Category: Periodontal Disease

Treating Gum Disease at Home: Tips from Dental Experts in Reno

Posted on by Dr. Brian Evans

Are you concerned about gum health and wondering how to treat periodontal disease at home? While professional care is essential, there are several effective steps you can take to manage and improve your gum health from the comfort of your home. As a dentist in Reno, I believe that combining proper home care with professional gum disease treatment offers the best results for maintaining healthy gums. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of all adults aged 30 years and older show signs of gum disease, making it a significant health concern that requires attention both at home and in the dental office.

The Foundation: Daily Oral Care Routine

The cornerstone of treating periodontal disease begins with a robust daily oral care routine. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology emphasizes that consistent oral hygiene practices can significantly reduce the progression of gum disease. My dental hygienists in our Reno dental office recommend maintaining a thorough oral care routine that goes beyond basic brushing. This includes using proper brushing techniques, such as holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and using gentle circular motions. The American Dental Association suggests brushing for at least two minutes, twice daily, paying special attention to the gumline where bacteria tend to accumulate.

Interdental cleaning is equally crucial, as standard brushing alone reaches only 60% of tooth surfaces. Using dental floss or interdental brushes helps remove plaque and food particles from between teeth where traditional toothbrushes cannot reach. We also recommend using an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce harmful bacteria and complement your cleaning routine.

Natural Remedies for Gum Health

While seeking gum disease treatment in Reno is crucial for severe cases, scientific research supports the effectiveness of several natural remedies. A study published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene found that saltwater rinses can significantly reduce gum inflammation. To create an effective salt water rinse, mix half a teaspoon of salt in warm water and rinse for 30 seconds, two to three times daily.

Tea tree oil has also shown promising results in gum health management. Tea tree oil is known to possesses powerful antimicrobial properties that can help combat the bacteria responsible for gum disease. However, it’s essential to use specifically formulated dental products containing tea tree oil rather than applying the oil directly.

Oil pulling, an ancient Ayurvedic practice, has gained attention in modern dental care. A study in the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology found that regular oil pulling with coconut oil can help reduce plaque formation and gingivitis symptoms. This practice involves swishing oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes on an empty stomach, though it should complement rather than replace traditional oral hygiene methods.

Lifestyle Changes to Support Gum Health

Understanding how to treat periodontal disease at home extends beyond oral care to comprehensive lifestyle modifications. The Journal of Periodontology has published numerous studies linking diet and gum health. A diet rich in vitamin C, found in citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens, can strengthen gum tissue and support immune function. Conversely, excessive sugar consumption can feed harmful bacteria and accelerate gum disease progression.

Stress management plays a crucial role in gum health, as stress hormones can weaken the immune system and increase inflammation throughout the body, including in the gums. Stress reduction techniques, adequate sleep, and regular exercise can positively impact gum health.

Smoking cessation represents perhaps the most significant lifestyle change for gum health. Tobacco use is one of the most significant risk factors for periodontal disease development and progression.

Professional Support and Monitoring

While home treatment is valuable, partnering with a practice specializing in periodontal disease treatment in Reno ensures comprehensive care. The Journal of the American Dental Association recommends professional cleanings every three to four months for patients with active gum disease, compared to the standard six-month interval for healthy patients.

Professional treatments may include scaling and root planing, which removes tartar and bacterial products from above and below the gumline. Advanced cases might benefit from laser therapy, which can effectively reduce bacteria and promote healing with minimal discomfort.

Warning Signs and Prevention

Recognizing early warning signs is crucial for effective treatment. Persistent bleeding during brushing or flossing, receding gums, and persistent bad breath shouldn’t be ignored. We know that early intervention leads to better outcomes and can prevent the need for more invasive treatments.

Prevention remains the most effective approach to gum disease management. A comprehensive review in the Periodontology 2000 journal found that consistent preventive care could significantly reduce the risk of developing severe periodontal disease. This includes maintaining regular dental check-ups, using appropriate oral hygiene tools, and addressing systemic health conditions that may impact gum health.

Conclusion

Understanding how to treat periodontal disease at home empowers you to take control of your oral health. While home care is crucial, remember that it works best when combined with professional treatment. If you’re experiencing signs of gum disease, consulting with experts like Wager Evans Dental who provide periodontal disease treatment in Reno can ensure you receive appropriate care and guidance for your specific situation.

Remember, successful gum disease treatment requires commitment and consistency. By following these home care guidelines while maintaining regular professional dental visits, you’re taking important steps toward optimal oral health. Don’t hesitate to call our office if you notice any concerning symptoms – early intervention often leads to better outcomes.

6 Key Signs That You Should See a Dentist Sooner Rather Than Later

Posted on by Dr. Brian Evans

Maintaining good oral health isn’t only essential for your smile, it’s also an important factor in your overall well-being. This is one reason why visiting our dental office in Reno twice a year for checkups is so important. However, some people don’t go to the dentist until they have a problem, and some even wait a long time to seek help. In order to keep your smile healthy and prevent serious dental issues, it’s important to recognize the signs of when to visit a dentist sooner rather than later. 

Small Problems Can Become Big Problems

Waiting to see a dentist can turn a minor issue into a major problem, and sometimes pretty quickly. What may have started out as a cavity needing a simple filling can turn into the need for a root canal or even an abscess. This is why it’s important to know the signs of when you should seek treatment instead of waiting. 

Bumps, Lumps, or Lesions

Some bumps, lumps, or mouth lesions may be harmless, but those that don’t go away in a couple of weeks can be a potential sign of something serious. These sores can indicate: 

These, along with any other changes in the mouth that don’t heal, should be examined by a dentist. 

Toothache

A toothache that doesn’t go away should be a sign that something might be wrong and that you should schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Ongoing or severe tooth pain can be caused by:

  • Cavities
  • Infections
  • Gum disease
  • Cracked or broken teeth

Never ignore a toothache. We recommend scheduling an appointment with your dentist in Reno to help diagnose and treat the issue.

Persistent Bad Breath

Everyone experiences a case of bad breath every now and then. But persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away no matter how hard you try could be a sign of something more serious such as: 

  • Gum disease
  • Decay
  • Infections

None of these things will resolve on their own and require professional intervention. 

Tooth Sensitivity

Experiencing tooth sensitivity when eating or drinking something hot or cold may seem like no big deal. However, if this sensation lasts it may be sign of: 

  • Cavities
  • Worn enamel
  • Gum recession

The good news is that our dental office in Reno has a variety of treatments available to help relieve tooth sensitivity including dental fillings and other solutions.

Bleeding Gums

If your gums bleed when you brush or floss or are red and swollen, it could be a sign of gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease could cause: 

  • Tooth loss
  • Bad breath
  • Health problems

Gum disease can be treated if caught early. However, if left alone it can’t be reversed. 

Even without noticeable symptoms, regular dental check-ups are essential. A dentist can spot early signs of problems and provide preventive care to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

At our Reno dental office, we offer a full range of services to address these concerns and more. If you’re experiencing any of the above or if it’s time for your regular check-up, contact us today to make an appointment. 

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.

Taking Action To Prevent Periodontal Troubles

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

Why is it so important to take action when you have periodontal troubles? When you suffer a cavity, the damage that results from decay can cause serious complications. You can reach a point where an infection spreads to your pulp, damages the living tissue housed in this space, and continues to spread to your jawbone. What happens when you let periodontal troubles escalate? You might not realize it, but the biggest risk factor when it comes to adult tooth loss concerns your gum health. Advanced periodontal infections lead to the destruction of bone and soft tissue that support your teeth. If you want to make sure that your gums stay healthy – and that your smile stays complete – make sure to communicate periodontal concerns to your Reno, NV dental practice. Continue reading “Taking Action To Prevent Periodontal Troubles” →

A Perio Tray Helps You Fight Gum Disease At Home

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

Are you worried about the health of your gums? There are several signs that can let you know you might have a problem – you could bleed easily when you brush and floss, or notice that the tissue appears red, or swollen. Taking care of your gums can have a significant impact on your overall health. If you think you might need to do something about an infection, let your dentist know. With a Perio Tray, you can provide concentrated care to eliminate gum disease. The tray your dentist provides will allow you to apply the appropriate solutions to vulnerable areas like periodontal pockets and gingival crevices. Eliminating gum disease promptly is important – putting off treatment can allow your problems to worsen, and make care more difficult. Continue reading “A Perio Tray Helps You Fight Gum Disease At Home” →

Take Good Care Of Your Smile By Taking Care Of Your Gums

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

A mouth that is cavity-free is not always a mouth that could be considered problem-free. If you have poor gum health, you face a potentially serious issue. If gum disease has the opportunity to worsen, you can develop problems with dental support, and suffer tooth loss later in life. Your dentist will take time during a regular dental visit to check on the condition of your periodontal tissue. However, you can also keep an eye out for potential problems. Look out for gums that appear swollen or red, and be mindful of sensitivity. If you find yourself bleeding more easily when you brush, this can also be a sign of trouble. Continue reading “Take Good Care Of Your Smile By Taking Care Of Your Gums” →

Why Does Gum Disease Put You At Risk For Tooth Loss?

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

Gum disease can lead to a recession of your gum line, cause bad breath, and make you more prone to bleeding when you clean your teeth. What you need to know is that your teeth can be jeopardized by an advanced infection, too. As gum disease worsens, it can developed into its advanced form, periodontitis. At this stage, your gum disease can break down the tissues keeping your teeth firmly in place – this is capable of loosening teeth to the point that they fall out, or have to be removed. While the earlier stage of gum disease, gingivitis, can be reversed, periodontitis is something that can only be managed. A Perio Tray from your dentist can help you target gingivitis during your daily oral care routine. Continue reading “Why Does Gum Disease Put You At Risk For Tooth Loss?” →

How Do I Make Sure My Gums Are Being Properly Cared For?

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

When you brush and floss your teeth effectively, you can be confident that your teeth are being cared for. However, you may be unsure of what you need to do to protect your gums from harm. Periodontal care is no minor concern – gum disease has been linked to other health problems, and can make your risk for adult tooth loss elevate sharply. The good news is that general preventive care at home through brushing and flossing can have a positive impact. Care from your dentist helps your gums, too. If your dentist sees that something might be wrong, they can provide you with a Perio Tray to help you fight an infection. Continue reading “How Do I Make Sure My Gums Are Being Properly Cared For?” →

Are You Ignoring Symptoms Of Gum Disease?

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

What would it take you to schedule a trip to see your dentist? Hopefully, you are keeping up with regular dental visits, and already have a future appointment set. Unfortunately, not everyone maintains that commitment to their oral health. For some, a trip to the dentist is only necessary when they have a problem, and are worried about a cavity. A cavity certainly does call for your dentist’s attention, but it is not the only condition they can help with. You should also be watching your gums for signs of periodontal disease. As a condition starts to develop, your dentist can offer help with a Perio Tray, which will allow you to combat an infection at home. Continue reading “Are You Ignoring Symptoms Of Gum Disease?” →

Taking Action Against Poor Periodontal Health

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

taking-action-against-poor-periodontal-health A healthy set of teeth is vital to good oral health, but there are other problems that can hurt your condition. One problem you should be concerned about is poor gum health. The early stages of gum disease can be expressed through symptoms like reddened periodontal tissue, swelling, or bleeding. You could start to see a recession in your gum line, and you may suffer chronic bad breath. As the condition grows severe, bone and soft tissue damage can create more complicated problems, and increase your risk for tooth loss! Your dentist can offer help for your poor periodontal condition by offering you a Perio Tray, which allows you to give targeted care to your gums. Continue reading “Taking Action Against Poor Periodontal Health” →