis, which may increase the chance of tooth loss.

How can I maintain good oral health throughout my life?
Brush twice daily with toothpaste containing fluoride and floss once daily. Have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined by Dr. Ngo every six months (or more frequently if recommended by her). Eat a well-balanced diet, and always tell Dr. Ngo and her staff about any medications, vitamins, and supplements that you are taking. Ask Dr. Ngo any questions that you have about your oral health. Together, you and Dr. Ngo can create a treatment and prevention plan that specifically meets your needs.

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 the Garland, Richardson, Dallas, Plano, Murphy, Sachse, Wylie or surrounding areas in Texas we can help you with your family’s anxiety-free dentistry, fillings, braces, dentures, dental implants, and cosmetic dental needs.

Tooth erosion, or tooth wear, is the loss of the surrounding tooth structure. This loss occurs when the hard part of your teeth—which is called the enamel—is worn away by acid. Over time, this erosion can leave your teeth sensitive, cracked, and discolored.
What causes tooth erosion?
Acid is the main cause of tooth erosion. So, drinking carbonated beverages, energy and sports drinks, and pure fruit juice, which all contain high levels of acid, can cause tooth erosion, especially when consumed in large amounts. Certain medical conditions, including acid reflux and bulimia, also can cause tooth erosion because they cause increased levels of stomach acids in the mouth.
What are the signs and symptoms of tooth erosion?

Tooth erosion can present in a variety of ways. Below are some common signs and symptoms:
• Sensitivity—Since protective enamel is wearing away, you may feel a twinge of pain when you consume hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. As more enamel wears away, teeth can become increasingly sensitive.
• Discoloration—Teeth can become yellow as the dentin, the second layer of the tooth, is exposed.
• Rounded teeth—Your teeth may have a rounded or “sand-blasted” look.
• Transparency—Your front teeth may appear slightly transparent near the biting edges.
• Cracks—Small cracks and rough areas may appear at the edges of your teeth.
• Cupping—Small dents may appear on the chewing surfaces of your teeth, and fillings might appear to be rising up out of the teeth.
What can I do to prevent tooth erosion?

You can help prevent tooth erosion from occurring by taking these simple steps:
• Cut down on your consumption of carbonated beverages, sports and energy drinks, and pure fruit juice.
• Drink acidic drinks quickly and with a straw. This helps prevent acid from coming in contact with your teeth. Also, don’t swish these liquids around or hold them in your mouth for long periods of time.
• After consuming acidic drinks, rinse your mouth with water to neutralize the acids and wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth.
• Chew sugar-free gum, which helps your mouth produce more saliva to re-mineralize your teeth.
• Brush with a soft toothbrush and be sure your toothpaste contains a high amount of fluoride.
• Don’t let your child consume highly acidic drinks or fruit juices in his or her sippy cup or bottle.

How can I deal with the sensitivity caused by tooth erosion?

You can reduce sensitivity by using specially formulated toothpaste or over-the- counter enamel-building products.
However, always be sure to check with Dr. Ngo before you try any new dental products.
Tooth erosion impacts everyone in different ways. Make sure you speak with Dr. Ngo about your oral hygiene and find out what else you can do to protect yourself from tooth erosion.

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 the Garland, Richardson, Dallas, Plano, Murphy, Sachse, Wylie or surrounding areas in Texas we can help you with your family’s anxiety-free dentistry, fillings, braces, dentures, dental implants, and cosmetic dental needs.

Patients become anxious about going to the dentist for different reasons. This may include fear of receiving local anesthetic or concerns about the effectiveness of the anesthesia. Negative past experiences also may play a large role in a patient’s anxiety, as well as financial concerns. However, sedation is not pain medication, so you may still require local anesthesia, depending upon the treatment. There are a variety of sedation dentistry methods. The most common types are inhaled sedation, which involves breathing in a mixture of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oxygen, and oral sedatives, which are medications taken by mouth. Another type of dental sedation is intravenous (IV) sedation, which is provided by dentists with specialized training in IV sedation.
Sedation is safe when administered by dentists who are trained in its use. However, as with any medication, sedation involves a certain amount of risk. It is important to talk to Dr. Ngo about these risks.

What should I do if I am seeing a new patient?
If you are seeing Dr. Ngo for the first time, schedule an appointment for a visit—a visit that doesn’t require a cleaning or treatment. Take the opportunity to ask Dr. Ngo questions and address your concerns. You’ll find that Dr. Ngo takes the time to speak with you about your anxiety will be understanding when it comes to addressing your other concerns.

Are there medications that can help me relax?
Some dentists prescribe and administer medications to help patients relax during the appointment. Talk to Dr. Ngo about your concerns and ask her about the possibility of using dental sedation. Sedation dentistry involves the use of medications to allow you to relax and feel sleepy during a dental visit or procedure.

What can I do to relieve dental anxiety?
In general, avoid caffeine before a dental appointment to make you less anxious.
Eating high-protein foods also produces a calming effect, unlike sugary foods. During the procedure, focus on breathing regularly and slowly. When they are nervous, some people tend to hold their breath, which decreases oxygen levels and further increases feelings of anxiety. Knowledge is the greatest defense against anxiety. If you have specific fears, talk to your dentist about them. Dr. Ngo can go a long way to dispel any negative or frightening images you may have.

What do dentists do to relieve anxiety?
Dr. Ngo works to reduce your anxiety before you even set foot in the dental office. This process begins when you make your appointment. Dr. Ngo’s office staff has been trained to tell you what to expect and to answer any questions you have to ensure that you will be comfortable during your visit. An understanding of your dental services and treatment can help to relieve dental anxiety. Make sure you ask questions and request informational materials, if desired.

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 the Garland, Richardson, Dallas, Plano, Murphy, Sachse, Wylie or surrounding areas in Texas we can help you with your family’s anxiety-free dentistry, fillings, braces, dentures, dental implants, and cosmetic dental needs.

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol sweetener that is found in birch tree bark, beets, corncobs, raspberries, mushrooms, and other natural sources. Its sweetness is equal to that of sugar, but it has about 40 percent fewer calories, making it a popular sugar free substitute. Xylitol not only cuts calories, it also cuts cavities!

How does xylitol prevent cavities?
Xylitol helps prevent Streptococcus mutans, the primary bacterium associated with dental caries, from attaching to teeth and tissues in the mouth. Xylitol cannot be metabolized by bacteria; as a result, the process that creates harmful, enamel-eating acids is drastically slowed. Regular use of xylitol has been shown to help reduce dental plaque—the first stage of cavity development, tartar formation, and tooth staining—and promote better oral health.

How often must I use xylitol for it to be effective?
Xylitol is a natural and convenient way to supplement daily dental care. Xylitol gum or mints used three to five times daily (for a total intake of 5 grams) is considered optimal. Because frequency and duration of exposure is important, gum should be chewed for approximately five minutes and mints should be allowed to dissolve. Dentists recommend using xylitol immediately after meals and snacks to help reduce plaque, inhibit adhesion of bacteria to the teeth, and reduce contact time of sugar on teeth.

Has xylitol been evaluated for safety?
Yes. Human consumption of xylitol has been confirmed for safety by a number of agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the World Health Organization’s Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives, and the European Union’s Scientific Committee on Food. Pet owners should note, however, that xylitol is harmful to dogs. To prevent xylitol poisoning, dog owners should be aware of products that contain xylitol as a sweetener, and keep those products out of the reach of their dogs.

What products contain xylitol and how do I find them?
Products containing xylitol have been available in the United States for a number of years, but only recently have its use become mainstream. Today, xylitol can be readily found in chewing gums, toothpastes, mouthwashes and other oral care products, candies, and some pharmaceuticals. On food labels, xylitol is classified broadly as a carbohydrate and more narrowly as a polyol. To learn more about xylitol products, talk to 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 the Garland, Richardson, Dallas, Plano, Murphy, Sachse, Wylie or surrounding areas in Texas we can help you with your family’s anxiety-free dentistry, fillings, braces, dentures, dental implants, and cosmetic dental needs.

What is cosmetic dentistry and how can it improve my smile?

Dr. Ngo can perform a variety of cosmetic procedures to improve your smile—from subtle changes to major repairs. There are many techniques and options to treat teeth that are discolored, chipped, misshapen, or missing. Dr. Ngo can reshape your teeth, close spaces, restore worn teeth, or alter the length of your teeth. Common procedures include teeth whitening, bonding, caps, crowns, veneers, and reshaping and contouring.

 What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a common and popular chemical process used to lighten teeth. Some people get their teeth whitened to make stains disappear, while others just want a brighter smile. Discoloration, which occurs in the enamel, can be caused by medication, coffee, tea, and cigarettes. Discoloration also can be due to your genetic makeup or simply from aging. Teeth whitening can be performed by your dentist in the office or, under dental supervision, at home.

What is bonding?

Bonding is the use of tooth-colored material to fill in gaps or change the color of teeth. Bonding lasts several years and often requires only a single office visit. Bonding is more susceptible to staining or chipping than other forms of restoration. When teeth are chipped or slightly decayed, bonded composite resins may be the material of choice. Bonding also is used to fill small cavities, to close spaces between teeth, or to cover the entire outside surface of a tooth.

What are veneers?

Veneers are placed over the front teeth to change the color or shape of your teeth. Veneers are used on teeth with uneven surfaces; on teeth that are chipped, discolored, oddly shaped, unevenly spaced, or crooked; or on teeth that already have large fillings placed. Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain or plastic that is cemented over the front of your teeth. Veneers are used to treat some of the same problems that bonding is used to treat. Veneers also are an alternative to crowns.

What should I look for in a cosmetic dentist?

In order to make sure Dr. Ngo is skilled in cosmetic dentistry, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) recommends that you ask your dentist for the following items before undergoing treatment:

Before and after photos.

These photos will allow you to examine the results of other patients being treated by the dentist to make sure his or her work fits your dental needs.

References.

References allow you to get a sense of the quality of care the dentist provides.

Proof of continuing education.

Be certain that your dentist has taken continuing education courses to keep him or her up-to-date with the latest techniques in clinical cosmetic dentistry. Your dentist can answer the questions you have about the techniques

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.