Preventing tooth decay is one of the most important things you can do for your oral health. Tooth decay can cause gum disease, which leaves tooth loss and even bone loss in its wake. That is why doing what you can to prevent tooth decay will always help your oral health stay in excellent shape long-term. To help guide you... read more »

What is a dental filling? A dental filling is a restoration that may be used by Dr. Vinh T. Pham when a tooth has decay. The filling can restore the tooth back to its normal function and shape after the decay is removed. Do I need a dental filling? When you visit Kirkwood Dental for a routine dental checkup, our... read more »

You are probably aware that some people can actually be more likely to have to cope with many different health issues. You might know that your genetics can also affect your appearance. However, would you be surprised to hear genetics can also have a major impact on the health of your smile? Did you know that some people are much... read more »

Struggles in your daily oral hygiene routine can leave bacterial-rich food material and plaque on your teeth. This significantly bolsters the natural bacteria living in your mouth to exploit the tooth enamel, forming tooth decay. With early detection, Dr. Vinh T. Pham can often treat a small cavity with a standard dental filling. This treatment involves using a drill to... read more »

If someone were to approach you and ask if you take good care of your teeth, would you say yes? Sure, you may brush your teeth twice daily, but what else, if any, methods do you use to ensure optimum oral health? Ask yourself the following questions to determine your overall oral health level. - Do you avoid sugary drinks... read more »

Even though your tooth enamel is very hard, it is still vulnerable to oral bacteria and the acidic foods and beverages you consume. Overtime, these things can start to erode the microscopic mineral crystals that make up your tooth enamel, making your teeth prone to tooth decay and tooth sensitivity. Fortunately, exposure to fluoride helps counteract this effect. Fluoride essentially... read more »

According to the American Dental Association, men are less likely than women to take proper care of their smiles, which is a major problem. Men are still vulnerable to every dental issue in the world today, even if they think they’re invincible. If you’re a man who tends to avoid dental care and oral hygiene, our Kirkwood Dental team asks... read more »

When tooth enamel is worn down, sensitivity develops so that even brief exposure to temperature sensitive food or even cold air can make your teeth hurt. Tooth sensitivity is when the layer of dentin with its microscopic tubules filled with nerve endings is exposed. While tooth enamel is the strongest substance in the human body, dentin is much more sensitive.... read more »

Has anyone you love ever complained about your breath? Are you self-conscious because your breath is less than fresh? If you struggle with bad breath, there are good reasons for it as well as things you might need to be aware of. It can be caused by something as simple as the food you eat and something a little trickier... read more »

As the Christmas holiday arrives, it’s very important to think of your smile and do everything you can to care for your teeth and gums. Whether you believe this or not, many of the Christmas foods and treats can be extremely harmful for your smile. However, there are ways you can care for your pearly whites all while enjoying the... read more »