Gum Disease

Gum Disease: Stages, Prevention, And Treatment

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Categories: Gum Disease

If you have swollen, red, tender, or receding gums, you may be suffering from gum disease. If left untreated, the bacteria will grow in your mouth and cause tooth loss or destruction of the tissue that surrounds your teeth. Following is a complete guide to gum disease, i.e., the stages, prevention, and treatment. 

The Five Stages Of Gum Disease

There are five stages of gum disease. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It then moves from slight periodontal disease to moderate periodontal disease, to severe stage of periodontitis and ultimately advanced periodontal disease.

1. Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the easiest to treat and doesn’t cause much harm to your gums. It only affects the gingiva, i.e., the party that surrounds the base of the teeth. At this stage, your gum will bleed.

Gingivitis symptoms are easy to ignore as it is usually painless. Very often people assume their gums are bleeding because of brushing too hard. However, bleeding gums are a warning sign and should not be ignored.

Gingivitis is the only stage that can be reversed. If you maintain good oral hygiene, visit the dentist for regular check-ups, and cleanings, it will prevent gingivitis from progressing further. Your periodontist can help you with your gum disease treatment in Reno, NV, which will ensure you have completely healthy gums.

2. Slight Periodontal Disease

In the early stage of gingivitis, gum inflammation can occur within five days. If you don’t treat the signs of generalized gingivitis, it will become more noticeable. You still won’t face pain or any other symptoms at this stage, but there will still be bleeding, and your gums will be more inflamed. Once gum disease reaches this stage, it cannot be reversed, but it can be managed with the help of a periodontist and dental team in Reno, NV

3. Moderate Periodontal Disease

At this stage, your gums will start to recede and create tiny pockets between your teeth and affected gums. This can cause plaque of harmful bacteria to invade these spaces causing more bleeding. In the initial stages, there is minimal damage, and it is almost undetectable. Moderate periodontitis is more obvious as there is more damage, which is also permanent.

4. Severe Stage Of Periodontitis

In the severe stage of periodontitis, as more tissues die, your teeth will get loose. The surrounding teeth and the bone will start to deteriorate. Here you have the very real possibility of losing teeth.

If your gum disease has reached this stage, you still might not experience pain. However, there are a few symptoms that you might notice. A few are as follows:

  • Bad breath
  • Bad taste
  • Receding gums
  • Loose or moving teeth
  • Change in the bite or soreness
  • Swellings or abscess

In this stage, the only option for treatment is surgery with a mix of other options, based on the extent of damage/

5. Advanced Periodontal Disease

This is the worst stage of gum disease. It can cause irreversible damage to your overall health. It can also cause damage to the connected bones, and you can even lose all your teeth. There will be significant drifting and splaying of the front teeth, with gaps forming in between. It is absolutely necessary to get treatment at this stage. 

Advanced periodontal disease can lead to several serious health problems such as diabetes or a heart attack. This cannot be reversed, but it can be managed with the help of the periodontist in Reno, NV, and other qualified professionals who will stabilize the disease.

How To Prevent Gum Disease?

1. Brush And Floss

Brush twice daily and floss once every day to ensure there’s no plaque build-up or food stuck between your teeth. You should use a toothbrush with soft bristles and replace the brush after every few weeks

2. Use Fluoride Toothpaste & Mouthwash

To make sure gingivitis doesn’t progress, use a good toothpaste that contains fluoride in it to ensure proper cleaning. You can even use a mouthwash to prevent or reduce gingivitis and slow down plaque and tartar build-up. It removes food particles stuck in your teeth and eliminates debris from your mouth.

3. Get Regular Dental Cleanings & Checkups

The symptoms or signs of gum disease are often undetectable until the situation gets worse. Therefore, you need to visit a good periodontist in Reno who is qualified to diagnose and treat your gum disease. You should visit the dentist regularly once every six months for a dental checkup to ensure there are no hidden dental issues. If you have gingivitis brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings will help to treat your gum disease.

4. Quit Smoking

If you smoke, you are most likely susceptible to get gum disease. Smoking can make your immune system weak, which makes it difficult to fight bacteria and infections.

What Are The Treatments For Gum Disease?

The best way to get rid of the gum disease is to go to your dentist who examines the extent of the damage and provides you with the appropriate treatment option.

1. Deep Cleaning

You can get a proper deep cleaning to remove all the plaque and tartar build-up accumulated in tough-to-reach spots. This will treat gingivitis and slight periodontal disease and ensure healthy gums.

2. Laser Gum Surgery 

Lasers are tubes that use light beams of thermal energy to perform multiple tasks during gum surgery. A few are as follows:

  • Remove diseased tissue
  • Coagulate blood vessels and form solid clots
  • Eliminate germs and bacteria
  • Sterilize the affected area

Gum Disease Treatment In Reno, NV

If you are suffering from tender, swollen, or receding gums, visit our dental office immediately to ensure safe and healthy gums. Our experts at The Reno Dentist will make sure you get the required care to treat your issues effectively. Contact us today to know more about periodontitis or schedule your free appointment with the best periodontist in Reno, NV.

Preventing Gum Disease At The Reno Dentist

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry, Gum Disease

Preventing Gum Disease at The Reno Dentist

This message from The Reno Dentist in Reno NV is about gum disease, and how you can prevent it.

Run your tongue along the gumline behind your lower front teeth. Do you feel a ridge? This is probably tartar, which is hardened plaque.

Even if you brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar can accumulate. If not removed, these bacteria-breeding substances cause the gums to become irritated and swollen. Eventually, the gums become detached from the tooth, creating a pocket. This creates new space for plaque for grow. In advanced stages of gum disease, the toxins created by the bacteria literally rot the gum, teeth and bone.

So what can you do to prevent this from happening? The answer is two-fold:

  • First, brush and floss your teeth daily. Twice a day is best.
  • Get regular cleanings and check-ups.

At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV, we have treated gum disease in patients from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City. People also come to us for complete general and family dentistry, and all their dental care needs. Call for an appointment today!

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 750

9 Tips For Preventing Gum Disease

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Categories: Dental Health, Gum Disease, Gum Health

prevent gum disease Reno

Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. But it is a preventable disease, and also treatable, at The Reno Dentist in Reno NV.

Here are some simple ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

  1. Brush your teeth for two to three minutes, at least twice a day, with fluoridated toothpaste. Be sure to brush along the gumline. Don’t brush too hard, but be thorough.
  2. Floss daily to remove plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach. Don’t like to floss? Try a floss holder, which makes it much simpler to insert floss between teeth.
  3. Although not a substitute for brushing and flossing, using a mouth rinse can prevent plaque accumulation and keep your enamel strong. Remember that fluoride mouth rinses are not the same as mouthwashes. Mouthwashes have alcohol and are designed to freshen breath.
  4. Eat a healthy diet. Starchy and sugary foods increase plaque. A sensible diet provides the nutrients necessary (Vitamins A and C, in particular) to keep teeth and gums healthy.
  5. Don’t smoke, or use smokeless tobacco, which may bring about advanced gum disease or oral cancer. That includes e-cigarettes.
  6. Be aware that certain medications can also threaten a healthy smile. These include oral contraceptives, antidepressants and heart medicines.
  7. Exercise prevention and schedule regular evaluations — the best way to detect early signs of gum disease and make a plan to reverse it.
  8. Talk to us about dental health topics such as old, broken fillings or crowded teeth.
  9. If you grind your teeth, ask us about ways to protect them.

Prevention is always the best medicine, so brush and floss your teeth twice a day. At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV we treat gum disease, and people from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City also come to us for cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 8129

Periodontal Disease Is Linked To Systemic Diseases

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry, Gum Disease

gum disease treatment Reno

Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss among adults. Nearly half of Americans over the age of thirty have gum disease in some form. Fortunately, it’s a treatable condition at The Reno Dentist in Reno  NV.

What do your gums do?

Gum tissue has an important job. It protects the roots of your teeth and provides a barrier for the connective tissues and ligaments that hold your teeth in their sockets. It also protects the alveolar bone in which your teeth are anchored.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is inflammation and infection of this soft tissue. It starts with inflammation. Gums become swollen and tender. Early stage gum disease is called gingivitis. If it progresses, the gums pull away from the teeth, developing pockets. This more severe condition is called periodontitis or periodontal disease.

Signs of gum disease include:

  • Swollen gums
  • Receding gums
  • A change in the color of gums
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Changes in your bite

As serious as gum disease is on its own, it also puts you at risk of conditions like heart disease. The good news is that gum disease is 100% preventable with regular brushing and flossing, and dental checkups.

At The Reno Dentist in Reno  NV we treat gum disease. Patients from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City also come to us for complete general and family dentistry. Please call to schedule your next checkup today!

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 8101

5 Critical Things To Know About Periodontal Disease

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry, Gum Disease, Gum Health

gum disease exam Reno

Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is inflammation or infection of the gums. For the most part, periodontal disease is preventable. It is also treatable, at The Reno Dentist in Reno NV.

Gum disease is so pervasive in the US that it has been called a health crisis by the American Dental Association.

  1. If left untreated, it can cause irreversible damage such as tooth loss.
  2. Practicing daily dental hygiene and having 6-month dental exams are the best way to prevent periodontal disease.
  3. Periodontal disease can occur without the presence of decay.
  4. Almost half of all 30+ adults in the US have periodontal disease.
  5. In some cases, periodontal disease generates no noticeable symptoms.

Risk factors for periodontal disease include tobacco use, poor oral hygiene (especially failing to floss), genetics, teeth grinding, inflammatory conditions, and poor nutrition.

There may be no better example of prevention being the best medicine. With regular brushing and flossing, and checkups at The Reno Dentist in Reno NV, you can prevent gum disease. Our services include general and family dentistry. Call to schedule a checkup with us today!

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):


855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 7464

Flossing For Health And Happiness

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Gum Disease, Porcelain Veneers

cost of dental crowns Sparks

Most Reno men and women know that flossing is an important part of oral health. The value of this simple yet important exercise in oral hygiene has been shown time and time again.

Flossing offers a chance to remove bits and pieces that a toothbrush will undoubtedly miss. Being afraid of the ‘cavity bugs,’ ‘mouth germies,’ or the ‘dental bogeyman’ may still not compel Reno folks to floss regularly.

The fear of gingivitis and gum disease or crowns and fillings from cavities work for a week or so after cleaning but may not instill a lasting habit between teeth cleanings.

At The Reno Dentist in Reno, we encourage our dental patients to look at flossing as an opportunity to start fresh. Just as showering and dressing for the day. It’s a way to increase motivation and include flossing into your established routine.

Flossing can be a positive opportunity to remind yourself to smile and feel happy as you approach your day. Flossing could be a time to think about the foods you are putting into your mouth and consider what improvements could be made to your diet.

Living in health-conscious communities such as Spanish Springs, Virginia City, or Carson City can also help motivate you to floss regularly. The fresh air you breathe on a short walk will feel smooth as you run your tongue along the ridges of your teeth near the gums.

It doesn’t have to be about fear! Call us at 775-323-0700 The knowledgeable dental staff at The Reno Dentist knows that flossing can be a concern for their Reno dental patients and a brightened patient is always better than a frightened one. At The Reno Dentist, we offer many ways to enhance your smile and self-confidence. Make a cosmetic dental appointment today to consider whether root canals can lighten your look, wisdom teeth extraction can influence your flair, and Invisalign or porcelain veneers can ease your anxiety. We aim to make it a wonderful experience!

 

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 5604

Do Kids Get Periodontal Disease?

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Categories: General Dentistry, Gum Disease, Gum Health

kids gum disease treatment Reno

Most Reno parents are concerned about cavities. And rightly so. Tooth decay in children is a serious and widespread health condition.

What about kids’ gum disease? Are children at risk for an oral ailment that is common in the adult population?

Short answer: yes.

Let’s discuss it.

Children and teens are at risk of gum disease and the more advanced form called periodontal disease.

What causes gingivitis and periodontal disease?

Gum disease (gingivitis) and periodontal disease are caused by plaque buildup.

Food particles mixed with saliva generate a sticky film called plaque. Plaque creates bacteria. If it is not removed regularly with brushing and flossing, the bacteria multiply. The plaque builds up on the teeth.

The gums respond to the bacteria by becoming sore and inflamed. Plaque buildup hardens into calculus. Calculus cannot be removed by a toothbrush or dental floss. Calculus can be removed during a professional dental cleaning.

The American Academy of Periodontology recognizes three kinds of gum disease in children and adolescents:

  1. Chronic gingivitis
  2. Aggressive periodontitis
  3. Generalized aggressive periodontitis

Chronic gingivitis

This is the most frequent type of gum disease in children. The gums swell, turn red and may bleed. Gingivitis is usually caused by poor dental hygiene. Proper oral hygiene includes daily brushing and flossing.

Gingivitis can be prevented or reversed with daily oral hygiene and a healthy lifestyle. If the child doesn’t practice proper dental hygiene, however, the condition can become more severe.

Aggressive periodontitis

Aggressive periodontitis results in bone loss. It may affect only the first molars and incisors. It rarely occurs before puberty. Surprisingly, children with this variety of disease may have minimal plaque or calculus.

Generalized aggressive periodontitis

This type, though less typical, is most likely to occur at the onset of puberty. It may be present throughout the entire mouth. It results in severe gum inflammation. There are significant amounts of plaque and calculus.

If left untreated, the bone loss becomes so extreme the teeth become loose. Then the child is at risk of tooth loss.

4 key findings of gum and periodontal disease in children:

  1. Children and teens who are generally healthy can have gum disease.
  2. Hormonal fluctuation that transpires with puberty boosts the risk of periodontal disease. Researchers believe hormonal changes shrink the ability of the immune system to fight the bacteria in dental plaque.
  3. Epidemiologic studies indicate that gum disease of varying severity is nearly universal in children and adolescents.
  4. Periodontal disease is more likely to occur in youth ages 12-17 than those younger than 12.

Signs of periodontal disease:

  • Swollen, tender gums
  • Gums that bleed easily
  • Gum recession
  • Bad breath
  • Unusually large spaces between teeth
  • Pus between the gums and teeth
  • Changes in bite alignment

At The Reno Dentist, we treat all pediatric oral conditions including gingivitis and periodontal disease. Twice-yearly dental cleanings and examinations are important. If you are looking for an experienced, friendly pediatric dentist, we invite you to call us today and schedule an appointment. We look forward to meeting you and your child!

https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=90&contentid=p01865

https://www.aapd.org/research/oral-health-policies–recommendations/periodontal-diseases-of-children-and-adolescents/

 

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 8217

Same-Day Tooth Pain Relief

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Categories: General Dentistry, Gum Disease, Teeth Whitening

walk-in dental practice Reno

When you have a toothache, that’s all you can think about. It makes it difficult to handle your everyday tasks.

If the tooth starts hurting after business hours or on the weekend, you may resign yourself to waiting until a traditional dental practice opens.

When others are closed, The Reno Dentist is here for you. We treat walk-in dental emergencies. That means you don’t need to make an appointment.

We will identify the cause of the tooth pain and take care of you.

Is A Toothache A Dental Emergency?

Yes. Here’s why. Tooth pain may be a symptom of a pressing ailment. We are equipped to treat many causes of tooth pain. Your tooth pain may be caused by one of the following:

Decay

Eventually, tooth decay can reach the tooth nerve. Ouch! The earlier the issue is addressed, the better your chances of saving the tooth.

Gum disease

Gum disease (or the more serious periodontitis) may cause pain. It should be treated immediately before teeth loosen. At that point, you risk losing them.

Damaged Tooth Pulp

When the inner nerves down in the root of the tooth become infected, an emergency root canal can allow you to retain the tooth. Plus it ends the pain!

Maybe It’s Not Your Tooth

Everything’s connected, right? Problems with surrounding systems can cause tooth pain along with a multitude of other symptoms. Your tooth pain may be caused by an ear or sinus infection.

Whether it’s a disorder with your tooth, or something else, let’s get it taken care of.

 

 

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 8117

Not Happy With Your Gums? Ask About Contouring

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Gum Disease, Gum Health

Not Happy With Your Gums? Ask About Contouring In Reno

Some Sparks and Reno dental patients who are interested in a full smile makeover might want to consider gum contouring. This cosmetic dentistry procedure is helpful for people who feel that their gums rest too low or too high on their teeth.

If you feel that your gums cover too much of the surface of your teeth, it may seem that your teeth are too small and out of proportion with your mouth. For Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City residents who have teeth that appear too long, gum contouring may help with your appearance, but your Reno dentist may also feel that it is necessary to counteract gum recession, a condition that can lead to periodontal disease.

Talk to your Sparks area dentist about gum contouring. Many periodontists in the Reno area perform this procedure, as well as some general dentists.

I’m Dr. Shane Sykes, and I’ve been practicing dentistry in Reno since 2011. One of the most rewarding things about my job is seeing my Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City patients gain renewed confidence in themselves after undergoing simple cosmetic dentistry procedures.

We are currently accepting new patients, so if you are looking for quality dental care in the Reno area, call us today at 775-323-0700 for an appointment!

 

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 3913

Toddler With A Toothache?

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Categories: General Dentistry, Gum Disease, Restorative Dentistry

When your child complains of mouth pain, you want to relieve it as soon as possible.

But that’s easier said than done. There are a plethora of possible causes of children’s tooth pain.

Possible Causes of Toddler Oral Pain

  • Tooth decay
  • Emerging teeth
  • Chipped or cracked tooth
  • Mouth sore or cut
  • Sinus pain or earache
  • Large fragment of food between two teeth

Examine Your Child’s Mouth

First, take a look at their mouths. If you see swollen gums, it indicates the general area of the problem. A large red bump near the tooth root could indicate an abscess.

If there is swelling in the gums, take your child to a pediatric dentist immediately.

You may see a piece of food caught between two teeth. Use a string of floss or a floss pick to remove it. The pain may not go away immediately, but if this was the source, it should go away within a couple of hours.

If your son or daughter has a cavity, you may or may not be able to see it. Dr. Sykes at The Reno Dentist can locate small cavities or those hidden between two teeth.

Make an appointment at The Reno Dentist in the unlikely event that your child has a cracked or chipped tooth.

If The Pain Is Caused By Teething

If your youngster has a runny nose and seems unusually irritable, they might be teething. A cold (not frozen) teething ring can help relieve the pain. You can also gently rub their gums with your finger. You can also let your child gnaw on a cold carrot or another hard vegetable. Make sure you monitor closely so they don’t bite off a chunk they can choke on.

Note that teething only causes a low-grade fever. If your son or daughter has a fever over 100°F or diarrhea, take them to a pediatrician right away.

Pediatric Dentist or Pediatrician?

To recap:

If you suspect the pain is caused by a cavity, abscess, or broken tooth, call The Reno Dentist to schedule an appointment.

If you can’t see the source of the pain but your child has a high fever, diarrhea, or swelling in the cheek, take them to your pediatrician right away.

 

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 8175