If you keep up with your dental checkups and exams every six months, you have had plenty x-rays taken of your smile. X-rays allow dentists to look inside your teeth and also take a better look at the structure of your jaw. A thoroughly kept dental history allows dental professionals to make sure that children’s mouths are developing properly, and adults mouths are being maintained. Do you ever worry that dental x-rays lead to too much radiation exposure? Reno dentists, Dr. Wager and Dr. Evans, can assure you that you have nothing to worry about.
The Real Deal about X-rays
Of the following, which activities or objects expose you to radiation?
Tooth sensitivity may not seem like a big deal, until you have dental issues because of it. The shooting pain that comes when you bite into an ice cream cone or take a sip of hot coffee is the result of sensitive teeth which are not properly protected by strong tooth enamel. If you have severe tooth sensitivity, even an icy cold wind can leave you cringing. What causes tooth sensitivity and cavities? Enamel erosion might be to blame.
Understanding Enamel Erosion
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.
Dangers to Enamel
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.
You already know that taking care of your oral health is important. Scientific research even shows that keeping your mouth healthy benefits your overall physical health, as well. Can you describe the different kinds of teeth which inhabit your mouth and what purpose they each serve? Try this fun quiz to improve your dental knowledge.Continue reading “A Quiz on Types of Teeth”→
Did you enjoy plenty of beach time this summer? If so, it’s possible you’ve dealt with your fair share of seaweed. Sometimes, stepping on seaweed can be an unpleasant irritation with the slimy, squishy sensation on the bottoms of your feet and between your toes. If you knew that seaweed had an enzyme called Bacillus licheniformis which could be good for your teeth, would you feel a bit differently about the compound? Researchers have begun to isolate this enzyme with the intent of using it as a cleaner for ship hulls, to surprising results. Newcastle University Continue reading “Could Seaweed Hold a key to Better Dental Health?”→
Did you know that 80% of adults in America have gum disease? Are you aware that the condition of periodontal disease can cause major oral systemic health issues? This means that when your gums are infected and unhealthy, your overall health can greatly suffer as well. Fortunately, periodontal infections are preventable. Together, you and the Reno dentists at Wager Evans Dental can guard your health against gum disease through terrific preventive dental care, including six month dental cleanings and checkups.
Tooth decay is the result of a bacterial infection. The other common term for these holes in teeth is cavities. Decaying teeth which are left untreated result in very little natural tooth structure remaining. The tooth will possibly loosen and fall out, or otherwise cause an abscess or jaw infection and require extraction. That’s why when you have a cavity, it must be professionally cleaned and filled to stop the germs in their tracks. Regular cleanings and dental checkups, along with daily oral hygiene, can prevent oral infection, and identify cavities at the earliest possible stages. Continue reading “Are White Fillings Biocompatible?”→
If you’re regular with your dental checkups, you have been told that plaque is bad. The basic oral hygiene rules include brushing teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and being diligent with six-month checkups and cleanings. This keeps dental plaque at a minimum so you don’t end up with infected teeth and gums. While you know that plaque can wreak havoc on oral health, do you know what makes plaque? Continue reading “That’s What Dental Plaque is Made Of”→
Michael Douglas is one of many public figures who has given a famous face to oral cancer. Mr. Douglas makes a fine role model for those battling the disease, because he has recovered quite well. Until hearing about a famous person’s battle with a certain type of cancer, many Americans don’t give particular malignancies a whole lot of thought. Fortunately, if you keep up with your six month dental checkups, you’ll have a great chance of catching any oral cancer as early as possible. Continue reading “Oral Cancer Symptoms: Are you Familiar?”→
Though your kids may not have started back to school yet, many children across America have been at it for a couple of weeks already. School seems to make schedules a bit less loose, which can be a good thing after a lackadaisical summer. Do you have a semi-annual dental checkup on the calendar for your children? Reno dentists, Dr. Wager and Dr. Evans are available to evaluate your little one’s dental health and development, and make sure their pearly whites remain clean and healthy.
Dental Checkups
Children age four and older should visit the dentist for a complete dental checkup and cleaning twice a year (every six months). At this appointment, our kid-friendly dental team will help your children learn important techniques for effective brushing and flossing. We are happy to discuss healthy eating, alternatives to sports and energy drinks, and whether or not braces might be needed. Dr. Wager or Dr. Evans will evaluate x-rays to identify development concerns or cavities below the gumline and between teeth. After a checkup, if periodonatal disease and tooth decay are ruled out, your child will undergo a cleaning with one of our hygienists. This will involve removing built up plaque and tartar from the surfaces of teeth. A professional cleaning will reduce the risk for future cavities and gingivitis. The dental hygienist can recommend dental products which are best suited for your child, as well. Continue reading “Back to School Dental Health Maintenance”→
Nose strips and whitening strips–there’s quite a big difference there. Even so, it turns out that your skin may actually have more in common with your teeth than you might have known. Dr. Wager and Dr. Evans discuss the similarities and what you can do to avoid stained, sensitive teeth.
Anatomy 101: Skin and Teeth
Like your skin, the enamel of your teeth is covered with tiny pores. The pores in your skin become irritated when blocked, and the enlargement and exposure of pores in your teeth make the tooth enamel more prone to staining. If the tooth enamel erodes badly enough to expose the underlying layer of dentin, problems arise. For example, your teeth may develop sensitivity to heat and cold. Teeth that have been badly damaged by years of erosion are more likely to develop tooth decay and cracks.
Preventing Problematic Pores
The pores in your teeth are generally exposed in one of two ways, either by brushing too aggressively, or exposing your teeth to acidic substances. Dr. Wager notes that the American Dental Association states that you should brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes each session. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, as medium or stiff bristles can cause further damage to your teeth, as well as irritating your gums. If the bristles of your toothbrush appear frayed and bent after less than three months, this is a sign of over-aggressive brushing.
Dr. Evans adds that your favorite foods and beverages can also damage your enamel. Acidic foods include citrus fruit, pickles, and yogurt. Among the more acidic beverages are fruit juices–especially those made with citrus fruit–alcohol of any kind, sodas, sports drinks, and energy drinks. Rather than reach for your toothbrush immediately after consuming an acidic substance, it’s best to wait 30 minutes. Instead, your Reno, NV general dentists recommend rinsing your mouth with plain water.
These threats are similar to those faced by your skin, which is prone to irritation if washed too frequently or exposed to strong skin care products. With teeth, however, tooth whitening products are a likely culprit.
Clean Skin, Clean Teeth
Like your skin, your teeth are easier to maintain when properly cared for. After months or even years of neglect, both are more difficult to keep clean and may require professional intervention. Of course, we’ll leave your skin care to your dermatologist, but our Reno dentist office provides routine teeth cleaning, dental exams, and screening for periodontal disease and oral cancer.
Are your pores causing problems? To learn more about preventive and cosmetic dental care in Reno, NV, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Wager or Dr. Evans, contact us at 775-829-7700. We welcome patients living in Reno, Sparks, Spanish Springs, Dayton, and the surrounding areas.
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