Oral Health

Dental Health in Reno: Which Type of Toothbrush is Best?

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Categories: Advanced Dentistry, Dental Health, Gum Health, Oral Health

Toothbrush Wars in Sparks Oral Health in Reno dental health in reno

It may surprise you to know that some men and women have very strong opinions about which type of toothbrush is the best. Is manual or electric? Is there really one that is clearly better? Most dentists will tell you that all toothbrushes, when used thoroughly, are effective at removing plaque. Choosing which kind you prefer is really up to you. Today, we want to give you some extra information about toothbrushes to help you select which kind is right for your dental health in Reno.

Does It Save You Money?

You need to consider cost and convenience. Some people argue that even though electric toothbrushes are more pricey, you’ll save on dental bills. However, there are no definitive studies to back up this claim. Manual toothbrushes are easy to find, whereas not all drugstores carry all types of electric toothbrushes. This can be problematic when buying replacement heads. People who travel may find that a smaller, manual toothbrush is easier to pack and batteries are not needed.

Impact on Dental Health in Reno

The pressure you put on your gums with either type of toothbrush is essential. Some people say that it’s difficult to know how much pressure they use with electric toothbrushes, while others say that because of the quick electrical movements, they tend to be more gentle on their gums than when they use manual brushes. You may want to try them both to establish your brushing style. Then you can discuss how it affects dental health in Reno with your dentist.

Schedule an Appointment

Special consideration should be taken for people with arthritis. Most dentists guide their elderly and arthritic patients to use electric toothbrushes when their manual dexterity is diminished. As for children, once they are old enough, an electric toothbrush may be preferable, but safety should always be the first concern of parents. Whichever type of toothbrush you choose, make sure you get soft bristles and replace it every three to four months. Don’t forget, we also offer services such as dental implants, teeth whitening, and laser dentistry.

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

Treat Your Beautiful Smile in Reno to a Healthy Diet

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Categories: Beautiful Smile, Family Dentistry, Oral Health

experienced family dentist Reno Beautiful Smile in Reno

Proper nutrition can benefit you in a number of ways such as increased energy, improved immunity, glowing skin, mental clarity, and a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. How often, however, do you consider how your diet impacts your beautiful smile in Reno?

Your diet can impact your risk of cavities, enamel health, and gum condition. Healthy foods provide an environment that can prevent inflammation and infection. Vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts are the ideal choices for oral health. Calcium-fortified beverages, milk, and other dairy products provide vitamins, minerals, and calcium that helps with keeping teeth, bones, and gums healthy. Eating crispy fruits and vegetables, such as apples and celery, will help clean your teeth and gums, which will, in turn, improve your beautiful smile in Reno.

A healthy diet contains all the vital vitamins and minerals, and the most important mineral for teeth is fluoride. Don’t forget, however, that too much fluoride is dangerous. Dr. Sykes can advise you on the exact dosage of fluoride for your child, taking into account whether your municipal water is fluoridated. Even though adults’ teeth have already formed, fluoride aids in remineralizing weakened enamel to a degree. This powerful mineral is applied to teeth during comprehensive dental cleanings at The Reno Dentist and daily with fluoride toothpaste.

Bacteria that causes enamel-destroying plaque loves a steady diet of sugar—from soda, candy, and even fruit juices. When enamel wears away, the teeth become vulnerable to decay, cracks, and discoloration. Sugary foods that are especially dangerous are those that get trapped in the spaces between teeth and the little pits and cracks in the molars. Candies that are chewy or hard can lodge in these spaces and allow for the adverse sugar to have direct contact with enamel until brushing occurs. Be sure to brush after each meal and before bed. In addition, remember to floss or use a water irrigating method to dislodge food particles trapped in spaces. By eating well, brushing properly, flossing regularly, and avoiding foods that stick to your teeth, you can have a beautiful smile in Reno.

At our practice, we have a full-service dental practice in Reno. Helping our dental patients stay healthy is important to us, and so is helping them achieve the smile they want through cosmetic dentistry procedures such as veneers, teeth whitening, and smile makeovers. The Reno Dentist in Reno has been serving the Sparks area since 2011. Please contact us at 775-323-0700 if you are looking for quality dental care from a local Reno dentist with the experience, expertise, and personalized attention you deserve.

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

How Inflammation Affects Your Oral Health in Reno

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Categories: General Dentistry, Gum Health, Oral Health

inflamed gums Reno

Swollen and painful gums are symptoms of periodontal disease, an inflammatory gum disease. Swelling occurs from an auto-immune response of the body reacting to an infection. Infections are noticeable through pain, redness, and warmth. If the infection is left untreated, it can affect oral health in Reno. The body’s immune system wants to rid the bone of the harmful material the bacteria is creating. Over time, bone loss can develop.

Inflammation in the gums also is associated with atherosclerosis, the occurrence of fatty deposits inside of the body’s arteries. Inflammation coincides with an increase of the blood protein CRP (C-reactive protein), produced by the liver. The more inflammation there is, the more the liver produces CRP. The more CRP present, the more likely cardiovascular disease is present, along with related problems. CRP production is also related to arthritis, auto-immune disorders, and intestinal troubles.

Scientists are currently looking into the relationship between periodontal inflammation and CRP level and the effects outside of the oral cavity. Links have already been discovered between periodontal disease and pancreatic cancer, heart disease, and stroke. If inflammation is left untreated, gums can develop pockets that provide the perfect breeding ground for infection. The longer the infection persists, the more likely bone loss will ensue, eventually causing tooth loss.

It is crucial to practice preventive dental care daily at home and have regular visits to the dentist. Dental appointments should include an exam, cleaning, and full mouth x-rays, along with the important knowledge and instruction on how to properly care for oral health in Reno. It is also very important to see your dentist promptly if a tooth suddenly becomes sensitive or you experience any other changes. If you’re looking for a dentist in the area, we also offer general and cosmetic dentistry. Thanks for visiting our blog. For more details about oral health in Reno, give us a call at 775-323-0700.

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Reno: You Should Take Snoring Seriously

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Categories: Advanced Dentistry, Oral Health, Sleep Apnea

cost of dental crowns Sparks Sleep Apnea Treatment in Reno

What is Snoring? Snoring is caused by an obstruction that restricts the flow of air in the throat. Snoring isn’t just an annoyance. It can have considerable health consequences. The obstruction can typically be caused by:

  • Poor muscle tone in the throat and tongue—when muscles relax they can collapse onto the airway. Alcohol use and sleeping pills can make this more likely.
  • Thick throat tissue—Excess weight can be a contributing factor.
  • Swollen tonsils and adenoids—Most common in children.
  • Long uvula or soft palate
  • Nasal congestion
  • Deviated septum

Those who snore may have a condition called sleep apnea—a potentially health-threatening condition in which your breathing lapses while you are snoozing. This can occur hundreds of times at night. If your snoring keeps your bed partner from sleeping, his or her health is also affected. Failure to get enough quality sleep contributes to a myriad of physical and mental conditions.

You Could Benefit from Sleep Apnea Treatment in Reno

Most of us have experienced trouble concentrating when we haven’t gotten enough sleep. Did you know that can limit a person’s motor function and reaction time as seriously as intoxication? Other possible health problems related to insufficient sleep include heart disease, obesity, depression, and diabetes. So why is a post about snoring and sleep deprivation in a dental blog? That’s because your dentist can offer you sleep apnea treatment in Reno.

What Are You Waiting For?

Our outstanding staff works very hard to preserve our reputation as a world-class dental office. Furthermore, our office is known for being clean and friendly. We don’t just walk away after our procedure is handled. We follow through with special instructions, follow up appointments, and careful monitoring of the sleep apnea treatment in Reno. Preventing complications is a top priority. If you suspect that you suffer from either snoring or sleep apnea, we invite you to set up an appointment today. We also offer services such as cosmetic dentistry and root canal therapy.

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

Questions About Bad Breath in Reno

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Categories: Dental Health, Gum Health, Oral Health

Reno bad breath exam bad breath in reno

Today’s post in The Reno Dentist blog offers some answers to frequently asked questions about bad breath in Reno. If you have a dental health concern, feel free to call us at 775-323-0700 to schedule an examination or dental consultation. Our team would be happy to help you improve your oral health.

Q. My wife says my breath is horrible, but I brush twice a day. Shouldn’t that be enough?
A. Bacteria can propagate and stink in hidden crevices that can only be reached with floss. Time to start flossing. If your bad breath in Reno hasn’t improved in a few months, make an appointment so we can discuss other possible causes of your halitosis.

Also, keep in mind that brushing just the teeth may not remove food particles between the teeth and up in the gums. Gently brushing the gums, sides of the mouth and the tongue in addition to the teeth may make the difference.

Q. My breath seems to get worse during hay fever season. What’s up with that?
A. Allergies can change mouth odor in a couple of ways. First, anything that stimulates post-nasal drip can be a trigger because bacteria at the back of the throat mixes with the mucous and emits a smelly odor as it breaks down. Second, hay fever medications often cause dry mouth which can result in stinky breath. Antihistamines can lessen post-nasal drip so this is a catch-22. If you take antihistamines, drink water frequently throughout the day to keep your mouth hydrated, suck on sugar-free mints to stimulate saliva production and rinse with a non-alcohol mouth rinse.

Q. What health conditions can bring about bad breath in Reno?
A. As considered before, any condition that decreases saliva creation can cause halitosis. It is also a frequent side effect of diabetes, kidney failure, and liver failure. Of course, if your kidneys or liver is failing, then you should immediately seek medical attention.

Q. Why did my breath become offensive when I went on a strict low-carb diet?
A. Ketones were most likely the culprit. Ketones are produced when the body digests fat—which is usually the goal of a low-carb plan. On the flip side, sounds like your doing great with your new diet!

If you’re interested in dental services such as cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, root canals, sleep apnea treatment, or Invisalign clear braces, then give our office a call. Our friendly team would be happy to help you improve your smile. We are located in Reno, Nevada, but we also serve patients in Sparks, Spanish Springs, and Carson City.

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

Family Dentist Near Spanish Springs: Tonsil Questions?

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry, Oral Health

family dentist near spanish springsToday, we are going to focus on the two lumps of soft tissue in the back of the throat, the tonsils. Your tonsils sit at the base of the tongue, one on each side. They are part of the body’s lymphatic system, and as such, they are part of your immune system. If you find that you’re having trouble locating your tonsils, ask our family dentist near Spanish Springs to point them out for you.

What Are Tonsils?

Tonsils are made of infection-fighting tissue known as lymphocytes, but, in many cases, tonsils aren’t really that capable at their job of germ killing and ridding the body of toxins. Bacteria, mucus, and dead cells can get trapped on the outside of your tonsils. If this debris accumulates and becomes concentrated, white formations can occur in the pockets. In rare cases, it hardens and becomes a tonsil stone or tonsillolith.

Here are some signs of tonsil infection:

  • Bad breath
  • Sore throat
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Ear pain
  • Swelling of tonsils

Some people have persistent tonsil infections that eventually require surgical removal of their tonsils. If your tonsils begin to hurt, it’s essential to discuss treatment with a family dentist near Spanish Springs.

Young children may have difficulty describing where the pain is coming from. If your youngster has frequent sore throats, have your pediatrician check their tonsils. Regular visits with a pediatrician are vital for your child. Regular dental check-ups with a family dentist near Spanish Springs are just as important. If your young child has never seen a dentist, or if you are new to the area and don’t have a children’s dentist, call The Reno Dentist at 775-323-0700 to schedule an appointment. We also provide other dental services, like teeth whitening, gum disease treatment, and dental implants.

We look forward to meeting you and your youngster.

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

Facts From Your General Dentist in Reno: Oral Piercings

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry, Oral Health

General Dentist in Reno

Body piercings are a common form of self-expression seen around Reno. Today’s post is for those who currently have an oral piercing or are considering one.

Since this is a dental blog, we are sure you expect us to raise all sorts of alarms warning of the dangers of piercings. You are right. Unfortunately, these piercings and the jewelry they accommodate can lead to serious problems with not only your teeth and mouth, but your entire body. These piercings can cause tooth damage, cavities, periodontal disease, tooth loss, bone recession, and compromised immune system function.

Dangers of Oral Piercings

In general, any oral piercing is going to open you up to an array of dangerous oral infections and complications. The mouth is full of germs and introducing foreign objects permanently can be detrimental to your body’s health. Additionally, a tongue piercing can lead to difficulty chewing with unnatural chewing patterns that may lead to swallowing issues. Furthermore, the jewelry produces excess saliva from the salivary glands, which throws off the natural balance of your oral cavity. According to your general dentist in Reno, permanent nerve damage, excessive bleeding, and allergic reactions can also arise.Metal jewelry also can easily come in contact with your teeth, leading to cracked, chipped, or damaged teeth. Your teeth are built to last a lifetime. Chips, cracks, and enamel erosion compromise their durability and shorten their lifespan.

Scheduling A Checkup

Your local general dentist in Reno encourages patients with oral piercings to remove their jewelry before it puts their health at risk. However, if you have an oral piercing and plan to keep it, we guide you to have scheduled dental cleanings and check-ups with your general dentist in Reno. We will set up a schedule for regular visits so we can discover and correct problems in their early stages before they become more extreme. Do not wait to schedule your appointment if you suspect you may have a dental or physical trouble. To learn more about services such as gum disease treatment, laser dentistry, and restorative dentistry, call The Reno Dentist at 775-323-0700.

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503