Do you have a dentist or dental hygienist in the family that you would like to surprise with a dental-related gift? There are plenty of them out there and some are even practical. They can be used to organize the office, store cookies, for cleanliness in the restroom, or simply to relieve the aches and pains of standing on their feet all day. Read on for some cool gift suggestions for the dentist or hygienist in your family.
Category: General Dentistry
The Dangers of Certain Dental Trends
Are you a born trendsetter? Do you take great pride in figuring out ways to express yourself with fashion statements? Some physical manifestations of fashion can even involve teeth. One example would be someone having their teeth reshaped to appear outrageously different. Some dentists have even fielded requests to contour canine teeth into true vampire fangs. This type of procedure is permanent, however, so filing teeth is likely to damage your enamel and weaken your smile’s natural structure. Oral health fads might not be the wisest choices if you want a healthy smile for many years to come.
Bejeweling Teeth surfaces
Temporary jewels bonded to teeth with adhesive may sound simple and harmless enough. Why not grin a bit flashier now and again? If you are quite certain that your jewels are being adhered with FDA-approved dental glue placed by a trusted dental professional who offers good removal instructions, you may make it through temporarily bejeweling your smile without long term damage. Do-it-yourself kits are out there, however, but they are never a good idea. Sticking any foreign object or ornament to your tooth can result in enamel damage.Tooth ornaments can also harbor food debris, bacteria, and saliva, leading to plaque and tartar buildup which could create acid erosion underneath the jewel. Continue reading “The Dangers of Certain Dental Trends”
Healthy Teeth for Halloween
Prevent Acid Formation by Drinking Water
If handing your child a plastic pumpkin and walking them door-to-door next month has you worried about cavities, then you are right to be apprehensive. A main culprit for tooth decay, sugar not only attracts bacteria, but also combines with saliva in the mouth to form acid. Enamel erosion is the result of this acid formation, which can make your children’s teeth vulnerable to cavities and decay. Drinking water in between pieces of candy can rinse the mouth of acid formed from sugar. Additionally, a dry mouth is a better environment for bacteria; drinking plenty of water will keep your mouth hydrated.
Dark Chocolate Bunnies Are Better than Milk Chocolate Bunnies
We will not pretend eating 20 pieces of chocolate in one sitting is good for your child’s health; however, there are recent studies that suggest dark chocolate can be healthy for anyone’s smile. Tannins are natural substances found in the cocoa used to make dark chocolate. This substance made from tree bark or other fibers disrupts bacteria buildup in the mouth. Another benefit of dark chocolate is the antioxidants found in flavonoids and phenols which may protect your body from cancer and heart disease.
Trick or Floss
While almost everyone knows brushing your teeth is essential to proper oral hygiene, many people skip flossing. Dentists have been begging patients to floss for years because it is vital to complete oral health efforts. After binging on Halloween this October, remove the bacteria from between your child’s teeth and gums by flossing their smile. Wind about a forearm’s length of floss around your middle finger. Use your index finger and thumb to guide the floss between each tooth at different angles, or if you’re little one is old enough, teach them to do it themselves.
About Your Reno Dentists
Dr. William Wager, Dr. Brian Evans, and our highly experienced team at Wager Evans Dental are devoted to our patients and their families, and dedicated to providing first-rate dental care in a comfortable, inviting environment. Located in Reno, we proudly welcome residents from Spanish Springs, Sparks, Incline Village, Dayton, Fernley, and all surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation or your next dental appointment, visit our office, or contact us today by calling (775) 800-4845.
The Truth About Dental X-Rays
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?
- Living in a brick house
- Flying in an airplane
- Eating
- Cooking with natural gas
- Having an x-ray
- Reading a book for 3 hours a day
- Living on planet Earth
- Sleeping next to another person
- Smoke detectors Continue reading “The Truth About Dental X-Rays”
Enamel Erosion: What to Do
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.
Visit your Reno Dentists
The best way to avoid tooth enamel erosion
For more information about the health of your teeth and gums, call Wager Evans Dental at (775) 800-4845 to reserve an appointment with Dr. William Wager or Dr. Brian Evans.
A Quiz on Types of Teeth
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”
Could Seaweed Hold a key to Better Dental Health?
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?”
Preventing Gum Disease: It’s in your Hands
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.
Five Steps to Gum Disease Prevention
Step 1: Brush your teeth twice each day. Make sure you gently, but firmly, spend 30 Continue reading “Preventing Gum Disease: It’s in your Hands”
Are White Fillings Biocompatible?
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?”
That’s What Dental Plaque is Made Of
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”