Category: General Health

Children’s Dental Care from Your Reno Family Dentist

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

As general and cosmetic dentists, Dr. William Wager and Dr. Brian Evans promote a family-friendly dentist office in Reno. In fact, our entire staff at Wager Evans Dental loves to see our younger patients. Children without access to dental care often suffer with tooth decay. Untreated cavities cause pain and discomfort and may affect your child’s ability to speak or eat properly. Furthermore, oral health problems may distract your children from learning in school, too. At Wager Evans Dental, we take preventive measures to combat childhood tooth decay and keep children’s mouths healthy.

Fluoride Treatments

Teeth are surrounded by tooth enamel. This protective layer is composed of minerals. As the strongest substance in the human body, tooth enamel prevents bacteria from eating away at your child’s teeth. However, strong acid can weaken enamel. When enamel is damaged, bacteria attack the exposed part of the tooth. When our younger patients experience enamel loss or erosion, we prescribe fluoride treatments. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps replenish tooth enamel. We may apply topical fluoride in a great tasting flavor directly to your child’s teeth after a dental cleaning. We also recommend that you purchase fluoridated toothpastes with the American Dental Association’s seal of approval. Continue reading “Children’s Dental Care from Your Reno Family Dentist” →

Treating Gum Disease Effectively and Conservatively

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

At Wager Evans Dental, we have a dedication to excellence when it comes to providing our patients with comprehensive dental care. That’s why Reno dentists Dr. William Wager and Dr. Brian Evans offer one of Dentistry Today’s Top 100 Products: Perio Protect.

What is Perio Protect?

For the past six years, Perio Protect has been a leading product that offers patients a gentle, yet effective way to fight the bacteria that cause gum disease. Targeting biofilms, communities of bacteria that colonize in pockets between the teeth and gum tissue (periodontal pockets), the overall goal of Perio Protect is to manage gum disease treatment in a minimally invasive manner. Continue reading “Treating Gum Disease Effectively and Conservatively” →

Chocolate is Good for You, Let Your Reno Dentists Tell You How

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

Valentine’s Day is exactly a week away and to celebrate, Reno family dentists Dr. William Wager and Dr. Brian Evans want to talk to you about the health benefits of one of the most popular Valentine’s Day treats: chocolate. While it’s important to remember that sugar is detrimental to your teeth, we want to tell you why it’s okay to reach for a piece of chocolate during a moment of weakness.

The Bodily Health Benefits of Chocolate

  • Chocolate is good for your heart because it can actually help lower blood pressure when consumed occasionally. This is because chocolate improves blood flow, therefore helping to prevent the formation of blood clots and the hardening of the arteries.
  • Because chocolate improves your blood flow, it’s good for your brain, specifically improving cognitive function and having a positive effect on your mood. This is thanks to phenylethylamine (PEA), which is found in chocolate and is the same chemical your brain creates when you feel like you’re falling in love. Continue reading “Chocolate is Good for You, Let Your Reno Dentists Tell You How” →

Holiday Nutrition for Reno Smiles

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

Holidays are cause for celebration, spending time with friends and family, and decadent feasts. Many people have concerns regarding the traditional dishes served during the holidays. Here, we’ve addressed some common questions about a few favorites.

Q: What are the nutritional benefits of pumpkin?

A: Pumpkins are low in calories and fat, and loaded with healthy antioxidants and vitamin-A (or beta-carotene), vitamin-C, and vitamin-E. Pumpkin seeds are also a good source of dietary fiber, protein, and good fats that benefit heart health. These tasty seeds are also great source of iron, niacin, selenium, and zinc. Continue reading “Holiday Nutrition for Reno Smiles” →

Getting To Know Your Tooth Enamel

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

Tooth enamel is one of the four major tissues that make up teeth. Enamel is the hard outer surface that protects the underlying layers. It is also the hardest and most mineralized substance in your body.

Ninety-six percent of tooth enamel is composed of minerals, while the remaining percentage consists of water and organic material. The main mineral in enamel is hydroxylapatite which is also known as crystalline calcium phosphate.

The Role of Tooth Enamel

The main role of tooth enamel is to protect the soft layer of dentin. Enamel also serves as a hard surface for chewing, grinding, and crushing food.

Enamel is semi-translucent and porous. Eating dark foods and drinking dark beverages, such as red wines, coffee, or soda, can cause the enamel to discolor and stain. Smoking, age, and certain medications also cause tooth stains. A beautiful smile is a white smile, so if your teeth are stained, consider professional, safe teeth whitening prescribed by Dr. Wager and Dr. Evans.

Enamel Erosion

Even though enamel is the hardest substance in your body, it is susceptible to damage. The food you eat contains sugars and starches, and when these components mix with saliva, they form acid. The acid extracts minerals from tooth enamel, weakening it. Then bacteria invade and cause decay, or cavities. Acidic foods, like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and carbonated beverages, also erode tooth enamel. Your tooth enamel doesn’t remain soft forever. Saliva will remineralize and re-harden the enamel within 30 minutes to an hour after you stop eating and drinking. Continue reading “Getting To Know Your Tooth Enamel” →