Gum Disease

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 775-322-5016 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:

775-322-5016

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:

775-322-5016

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:

775-322-5016

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 775-322-5016 for an appointment!

 

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-322-5016

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:

775-322-5016

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 8175

Danger Zone! 5 Signs Of Gum Disease

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

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Here is some important information for anyone who cares about their dental health: gum disease, is a primary cause of tooth loss among adults. There is also evidence that it is associated with heart disease. Fortunately, this problem is easy to treat at The Reno Dentist, if it is discovered in the early stages.

What warning signs should you be looking for?

  1. Gums that bleed often
  2. Gums that appear tender, swollen, or very red, or gums that have visible pus in between them when they are pushed
  3. Your bite changes or your teeth suddenly don’t seem to fit together
  4. Gums that are pulling away from the teeth
  5. A bad taste in the mouth or chronic bad breath

We hope you are not experiencing any of these. But if you are not removing plaque between your teeth, your gums are at risk. Brushing alone is not enough—make sure you floss daily.

Regular check-ups with your dentist is another vital weapon in the fight against gum disease.

At The Reno Dentist, we take pride in caring for our patients and want them to have a healthy and attractive smile. We can treat gum disease, as well as headaches, and we provide general and family dentistry. Schedule your next appointment with us today.

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-322-5016

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 4960

Gum Disease and Diabetes: The Reno Dentist

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

gum disease increases diabetes risk Reno

Scientists have known for quite some time that people with diabetes have higher rates of gum disease. At The Reno Dentist, we are concerned with the connection between diabetes and oral health.

Our patients with diabetes know that maintaining proper blood glucose levels is the key to minimizing the risk of gum disease and related troubles for those affected.

Additional research is exploring the reverse relationship. In other words, whether poor oral health increases the risk of developing diabetes. Findings from a long-term study suggests that it does.

“We found that over two decades of follow-up, individuals who had periodontal disease were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life when compared to individuals without periodontal disease.” -Ryan T. Demmer, PhD, MPH.[1]

Additional trials are exploring how tooth and gum health jolts the ability of diabetics to manage the disease.

“Not only are people with diabetes more susceptible to serious gum disease, but serious gum disease may have the potential to affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of diabetes.” [2]

If you have diabetes, it is essential that you see your dentist regularly, and are committed to daily oral hygiene, proper nutrition, and other critical practices. Furthermore, your success in controlling your blood glucose levels will improve your oral health and vice-versa.

The Reno Dentist practices general and family dentistry, and also treats gum disease. We also provide cosmetic dentistry, and treat headaches. Schedule an appointment with us today.

1Angelo Milone, “Does periodontal disease cause type 2 diabetes?,” Endocrine Today, November 2008, http://www.healio.com/endocrinology/diabetes/news/print/endocrine-today/%7Bacdccbd7-a2b2-4a9e-ac08-b29b53116908%7D/does-periodontal-disease-cause-type-2-diabetes, accessed August 12, 2015
2“Diabetes and Oral Health Problems,” American Diabetes Association, September 18, 2012, http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/oral-health-and-hygiene/diabetes-and-oral-health.html#sthash.9IlHJB8l.dpuf, accessed August 12, 2015

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-322-5016

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503