Category Archives: Useful Information

More than 10 percent of Americans experience the burning and discomfort of heartburn every day. What many don’t know is that heartburn, or acid indigestion, is a common symptom of chronic acid reflux, also known as gastroesopheageal reflux disease (GERD).

What is acid reflux and GERD?
Acid reflux occurs when muscles of the lower esophagus relax and allow stomach acids to flow upwards into the esophagus and even the mouth. These stomach acids can cause irritation and inflammation of the esophagus while negatively impacting your oral health. Acid reflux may progress further, developing into GERD. In patients who have GERD, the esophageal muscles are unable to keep stomach acids from flowing upwards, causing corrosion of the esophageal lining and the uncomfortable burning sensation associated with heartburn.

Signs and symptoms
Though often times difficult to detect, GERD can be associated with the following signs and symptoms:
• Heartburn
• Difficulty swallowing
• Regurgitation
• Burning sensation in mouth
• Sore throat
• Nausea, vomiting, belching
• Chronic coughing
• Erosion of tooth enamel
• Tooth sensitivity
• Chipping, discoloration of teeth
• Bad breath

How does GERD affect your oral health?
In addition to damaging the esophagus and increasing your risk of esophageal cancer, over time GERD can erode tooth enamel. Research indicates tooth enamel begins to erode at a pH, or acid level, of 5.5. With a pH of less than 2.0, your stomach acid can easily damage tooth enamel and cause increased tooth sensitivity, decay, discoloration, and chipping.

Treatments and lifestyle modifications
GERD can be diagnosed by your physician using a variety of tests, including Ph monitoring, X-rays, or endoscopy. Though GERD is a chronic condition, its symptoms can be treated using medications and lifestyle modifications. In addition to taking over-the-counter antacids and prescription H2 receptor blockers, you can reduce
GERD symptoms by:
• Avoiding trigger foods and beverages, including chocolate, spicy/greasy foods, tomato-based foods, alcohol, and coffee.
• Quitting smoking.
• Refraining from eating several hours before bed, or lying down two to three hours after eating.
• Losing weight if you are overweight or obese.
• Avoiding tight clothing.

Protect your teeth against acid reflux
Practicing good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent acid reflux or GERD from damaging your teeth and causing decay. In addition to brushing twice a day, you can take the following steps to ensure
GERD doesn’t impact your oral health:
• Visit Focus Dental regularly for tooth enamel evaluation.
• Use dentin-sensitive toothpaste.
• Rinse your mouth with water following acid reflux episodes.
• Do not brush your teeth for 60 minutes after consuming acidic foods or drinks.
• Dissolve baking soda in water and swish around the mouth after acid reflux occurs.
• Receive fluoride treatments to strengthen your teeth.
• Wear a dentist-prescribed mouth guard at night to prevent acid from damaging your teeth.
• Avoid over-the-counter antacids, especially at night, that have a high sugar content.
If you believe you may be at risk for acid reflux or GERD, speak with Dr. Ngo or physician. Though GERD can be incredibly damaging to your oral health, lifestyle modifications and treatment can help ensure your teeth remain safe and healthy.

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 a root canal?
Underneath your tooth’s outer enamel and within the dentin is an area of soft tissue called the pulp tissue. While a tooth’s pulp tissue does contain nerve fibers, it is also composed of arteries, veins, lymph vessels, and connective tissue. Each tooth’s nerve enters the tooth at the very tip of its roots. From there, the nerve runs through the center of the root in small “root canals,” which join up with the tooth’s pulp chamber.

Why do I feel pain?
When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to a deep cavity or fracture, the blood supply to the tooth may be lost and the tooth pulp may die. Damaged or dead pulp causes increased blood flow and activity in the tooth’s cells. Pressure may build within a tooth that cannot be relieved, causing pain that is commonly felt when biting down, chewing, or consuming hot or cold foods and drinks.

Why might I need treatment?
Without treatment, the infection will spread and bone around the tooth will begin to degenerate, possibly causing the tooth to fall out. Pain usually worsens until you are forced to seek dental attention.

What is root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy is a procedure that removes the damaged or dead pulp. The canal is reshaped and filled with gutta percha, a rubber-like material, to prevent recontamination of the tooth. The tooth is then permanently sealed.

What is involved in root canal therapy?
If Dr. Ngo recommends a root canal, she will perform the treatment or refer you for treatment to an endodontist, which is a specialist who treats injuries, diseases, and infections of the tooth pulp. A space is created into the tooth’s pulp chamber, which, along with any infected root canal, is cleaned of all diseased pulp and reshaped. Medication may be inserted into the area to fight bacteria. Depending on the condition of the tooth, the crown may then be sealed temporarily to guard against recontamination or the dentist may immediately fill the canals.
Temporary fillings are usually removed and the pulp chamber and canals are filled on the next visit. If the tooth is still weak, a post may be inserted above the canal filling to help rebuild the tooth. Once filled, the area is permanently sealed. Finally, a gold or porcelain crown is normally placed over the tooth to strengthen its structure and improve its appearance.

How will I feel after treatment?
There may be some inflammation around the gum tissues, which may cause discomfort for a few days. This can be controlled by an over-the-counter pain reliever. A follow-up visit with Dr. Ngo will help her review how the tissue is healing. From this point on, brush and floss regularly, avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth, and see Dr. Ngo on a regular basis for cleanings and examinations.

Are there options to root canal therapy?
The only alternative to root canal therapy is to extract the tooth; however, this alone can cause the surrounding teeth to move, resulting in a bad bite. Though a simple extraction may be perceived as less expensive, the empty space left behind will require an implant or a bridge, which ultimately can be more costly than root canal therapy.

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.

Sedation allows dentists to create a state of relaxation and thus manage the fear and pain patients may experience during dental procedures. There are several different types of sedation in dentistry.

• Local anesthesia is administered by injecting medication into tissue or by applying a medication topically to an area to eliminate sensation.
• Minimal sedation is used most frequently in dentistry and usually involves taking medications orally. All bodily functions remain normal and the person is able to breathe on his or her own. The patient may respond normally to verbal commands and may experience some degree of amnesia about what happened during their dental appointment. Nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” may be used to achieve minimal sedation and in combination with a recommended dosage of oral medication.
• Moderate sedation is achieved by using medications that can be taken orally or intravenously (IV). Patients who undergo moderate sedation are awake and respond to touch and/or verbal commands. All bodily functions remain normal, and the patient does not need assistance breathing.
• Deep sedation can be achieved by injecting medication, giving oral medications, and in combination with gases.

Patients who are deeply sedated are not easily awakened but may respond to some stimulation. Patients may need some breathing assistance at deeper levels.

How does it work?

Patients who are minimally sedated inhale nitrous oxide through a mask during their dental appointment and/or may take a recommended dosage of a single oral sedative medication. Moderately sedated patients generally have taken a medication or a combination of medications while in the dental office. The medication causes the patient to become sleepy and feel relaxed. The dentist will give the patient specific instructions and you will be asked to avoid driving while you are on the medications.

What kinds of medications are involved?

To reach a level of minimal sedation, a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen (30-50 percent) may be used, possibly in combination with a minimal dose of an anti-anxiety (benzodiazepine) pill. In combination with nitrous gas, it is important that patients take only one type of drug under minimal sedation.

Moderately sedated patients also generally take benzodiazepines. The most common benzodiazepines prescribed by dentists include Valium®, Halcion, Xanax, and Ativan. Patients who are deeply sedated may receive benzodiazepines combined with opioids.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of sedation in dentistry?

Minimal and moderate sedation reduce anxiety that is typically associated with dentistry and allow the patient to relax.

The amnesia usually associated with these methods also is a plus for many patients.

However, sedation in dentistry does have disadvantages. Minimal sedation usually cannot be administered to patients with respiratory problems like emphysema or asthma or those who are sensitive to the class of drugs used for minimal sedation. With moderate sedation, the level of sedation cannot be adjusted without administering additional medications and sensitivity to certain medications can be a factor. Also, the patient should be prepared for supervision after the dental visit until the effects of the medications have passed. This applies to sedation administered both orally and intravenously. With intravenous deep sedation, a needle has to be put in the arm or hand, so it may not be the most relaxing method if you are afraid of needles. It is possible to experience complications, such as hematoma (a localized swelling filled with blood) at the site where the needle entered. In addition, recovery from IV-administered or oral medications may not be complete at the end of dental treatment, so the patient should be prepared to be escorted home by a responsible adult.

Is it safe?

Sedation is safe although you should talk to Dr. Ngo and gain a thorough understanding of how it works and what is expected of you before the procedure. Your medical history will be examined comprehensively to ensure safe sedation and your vital signs will be monitored throughout the entire procedure to confirm that your blood pressure, pulse rate, and blood oxygen levels are normal.

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.

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.