family dentistry

Reno Dental News: Poor Oral Health And Heart Disease

Posted on
Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

General Dentistry Reno Attention Reno family dentistry patients: brushing twice daily may help lower your risk of heart disease. Scientists, dentists, and cardiologists have known for many years that there is a link between inflammation in the mouth (gum disease) and heart problems, However, a recent study analyzed oral health habits and heart disease risk. Science Daily reported on the study which was published in the British Medical Journal.

I quote from the Science Daily article:

“The authors, led by Professor Richard Watt from University College London, analyzed data from over 11,000 adults who took part in a Scottish Health Survey. The research team analyzed data about lifestyle behaviors such as smoking, physical activity, and oral health routines.”

“Once the data was adjusted for established cardio risk factors, the researchers found that participants who reported less frequent toothbrushing had a 70 percent extra risk of heart disease compared to individuals who brushed their teeth twice a day.”

I am Dr. Shane Sykes DMD of The Reno Dentist. The Scottish survey is one of many that confirms the link between oral health and overall health. Simply put: you aren’t healthy unless your gums and teeth are healthy.

It doesn’t matter if you are a lean Reno distance runner with a pulse of fifteen beats a minute and a blood pressure of 100 over 60. It doesn’t matter if you are a vegan who has eaten a nutritionally balanced, low-fat diet for the past five years. If you have inflamed gums and tooth decay, you are at risk for problems in other areas of the body.

The phone number for The Reno Dentist is 775-323-0700. If you have concerns about your oral health, I invite you to schedule a general dentistry examination today.

Perhaps your teeth and gums are healthy but you wish your smile was more attractive. We can help you there also with a smile redesign. Porcelain veneers, crowns, inlays/onlays, and orthodontia are all available to solve any cosmetic problems you wish to correct.

If you have not visited a cosmetic dentist in Reno yet, now is the time. My knowledgeable team and I will help keep your smile beautiful for life.

Call us at 775-323-0700 to learn more.

An Air-dried Toothbrush Is A Healthy Toothbrush, Sparks

Posted on
Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

General Dentistry Sparks NV

Today in our Sparks NV dental blog we will highlight some of the simple things you can do with your toothbrush to keep your mouth as clean and healthy as possible.

One of the most important habits Sparks NV residents can form is to always allow their toothbrush to completely air dry between uses. The best way to let the toothbrush air dry is by placing it in a toothbrush holder on the counter with the bristles pointing up. This method of storage is much better than sticking it away in a drawer since it’s unlikely to dry there.

Also, when you travel away from the Sparks NV area, make sure your toothbrush is dry before you seal it away in a travel container.

A good strategy for Sparks NV residents to make sure their toothbrush has ample time to dry is to buy two toothbrushes at your Sparks NV drugstore. Then alternate between the two so each has time to fully dry out between uses.

And Sparks NV family dentistry patients should remember to replace their toothbrush (or toothbrushes) every 3-4 months, or after they’ve had a cold!

Hi. I’m Dr. Shane Sykes, a general and cosmetic dentist in Sparks NV, and I want my patients to have the best oral health possible. At The Reno Dentist we offer the following services:

We are currently accepting new Sparks NV patients and the knowledgeable staff here would be happy to answer any questions you have about teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, or other cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Celebrating The Past And Looking To The Future At The Reno Dentist

Posted on
Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

General Dentistry Reno

It has now been 150 years since the first dental license was issued to Sir John Tomes. Reno dental patients should be grateful for the advances made in dentistry during the past 150 years.

There was a time when blacksmiths and wig makers would also extract teeth with forceps to make a little extra money. Anyone could call themselves a dentist. Often these untrained people broke the jaws of the person they were trying to help. Ouch!

At The Reno Dentist, we celebrate with the Reno dental community and marvel at the many advances made in the history of dentistry, particularly cosmetic dentistry.

One of the modern treatments that has helped countless Reno patients is invisible braces. This non-visible orthodontic therapy is custom made for each patient. They are transparent and removable and will help you achieve your desired smile in about 3 to 18 months.

I am Dr. Shane Sykes. My training didn’t end when I graduated from dental school and opened my practice in Reno. As a cutting-edge cosmetic dentist, I continually seek training so I can expertly perform the latest procedures. In addition, our practice uses the most advanced dental materials available.

If you are one of the many Reno residents who has dreamed of an esthetic improvement to your smile, we invite you to make an appointment with The Reno Dentist to discuss a smile makeover. Complete smile transformations are completed as quickly and professionally as possible – sometimes in just one visit!

One of our most sought after treatments at The Reno Dentist is cosmetic dentistry and many Reno folks are enjoying a brighter smile because of dental implants.

At The Reno Dentist we have been serving the residents of  zip code area 89503 since 2011 and would love to provide you and your family with professional family dentistry.

The Reno Dentist in Reno

Posted on
Categories: Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

Family Dentistry Reno Hello! I’m Dr. Shane Sykes, DMD, of The Reno Dentist in Reno.

I have been practicing general and cosmetic dentistry since 2011. Dentistry is a challenging and fascinating profession; dentists must have diagnostic skills, dexterity, extensive scientific knowledge, and good visual memory. Dentistry also requires artistic ability. In addition to the technical aspects of dentistry, I really enjoy interacting with my Reno family dentistry patients.

I recognize that my clients have other choices in Reno area dental practices, and I work continually to earn their trust and surpass their expectations.

Each Reno dentistry client is unique. Many of my patients come in twice-yearly for an exam and cleaning. We help them maintain excellent oral health. Some Reno cosmetic dentistry clients come to me seeking major restorative dentistry procedures. It is extremely gratifying to complete a smile makeover and see the client’s reaction when they see the result for the first time.

When I have a pre-treatment consultation with a new Reno dentistry client, it is very informative for both of us. The patient learns the specifics about the possible procedures and I learn about the clients’ goals, concerns and expectations. Then I work with the client to develop a dental treatment plan that fits the patient’s needs, desired outcome and budget.

My dental practice is located at 855 W Seventh St Ste 200 in Reno. If you are looking for an experienced dentist in the Reno area, call 775-323-0700 to schedule a consultation.

I look forward to meeting with you.

Smokeless Is Not Harmless For Sparks NV Tobacco Chewers

Posted on
Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

General Dentistry Sparks NVHello Sparks NV family dentistry friends. Today’s topic is ‘The Dangers Of Smokeless Tobacco’.

Cigarette sales at most Sparks NV stores have decreased in the past decade, but some tobacco consumers have switched to smokeless products.

There is a common misconception in the Sparks area (especially among teens) that smokeless tobacco is harmless. This is absolutely not true. Regardless of the specific type: spit tobacco, snuff, chew, or pinch, this form of tobacco is as deadly as conventional cigarettes.

At The Reno Dentist, we encounter serious consequences of smokeless tobacco use because many occur in the mouth. Oral cancer, mouth lesions, gum disease and tooth decay are the most common dental problems caused by smokeless tobacco.

Keeping a pinch between your cheek and gum all day is worse than keeping an all-day sucker. The tobacco contains almost as much sugar as the candy but delivers harmful chemicals as an added bonus. The dangers are two-fold: the tobacco erodes the teeth and also causes the gums to pull away from teeth.

Precancerous Mouth Lesion Screening: Mouth Lesions are painful sores that could eventually become cancer. If smokeless tobacco use is stopped, the lesions often disappear within a year for Sparks NV cosmetic dental patients.

Oral Cancer in Sparks NV: Smokeless tobacco use in Sparks increases the risk for several types of life-threatening cancers including those of the mouth, gums, lips, tongue, and throat.

Oral cancers can be as deadly as lung cancer and usually require surgery. If the Sparks NV general dentistry patient is fortunate and the cancer is successfully removed with surgery, the collateral damage to the face, neck, or jaw is not pretty.

These are the main dental risks of smokeless tobacco. I should also mention two other biggies: addiction and heart disease, though those are topics for another day.

At The Reno Dentist, we perform oral cancer screenings and mouth lesions examinations. To schedule an appointment, call 775-323-0700.

If want to quit using smokeless tobacco products, we recommend that you consult Dr. Sykes at The Reno Dentist, your primary care doctor, or your area pharmacist.

The Reno Dentist
855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada 89503
https://therenodentist.com/

Sparks NV Dentistry

Posted on
Categories: General Dentistry

Educating Reno Dental Patients About Little-Known Risks Hi, I’m Dr. Shane Sykes, DMD. Most every day, I can be found at my Sparks NV area dental office treating general dentistry patients with tooth and gum problems or helping patients prevent them. There are many common medical conditions that pose a risk to oral health.

1) Sparks NV diabetes patients with high blood glucose often have a higher risk of dental issues. If you have diabetes, let’s talk. My number is 775-323-0700.

2) A persistent dry mouth due to an inadequate amount of saliva can accelerate tooth decay, cause or contribute to gum disease, and trigger chronic bad breath. Many medications used by thousands of Sparks NV area folks, including those for high-blood pressure and depression, cause dry mouth. This side effect is not only unpleasant, it is dangerous. Anti-depressants (especially SSRI’s) and anti-psychotic drugs can also trigger tooth-grinding (bruxism) which can lead to TMJ issues.

3) Acid reflux in children and adults is associated with a host of dental problems such as decay and periodontal disease.

I help many Sparks NV family dentistry patients prevent problems associated with medical conditions that sometimes seem unrelated to dental health. Regular professional dental care is essential for oral health, and an important part of your overall physical health.

https://therenodentist.com/

Healthy Teeth and Your Sparks NV Diet

Posted on
Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

Healthy Teeth and Your Sparks Diet Maintaining healthy teeth is an important concern for our local Sparks NV residents. As your dentist, it’s my job to help you understand how to care for your teeth and to keep them healthy. Everyone in the Sparks NV area knows that maintaining healthy teeth requires regular daily brushing and flossing. Regular visits to your local Sparks NV general dentistry practice is also necessary to keep watch for cavities and to help you maintain proper dental hygiene. We often forget that maintaining a healthy diet can also be beneficial for the health of your teeth.

A Sparks NV diet for family dentistry patients that includes foods that help your muscles and bones will also help you develop healthy gums and healthy teeth. Examples of local Sparks NV foods to include in your diet include foods rich in vitamin B such as breads and cereals. Foods rich in vitamin C, usually fruits and vegetables, help improve the health of your gums. Zinc and magnesium are also good for the health of your teeth and are found in foods like lean beef, fish, and poultry.

All foods increase the production of saliva. Saliva is important to healthy teeth because it helps to maintain the pH balance in your mouth. Maintaining this balance helps keep your teeth and gums healthy. Foods high in fiber also encourage saliva production as does the chewing of sugar-free gum. Gum, however, can damage unhealthy teeth or pull out dental fillings, so always use caution when deciding whether to chew gum and which brand to chew.

Just as certain diet choices in the Sparks NV area can be beneficial to the health of your teeth, others can be detrimental. Foods and drinks that are high in sugars are more likely to form the acids that attack your teeth and result in decay. And while table sugar is often associated with the formation of cavities, other sugars such as glucose, fructose, and maltose are also causes, and are often found in juices and sodas. Limiting the consumption of sugars to mealtimes lessens the amount of time your healthy teeth are exposed.

Making good diet choices and limiting between meal sugar consumption can improve the health of your teeth and gums.

If you would like to learn how to better care for your healthy teeth, or are in need of cosmetic dentistry in the Sparks NV area, contact The Reno Dentist at 775-323-0700. We would love to hear from you.

-Dr. Shane Sykes, DMD

Reno Children’s Dental Care and Thumb Sucking

Posted on
Categories: Family Dentistry

Open Bite For years, Reno parents have been warned that thumb-sucking can cause future cosmetic dental problems for their thumb-loving toddlers. One of these problems is a type of malocclusion called an open bite.

An open bite occurs when the front teeth in the lower and upper jaw have been moved forward; often to the extent that they do not meet when the mouth is closed. In most cases, an open bite has been caused by thumb sucking, but pacifiers and tongue thrusting can also move teeth out of alignment.

Tongue thrusting refers to an abnormal swallowing action in which the tongue is pushed forward during swallowing. Normally, the tongue is on the roof of the mouth and the teeth closed completely when swallowing. A tongue-thrusting habit can develop due to factors other than thumb sucking, though this is a common cause. Allergies, large tonsils, tongue size, jaw angle, muscular problems, frequent sore throats; anything that makes swallowing difficult, can result in a tongue-thrusting habit.

At The Reno Dentist in Reno, we diagnose bite problems in young family dentistry clients such as underbites, overbites, crossbites and open bites. If dental treatment is started early in a child’s life, many bite issues and their associated problems (such as TMD) can be prevented.

Call The Reno Dentist at 775-323-0700 to schedule a dental examination for your toddler or child. If you need dental treatment for your child and do not have dental plan insurance, talk to us about financing options.

The Reno Dentist offers comprehensive dental care for families in the greater Reno area. Because our friendly staff puts our youngest patients at ease, your child can grow up without fearing visits to their Reno family dentist.

Sparks NV Dental News: What To Expect After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Posted on
Categories: Wisdom Teeth

For the 65 percent of Sparks NV adults who develop wisdom teeth in their late teens or early twenties, The Reno Dentist generally recommends removal. Wisdom teeth can damage adjacent teeth, nerves and, due to their awkward positioning, can increase risk of tooth decay and gum disease. They often come in crooked, crowding the other teeth and affecting the bite.

Wisdom teeth are also difficult to clean, especially if they do not fully erupt, which is a common problem for most Sparks NV teens and young adults who discover them. This can cause infection, as bacteria can be trapped under the skin where brushing and flossing is difficult.

After removal, Dr. Shane Sykes recommends Sparks NV wisdom teeth removal patients carefully follow the instructions given.

Bleeding is inevitable and should be expected to last up to three days. Rinsing is counter-productive, but firm pressure should be applied by biting down on the gauze pads to help stop the bleeding.

Swelling following wisdom teeth extraction is a sign that the healing process is progressing normally. Swelling that recedes and then re-appears after a few weeks, however, is a sign of infection and should be treated immediately.

Cosmetic dentist Dr. Shane Sykes recommends an examination seven to ten days after the extraction to make sure the wounds are clean and there are no complications. An anti-biotic wash can be applied if infection is present.

Keep in mind that many complications can be avoided if the Sparks NV patient has his or her wisdom teeth removed at an earlier age.

To schedule a dental exam or a wisdom teeth consultation, contact our Sparks NV family dentistry practice today.  We also offer laser and restorative dentistry services.

Dr. Shane Sykes, DMD
The Reno Dentist
855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada 89503
775-323-0700
Our Doctors