Tag: tooth decay reno

Keep Tooth Decay at Bay

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

young guy thinking heavily Have you ever wondered what causes cavities? Many of us know cavities are caused by tooth decay, but what causes tooth decay? There are hundreds of different bacteria in our mouth, some good and others, not so much. It’s the harmful bacteria that contribute to tooth decay, as well as other dental issues like gum disease and persistent bad breath. Certain harmful microbes consume the sugars and starches in your food, converting them into acids that wear down your teeth’s defenses. The more frequently your teeth come in contact with these acids, and the longer the acids are allowed to remain on your teeth, the greater chance you’ll develop infectious tooth decay. As dedicated and caring dentists, Drs. Wager and Evans encourage you to attend routine checkups and cleanings to keep your teeth healthy and prevent tooth cavities from forming. Continue reading “Keep Tooth Decay at Bay” →

The Benefits of White Dental Fillings

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

smile reno 2 When you think of a dental filling, what image comes to your mind? If it is a silver spot in the midst of a white tooth, you may be excited to learn that many dentists, including your Reno dentists, Dr. William Wager and Dr. Brian Evans, are leaving silver (amalgam) fillings behind in favor of white dental fillings made out of a material called composite resin. Durable and tooth-colored, composite resin is also used in a treatment called cosmetic bonding, which can repair and resurface teeth. The material, therefore, is very durable and produces excellent cosmetic results. In fact, composite resin can be tinted to match the exact shade of the tooth or teeth to which it is being applied, meaning your dental filling will not detract from your smile.

In addition to the improvements they produce in cosmetic results, white dental fillings require the removal of less of the tooth’s structure than do amalgam fillings. They also make a great option for people with mercury sensitivities as they contain no mercury whatsoever (unlike amalgam fillings). Lastly, composite resin fillings are not made of metal and thus do not carry the same risk for cracking and leaking as they age. Continue reading “The Benefits of White Dental Fillings” →

Try This Quiz on Your Dental Cleaning from Your Reno Dentists

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

quiz reno Attending a dental cleaning is a very important part of ensuring that your mouth remains healthy. But just how important of a part is it? Take the quiz below from your Reno dentists, Dr. William Wager and Dr. Brian Evans, to find out. Continue reading “Try This Quiz on Your Dental Cleaning from Your Reno Dentists” →

Reno Dentists Explain the Consequences of Refusing a Dental Filling

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

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 Discuss the Importance of Your Dental Cleaning

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

dental instruments Have you attended a dental cleaning in the past six months? If not, you are past due for one. Dental cleanings are a very important part of caring for your teeth. To learn just how important they are, read the explanation below from your Reno dentists, Dr. William Wager and Dr. Brian Evans. Continue reading “Reno Dentists Discuss the Importance of Your Dental Cleaning” →

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” →