Category: Oral Health

Does Acid Reflux Cause Cavities?

Posted on by Dr. Brian Evans

Acid reflux is a condition that originates in the stomach, but that doesn’t mean it can’t affect other parts of the body. In fact, acid reflux is one of many whole-body problems that concern your dentist in Reno because of the negative way it can impact your oral health. Let’s take a closer look at what acid reflux is, how it affects your teeth, and what you can do to reduce these side effects. 

Acid Reflux: 101

Our stomachs naturally produce acids to help break down food and aid in digestion. But when these acids find their way up into the esophagus and into the mouth, there can be quite a few unwanted side effects. First, acid reflux sufferers often complain of a burning sensation in the chest, also known as heartburn. This uncomfortable feeling can be painful and come along with a sour taste in your mouth, excessive burping, or a sore throat. Next, acid reflux can cause damage to teeth, oftentimes without the person ever knowing it. 

What Does Acid Reflux Do To Teeth? 

There’s a reason why your dentist in Reno cautions patients against eating or drinking anything acidic too often. Basically, acid is bad for teeth, and stomach acid is no different. When stomach acid creeps its way up into the mouth, it can easily wear down tooth enamel, also called tooth erosion. Without this protective layer of strong enamel, teeth are put at increased risk for decay, cavities, sensitive teeth, and discoloration. And that’s not all. Once erosion occurs, you can’t get enamel back. Your dentist will need to look at your specific case and find the best way to fix tooth erosion for you. Some treatments may include: 

  • Dental bonding
  • Dental crowns
  • Root Canal
  • Fillings

Reduce Your Risk 

Thanks to advancements in medications, acid reflux can often be treated with daily medication. However, your dentist and your physician or gastroenterologist may also recommend additional precautions such as: 

  • Using a fluoride toothpaste designed to strengthen enamel
  • Quitting smoking and drinking alcohol to reduce acid reflux episodes
  • Avoiding acidic or spicy foods and drinks
  • Chewing sugar-free gum 
  • Swishing your mouth with water after eating
  • Drinking plenty of water throughout the day
  • Waiting an hour to brush your teeth after you eat or drink something acidic
  • Seeing your dentist in Reno every six months to catch any problems early. 

Even though we recommend that everyone visits the dentist at least twice a year, it’s even more important for those with acid reflux. Since acid reflux can cause tooth damage without any signs or symptoms, your dentist in Reno should keep a close eye on your oral health so any potential problems are caught and treated early. 

3 Tips for a Picture-Perfect (or Zoom-Perfect) Smile

Posted on by Dr. Brian Evans

As much of the world has transitioned from in-person meetings to Zoom meetings, people have all of a sudden started looking at themselves way more than they ever did before. While video meetings such as Zoom can be a great help in today’s confusing world, it can be uncomfortable staring at yourself day in and day out. It may also have sparked some additional insecurities about your appearance and your smile. Don’t worry, your dentist in Reno is here to help.

Cosmetic Dentistry in Reno

Cosmetic dentistry is no longer reserved for movie stars and celebrities. In fact, cosmetic dentistry services are one of the most commonly requested services at dental offices across the country. Thanks to advances in technology, there’s now a cosmetic dentistry solution to fit any desire and any budget. But there is some homework you’ll want to do first before you dive into cosmetic dentistry. 

  • Figure Out What You Want to Change

Your dentist is there to help you achieve the smile of your dreams, so it’s important to have an idea of what you’d like to change or which areas of your smile you don’t particularly like. Before you schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist in Reno, consider the following questions: 

  • Are you bothered by the color of your teeth? 
  • Do you wish your teeth were straighter? 
  • Do you have older dental restorations that don’t match with the rest of your teeth?
  • Are small gaps in your teeth making you feel self-conscious?
  • Is the shape of your teeth ideal or are some too long or too short? 

Once you’re able to identify specifically what you’d like to change, you can find a dentist to help you achieve your ideal smile. 

  • Finding the Best Cosmetic Dentist Near You

With so many dental offices to pick from, how do you find the best dentist to help you with cosmetic dentistry? We always recommend you start by asking friends, family, or co-workers for any advice. Then, head online and read reviews, look at websites, and check out before and after photos. This should narrow down your list to a select few. Once you’ve decided on a dentist, schedule a consultation. 

  • Consider Which Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments You May Want  

Cosmetic dentistry is a broad term that describes several different dental treatments that can transform the look of individual teeth or the entire smile. The right cosmetic dentistry solution for you will depend on what you want to change and the current state of your oral health. Sometimes, your dentist will recommend a combination of cosmetic dentistry treatments to achieve the look you want. Three of the most common types of cosmetic dentistry include: 

  • Teeth Whitening – This is best if you’re unhappy with the color of your teeth and wish they were whiter. The best smile whitening treatment is often done by your dentist in Reno as you can typically whiten several shades at one easy appointment. 
  • Veneers – If you want a whiter smile but you’ve been told that smile whitening won’t work for you, your dentist may recommend dental veneers. These thin pieces of porcelain can cover the front surface of one or several teeth and are custom-created to match other teeth. Veneers can also hide imperfections such as chips or breaks, gaps, or unevenness. 
  • Bonding – Dental bonding is another option that can correct discoloration in those where traditional tooth whitening won’t work. It can also fix minor chips, cracks, or gaps. 

Your smile can play a key role in your self-confidence, so if your Zoom meetings have you feeling down about your smile or cosmetic dentistry has been something you’ve been thinking about for a while, schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation with your dentist in Reno today and start smiling proudly! 

What Causes Gingivitis?

Posted on by Dr. Brian Evans

Gingivitis is a form of gum disease that affects nearly 75% of Americans at some point in their lives. Usually, when gum disease is caught in this stage it can be treated and any damage can be reversed. But if it’s left alone it can quickly progress into more severe stages of gum disease and actually affect your overall health. In fact, research shows that more serious forms of gum disease can lead to tooth loss, heart disease, and stroke. This is one reason why it’s so important to see your dentist in Reno at least every six months. 

Gum Disease, Gingivitis, and Periodontitis

Let’s start by quickly taking a look at the confusing world of gum disease. Gum disease is a term used to describe an infection in the gums. However, not all forms of gum disease are the same. There are three stages of gum disease: 

  • Gingivitis — The first and mildest stage of gum disease.
  • Periodontitis — The second stage of gum disease. Damage that occurs here can’t be reversed. 
  • Advanced Periodontitis — The most severe stage of gum disease which can lead to tooth loss. 

What Causes Gingivitis?

Everything has to begin somewhere, and gum disease begins with gingivitis. This early stage of gum disease occurs with too much plaque builds up on teeth and up under the gums. Plaque, which occurs naturally in the mouth, is a sticky film that adheres to the teeth. Usually, it can be removed by brushing and flossing. However, when it’s not removed, the bacteria found in plaque can wiggle into the gum tissue and cause an infection. There are several things that increase someone’s risk of gingivitis including: 

  • Poor dental hygiene
  • Tobacco use
  • Chronic dry mouth 
  • Hormonal changes
  • Crooked, hard-to-clean teeth

If you notice any signs of gingivitis, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Reno as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to successfully treating gingivitis before it can progress into more severe forms of gum disease. 

Signs of Gingivitis

What makes gum disease so hard to detect, especially in the early form of gingivitis, is that sometimes there are no symptoms. This is why it’s so important to see your dentist in Reno at least every six months for checkups. Your dental team can catch what you may not see and get you treatment early. However, when there are signs of gingivitis, you may notice: 

  • Bleeding while brushing or flossing
  • Bad breath
  • Receding gums
  • Red, swollen, painful gums

Treating Gingivitis 

As we’ve mentioned, treating gingivitis early is key to successfully reversing the disease and any damage it may have caused. This may include a deep cleaning from your dental hygienist and/or the use of prescription medications. It’s important to know that gingivitis can’t be treated at home and requires a dental professional. 

We welcome you to call us to schedule an appointment if you’re overdue for a dental checkup or suspect you may have gum disease. We’re here to help. 

Healthy Nutrition: Fuel Your Body, Protect Your Smile

Posted on by Dr. Brian Evans

Eating a well-balanced diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, can go a long way in reducing the risk of serious health concerns such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Yet according to the CDC, less than 10% of American adults are getting enough vegetables and only 12% are eating the recommended amount of fruits. This is one reason why the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics sponsors National Nutrition Month every March, and it’s an event also supported by your dentist in Reno. After all, nutrition doesn’t only affect whole-body health, it also affects oral health. 

National Nutrition Month

The purpose of National Nutrition Month is to help raise awareness of how eating right can help fuel your body and protect your health. But is nutrition so complicated that it requires an entire 31 days and a whole awareness campaign? In short, yes, nutrition can be complicated, which may explain why many Americans don’t eat a well-balanced diet. 

Nutrition 101

We know we should eat our vegetables. We know we should avoid high-fat foods. Yet many of us don’t get close to eating enough of what we should and eat more of what we shouldn’t. How can this be? Well, the truth is, nutrition is confusing. So much so that the Food Pyramid Guide from the United States Department of Agriculture has changed two times since it was originally created in 1992. Nutritional standards don’t fall into a one-size-fits-all recommendation, and food group intakes vary based on gender, age, height, weight, and activity level, among other things. This is where a site like MyPlate can help. Input your information and find your individual nutritional needs so you can start to find foods that fit your needs. Eating properly can help your body function well, protect your health, and, as your dentist in Reno knows, protect your smile. 

Eat Well, Smile Well

Research shows a strong correlation between whole-body health and oral health. This connection extends to include what we eat. After all, those who eat a balanced diet are often healthier and also typically have better oral health. When choosing foods for you and your family, look to pick options that are both recommended in your MyPlate account and ones that can also help your smile. Some smile-friendly foods include: 

  • Cheese
  • Fatty Fish
  • Poultry
  • Vegetables
  • Water

When in doubt, pick foods that you know are good for your body. Chances are, they’re also good for your teeth. 

A Note About Sugar

It’s no secret that your dentist in Reno doesn’t like sugar, but you should know that sweet treats packed with sugar aren’t only dangerous to your teeth, they can also put your overall health at risk. Sugar is a high-calorie food, and when consumed in large amounts it can cause weight gain and increase the risk of heart disease. However, it’s not only sweet foods that show a high sugar content on the label that are concerning. Foods that are high in carbohydrates can also affect your body and your teeth similarly to sugars. Try your best to limit the amount of sugar and carbohydrates in your diet. 

Eating well is one of the best ways to protect your body from disease. It’s also one of the best ways to protect your teeth. So this National Nutrition Month, commit to finding your individual nutritional needs and stick to eating well. 

Why Does My Tooth Hurt? 

Posted on by Dr. Brian Evans

Waking up with tooth pain is a feeling like no other. The throbbing zings of pain can make it nearly impossible to think about anything else other than getting relief. Tooth pain can be an indicator of a serious problem and you should see your dentist in Reno for any toothache that doesn’t go away. But in the meantime, here’s some helpful information about different types of tooth pain and what each could mean. 

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is often explained as a quick burst of pain when something hot or cold touches your teeth, such as a zing of pain with your sip of hot, delicious coffee, or a bolt of discomfort with a spoonful of your favorite ice cream. The feeling may be short-lived or it could linger around for minutes or longer. 

What It Means

Tooth sensitivity could be a sign of: 

  • Receding gums
  • Worn enamel
  • Tooth decay
  • Cracked tooth

Dull Ache

This type of tooth pain can either affect one tooth, several teeth, or can even be felt in your jaw. While this pain may not be constant and may seem to come and go, it’s still important to get it checked by your dentist in Reno to find out what’s causing the pain and the best way to relieve it once and for all. 

What It Means

A dull ache could be a sign of: 

  • Decay
  • Something stuck in the gums or teeth
  • Clenching or grinding
  • Abscess

Sharp Pain

A more intense type of tooth pain described as sharp or even stabbing. The pain may not always be apparent but gets worse or is initially felt upon biting down or applying pressure. Like most toothaches, those accompanied by sharp pain require a dental visit before the problem has a chance to get worse. 

What It Means

Sharp pain could be a sign of: 

  • Chipped tooth
  • Fractured tooth
  • Damage to an existing dental restoration
  • Cavities

Throbbing 

This type of tooth pain is typically constant and can affect your everyday life. Some patients describe this pain as a constant thumping of pain. The pain can be localized to one tooth or area, or can spread to other parts of your mouth including your jaw or face. Since this pain can be so debilitating we recommend seeing your dentist in Reno as soon as possible. 

What It Means

Throbbing pain could be a sign of: 

  • Gum disease
  • Broken tooth
  • Infection
  • Something stuck in the gums

The information above isn’t meant to diagnose any toothaches but can be used to help determine what you should do. Most of the time, tooth pain that doesn’t go away for two or more days requires an appointment with your dentist.

Don’t Let Stress Damage Your Teeth

Posted on by Dr. Brian Evans

The past year or so has been… interesting, to say the least. With lockdowns, working from home, schooling from home, and everything in between, it’s only normal to feel more stressed than usual. But during these times of increased stress, it’s more important than ever to take care of your health. After all, stress can put us at increased risk for health problems such as heart disease, gastrointestinal issues, and a less effective immune system. But that’s not all. Stress can also put your oral health at risk and require a visit to your dentist in Reno. 

How Stress Relates to Oral Health

There was an article published in the New York Times that details one dentist’s experience with seeing an increase in patients with dental damage during the pandemic. Now, while a pandemic is certainly a good reason to stress, there are other everyday stressors that can also cause problems with your oral health, with or without a pandemic. 

Teeth Clenching & Grinding – When we become stressed, we may notice an increased heart rate or feelings of anxiety. But what we may not notice, at least not right away, is how we clench our teeth together tightly or grind them back and forth against each other. But these two habits that often occur subconsciously can cause some serious problems in your mouth. Repeatedly clenching or grinding your teeth can cause teeth to chip, break, or crack, requiring restorative dentistry treatment from your dentist in Reno. What’s more, that repetitive movement and pressure of clenching and grinding your teeth can put excessive stress on the jaw joint. Over time, this can cause TMD (temporomandibular disorder), a painful condition that causes jaw popping, jaw pain, or clicking of the jaw. 

Gum Disease – High stress levels may also increase the risk of developing gum disease. Gum disease is a serious infection in the mouth that can lead to tooth loss and other problems throughout the body including heart disease, kidney disease, and even some cancers. Gum disease can be treated and reversed if caught early, but in its more advanced stages, it becomes irreversible. Gum disease is usually the result of poor oral hygiene, but stress can also put you at risk for this concerning problem. If you notice signs of gum disease including red swollen gums, bleeding when your brush or floss, or chronic bad breath, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Reno. 

Canker Sores – We’re all pretty familiar with canker sores — those painful lip sores that seem to pop up from nowhere. While there is no concrete cause behind these pesky pimple-like sores, research conducted by the Academy of General Dentistry suggests a possible correlation between stress and the development of canker sores. Even though these sores can be painful, they’re not contagious and should go away on their own. 

Lower Stress, Protect Your Health

Whenever you’re feeling stressed out, it’s important to try some stress-reducing activities to ease your mind and protect your oral and overall health. Some things you can try include:

  • Sleeping. Aim to get 8 hours of sleep a night to refresh your mind and body. 
  • Exercising. A quick sweat session can release feel-good hormones called endorphins and lower stress. 
  • Meditating. There’s a ton of value in simply taking a few quiet minutes to just breathe. Focusing on your breath can lower your heart rate and make you feel more relaxed. 

Now more than ever, it’s important to do everything we can to manage stress to keep ourselves healthy. So get some sleep, get sweaty, and breathe it out.

Can Wearing a Mask Cause Cavities? 

Posted on by Dr. Brian Evans

Even though 2020 is over and we can start to leave a lot of that crazy year behind us, one thing remains a constant in our everyday lives — face masks. Masks have become commonplace throughout the United States to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 and are seen everywhere we go. From grocery stores to department stores, facemasks are here to stay (at least for a little while longer). But daily, long-term use of masks may cause some concerns for your dentist in Reno. 

*An Important Note About Facemasks 

Before we dive any further, we need to be clear that what we’re about to discuss does not outweigh the importance of continuing to wear a mask when in public or around other people. Please continue wearing masks when appropriate and use the provided tips to help combat any concerns we cover herein. 

Mouth Breathing

Most of us were not used to ever wearing a mask, let alone wearing them daily and for hours at a time. Because of this, some of our bodies needed to adjust to this new norm. One of the most common ways we adjusted was to start breathing out of our mouths instead of our noses. However, while this type of breathing may feel more comfortable, it is what concerns your dentist in Reno.

Mouth breathing, whether due to wearing a mask or for other reasons such as a stuffy nose, can quickly dry out saliva. This reduction in saliva will cause our mouths to dry out and feel uncomfortable. But the discomfort of dry mouth isn’t the only thing that’s concerning. Without saliva, bad bacteria and acids are left behind which can increase the risk of decay and other problems.  

Bad Breath & Cavities

The bacteria and acid buildup that often occurs as a side effect of dry mouth puts our teeth at risk for decay and cavities. Since dangerous acid is left behind and not neutralized by saliva, the acid can wear away at the enamel, making it easy for bacteria to settle in and cause cavities. Additionally, these same bacteria will feed on anything left behind in the mouth and continue to produce even more acid, and the cycle continues. What’s more, is these bacteria will also produce a smelly byproduct and can cause bad breath. 

Avoiding Dry Mouth

Now, while the above may seem concerning, the good news about all of this is that your dentist in Reno knows of some simple things you can do to reduce the risk of dry mouth and the concerns that go along with it including: 

  • Drinking plenty of water throughout the day to keep the mouth hydrated and moist. 
  • Sucking on sugar-free hard candies or chewing gum with Xylitol. Both of these tricks can stimulate saliva production. 
  • Brushing and flossing every day to help remove bacteria buildup. 

Dry mouth can be more than uncomfortable, but there are ways your dentist in Reno can help. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today to find the best dry mouth solution for you.

Why Do My Teeth Hurt?

Posted on by Dr. Brian Evans

Pain in your teeth is such a unique yet unpleasant feeling. The zings and throbbing that come along with a toothache are enough to make you miserable. We get it, and even though we don’t wish toothaches on anyone, the truth is, they happen. But sometimes the hardest part of treating a toothache is finding out what’s causing the pain in the first place. That’s where your dentist in Reno comes in. 

Common Reasons Why Your Teeth Hurt

A toothache is often different from other pains we experience throughout our bodies. Most of the time, we can’t see that anything is wrong with our teeth, but we sure can feel it. While it’s important to have your dentist properly diagnose the source of a toothache, here are some of the most common reasons behind tooth pain. 

  • Cavity

A cavity is essentially a hole in the tooth. If left untreated over time, the cavity will become larger. If the cavity gets so big that it gets too close to the nerves, you will feel it. Cavities can usually be fixed through fillings, but cavities that are too big and too deep may require a root canal. 

  • Abscess

Caused by a bacterial infection, an abscess is a pocket of pus that can pop up on different areas of our mouths. The pain is usually a throbbing type and it can move into the ears and jaw. Sometimes, an abscess also causes facial swelling or a bad taste in your mouth. 

  • Broken Tooth

Believe it or not, you can break or chip a tooth and not know it, that is until you feel it. A broken or chipped tooth can expose the nerves and cause pain. 

  • Clenching or Grinding

Habitually clenching your teeth when you’re stressed out or grinding your teeth at night can cause tooth pain. These habits can also lead to broken teeth as well as jaw pain. 

  • Gum Disease

It can be difficult to tell the difference between gum pain and tooth pain, and sometimes what we think is a toothache is actually a sign of gum disease. If not treated, gum disease can progress into more serious forms and increase pain, cause tooth loss, and even lead to other problems throughout the body. 

The best way to find out why your teeth hurt is to schedule an appointment with your dentist in Reno. We’ll perform an in-depth examination and take any x-rays we may need to find out once and for all what’s causing your tooth pain. After we know the culprit, we’ll know exactly how to fix it. 

What To Do For a Toothache

While you’re waiting for your dental appointment, there are several at-home toothache remedies you can try such as: 

  • Rinsing With Salt Water – Mix warm water with salt, take swig, swish, spit, and repeat. This can dry out any fluid that may be putting pressure on your nerves and ease the pain. You can repeat this several times throughout the day.
  • Applying Ice – There’s a reason doctors recommend using ice to treat any injury — it works! Ice reduces inflammation and, in turn, can relieve any pressure on the nerves. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel directly to the outside of your cheek next to the painful area.
  • Taking Anti-inflammatories – Another way to reduce inflammation is to take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine. Take these as directed and if your health history allows, and never apply an anti-inflammatory medication directly on your gums or teeth. 
  • Using Anesthetic – The next best thing to getting your toothache treated is to temporarily numb the area through the use of an anesthetic. Pharmacies and grocery stores carry over-the-counter oral anesthetics for this exact purpose.

Depending on what’s causing your tooth pain, some of these tips may work better than others. Try a few and find what gives you the most relief. But remember, these remedies are temporary. It’s still important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment from your dentist in Reno. 

How to Prevent Tooth Staining

Posted on by Dr. Brian Evans

Many everyday things can cause tooth staining, from your daily cup of coffee to your nightly glass of red wine. But don’t worry, your dentist in Reno has some good news. You don’t necessarily need to stop enjoying all the things that can stain your teeth. In fact, there are several things you can do to help prevent or reduce tooth staining from happening in the first place. 

Brush After Eating

There are tons of foods and drinks that can cause tooth discoloration, including wine, pasta sauce, coffee, and soft drinks. In fact, the longer a staining agent is left around, the more serious the stain can be, and the harder it can be to remove. But if you’re diligent about brushing your teeth after every meal, you can reduce tooth staining. 

When in Doubt, Rinse Your Mouth

Let’s face it, there are going to be times when you don’t have a toothbrush readily available or when you simply won’t be able to brush your teeth after a meal. When this happens, the next best thing to do is rinse your mouth out with water. Water can help neutralize acids that can lead to decay and, in turn, discoloration, and it can also wash away any staining agents from your dinner. 

Use the Right Tools

If you know you consume a lot of things that can stain your teeth, you may benefit from using a whitening toothpaste as well as an electric toothbrush. Whitening toothpaste can effectively remove surface stains but you should make sure to use one that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. These kinds of toothpaste have been evaluated, for both safety and efficacy. Additionally, using an electric toothbrush may help you brush your teeth more efficiently and remove stains, bacteria, and plaque. Talk with your dentist in Reno to find the best toothpaste and toothbrush for your teeth. 

Stick to a Straw

When you’re drinking tooth-staining liquids you can actually reduce the amount of staining by simply choosing to drink with a straw. Sipping through a straw reduces the amount of liquid that comes in contact with your teeth, as well as the amount of time the liquid has on your teeth, therefore reducing the likelihood of staining. 

While these tips can help reduce tooth staining, the fact of the matter is nothing will ever completely eliminate it. Over time, our teeth will become dull even if we follow the above suggestions perfectly. But there’s good news. Your dentist in Reno has cosmetic dentistry treatments available to help whiten teeth or cover up stains. 

If you’re looking for ways to get a whiter smile, we welcome you to contact us today. 

Can Your Dentist Tell If You Smoke? 

Posted on by Dr. Brian Evans

Many smokers try to disguise their habit by covering up the smell with gum, mints, or mouthwash. But the truth is, your dentist in Reno can probably still tell that you’re a smoker even if you don’t share that information. In actuality, there’s a lot your dentist can tell about you and your health simply by looking in your mouth. 

Your bi-annual dental visits are a great opportunity for both you and your dentist to catch up, share and discuss any changes that may have happened in your oral or overall health, and for your dental team to thoroughly clean and exam your teeth. But did you know that it’s important to share your habits and health history with your dentist? It’s true! Talking with your dentist about things, even if you’re embarrassed by them, can help make your dental care better. Additionally, there are even some things your dentist can tell about you even if you choose not to disclose that information.  

3 Things Your Dentist Already Knows

  • You Bite Your Nails

Your dentist in Reno doesn’t need to be a trained manicurist to know that you bite your nails. How? Nail biters tend to have tiny chips and cracks in their teeth more often than those who don’t bite their nails. And that’s not all. A nail biter’s front teeth can appear worn down, shortened, or flat. Both of these side effects of nail-biting are concerning as they can lead to other problems. Chips and cracks provide a place for bacteria to nest, increasing the risk of decay. These tiny imperfections can also become bigger over time and cause sensitivity and broken teeth. Lastly, the change in tooth shape can throw off your bite and cause jaw pain for TMD/TMJ disorder. 

  • You Only Floss Right Before Your Appointments

While we’re impressed with your last-minute flossing session and we appreciate the attempt, we will know if this is the only time, or one of the only times, since you’ve flossed since your last appointment. The truth is, while you probably did a good job at removing anything that was lingering in between your teeth, your gums can still tell on you. When you don’t floss regularly, your gums will often be red and puffy and will most likely bleed during your hygiene visit. A common misconception is that everyone’s gums bleed at the dentist, and this simply isn’t true. Healthy gums that are flossed regularly won’t bleed. 

  • You Don’t Brush Your Teeth

Patients that don’t brush their teeth twice a day, every day, or those who do a bad job at thoroughly brushing will have several tell-tale signs that your dentist in Reno will see immediately. The proof is in both the health of your gums as well as what’s left lingering on your teeth. Avid brushers typically have healthy, pink gums and minimal tartar buildup whereas casual brushers usually show larger areas of tartar and red, swollen gums. 

We always encourage you to share any habits or concerns with your dentist in Reno. Don’t be afraid to talk to your dental team, even if it’s something you feel like you should hide. Your dentist, like your physician, is a crucial part of your healthcare team, and the more they know, the better they can care for your teeth and overall health.