Category: Family Dentistry

The Inside Scoop About Enamel Erosion

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

Tooth sensitivity may not seem like a big deal…that is, until you have it. The shooting pain that comes when you bite into an ice cream cone or take a sip of hot coffee is just unbearable. If you have severe tooth sensitivity, even an icy cold wind can leave your teeth in pain.

What causes tooth sensitivity? Enamel erosion might be to blame, and the same goes for tooth decay.

To understand what enamel erosion is, you first need to understand what tooth enamel is. Enamel is the hard, white coating that covers your teeth. This coating is your teeth’s natural defense system, and nature knew what it was doing when it designed the human body because tooth enamel is the second hardest naturally occurring substance in the universe, second only to diamonds! This means that it can protect your teeth from the extreme pressures, temperatures, and elements your teeth come in contact with on a daily basis.

Still, however, your enamel isn’t indestructible. While it’s unlikely that your dental enamel can chip off, it’s very likely that it can wear away, and this can happen for several reasons. In most cases of enamel erosion, acid is to blame. Every time we eat or drink, acids form in our mouths and, if not removed by proper brushing, flossing, and rinsing, can begin to eat away at our tooth enamel. Enamel erosion is often present in people with acid reflux disease and GERD because of the high levels of acid that come up from the stomach to the mouth. Frequent vomiting and consuming foods and drinks that are high in sugar and carbohydrates expose your teeth to even more acidity. Continue reading “The Inside Scoop About Enamel Erosion” →

What’s in Dental Plaque?

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All of your life, you’ve been told that plaque is bad. The rules are: brush twice a day, floss once a day, and go to six-month checkups and cleanings so that you can keep plaque from destroying your teeth and gums. While you know that plaque can wreak havoc on oral health, do you know what’s in plaque? Do you know why it’s bad?

In every milligram of dental plaque, there are about ten billion bacteria of approximately 400 types. The matrix of plaque is made from saliva and bacteria, and it includes proteins, lipids (fats), polysaccharides (sugars, calcium, and phosphorus).

Plaque is the yellowish buildup that makes your teeth feel fuzzy or rough. It naturally accumulates on our teeth every day. Many people don’t know that and plaque plays a role in building up our immune system. Teeth don’t shed an outer layer like skin does, so we have to purposefully remove dental plaque to ensure bacteria do not get out of control. Continue reading “What’s in Dental Plaque?” →

Give Summer Boredom the Brush-Off (Part 2)

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

It’s the middle of summer, which means your kids need plenty of activities to keep them busy during the day. You surely love having more time to spend with your children, but you might also be pulling your hair out looking for something to keep them occupied.

We will tell you how to make some fun, easy crafts that will also encourage good dental hygiene. Even your little ones can make them!

Flossing is Fantastic!

Last time, we taught you how to paint with toothbrushes. Today, you will learn how to make fun paintings with another dental hygiene product: floss!

Materials

Note: This craft involves paint, so make sure your kids are wearing old clothes that you don’t care about or painting smocks in case they make a mess. (It might also be a good idea to cover the work area to prepare for possible paint splatter.)

Paper
Paint (non-toxic, water-soluble)
Dental Floss (cut a few pieces roughly an inch longer than the paper)
Palettes or Plates (plastic plates or palettes are optimal)

To help your children understand how to make this craft, explain the instructions and demonstrate before they begin making it. Continue reading “Give Summer Boredom the Brush-Off (Part 2)” →

Comfort and Technology from Wager Evans Dental

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

When you think of going to the dentist, do you imagine a cozy, soothing feeling, like being at the home of a close friend? Chances are, you picture a cold, sterile office fool of intimidating dental equipment. But Wager Evans Dental is different. Dr. William Wager and Dr. Brian Evans provide patients with a warm, inviting environment equipped with the latest dental technology.

Putting the “Care” in “Dental Care”

The moment you arrive at our office, you will be greeted by our friendly staff. Whether you see Dr. Wager or Dr. Evans, you will receive first-class, personalized care. Everyone from children to teens to adults (of every age) will receive age-appropriate dental treatment. The procedures and technology that we offer ensures top-of-the-line treatments that will produce optimal results and comfort. And we will go out of our way to make your appointment more enjoyable. Continue reading “Comfort and Technology from Wager Evans Dental” →

The Extreme Power of Tooth Enamel

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

Did you know that the second hardest naturally occurring substance in the world is located inside your body? It’s true. Your tooth enamel is second only to diamonds.

It’s incredible! Tooth enamel is the white coating you see on your teeth when you look in the mirror. It is incredibly hard and is the natural defense system for your teeth.

In addition to protecting your teeth, tooth enamel helps to regulate how your teeth feel and respond to temperature. Your tooth enamel is filled with tiny tunnels that connect the nerve in your tooth to the root. If your teeth are sensitive to hot and/or cold temperatures, it is all thanks to your tooth enamel.

While there is no real substitute for this protective covering, scientists are discovering ways to promote growth of natural enamel. Eventually, this will make dental fillings and drilling a thing of the past.

Although your tooth enamel is the toughest substance in your body, it’s not completely invincible. After you eat or drink, acids temporarily soften your tooth enamel, making it vulnerable to sugars and other harmful bacteria. Fortunately, your saliva is designed to re-strengthen your tooth enamel when this occurs. Your saliva builds itself back up to prevent these sugars and bacteria from sticking to your teeth and causing infections and tooth decay.

This is just one example of how closely everything in your mouth works together and how important it is to have regular dental checkups to make sure that everything is healthy and in proper working order.

If you are due for a dental cleaning or exam, please call the Wager Evans dental office in Reno, Nevada at (775) 800-4845.

Athletic Mouthguards

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The Super Bowl is over. That means an end to football season, right? Wrong.  Many high schools and colleges start spring training to prepare for the fall season.  While the athletes may not be in full dress, they are wearing protective gear, including their mouthguards.

I am a proponent of the athletic mouthguard. Athletes should wear mouthguards because collisions are unavoidable in some sports, and accidents happen in all sports.  There are several types of athletic mouthguards and with that, different degrees of protection.

The stock mouthguard: These can be purchased at sporting goods stores, are limited in size, and are the least protective. They stay in place by the athlete biting down on it. They are bulky, uncomfortable, interfere with speech and breathing, but offer some protection.

Boil-and-bite mouthguard: This is one of the most common mouthguards on the market.  They, too, are limited in size and may not cover the back teeth. This mouthguard is softened in hot water, placed between the teeth, and molded to fit your bite when pressure is applied. While some people like boil-and-bite mouthguards, others find them ill-fitting and bulky.  Athletes often bite through this mouthguard during the forming and fitting, thus increasing their chance of injury.

Custom-made mouthguard: This is the best choice of mouthguard, because it is specially made for the athlete’s mouth.  When creating a custom mouthguard, I take an impression first, then fabricated the appliance to fit the athlete’s bite and mouth shape.  The thickness is uniform, which increases comfort and protection.  Custom-made mouthguards also offer more protection against concussions, jaw fractures, and neck injuries.

I’m Dr. Brian Evans of Wager Evans Dental. If you are interested in a custom fitted mouthguard, please contact my Reno office at (775)829-7700.  These necessary parts of your athletic equipment are reasonably priced and should be worn for all sports. Bottom line is, with a comfortable mouthguard, you’ll be better protected and more likely to wear the appliance.

Brushing as easy as 1, 2, 3!

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One of the most important things your child can learn early in life is how to maintain healthy hygiene. While hygiene is important for every part of the body, oral hygiene is particularly important because it has such a power over your overall health.

As family dentists, the Wager Evans Dental team wants to help you instill quality habits in your child, and it’s never to early to start. Teaching your child how to brush their teeth properly is a great way to break the ice.

The American Dental Association teaches proper teeth brushing in just five simple steps. Continue reading “Brushing as easy as 1, 2, 3!” →

Going to the dentist is fun!

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

A fear of the dentist is one of the most common fears among Americans. It is also the number 1 reason why people don’t have their teeth checked and cleaned regularly. This can be detrimental to your oral health, as well as your overall health.

We know you don’t want your child to be one of these people. We’re Dr. Brian Evans and Dr. William Wager, and as family dentists, we take the health of your kid’s smile as seriously as you do.

We begin checking your child’s teeth when they are around one year of age. Although regular dental cleanings don’t begin until around age three, it is important for us to check your child’s dental development prior to that, just to make sure they are on the right track to getting a great, healthy grin.

These checkups should be easy, but they can turn into a struggle when your child is afraid. While we see patients with dental fear every day, it is important that your child be relaxed and comfortable in our office. Continue reading “Going to the dentist is fun!” →

Selecting a Family Dentist in Reno, Nevada

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

When it’s time to find a dentist, where do you start? Statistics show, women in American households usually choose the family dentist. The best way for a mom to begin her research is to determine what’s most important: comfort, health, convenience, insurance, location, or something else?

All of these factors are important. Obviously, you want to find a dental office with experienced, competent professionals who can communicate well with your family members and make everyone you love feel comfortable. You also need to be practical. The dentist office you choose has to be conveniently located so that you don’t have to plan your day around dental visits. Another practical aspect to consider is payment: do you need a dentist who accepts your insurance or offers financing? How about comfort during procedures? If you, your spouse, or your children are apprehensive about dental visits, you need a compassionate, understanding team of dental care givers who offer the medications and chairside manner that helps patients feel comfortable, confident, and well cared for at the dentist’s office.

So let’s see if Wager Evans Dental is the right fit for your family. Continue reading “Selecting a Family Dentist in Reno, Nevada” →