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General Dentistry

Pyramid Family DentalCutting back on sugar can be difficult because it’s in so many foods and drinks, and sometimes in surprising amounts. But reducing your sugar intake or eliminating it from your diet altogether can certainly help your overall health as well as your dental health. After all, there’s a reason your dentist in Sparks isn’t a huge fan of the stuff. Sugar is often considered the leading cause of cavities. But the truth is, even if you don’t eat sugar, you can still get cavities. 

What Is a Cavity? 

Cavities are so common in the United States that the CDC says 90% of Americans over the age of 20 have had at least one cavity in their lifetime. These tiny areas of tooth decay, if left untreated, will only become bigger and deeper and also become more difficult to treat. Cavities begin as a small hole or pit in a tooth where acid or bacteria has attacked the enamel. During this stage, cavities can easily be fixed with a filling from your dentist in Sparks. However, cavities that continue to progress can sometimes require more complex treatment such as a root canal or even tooth extraction.

Surprising Things The Cause Cavities

We’ve already shared that many people think cavities are a problem of eating too much sugar, and while that may be the case, there are other reasons why a cavity develops. 

If a patient’s mouth is dry it’s more likely that they will have cavities. Usually, saliva will help neutralize acids and rinse away bacteria that can cause cavities. But when saliva production is too low and the mouth feels too dry, bacteria and acids are left lingering around to cause damage to the enamel and, you guessed it, cause cavities. 

Besides sugar, there are other foods that can increase the risk of cavities. The two most concerning are acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and foods with a lot of carbohydrates. Acidic foods and drinks further aid in the mouth acid’s ability to weaken enamel while carbs fuel the bacteria, allowing them to thrive. 

There are many reasons why it’s important to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day, but one of the main reasons is to prevent cavities. Brushing your teeth in the morning and at night will remove plaque and plaque acids that have built up throughout the day. Flossing reaches those tricky areas that a toothbrush can’t reach and where cavities are more likely to develop. 

Cavity Symptoms

Patients may experience different symptoms, but some of the most common signs of a cavity include: 

If you think that you may have a cavity, call your dentist in Sparks to schedule an appointment. 

Even though cavities are incredibly common, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of getting one. Make sure you brush and floss your teeth regularly, limit your intake of sugary, acidic, or high-carbohydrate foods, and drink plenty of water daily. Of course, you should also see your dentist every six months for a checkup. 

Pyramid Family DentalA common rule in the dental world is that all patients should see the dentist at least every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. However, according to researchers at the CDC, nearly 40% of American adults haven’t been to the dentist in the past year. The truth is, preventive dental appointments can keep problems from popping up unexpectedly and reduce the need for quick, emergency dental care. But if you do experience a dental problem, how do you know if you need to see a dentist or not? 

Things That Require A Dental Appointment

The environment in the mouth is ever-changing, and there are times when these changes can spark concern and have you wondering if you should schedule a dental appointment. Let’s take a look at some of the most common symptoms that should warrant a visit to your Sparks dentist. 

Temporary bouts of bad breath are bound to happen, especially if you eat something particularly fragrant such as garlic or onions. However, if bad breath lingers and doesn’t go away even after you brush your teeth, it may be a sign of something serious. Bad breath could mean gum disease, dry mouth, or even kidney problems. 

Mouth sores including ulcers can be annoying and sometimes embarrassing. Many times they are harmless and should go away on their own. However, if they don’t heal within two weeks or get worse, it’s time to see your dentist. Mouth sores that don’t heal may be a sign of oral cancer or other problems.  

Tooth sensitivity can trigger shooting pains through your teeth, which is pretty uncomfortable. If you have sensitivity to hot or cold foods or drinks, especially if it’s new for you, you should see your dentist in Sparks. This can be a sign of decay, weakened tooth enamel, or a chipped or cracked tooth. 

Gums shouldn’t bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. They also shouldn’t be inflamed or swollen. However, those with gum disease may experience red, painful, swollen gums. It’s important to have this checked out by your dentist as gum disease can lead to other problems throughout the body such as an increased risk of heart disease. 

Pain anywhere in or around the mouth may require a visit to the dental office. From a toothache that can make it difficult to chew to a painful jaw that hurts to open and close, pain around the mouth shouldn’t be taken lightly and is usually a sign telling you that something isn’t quite right. See your dentist quickly. 

If you notice any of the signs above, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Sparks as soon as possible to get relief. 

Pyramid Family DentalBad breath is, well, quite frankly, bad. This condition isn’t only embarrassing, it can also be a sign of other problems happening in your mouth or throughout your body. If you have bad breath that doesn’t seem to go away no matter how much you brush your teeth, how much minty gum you chew, or how much mouthwash you use, we recommend seeing your dentist in Sparks sooner rather than later. 

Types of Bad Breath

There are different types of bad breath, also called halitosis, and different smells can mean different things. 

Other Causes of Bad Breath

While there are certainly several serious conditions that can cause bad breath, oftentimes bad breath is a symptom of something going in the mouth.

Poor Dental Hygiene 

The most common underlying cause of bad breath is a buildup of bacteria in the mouth. This can occur when someone has poor dental hygiene. Your Sparks dentist always recommends brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day to remove bacteria. However, when this isn’t done regularly, bacteria can linger around and cause bad breath. Make sure you’re brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes and taking the time to floss in between each tooth. 

Gum Disease

Another top cause of bad breath is gum disease. Gum disease is a serious problem that can lead to tooth loss and other problems throughout the body such as the increased risk of stroke, heart disease, and respiratory complications. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is caused when bacteria find their way into the gum tissue and hide out. These bacteria can be tricky to remove. This buildup of bacteria can once again lead to foul breath. Gum disease needs to be treated quickly or it will be irreversible. This is just one of the reasons why it’s so important to see your dentist in Sparks every six months. 

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth can result in much more than that gross, annoyingly dry feeling. It can also cause bad breath and other dental problems. Dry mouth results from a lack of saliva production. Saliva is what typically helps wash away bacteria and neutralize acids in the mouth. Without enough of it, bacteria tend to linger around and can emit an unpleasant odor. There are several things that can cause dry mouth including certain medicines or dehydration. Your dentist in Sparks recommends drinking plenty of water throughout the day and reviewing your medications and side effects with your medical doctor.

Chronic bad breath should be taken seriously. So if you find yourself shying away from talking to people because you’re embarrassed by the way your breath smells, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can. 

Pyramid Family DentalHave you ever looked closely at your teeth and noticed small, white spots? You’re not alone. Many people have this type of tooth discoloration, and it typically doesn’t cause any problems. But if you’re unhappy with these white spots, you may be wondering what caused them in the first place and if there are ways to make them go away. Let’s see what your dentist in Sparks has to say. 

Demineralization

Demineralization is one of the more common causes of white spots in adults. It happens when too many bacteria build up teeth and are left there over time. These bacteria can weaken and wear away tooth enamel, increasing the likelihood of developing cavities as well as white or brown spots on teeth. Your dentist in Sparks will want to pay particular attention to these white spots as the risk of cavities becomes greater. However, if your teeth remain cavity-free but the spots remain, you may be a good candidate for a professional smile whitening treatment or porcelain veneers to cover up the uneven coloration. 

Enamel Hypoplasia

This cause of white spots is more common in childhood but can also occur in adults. It can be caused by a number of factors such as certain medications or medical conditions, dental trauma, diabetes, and other illnesses. As with demineralization, enamel hypoplasia can weaken enamel and make cavity development more likely. Your dentist in Sparks will want to observe these areas to monitor any changes or the appearance of decay. Treatment for spots caused by enamel hypoplasia could also be tooth whitening or porcelain veneers. 

Fluorosis

Fluorosis most commonly occurs during childhood, but the white spots that result can follow you into adulthood. Fluoride treatments are recommended for most kids and even some adults to help strengthen enamel and reduce the risk of cavities. However, even though fluoride is safe, if someone gets too much of it during childhood, fluorosis and white spots can develop. Again, your dentist may be able to cover up these areas through tooth whitening or veneers. 

Diet

Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is important for overall health, but it’s also crucial for optimal dental health. Our teeth, and our bones, need calcium and vitamin D to remain strong. Without enough of these, teeth can develop white spots simply because the enamel is more likely to weaken. You should make sure to eat plenty of calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, leafy green vegetables, beans, and even calcium-fortified foods. 

If you’re bothered by white spots on your teeth, we encourage you to talk with your dentist in Sparks about the many cosmetic dentistry options available to transform your teeth. Additionally, make sure you do everything you can to avoid white spots from popping up in the first place including brushing your teeth and flossing every day and eating a well-balanced diet. 

Pyramid Family DentalMany people don’t think that their oral health could impact their heart health, but the two are actually very strongly connected. In fact, a study published in the American Heart Association Journal found that there’s a connection between gum disease and increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. If you have any of these symptoms below, it might be time to schedule an appointment with your dentist in Sparks to discuss this further.

Signs of Gum Disease

First and foremost, it’s important to know and recognize the signs of gum disease so that if you suspect a problem you can see your dentist in Sparks as soon as possible. Gum disease can be treated effectively, but treatment is more successful when the disease is in the early stages. Some of the most common signs of gum disease include: 

What Causes Gum Disease? 

Most cases of gum disease are related to poor oral hygiene habits. Gum disease develops when plaque hardens on teeth, called tartar. Tartar is packed with bacteria that can cause more damage the longer the tartar sticks around. Additionally, tartar can’t be removed at home. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it must be removed through a professional dental cleaning. 

What Does Gum Disease Have to Do With Heart Health? 

Even though gum disease sounds like a mouth problem, it can actually affect the rest of the body, too. A study released last year from researchers at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and the Forsyth Institute showed that active gum disease was an early risk factor in the patients studied who went on to have a heart attack. But why? Luckily, the researchers explained this as well and tied the increased risk of a cardiovascular event to inflammation. Gum inflammation can cause inflammation elsewhere in the body, such as the arteries, which increases the risk of a heart attack.  

How to Prevent Gum Disease and Lower Risk of a Heart Attack

There are things you can do to reduce the risk of developing gum disease and, in turn, lower the risk of a heart attack. First, make sure to brush your teeth every day, twice a day, for two minutes each time. Also, don’t forget to floss at least once a day. Next, see your dentist in Sparks at least every six months for checkups and cleanings. These regular checkups allow your dental team to remove any plaque that has accumulated since your last visit and monitor your oral health for any changes. After all, early intervention often means a better outcome. 

If it’s been longer than six months since your last dentist appointment, we welcome you to call and schedule an appointment today. 

Pyramid Family DentalYour dentist in Sparks understands that choosing the right type of floss to remove food particles and plaque from your teeth can be difficult. After all, there are tons of options out there, each one claiming to give you the ultimate clean. So, what exactly is the best floss? Well, it turns out that there is no one right answer. Different people have different needs, and different flosses can help in different ways. So let’s take a look at the various types of floss to help you decide which one is best for you.

Traditional Floss 

Traditional string dental floss is the most common and oldest form of flossing available. It’s been available since the 1800s and, even though there are various forms of string floss, it’s a tried and true method of cleaning in between your teeth. In fact, your dentist in Sparks probably uses this at your hygiene appointments. 

Benefits

Traditional string floss has several benefits, which is probably why it’s so popular. Most commonly, string floss is easy. It’s: 

Potential Cons

Even though this type of floss has been around for centuries, there are some potential cons. Some people, such as those with braces or arthritis, may find string floss hard to use. Also, if people floss too hard with traditional floss they can damage their gum tissue and cause sensitivity or recession. 

Floss Picks 

Those who find traditional floss difficult to use might turn to floss picks. While these are better than not flossing at all, they may not provide the best clean. 

Potential Cons

Floss picks provide only a small amount of floss in the stretched, straight line. This keeps people from using a clean section of floss in between each tooth section. Additionally, string floss allows patients to curve the floss around the tooth, thoroughly cleaning it. Floss picks don’t curve as effectively, inhibiting how much of the tooth can be cleaned. 

Water Flossers

Now, there is another effective option on the market in the form of water flossers. There’s some debate in the dental world as to whether water flossers or traditional floss is the best form of floss. Your dentist in Sparks says the best floss is the floss that’s used. Water flossers are great at removing buildup between the teeth and may be appropriate for some patients. 

Potential Cons

While water flossers may be an excellent choice for those who find traditional string floss hard to use, there are some downsides. Water flossers are more expensive than other forms of floss. They’re also not exactly travel-friendly and can take up space on your bathroom counter. 

As you can see, there are pros and cons to each type of floss. To find the best floss for you, we recommend talking to your dentist in Sparks. 

woman with tooth painThanks to our fantastic training and technology, when you see your dentist in Sparks for a dental filling, you most likely won’t experience any pain or discomfort. However, all patients, their mouths, and pain tolerance levels are different, so what you experience or how you’re feeling post-filling might be different than someone else.

Let’s Talk Tooth Sensitivity

Have you ever had a cold or hot beverage that made your teeth feel funny? This is something we call tooth sensitivity, and it’s actually a normal side effect after you’ve completed dental work like cavity fillings, tooth extractions, or dental implants. Why does tooth sensitivity lead to dental pain? It’s due to nerve inflammation inside your tooth or teeth. If you have pain or tooth sensitivity that persists for weeks or even months after you’ve seen your Sparks dentist, you’ll want to schedule an appointment to have them take a look at your teeth to see if something needs further attention.

It’s All About Pressure

When unwanted discomfort occurs after a filling or any dental treatment, you’re probably wondering why. It turns out the answer to this question is simple — it’s pressure. After your filling is permanently in place, the piece of your tooth that was damaged by bacteria is now filled in, adding new pressure to the area. This can change how air and saliva move across your tooth, causing sensitivity.

What You Can Do to Feel Better

You can take some steps at home to help you feel better if you have dental discomfort or pain post-procedure. Try taking some Advil, Ibuprofen, or Aleve. Be sure to follow the recommended dosage directions and instructions. Applying a cold compress on your cheek or jaw to minimize pain. Are you also wondering how to manage sensitivity in your teeth due to cracks and damages to a filling? Maintaining optimal dental health should still be your top priority, and you want to:

The right thing to do if you’re experiencing any pain, discomfort, or sensitivity is to schedule a visit right away at our Sparks dental office. We can help you feel better and determine what’s causing your issues so we can get to the root of the pain. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call our office today and chat with us. We’re always here to help and look forward to hearing from you!

Pyramid Family DentalYour dentist in Sparks is the perfect person to help you combat sugar this holiday season, as it tends to show up everywhere in the form of ooey, gooey treats. While we know it’s unrealistic to think you won’t have a hint of sugar during your holiday fun, there are ways you can keep track of how much you’re eating and take steps to make it more of a moderated approach to sweets. While candy canes, pies, and cookies are all staples this time of year, the sugar they leave behind can cause bad bacteria to produce decay due to excess acid. Let’s not let cavities stand a chance and ruin your new year. 

Here’s how:

There’s just one more thing you can do to help prevent sugar damage to your teeth, and that’s come to see us for a thorough cleaning and oral exam at our dental office in Sparks. If you need to schedule after the busy holidays, we understand. Start the new year off with a smile that’s fresh, clean, and confident. Schedule a consultation or cleaning today. We’re looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you again!

Pyramid Family DentalAny type of pain or discomfort in the mouth can be concerning, and it may leave you wondering if you have a serious dental problem or simply sensitive teeth. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell the difference between the two, and getting relief from the discomfort will depend on the cause. It’s important to see your dentist in Sparks as soon as possible if you’re experiencing any pain, especially if it’s new or comes on suddenly. If a problem is left alone, it can get worse. In the meantime, let’s take a look at how you can tell if you have sensitive teeth or perhaps a bigger problem. 

Signs of Sensitive Teeth

There are some telltale signs of tooth sensitivity, and most commonly they occur when eating or drinking something hot or cold. Think back to the last time you drank something hot or when you bit into a cold popsicle. Did you feel a zing of pain through your teeth? There’s a good chance you just experienced the most common sign of tooth sensitivity. However, there are other symptoms that you shouldn’t ignore, including: 

Even though these symptoms are often common with tooth sensitivity, it’s important to remember that some of these symptoms can overlap with signs of other problems and you should always seek advice from your dentist in Sparks. 

What Causes Sensitive Teeth? 

Many things can cause sensitive teeth. Usually, tooth sensitivity is a result of either enamel erosion or gum recession, both of which can cause the insides of teeth, including the nerves, to become exposed. When this happens, every time something hits those nerves, you will experience that shooting pain. The main causes of enamel erosion and gum recession include: 

When is Sensitivity a Sign of Something Serious?

It can be hard to tell when tooth sensitivity is a sign of something serious, but if it’s left untreated, the pain will increase and the problem will get worse. Sensitivity can also be a sign of: 

This is why it’s so important to see your dentist sooner rather than later. 

How to Reduce Sensitivity

The good news is that there are treatments available, but which one is appropriate for you depends on your individual situation. Some treatment options include: 

Dental restorations such as fillings, crowns, inlays, or onlays may be the best way to relieve tooth sensitivity if you have decay, a failing previous restoration, or a broken or cracked tooth. 

There are times when a root canal may be the best option to relieve tooth sensitivity. This treatment will remove the roots and the nerves of the affected tooth, giving you instant relief. 

Your dentist in Sparks may also recommend some changes to your oral hygiene habits. This can include changing your toothpaste, adding a desensitizing rinse, using a different toothbrush, and applying fluoride treatment at your appointments. 

Pyramid Family DentalOur teeth are essential to our health and well-being, but unfortunately, they can also be one of the most fragile parts of our bodies. Cavities, broken or missing teeth, and gum disease all weaken your teeth and can cause you serious problems down the road if they’re not taken care of properly. Thankfully, there are many steps you can take to strengthen your teeth so that they last a lifetime and stay healthy. These seven methods from your dentist in Sparks will help you have strong teeth that will last you a lifetime!

1. Brush & Floss

One of the most important and easiest things you can do to keep your teeth strong is to brush and floss them regularly. Your dentist in Sparks recommends brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day. This duo of brushing and flossing will help remove dangerous bacteria and plaque from not only the surfaces of the teeth but in between the teeth as well. If bacteria and plaque are allowed to build up on teeth, they will produce an acidic byproduct. This acid will wear down tooth enamel and can leave teeth at greater risk for decay. 

2. Don’t Forget Your Tongue

Our tongues have a ton of tiny nooks and crannies for bacteria to hide, and it’s important to remove these cavity-causing culprits. The best way to do that is to gently brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth. This can remove even more bacteria and can also make you less likely to experience bad breath.  

3. Reduce Sugar & Carbs

We all know that dentists don’t like sugar, but what’s that have to do with carbs? Well, the truth is, our bodies break down carbs into glucose and they can act a lot like sugar. So when you’re looking for smile-smart foods to eat or snacks in between meals, try to limit your intake of sugary treats or those high in carbohydrates. Too much sugar or too many carbs can feed plaque bacteria and increase acid production, again increasing the risk of weakening teeth.  

4. Treat Grinding

Many people grind their teeth in either times of stress or when they’re sleeping. Most of the time, they may not even realize they’re doing it. But teeth grinding can lead to a whole host of dental problems, including wear and tear of enamel. If you think you grind your teeth, talk with your dentist in Sparks about the best ways to stop grinding in order to protect your teeth. 

5. Don’t Ignore Reflux

Although reflux, indigestion, and heartburn are digestive problems, they can still affect your oral health. These conditions can cause stomach acid to enter the mouth which can damage enamel. If you have reflux or other digestive concerns, we recommend talking with your doctor about treatment options. 

6. Stay Hydrated

Many Americans don’t drink enough water, but we should all do our best to drink at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water every day to stay hydrated. Not only can being hydrated help you feel better overall, but it’s also beneficial for both your overall health and oral health. Drinking water helps neutralize acids, keep bad breath away, and wash away bacteria. 

7. Schedule Bi-Annual Dental Visits

Besides taking good care of your teeth through a great oral hygiene routine, eating a well-balanced diet, and drinking plenty of water, there’s one more thing you should do in order to protect your teeth — see your dentist in Sparks at least twice a year. Professional dental cleanings will help remove plaque and tartar buildup that could wear down enamel and exams can help catch any problems before they turn into complex concerns. 

If you do have weakened enamel, don’t fear. Your dentist can help you control erosion and talk with you about treatments and any additional steps you can take at home to keep erosion at bay.