Reno Dentists Explain the Consequences of Refusing a Dental Filling

tooth decay 3 When a tooth develops a cavity, it is very important for it to be repaired by a dental filling. Refusing a dental filling can have disastrous consequences for a tooth and the mouth. To learn more about the important role dental fillings play in restoring oral health, read the explanation below from your Reno dentists, Dr. William Wager and Dr. Brian Evans. Continue reading “Reno Dentists Explain the Consequences of Refusing a Dental Filling”

Reno Dentists Help You Recognize and Prevent Gum Disease

floss toothbrush If left untreated, gum disease can cause serious problems for your mouth and can even result in multiple lost teeth. With such devastating consequences, it is important that patients are informed about the symptoms, causes, and best preventive measures that relate to gum disease. Your Reno dentists, Dr. William Wager and Dr. Brian Evans, have, therefore, put together the following information. Continue reading “Reno Dentists Help You Recognize and Prevent Gum Disease”

Reno Dentists Discuss Your Restoration with Dental Crowns

man smile A dental crown sits atop a tooth, much like a crown perched atop the head of a king or queen. However, dental crowns are neither symbols of power nor decorative wear. Instead, dental crowns are dental devices designed to strengthen a tooth that has become damaged and cannot withstand the demands of day-to-day functionality. But did you know that there are three types of dental crowns? Your Reno dentists, Dr. William Wager and Dr. Brian Evans, discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each type. Continue reading “Reno Dentists Discuss Your Restoration with Dental Crowns”

Reno Dentists: Test Your Knowledge with a Dental Quiz

quiz blue Keeping patients informed about their oral health takes many forms. Sometimes it is good to give them a chance to test their knowledge so that they develop strong convictions about certain dental situations. So grab a pencil and no peeking, it’s time for a quiz created for you by your Reno dentists, Dr. William Wager and Dr. Brian Evans. Continue reading “Reno Dentists: Test Your Knowledge with a Dental Quiz”

Reno Dentists Explain the Connection Between Weight Loss and Dental Health

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With summer right around the corner, people across the country are focused on losing weight and getting in shape. The best route for losing weight is diet and exercise. Not only will you boost heart health and drop unwanted pounds, but you’ll improve your dental health, as well. Your Reno family dentists, Dr. William Wager and Dr. Brian Evans, reveal how a good diet and a little exercise can strengthen your teeth.

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Reno Dentists: Your Child’s Oral Care Starts Early

Mother and Baby New mothers undoubtedly have a lot on their minds. One thing many of them probably don’t think about, at least until teething begins, is their children’s oral health. A child’s oral care is important, even before a baby is born. Your Reno dentists, Dr. Wager and Dr. Evans, explain why oral heath in early childhood is so important.

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Reno Dentists See Possible Connection Between Chewing and Dementia

Many people are living into their100s these days. In spite of impressive technological and medical advances, certain parts of our body will gradually decline as we age. Linking our oral health to our overall well-being is called oral-systemic health. Multiple research studies have highlighted a connection between tooth retention and cognitive function. Researchers from Bayor College of Medicine studied gum chewing in college students, for example. Standardized math scores were higher in those that chewed gum on a regular basis. Your Reno dentists, Dr. William Wager and Dr. Brian Evans, explain a recent Swedish study that focuses solely on chewing as a means for lower rates of dementia in the elderly.

Your Reno Dentists Discuss Chewing

We all need to eat, and so we all have to chew. Chewing comes naturally, but its importance is often overlooked. If we don’t chew our food, we are at risk for choking, but there are other compelling reasons to be mindful of your mastication habits. Your Reno dentists explain some of the reasons you should think about what you chew, and how long you chew.

Don’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

Taking bites of food that are too big for your mouth can actually damage your jaw. This advice is particularly timely in a culture that has offered food in increasingly larger portions over the years. Hamburgers, sandwiches, and burritos, for example, are sometimes so large that they require the eater to open their mouth wider than is healthy for them. People who suffer from TMD are at particular risk, since their jaw joints are already sensitive. If an item of food forces you to open your mouth so wide that it causes discomfort, it is best to cut the food in smaller bites before eating.

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Sports Bars, Energy Drinks, and Your Teeth

Woman Eating Energy Bar Fitness is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In fact, a recent study found that weight loss helps defend against gum disease. That’s good news for our patients who love sports and athletic training. While running, cycling, and other forms of exercise can improve your oral health, the foods you may consume while participating in these activities can potentially hurt your teeth.

Harmful bacteria that attach to food lodged between your teeth weaken tooth enamel and leave you at risk for developing cavities. Sugary foods and drinks are well-known culprits of tooth decay. Many of the energy bars and drinks on the market today are high in sugar. What you may not realize is that even the brands with less sugar and more nutritious ingredients could harm your teeth. Continue reading “Sports Bars, Energy Drinks, and Your Teeth”

Tongue Trivia from Your Reno Family Dentists

When discussing dentistry, teeth and gums almost always dominate the conversation. But what about the tongue? It plays a vital role in digestion, the sense of taste, and oral health – so your tongue deserves the same respect as your teeth and gums.

Your Reno dentists, Dr. Wager and Dr. Evans, challenge you to the following tongue trivia.

1. How long is the average human tongue?

a. Three inches
b. Four inches
c. Five inches

The answer is b: four inches. That’s much more manageable than the average giraffe tongue, which usually measures a whopping 21 inches!

2. What are the bumps on the tongue called that contain the taste buds?

a. Papillae
b. Alveoli
c. Flagella

The answer is a: papillae. There are approximately 10,000 taste buds on the human tongue. Five basic tastes that the tongue can detect include salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and umami. The last one, umami, is from the Japanese word meaning “pleasant savory taste.” Continue reading “Tongue Trivia from Your Reno Family Dentists”