Dental Health

The Reno Dentist Guide To Dry Mouth

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Categories: Dental Health

The The Reno Dentist Guide To Dry Mouth

Many folks in our Reno community experience dry mouth occasionally. Some develop dry mouth in social situations or when they are under a lot of stress. Sporadic or infrequent dry mouth is usually not a problem. Constant dry mouth, or xerostomia, is not only irritating, it can lead to severe health problems.

Reno people should not take their saliva for granted. Your saliva plays a very important role in maintaining your health. One of its roles is to help digest your food. The moment food enters your mouth, saliva starts breaking it down so your body can metabolize it. If you don’t produce enough saliva to perform this task, your body may not be getting important nutrients needed to stay healthy.

Saliva also functions as a disinfectant by cleansing the mouth of leftover food, bacteria, and fungi. This helps prevent tooth decay and infections. Many Reno residents don’t realize that many of the foods we eat are very acidic and our saliva helps counteract those acids in our mouths.

I am Shane Sykes, and my staff and I at The Reno Dentist treat xerostomia regularly for our Reno, Spanish Springs, and Sparks patients. I recommend cutting back on caffeine in such drinks as cola, coffee, and tea. Not only do these beverages stain and discolor your teeth, but the caffeine can also contribute to dry mouth. I also recommend drinking water throughout the day to make sure you are adequately hydrated.

Tobacco and alcohol can also contribute to dry mouth. Consult your Sparks physician if you are taking medication that is causing your dry mouth.

Dry mouth is not a natural part of aging, so call The Reno Dentist today and schedule an appointment if your dry mouth is getting worse as you grow older. 775-323-0700

Looking for a gentle family dentist who focuses on preventative dentistry or a skilled cosmetic dentist adept at smile design? I invite you to come visit my practice at 855 W Seventh St Ste 200 in Reno. My team of dental professionals at The Reno Dentist make sure you have a pleasant experience whether you visit us for a cleaning and exam or a complete smile makeover.

Our dental menu includes teeth bleaching, crowns and bridges, veneers, short term braces, oral cancer screenings, inlays/onlays, cosmetic dental bonding, and headache and TMJ treatment.

A beautiful smile starts with healthy teeth.

Shane Sykes
The Reno Dentist
855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno Nevada
775-323-0700
https://therenodentist.com/about/our-office/

Are You Getting Your Dose Of D?

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Categories: Dental Health

pediatric dentist

Most Sparks residents know that vitamin D is important for healthy teeth and bones, but many of us fail to get adequate amounts. Today’s article is a friendly reminder to our patients – especially expectant mothers – about the importance of vitamin D.

Here is a sampling of vitamin D findings from around the web:

“Several recent reports demonstrate a significant association between periodontal health and the intake of vitamin D.” 1

“Researchers who took a second look at a series of clinical trials conducted on 2,000 children in several countries between the 1920s and 1980s determined vitamin D — which we often garner from sunlight — was associated with around a 50 percent reduction in the incidence of tooth decay.”2

“Inadequate vitamin D levels in pregnant women may be associated with dental caries in their children during the first year of life.”3

“The sun is an excellent source of vitamin D, but it is hard to quantify how much vitamin D you get from time in the sun and the risk of skin cancer may outweigh the benefits. Food first, says Baylor College of Medicine dietitian Keli Hawthorne. “Supplements can fill in the gaps but it is always better to try to meet your nutritional needs with foods that contain fiber, phytonutrients, and so much more,” Unless you enjoy a diet that includes fatty fish or fish liver oils, it may be hard to get enough vitamin D naturally without eating fortified foods or taking a supplement. “The major dietary source of vitamin D comes from fortified diary, along with some yogurts and cereals,” Hawthorne says. Mushrooms, eggs, cheese, and beef liver contain small amounts.” 4

I’m Shane Sykes of The Reno Dentist in Reno, Nevada. I encourage all of my patients to practice preventative medicine by eating a healthy diet complete with all vital nutrients. At The Reno Dentist, we offer the full lineup of dental services in our conveniently located office. Ask us about dentures, porcelain veneers, or wisdom teeth extraction.

We are currently accepting new patients at The Reno Dentist. My friendly team of dental professionals would love to serve your family for all of their dental needs. You can schedule an appointment by calling 775-323-0700.

1 SH Stein, DA Tipton, “Vitamin D and its impact on oral health–an update., Spring 2011, PubMed.gov NIH,” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21748977, accessed on June 23, 2014
2 1University of Washington, “Vitamin D linked to lower rates of tooth decay,” ScienceDaily, November 27, 2012, www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121127130321.htm, accessed on June 23, 2014
3 “Maternal Vitamin D Levels and Early Childhood Caries May be Linked, Researchers Find,”Journal of the American Dental Association, June 1, 2014, http://jada.info/content/145/6/526.3.full, accessed on June 23, 2014
4 “Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D?,” WebMD, 2011, http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/guide/are-you-getting-enough-vitamin-d?page=2, accessed on June 23, 2014

Sparks Parents Need To Understand The Importance Of Baby Teeth!

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Categories: Dental Health

Kid-friendly Reno dentist

Today’s Reno children’s dental blog focuses on the issue of caring for baby teeth. Why would you take care of something that’s just going to fall out and be given to the tooth fairy? It’s a good question and it has an even better answer.

Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City parents shouldn’t feel like they are wasting their time because baby teeth are more important than many people might think. Baby teeth are needed to keep the proper amount of space available for the permanent teeth that will come in later.

Baby teeth are also invaluable in the development of clear speech. This is especially important for Reno parents who are dying to know what their child means when they point to something repeatedly and say ‘scklash’ or ‘grag-grag’.

Having healthy baby teeth will also help your child develop a healthy diet because difficulty chewing can lead to the rejection of many different foods.

And, finally, tooth decay and infection can be passed down from baby teeth to permanent teeth as they develop below them. That’s not what you want for the teeth that Sparks kids are going to have for the rest of their lives. You may be setting them up to need cosmetic dentistry procedures such as veneers and dental implants.

Hi. I’m Dr. Shane Sykes, an experienced, kid-friendly Reno dentist. I want my patients to have the best oral health possible. I also want them to look their best, so if you have any questions about a smile makeover or teeth whitening, give us a call at 775-323-0700.

At The Reno Dentist we offer:

Root canals
Wisdom teeth extraction
Dentures
Porcelain veneers

Thanks for reading the Sparks dental blog, and contact us today for all your dental needs!

Dr. Shane Sykes
The Reno Dentist
855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
775-323-0700
https://therenodentist.com/about/our-office/

The following website was used as source material for this blog:
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-your-childs-teeth, accessed on Feb. 12, 2013

The The Reno Dentist Guide To Preventing Gum Disease

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Categories: Dental Health

gum disease Reno

Hearing that you have periodontal disease or “gum disease” can be upsetting. Here at The Reno Dentist in Reno, Nevada, we are committed to educating and assisting patients in preventing gum disease. If you discover that you already have gum disease, don’t despair. We can help.

Symptoms of Gum Disease
Bleeding gums
Swollen, tender gums
Receding gums
Bad breath that won’t go away
Loose adult teeth
Sensitive teeth

Whether you are just being diagnosed, working to undo problems of the past, or trying to prevent gum disease for the future, Dr. Shane Sykes has answers.

Steps for Healing or Preventing Gum Disease
Brush at least two times a day – morning and night
Brush with fluoride toothpaste
Floss at least once a day
Visit dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings
Use a fluoride rinse before brushing
Avoid between-meal snacking
Avoid tobacco products

Solutions for Correcting Serious Gum Disease
Scaling
Root planing
Antibiotics
Surgery

Dr. Sykes knows gum disease can sneak up on you. Regular check-ups and consistent, thorough oral hygiene is vital for preventing the pain and health issues associated with periodontal disease. Gum disease can be successfully treated, but avoiding it is clearly best.

Dr. Sykes is equipped with the education and experience to care for the full gamut of Sparks patients’ dental needs including cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and restorative dentistry.

Shane Sykes
The Reno Dentist
855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada 89503
775-323-0700
https://therenodentist.com/about/our-office/

6 Easy Ways To Eat Like A Dentist In Reno

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Categories: Dental Health

6 Easy Ways To Eat Like A Dentist In Reno

There is nothing that influences your smile as much as your eating habits in Reno, Nevada. Develop good eating habits and your Sparks dentist will smile down on you too. Dental patients would do well to follow the example of a dentist in what and how they eat.

1. Rinse after eating
Rinse your mouth with a drink of water or brush your teeth after a meal. Reno folks who snack all day long prolong tooth exposure to sugars and food debris. Planned meals with brushing in between keeps your oral health on top.

2. Avoid sugary gum
Sugar free gum doesn’t leave sugar to break down on your teeth and spoil your hard earned healthy gums. If you are one of the many Sparks gum chewers, do your teeth a favor and go sugarless.

3. Avoid sticky foods
Sticky foods have a habit of clinging to your teeth with stronger chances for decay. Toffee, gummy candy, fruit snacks, even dried fruit can be problematic for Reno smiles. Brushing doesn’t always remove the obstinate particles.

4. Consume nutritious foods
A balanced diet with a variety of vitamins and minerals can keep the immune system and able to fight infection.

5. Consume cheese
Cheese contains calcium and protects from acid that breaks down tooth enamel. (It’s critical not to go overboard as cheese is high in fat.)

6. Avoid acidic foods
Acid will eat away enamel over time: lemons, red wine, soda pop. Minimize direct, constant, consistent exposure. All things in moderation.

 

If you have concerns about enamel damage that’s already taken place on your teeth, need help with crooked, chipped or missing teeth, or just need to get in for a check up, call The Reno Dentist in Reno today.

We’ll answer your questions about root canals, wisdom teeth extraction, and dentures. We know braces, veneers, dental implants, oral sedation, and the cost of cosmetic dentistry in Reno can bring up questions and concerns. Dr. Shane Sykes minimizes those worries and brings you to a place of knowledge and power. Make an appointment to discuss your dental goals.

Shane Sykes
The Reno Dentist
855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada 89503
775-323-0700
https://therenodentist.com/about/our-doctors/

Tooth Brushing Basics For Healthy Smiles In Reno

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

The Reno Dentist Will Help You Keep A Healthy Smile Why should everyone in Reno brush at least twice a day? Let’s take a look at why this is so important.

Brushing and flossing is the best way to prevent decay.

Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and carefully flossing removes the food from our teeth and inhibits the build up of plaque. If we let food stay on our teeth, the starches in the food will mix with the plaque. This nasty mixture forms an acid which immediately starts drilling into the enamel to form cavities. Brushing can’t get all the spaces between your teeth, so you’ve got to floss also.

Brushing and flossing keeps gums and bone healthy.

If you let gum disease go untreated, you can lose teeth that are cavity-free!

The progression of gum disease (gingivitis) goes like this:

  1. Plaque build-up irritates gums.
  2. Irritated gums pull away from teeth.
  3. Bacteria multiplies in the spaces between the gum and tooth.
  4. The bone holding the tooth is eaten by the bacteria.
  5. Say goodbye to the tooth.

The good news is that gingivitis can be reversed if detected early.

Call The Reno Dentist at 775-323-0700 to schedule a gum disease evaluation at our office in Reno.

Stick Out Your Tongue In Sparks!

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Categories: Dental Health

Sparks NV Oral Health Exam By Dentist As health professionals, we know that Sparks dentists diagnose and treat conditions of the teeth and gums, but we sometimes overlook the importance of the tongue.

Have you ever considered all the amazing things your tongue can do? It helps us talk, perceive the texture and flavor of food, chew, and swallow. This strong and nimble gymnast is in near-constant motion during our waking hours. It is a wonder that we don’t accidentally bite it more often as we smile, chew, drink, breathe, swallow, cough, and laugh.

Your tongue can also reveal problems with your health, including digestive problems, infections, and diseases of the blood.

When Shane Sykes performs oral exams, the tongue is always checked for signs of oral cancer and other serious diseases.

Here are some tongue abnormalities and possible causes:

  • Swollen tongue: reaction to food/drink/medication, strep infection, leukemia, hypothyroidism
  • White tongue: dehydration, yeast infection, irritation to tobacco, enteritis, gastritis, colitis, anemia or other nutritional deficiency
  • Canker sores: may be triggered by stress or reaction to food, toothpaste, or mouthwash.

If you have persistent canker sores, you may want to try eliminating products that contain sodium lauryl (or laurel) sulfate (SLS). SLS is a cheap foaming agent that is found in many personal care products. It can be difficult to find SLS-free dental products in Sparks. The following brands have previously offered SLS-free versions but check labels carefully every time you buy a new tube. I have noticed that SLS has re-appeared in some brands.

  • Biotene
  • Sensodyne Pronamel
  • Tom’s of Maine
  • Rembrandt Low Abrasion

If you can’t find an SLS-free toothpaste at your local Sparks Walmart or Target, I would suggest trying health food stores, specialty drug stores, or trusted online sites.

Many of my Sparks patients have asked me about tongue-scraping. I recommend thorough dental hygiene including cleaning the tongue. To schedule a consultation to discuss any dental health issues including tongue scraping, please contact my office at 775-323-0700.

Dr. Shane Sykes DMD
The Reno Dentist
Providing general and cosmetic dental services including cosmetic dentistry and dental implants

Top 5 Dos And Don’ts

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

Spanish Springs General Dentistry Office Ready To Serve

Welcome to our blog and thanks for stopping by. The Reno Dentist wants to offer you some easy hints when caring for your teeth.

We can make you look and feel great

1.Do… remember you are just wiping the plaque away before it turns to tartar. A gentle toothbrushing at the correct angle can gently wipe the bacteria away. Once plaque has settled into tartar, no amount of scrubbing at home can responsibly remove it.
Don’t… scrub your teeth and gums until your gums recede and expose parts of your tooth you don’t want exposed.

2.Do… remember your gums need to be cared for. Proper brushing and regular flossing can keep your gums healthy and strong.
Don’t… wait to see your a dental professional about sore or bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity or mouth sores.

3.Do… create a routine for brushing and flossing that leaves ample time to spend a full two minutes gently cleaning all the nooks and crannies of your delicate mouth.
Don’t… forget to have a new floss package ready to use when your current one runs out. Waiting days to get to the store for more can disrupt a good routine.

4.Do… make regular dental visits for cleaning and examination by a professional. Call The Reno Dentist to set up your initial consultation today. 775-323-0700 We’ve got the phones ready! Cancer screenings, cavity checks and removal of tartar from the teeth are vital to maintaining a healthy mouth.
Don’t… worry if you don’t have the healthiest of mouths. The Reno Dentist can help you get back on track. Whether you’re looking for cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, or general dentistry, we can restore what has been lost or counsel with you on the best options. If wisdom teeth extraction or root canals is what it takes, then we are equipped and ready to serve the Spanish Springs, Virginia City, Carson City communities.

5.Do… enjoy your mouth and all the wonders it is capable of.
Don’t… put off coming in to find out about the possibility and cost of cosmetic dentistry, implants, veneers, braces, etc.

Shane Sykes
The Reno Dentist
855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada zip code 89503
775-323-0700
https://therenodentist.com/about/our-office/

Dental Check Up

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

Sparks NV, It Is Time For Your Dental Check Up With Your Dentist When is the last time you had a dental checkup? Most people in the Reno area between the ages of 25 and 80 need a dental checkup every six months. If you live in Reno and are at higher risk for oral diseases, you should have your teeth checked every four months, or at least three times a year.

Come into our office, located at 855 W Seventh St Ste 200 in Reno, or give us a call to make a dental appointment. You can visit our website at https://therenodentist.com/ for more information.

Most people in our Reno community are in a medium to low risk category. However if you use tobacco or alcohol, eat a lot of sugar in your diet (including lots of soda), or have poor oral hygiene habits, you are likely in a higher risk category and should have your teeth checked right away.

I look at a lot of factors to determine your personal dental hygiene, and your dental outlook for your future. I want you to have the healthiest smile possible so that you can enjoy your teeth for many years without significant problems. If you live in the Reno area and are ready to have your teeth checked, please give The Reno Dentist a call.

Our knowledgeable staff will be ready to get you started with a dental checkup.

Talk to you soon.

—Dr. Shane Sykes, DMD, Dental check ups for the Reno community. Reach us at 775-323-0700.

Preventative Maintenance For Your Irreplaceable Smile In Reno

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

General Dentistry Preventative Maintenance For Your Smile In Reno

Hi, I’m Shane Sykes of The Reno Dentist. If you are one of my existing patients, welcome back. If this is your first visit, I appreciate you stopping by.

My knowledgeable team and I love taking care of our Reno, Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City patients.

Today’s article is for Sparks area people who are overdue for a cleaning and exam.

During dental deep cleanings, our hygienists thoroughly remove the plaque and tartar above and below the gumline. By scaling and planing, they remove areas where bacteria can easily multiply. If you are due for a cleaning, call us today at 775-323-0700
to schedule.

After your teeth have been cleaned, I perform a thorough examination. I check for overall tooth and gum health, the presence of cavities, gum pocket depth, bite issues, and signs of oral cancer.

Some Reno people mistakenly believe that they can skip general dentistry visits if they don’t notice anything out of the ordinary. This attitude is risky. Many dental problems advance silently. When the patient experiences pain, much damage has been done. Gum disease, especially, often progresses unnoticed.

If you don’t have dental insurance, ask us about dental financing options. It costs far less to prevent problems than to treat them after they have become severe.

If you perform regular auto maintenance, you understand the wisdom of prevention. Don’t you value your smile far more than your car? Call The Reno Dentist today to schedule preventative maintenance for your irreplaceable smile.

Dr. Shane Sykes
The Reno Dentist
855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno Nevada
775-323-0700
https://therenodentist.com/about/our-office/