Tag: Reno dental office

Oral Cancer Screening in Reno

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

Taking care of your oral health is about more than cavities and gingivitis. At every dental checkup with our Reno dentists, you can expect that we take preventive dentistry seriously. Not only will our dentists, Dr. Wager and Dr. Evans scour your mouth for signs of tooth decay and gum disease, but also symptoms of a much deadlier oral health condition, oral cancer.

Checking for Signs of Oral Cancer

During your oral cancer screening, our Reno dentist will be looking for signs like lumps in your throat, unusual lesions that appear white or splotchy, persistent ulcers, and other suspicious symptoms. Since oral cancer affects your appetite, tell Dr. Wager or Dr. Evans if you have experienced unexplained dramatic weight loss. You should also mention any changes in the way your teeth fit together, or changes in your voice.

Risk Factors of Mouth Cancer

With these risk factors for oral cancer, tell our Reno dentist if you smoke, use smokeless tobacco, drink large quantities of alcohol, use tanning beds, or have excessive sun exposure. Other risk factors include your age—patients over 40 are more likely to have mouth cancer—and if you have a family history of oral cancer.

Oral Cancer Screenings Save Lives

The best step you can take for your oral health and your total wellbeing is to schedule regular dental checkups for oral cancer screenings. With about 8,000 mouth cancer fatalities predicted by the Oral Cancer Foundation for this year alone, it is not worth the risk. With early detection and treatment of oral cancer, patients have an increased chance at a good prognosis. Continue reading “Oral Cancer Screening in Reno” →

Is Chewing Gum Good For Your Teeth?

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

It’s lurking underneath classroom desks, hiding under the bus seats, and strewn about parking lots, waiting silently for its victims. Whether or not it is inside your mouth, chewing gum has a bad reputation. That’s why you may be surprised to find that your Reno dentists, Dr. Wager and Dr. Evans actually encourage chewing gum—under special conditions, of course.

How to Chew Gum and Improve Your Oral Health

The first caveat for chewing gum responsibly is that it must be sugarless. Chewing gum with sugar is actually, one of the worst things you can do for your teeth since it constantly reintroduces acid and sugar into your mouth, eroding tooth enamel. Sugar-free gum, however, may have the opposite effect. Sugarless gum can help remove trapped food particles in between teeth and encourage saliva production. Your saliva washes away harmful bacteria and neutralizes acids. Therefore, increased saliva translates to a less acidic and less hostile environment  for your tooth enamel.

Sugar Alternatives that Fight Cavities

Some sugar-free gum manufacturers have taken smile protection a step further by using sugar alternatives like xylitol. This natural sweetener actually attracts and traps harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay and starve them. You can read the nutrition facts on the back of your gum to make sure xylitol is an active ingredient.

Avoid Contributing to TMJ Disorder

The second requirement for healthy gum chewing is to spit it out. Once you pop a piece of gum in your mouth, pay attention to the time. Make sure that you do not chew gum for more than 15 minutes at a time. Chewing gum for any longer can actually put stress on your jaw muscles. Excessive jaw muscle tension leads to dental health conditions such as TMJ disorder and teeth grinding. Continue reading “Is Chewing Gum Good For Your Teeth?” →

Helping Patients Feel at Ease with Comfortable Dentistry in Reno

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

At Wager Evans Dental we believe patient comfort should be a top priority with dental care. After all, if you feel welcomed and relaxed at your dental appointment you will be more likely to return for regular dental cleanings, maintaining optimal oral health. Our Reno dentists, Dr. Wager and Dr. Evans offer dental care focused on quality services and patient satisfaction.

Comfortable Dental Services in Reno

Whether you have an appointment with our Reno dental office for a routine dental checkup or dental implant placement, you can expect our dental team to take extra steps to help you feel relaxed. Just let us know what we can do to make your appointment more pleasant.

Sedation Dentistry in Reno

If you hesitate to address a dental issue because of fear or embarrassment, Drs. Wager and Evans can help you reclaim your oral health and calm your nerves. For patients with dental anxieties, we offer sedation dentistry. Nitrous oxide is an example of mild sedation dentistry that can allow you to get the dental treatment you need.

How Nitrous Oxide Helps Patients with Dental Fears

Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, is a gas you breathe through a mask over your mouth and nose. The mild sedative allows you to stay fully conscious while feeling completely relaxed. Many patients describe this experience to feel like the moments before sleep. Nitrous oxide is beneficial because the effects wear off quickly after the gas is no longer administered, meaning patients can safely operate on their own after their procedure. Continue reading “Helping Patients Feel at Ease with Comfortable Dentistry in Reno” →