Dental caries, baby bottle tooth decay, or more commonly, dental cavities, is a common infectious disease. Among children, it is the most common infectious disease. The American Dental Association (ADA) defines ECC as “the presence of one or more decayed (non-cavitated or cavitated lesions), missing (due to caries) or filled tooth surfaces in any primary tooth in a preschool-age child between birth and 71 months of age.” The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has reported that early childhood caries (ECC) is five times more likely to be diagnosed than asthma.
Early childhood cavities are the result of the interaction of sugar on tooth enamel and bacteria that live in your mouth, mainly Streptococcus mutans. The acid that develops from the interaction breaks down the surface of the tooth and leads to decay. The American Dental Association recognizes that dental caries is a significant public health problem in pre-school age children that requires careful attention.
White spots near your child’s gum line may be the first sign of early childhood cavities. If these spots are not treated and continue to decay, they will turn brown and appear as holes in the teeth. If your child is experiencing any pain when eating, you’ll want to have his or her teeth looked at right away, as this may be an indication of ECC. Any change in your child’s teeth should be assessed quickly and taken care of. If your child does, indeed, have decay, the earlier the diagnosis, the better the prognosis.
Not allowing your child to sleep with a bottle that contains a sweet liquid such as juice or milk is the main way to prevent early childhood caries. Unfortunately, this is the biggest mistake that we see parents make with their child’s teeth. When a child falls asleep with sweet liquid inside of a bottle, that liquid may pool and sit inside the mouth for a long period of time. The longer sugary liquid sits in a child’s mouth, the more likely the child will develop tooth decay.
Once decay is present inside a child’s mouth, it will only continue to flourish. If your child needs a bottle while sleeping, be sure that the bottle only contains water. If your child falls asleep with sugar coated on his or her teeth, it becomes the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. Water, on the other hand, washes bacteria away to help avoid decay. Avoiding foods and drinks that contain a large amount of sugar is also a good practice in general. We all know that sugar can lead to cavities, but a child’s fragile baby teeth are particularly susceptible.
Be sure that your child visits the dentist for the first time within six months after the first tooth erupts. After teeth have erupted, be sure your child’s teeth are being brushed twice a day. Getting your child into the habit of brushing is essential. This will benefit overall hygiene health that will extend on throughout a person’s life. Children are usually able to take care of their own teeth once they are able to write their own name. Until then, a parent is responsible for making sure that their child’s teeth are taken care of. Introducing your child to a dental office early on will make it easier for them (and you) down the line. The more educated a parent is about preventing early childhood caries, the healthier a child’s mouth will be.
While early childhood caries can be prevented, leaving them untreated can lead to much more serious infections that can affect a child’s growth and development. ECC can lead to a loss of primary teeth which can affect that way that secondary, adult teeth, develop. Parents and dentists together are responsible for preventing early childhood cavities and treating them before they become a problem. Taking care of a young child’s teeth can certainly be challenging due to attention span, cooperation, etc, but it will make life much easier in the long run. Be sure to start your child off early with good hygiene habits. Schedule an appointment with Reno Dental Associates to give your child the smile he or she deserves!
Halitosis, more commonly known as bad breath, is a condition that over 80 million people suffer from. While it can be very embarrassing, there are several things you can do to combat the condition. Our Reno Dental Associates weigh in on what causes halitosis, and what can be done to prevent it. The Reno dentists encourage sufferers to visit their Reno dental office if the condition persists.
Halitosis has been an issue plaguing individuals for centuries. From high priests and ancient Egyptians concerned about offending others with their bad breath to 15th Century Chinese inventors presenting the first toothbrush to the world in an effort to cure the problem, the curse of halitosis has been a topic of discussion in social circles in virtually every country. Although its causes were unknown in centuries past, modern medicine has provided us with the wide range of reasons halitosis occurs.
Bad breath is most commonly found as a form of oral halitosis – an accumulation of bacterial plaque on the tongue is typically the culprit, caused by periodontal problems, poor hygiene or bad habits like smoking. When bad breath originates outside the oral cavity, it is known as extraoral halitosis and is typically caused by conditions affecting the digestive or upper and lower respiratory systems or kidney and liver disease. Extraoral halitosis only accounts for 10% of bad breath cases.
For the other 90%, bad breath is generally the result of poor dental hygiene. Inconsistent brushing or flossing habits can leave bacteria accumulating within the oral cavity on the tongue, in between teeth, or in the spaces between the gums and cheek. Because the mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria to grow, not removing the buildup results in halitosis. Periodontal diseases can also bring on a bout with bad breath, as can bacterial infections and stomatitis.
Centuries ago, individuals used toothpicks made of ivory and bone, candies made of licorice and essence of violet and mouth-freshening twigs from shrubs to fight off bad breath. The first toothbrush was made out of hog-hair bristles in the 15th century, and the first mouthwash (later known to the world as Listerine) was introduced in 1876. In the modern era, brushing after meals as well as flossing regularly is the most common method in keeping halitosis at bay.
Flossing is absolutely essential as it will remove particles that a toothbrush isn’t able to reach. In addition, dentists recommend electronic toothbrushes as they are more effective at removing plaque and particles. You may also want to mix up the toothpaste you’re using to see if certain ingredients work better for you. Many dentists recommend using a toothpaste that includes baking soda, as the ingredient can be helpful by reducing the acidity in the mouth and making it difficult for bacteria to grow. You can also try scraping your tongue to remove some of the bacteria buildup.
Individuals can make a big difference in their war against bad breath by staying hydrated. When your mouth is dry, then unwanted leftover particles linger in your mouth. Hydrating yourself so that your body creates saliva is important to wash away odor causing substances.
Smoking is also known to cause halitosis not only because of the odor it leaves on your breath, but because it is known to dry out your mouth. Smoking can also lead to other mouth infections and conditions which cause halitosis. Many smokers don’t even notice the foul smell that smoking leaves behind because they have become accustomed to it. Talk to your dentist from Reno Dental Associates for advice on quitting.
Coffee consumption and medication can contribute to mouth dryness as well. If you suffer from bad breath and you’re also taking medications, make a list of those medications and bring it with you to your dental visit.
Dentists cannot stress enough the importance of staying hydrated in order to get saliva flowing. When many patients can’t figure out why they have chronic bad breath, the answer often comes down to hydration. Brushing your teeth in the morning is often not enough to keep your breath fresh throughout the day. Your saliva does a lot of the work for you by breaking down particles and rinsing them away.
Remember that the food you eat can also have a large effect on the condition of your breath. The food doesn’t just stay in your mouth, but the oils get absorbed into your system and get carried through your bloodstream right to your lungs. Many complain about the smell of garlic and onions. Their odor will linger in your system until the food is completely processed. Also be sure to eat standard meals and snack when it is necessary- an empty stomach can cause bad breath due to a build-up of acid. Be smart when choosing your snacks throughout the day. Dry snacks with high-fat content will just contribute to the problem. Choose moist snacks that help stimulate saliva production, which will help wash about unwanted particles.
Many who suffer from halitosis choose to use breath mints, gum and mouthwash as temporary fixes to mask odor. If you choose to chew gum or eat mints to help bad breath, be sure that it is sugarless. Sugar creates plaque that adds to the problem. Sugarless gum and mints promotes saliva production which we know makes a huge difference. Remember that these are only temporary solutions and won’t get to the root of the problem. If your bad breath is just a temporary problem then it makes sense to fix it with a temporary solution. However, remember that halitosis is chronic and usually requires a significant change in lifestyle or habit.
Keeping Your Mouth HealthyWhile many patients are hesitant to talk to their dentist about bad breath, the Reno Dental Associates deal with this issue frequently and are ready to help in every way they can. They encourage patients to feel confident and comfortable talking with their dentist so that the problem can be tackled and eliminated. In the modern era, no one should have to live with the embarrassment and discomfort of halitosis. Visiting your dentist every six months will ensure that there are no underlying issues that could be causing bad breath. Imagine never having to ask yourself “what causes bad breath?” ever again. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.
Your oral health is paramount to good health overall. The desire for great-looking teeth and a healthy mouth is important to our day-to-day lives. Therefore, it is no wonder why many want to find the best dentist possible.
For those in need of cosmetic dental work, this is even more important. Anybody who has experienced the pain of a diminished smile wants results quickly, affordably and of a quality nature. If you’re looking for a Reno cosmetic dentist and want to know how to find the best, keep reading.
When deciding on any Reno cosmetic dentist, you first need to consider what other people are saying. As such, perusing the reviews and testimonials of those who have had work done prior is absolutely crucial.
You don’t want to take a leap of faith when it comes to having major dental work done. Be sure that whoever you’re considering has an extensive reputation with positive reviews and testimonials. Otherwise, you’re taking a gamble, and one that you really can’t afford to take.
Any great Reno cosmetic dentist who will be more than happy to show you before and after shots of the work they’ve done. This can be one great way to inspect exactly how much of a transformation you can expect with comparable dental cosmetic surgery.
Most dentist offices that specialize in cosmetic surgery take plenty of pictures showing before and after. Some even offer their patients a discount for allowing them to do so. Before you agree to any work, ask any prospective dentists you’re considering to provide you with some examples of what they’ve done.
You may find plenty of positive reviews online about some Reno cosmetic dentists, including before and after samples. However, you absolutely need to inspect their qualifications as well. In the age of the internet, you can find out where almost any dentist went to school, what courses they took and whether or not they’re AACD certified.
The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry is the ideal certification you’re looking for from a dentist. Cosmetic dentists who hold this certification are those who have kept up-to-date with techniques, attended industry-specific seminars and trainings, and are generally the best of the best.
Before you commit to any work from a Reno cosmetic dentist, it’s important to have a sit-down meeting and explain what it is you need. Not only will this help you determine what is and isn’t possible, but it’ll help you learn more about the dentist before making any commitment. If you feel comfortable after consulting with a dentist over major dental work, then you’ll be better equipped to choose the right dentist for you.
At the end of the day, you should treat cosmetic dental surgery like any other major surgery. By shopping around, comparing qualifications, examining reviews and qualifications, and inspecting past work, you’ll help eliminate any Reno cosmetic dentists who just aren’t up to par.
Learn more about cosmetic dental surgery from Reno Dental Associates. or call us for a consultation. 775.786.3400.
Reaching the age where you think you may need a Reno tooth extraction to get your wisdom teeth removed? Did your dentist recommend it? If you’re feeling pain in the very back of your mouth, it may be time to start thinking about having your wisdom teeth removed. Most young adults that need a wisdom tooth extraction have the teeth come in between 16 and 20 years old. Your dentist can provide X-rays and the best recommendations for as to whether a Reno tooth extraction is needed, and when.
So you need to have your wisdom teeth taken out. Knowing what to expect and asking questions of your dentist or oral surgeon can make this procedure feel less daunting. Reno Dental Associates has dentists that can help you through your whole Reno tooth extraction procedure with care!
Anesthesia
Before your procedure begins, you’ll be given local anesthesia. With a local anesthesia tooth extraction, you’ll have a numbing agent injected into your gums. Your dentist will numb your gums slightly before injecting the local anesthetic. With this anesthetic, you’ll still remember your extraction procedure and be aware of what is going on, but you will not notice pain.
While your first oral surgery can be nerve-wracking, remember that this is a fairly routine procedure that many people will undergo in their life.
The procedure for a Reno tooth extraction is fairly simple and most often routine from patient to patient.
The dentist or oral surgeon will first expose your tooth and bone with a small incision in your gums.
Your dentist will assess the easiest way to access the tooth, which may include removing bone in the way or removing the tooth in sections.
After removing the tooth, your dentist or oral surgeon will remove any leftover debris from your gums.
Often dentists will then stitch the tooth extraction site closed to help increase the rate of healing.
Lastly, your Reno dentist or oral surgeon will pack gauze over the extraction site to help stem bleeding. This will carry straight into your care routine over the next several days.
After your Reno tooth extraction procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions to care for your mouth. A wisdom tooth extraction, although routine, will often cause some bruising and pain for several days following the procedure. Your best option is to plan your surgery during a time when you can take a few days off of any strenuous activities; this will help you manage the pain and hopefully increase the speed of healing!
Listed below are some of the most common tips for handling post-op care:
These are just a few tips to get you thinking about your post-operation care, but always follow the instructions of your dentist or oral surgeon and contact them with any questions or concerns you may have!
Millions of people each year take work to ensure their pearly whites are indeed white, using a variety of methods from at home remedies to professional teeth whiting treatments. If you are wondering how to get whiter teeth or how to keep teeth white, follow these proven tips for whiter teeth at home.
One of most simple of measures in getting whiter teeth is avoiding things that stain teeth, including certain foods and beverages. The rule of thumb for what stains teeth is that if it is dark in color before consuming, it will most likely end up staining your teeth. Red wine and black tea are major culprits of foods that stain teeth while berries and red or dark-colored sauces are lesser known but still powerful.
Similarly, sweets, sports drinks, and colas can all cause stained teeth in the long-run. Knowing specifically what foods stain teeth can help you fight the ongoing battle against staining your teeth, and will keep your teeth whitening methods from wearing off quickly.
If you can’t stay away from foods that stain your teeth, be proactive in using a straw for your dark-colored drinks to keep them away from your teeth. Also, swallow promptly after chewing or drinking, so the food doesn’t settle. Finally, rinse or swish with water after drinking or eating to help get whiter teeth.
High on the list of tips for whiter teeth is the addition of crunchy foods to your diet. Similar to your toothbrush, crunchy foods provide an abrasiveness that works to remove stains without the need for harsh chemicals that could hurt your tooth enamel. Foods like apples, carrots, and celery are great choices for a “natural” toothbrush.
RegularlyA common sense answer to “how to get whiter teeth,” is utilizing regular dental hygiene. It is recommended that your take time to brush your teeth as soon as you wake up in the morning, and again right before heading to bed. It is also important to floss to ensure you are removing as much leftover food and bacteria as possible each day.
While a healthy diet, regular brushing, and consistent flossing are helpful ways to whiten teeth, they are no substitute for regular visits with your dentist. Your dental provider is the only person who can tell you how clean your mouth truly is, no matter what you are using as ways to whiten teeth. Additionally, natural teeth whitening treatments fade over time, so it is necessary to see your dentist for cleanings and potential alternatives over time. Your dentist may also be able to answer specific questions you have about how to get your teeth whiter through methods other than at-home solutions.
Dental hygiene, like brushing and flossing, is an important skill to master early in life. While there are plenty of ways to make it enjoyable and feel less like a chore each morning and night, children may not get the complete hang of keeping their mouths as healthy as they can be before cavities start to appear.
In an effort to help prevent cavities, some Reno dentists offer dental sealants in addition to regular brushing. To understand if you should get dental sealants, it is helpful to first answer, “what is a dental sealant?”
Dental sealants, also referred to as teeth sealants, are a thin coating made of plastic that is pl
aced on the top or bottom of the teeth where chewing occurs. In most cases, dentists use teeth sealants on premolars and molars to help reduce the potential for tooth decay. Teeth sealants block out plaque as well as food from a protective thin shield applied to the tooth.
Dentists use dental sealants as a cavity prevention technique for children and teenagers. However, at times Reno dentists will offer dental sealants for adults who do not have decay or multiple fillings.
For children and teenagers, dentists apply sealants on permanent molars and premolars shortly after the teeth come in. A dentist will apply a teeth sealants based on the potential to prevent cavities.
In some cases, dentists may prescribe sealants for baby teeth, but dentists will need to reapply the sealants more frequently. Your dentist will apply dental sealants in a similar manner, regardless of your age. Your dentist beings the procedure by providing a thorough cleaning of the teeth where he will apply the teeth sealants. Next follows a process of complete drying.
Your dentist will pack a cotton ball around the treated tooth to keep it free from moisture during the application.
Then, your dentist will place an acid solution on the chewing surface of each tooth. The acid solution will create the roughness necessary for the sealant to bond with the tooth. Your dentist will repeat the process of rinsing and drying. Then, they will paint the sealant carefully on to each treated tooth.
Your dentist may use a specialized light to expedite the hardening process to the sealant.
How to Prevent Cavities with Dental SealantsBecause your toothbrush isn’t designed to get into the deeper grooves present on the chewing surface of your teeth, you may find a tooth sealant to be helpful in cavity prevention. For children and adults, dental sealants last up to ten years. Don’t forget to have your sealants checked during regular exams with your Reno dentist.
From their long-lasting nature, dental sealants have the potential to keep children’s teeth healthy and cavity-free during the most important years of dental hygiene.
Adults who are candidates for teeth sealants also benefit from the simple procedure. Adults with sealants can remain without the occurrence of cavities for an extended period of time.
If you are wondering how sealants may be beneficial to you or your child, contact our office today to schedule your next dental check-up. Our experienced team can provide all the information you need. Contact Reno Dental Associates today.
The Old Website
Our old website was outdated and unattractive by today’s standards. Luckily, the best web design company in town stepped in to create a custom website worth smiling about. OCG Creative helped us every step of the way from content curation and organizational structure, to web design and development.
Not only is the website faster and better organized for an enjoyable user experience, but Reno Dental Associates is optimized for mobile. That means you can visit our site on phones and tablets, and it will reform to your screen size as if it was an app. Having a simple, easy to navigate, user experience was key to our needs moving forward with the digital space.
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475 Kirman Avenue
Reno, NV 89502
Monday - Thursday
7a.m. - 5p.m.
Friday
7a.m. - 3p.m.
Hours may vary per doctor.
