*Offer not combinable with insurance.

The post Wisdom Teeth Special – $1,499 appeared first on Elko Dental Specialists.

This young man, Jimmy Murphy—their youth of the year—spoke for about 10 minutes to help kick things off and to personify the good the BGC is doing. He told a heart-wrenching and inspiring story about how his parents had been drug addicts, how they bounced around from apartment to apartment, hotel to hotel, trailer park to trailer park, school to school until they relocated from California to this community to try to get clean and get better jobs.

He and his siblings were enrolled in the Elko Boys and Girls Club, and one day, their parents never came to pick them up. They had left. They had abandoned their children.

The children now faced the prospect of being broken up and going individually into separate foster care homes. They were nervous and afraid. Jimmy went on to say the BGC had saved their lives—stepping in and donating money to help their grandmother adopt and raise them, and the kids have been very active in the BGC ever since.

Jimmy said that he’s had a tutor and mentor at the BGC that has helped him and his siblings with their homework, and he proudly announced that he’s graduating high school with a 3.2 GPA and is going to college next year with the hope of becoming an electrician!

The whole audience was in tears. I wept silently as I contemplated what the strength, kindness, and generosity of others had done for Jimmy and his siblings, and I felt inspired at his strength, hope, and determination to persevere through a true hell and to emerge with love, humility, optimism, and a sense of healthy pride.

I went up to Jimmy after and thanked him for such an uplifting message and example, and I told him if he needed orthodontic treatment, it would be our honor and pleasure at Elko Dental Specialists (EDS) to give him free care. He humbly said he has always wanted braces, but couldn’t afford them and it has been our goal at EDS to find one deserving person every few months to give free orthodontic to, and Jimmy seemed very deserving.

Several days later, we braced him up in ceramic braces (he’s off to college in a few months, after all!), and I’ve felt my own spirit rise as I had the privilege of helping to do a tiny little something to bless his life. I feel confident he’ll pass on the love and kindness he’s been shown by many (most importantly his grandma and his mentors at the BGC; our contribution with the braces, I realize, is small in comparison, but maybe like icing on the cake to make his life a bit sweeter). I’ve shared this story with Jimmy’s permission, hoping it can lift and inspire us to persevere like Jimmy, and also to step in and step up when we can make a difference in the life of someone in need, like the good folks at the Elko BGC have done.

Keep smiling!
Brian Anderson
Orthodontist
Elko Dental Specialists

The post Jimmy Murphy Awarded Free Braces In Our Elko Cares Program appeared first on Elko Dental Specialists.

We’ve put together a list of orthodontist-approved treats that anyone can enjoy, as well as what you should avoid if you have braces:

Orthodontist-Approved Halloween Treats:

1. Chocolate

   When it comes to Halloween candy that’s easy on your braces, chocolate is a good choice. Chocolate is less likely to get stuck in your braces than other candies and is usually much easier to clean. Dark chocolate is also a great choice because it has less sugar than milk chocolate. You should avoid chocolate that has nuts inside, like peanuts or almonds, as well as sticky caramel. If you are having a hard chocolate bar, just be sure to break it into smaller pieces since biting into one could accidentally damage your braces. Great chocolate choices include:

   • Hershey’s Kisses
   • Plain M&M’s
   • Hershey bars (break the smaller pieces off first)
   • Kit Kats
   • 3 Musketeers

2. Peanut Butter Candy

   Peanut butter candies are totally safe for braces too. While peanut butter can get stuck in your braces, a good rinse and a quick brushing after you eat will make sure you’re not leaving anything behind. Just avoid candy with whole peanuts (or other nuts) and you’ll have no problems.

   • Reese’s Cups
   • Reese’s Pieces
   • Butterfinger
   • Peanut Butter M&M’s (avoid the whole-Peanut M&M’s)

3. Baked Treats

   Baked goodies are a great choice for spooky treats that you can make with your kids. A quick search online will supply you with an endless list of fun recipes for Halloween-themed cupcakes, cookies, cakes, and more!

4. Ice Cream, Jell-O, and More

   Cold treats that are soft or liquidy like ice cream, Jell-O, pudding, smoothies, and shakes are all great choices for braces. Not only will they not get stuck in your braces; the cold temperature can also help soothe sore teeth or gums.

5. Fruit-based Treats

   Just like baked goods, there’s no end to the number of recipes you can find online for fun and healthy fruit-based Halloween treats.

Halloween Treats to Avoid with Braces:

1. Sticky Candy

   Sticky candy loves to get stuck in your teeth, brackets, and wires. This can put your braces at risk of damage, and they can be a real pain to remove. Any candy that’s really sticky or chewy can easily pop a bracket right off your tooth. Sticky candy you need to avoid include:

   • Bubblegum
   • Starburst
   • Skittles
   • Sour Patch Kids
   • Gummy Candy
   • Taffy
   • Licorice
   • Jelly beans

2. Candy with Nuts

   Peanuts, almonds, cashews, and other hard nuts can easily snap a wire or force a bracket to pop off. While peanut butter candy is alright with braces, avoid anything with whole nuts to prevent damaging your braces, including:

   • Baby Ruth bars
   • Almond Joys
   • Peanut M&M’s
   • Snickers
   • Hershey’s bars with Almonds

3. Caramel Apples and Candy Apples

   Biting into a whole apple by itself with braces is a no-no. Add a sticky caramel or candy coating and it’s even riskier for your braces. Biting into caramel or candy apples can easily pull brackets right off your teeth and bend wires. If you’re really craving caramel apples, cut an apple into slices and serve with a soft caramel dipping sauce instead!

4. Pretzels and Popcorn

   Pretzels and popcorn are popular snacks, but they pose just as much danger to your braces as nuts and other really hard food. Both can snap wires or pop brackets off of teeth, and popcorn loves to get stuck between wires and brackets!

5. Hard Candy Is Okay – Just Don’t Bite Down or Chew Them!

   Hard candy like lollipops, hard caramels, butterscotch, and Jolly Ranchers are okay to eat with braces. However, there are two main things to keep in mind about hard candy:

   • Most hard candy is almost 100% sugar, so they’re not good for your teeth
   • Biting down into or trying to chew hard candy is a surefire way to damage your braces

Having braces doesn’t mean you have to put Halloween on hold. As long as you follow these tips about what treats are safe for braces, there’s nothing to be afraid of (unless you stay up all night watching scary movies!) At Elko Dental Specialists, our orthodontic experts have teamed up with pediatric dentists, oral surgeons, endodontists, prosthodontists, and periodontists to create a dental super-team living under one roof. We’re fully staffed and equipped to provide for all of your family’s oral care needs, and having all of our specialists in one location means you won’t have to drive all over Northern Nevada for treatment. To see how we can serve you and your family, give us a call at (775) 753-6118 or get in touch with us online today.

The post Halloween Smile Health – Eating the Healthy Treats appeared first on Elko Dental Specialists.

Good news! As long as you protect your mouth and braces, your child can keep playing sports with no worries. In fact, some all-time great athletes like Brett Favre, Dwight Howard, and Venus & Serena Williams all had braces. No matter what sport your child plays, the number one rule of playing sports with braces is simple: wear an orthodontic mouthguard to keep your mouth and braces safe.

Protect Your Braces with Orthodontic Mouthguards

1. Orthodontic Mouthguards Are Designed Specifically for Braces

   Regular mouthguards aren’t a good choice for people with braces. During orthodontic treatment, teeth and bones shift, which causes regular mouthguards to not fit properly after a few days. This makes “boil and bite” mouthguards an especially bad choice for people with braces because their shape can’t change after you first use them. As your bite pattern changes, the mouthguard won’t be able to adjust, which can cause bleeding gums, mouth soreness, and a lack of proper protection from impacts.

   Orthodontic mouthguards are the best choice for athletes with braces because they’re made especially for braces. They are slightly bigger than regular mouthguards so that there’s extra room for your braces, and they’re made from 100% medical-grade silicone, so there’s soft and durable. This makes them slightly more “cushiony” than other mouthguards, which can help soften an impact.

   Even though they’re slightly bulkier than regular mouthguards, many people say that their orthodontic mouthguards are more comfortable than regular ones! Some brands are even designed to adjust to the movement of your teeth during orthodontic treatment so that you don’t have to purchase new mouthguards as your bite pattern shifts during the course of your orthodontic treatment.

2. They Can Prevent Common Mouth Injuries from Sports

   Most sports that use a ball of some sort, contact sports, or martial arts carry the risk of injury. Wearing any type of mouthguard can prevent mouth injuries from getting hit in the face by a ball or another player, but orthodontic mouthguards offer extra protection for players with braces. Common mouth injuries from sports include:

   • Cut lips, cheeks, or tongue
   • Chipped or broken teeth
   • Loosened or Knocked-out teeth
   • Teeth pushed into the gums
   • Damaged or broken braces

3. What to Do in Case of a Mouth Injury or Emergency

   Even when wearing an orthodontic mouthguard, accidents and injuries can happen. If you do get injured, examine the injured area carefully. Mouth injuries often have a lot of blood, so make sure to rinse and clean up as best as possible. If the bleeding doesn’t stop or if you’re in a lot of pain, go to the emergency room.

   If your braces have been damaged, make sure to give us a call ASAP. We may need to schedule an emergency appointment to fix your braces and look for anything else that may need repairs. If you’ve had a tooth knocked loose or broken, you may need to see one of our oral surgeons for treatment.

Protecting your braces while playing sports is important, but making sure that you’re receiving the best orthodontic treatment possible will set you up for the big win. At Elko Dental Specialists, our orthodontic experts have teamed up with pediatric dentists, oral surgeons, endodontists, prosthodontists, and periodontists to create a dental super-team living under one roof. We’re fully staffed and equipped to provide for all of your family’s oral care needs, and having all of our specialists in one location means you won’t have to drive all over Northern Nevada for treatment. To see how we can serve you and your family, give us a call at (775) 753-6118; or get in touch with us online today.

The post Protecting Your Smile and Braces Playing Sports appeared first on Elko Dental Specialists.

For some people, wisdom teeth can be very painful and can cause other oral problems if left unchecked. At Elko Dental Specialists in Elko, Nevada, our awesome team of oral surgeons works together to make sure each patient receives the best treatments possible; our goal is to make the whole process of pulling wisdom teeth seem less like… well, less like pulling teeth. 

If you think that you or your child may need wisdom teeth extraction, here’s what you should know:

Why Wisdom Teeth Are Removed

Wisdom teeth (aka third molars) are the last permanent teeth to appear in the mouth. They usually grow between the ages of 17 and 25, although some people never develop wisdom teeth. 

Some people don’t have any problems when their wisdom teeth grow in, but many people develop impacted wisdom teeth (teeth that don’t have room to develop or grow in normally). Impacted wisdom teeth can grow in at an angle towards teeth, can grow sideways, or stay stuck inside the jawbone. This can cause several issues, including:

• Pain
• Infections
• Cavities
• Gum disease
• Development of cysts around the wisdom tooth
• Damage to a nearby tooth or the surrounding bone
• Complications with orthodontic treatments

Many people used to think that they needed their wisdom teeth extracted as a preventative measure. Today, many dentists feel that if wisdom teeth grow correctly and they don’t cause pain, infection, or other symptoms, removal may not be necessary. Schedule an appointment with our oral surgeons at Elko Dental Specialists to determine what’s best for you or your child.

The Day of Surgery

Wisdom teeth extraction is a relatively simple procedure. At Elko Dental Specialists, we perform our extractions right here in our state-of-the-art office. During the procedure, you may receive local anesthesia to numb your mouth, and/or general anesthesia to fall asleep. Local anesthesia is delivered through shots to a small, specific (local) part of the body. General anesthesia is usually delivered through a gas (with a mask) or medication (through an IV). The surgeon may have to cut your gums or bone to remove the wisdom teeth. If they do, they will stitch the wounds shut (the stitches will usually dissolve after a few days) and use gauze pads to stop the bleeding. The whole procedure usually takes about 45 minutes or less, depending on how many wisdom teeth will be removed.

After Surgery

Once the surgery is complete, it’s important that you get home safely. If you only received local anesthesia, you should be good to drive yourself, as it doesn’t make you feel sleepy or drowsy. If general anesthesia was used, you will need someone to drive you home. You may be prescribed pain medication to help with any soreness or discomfort; follow any instructions about taking medication carefully. Generally, we recommended scheduling the first few days off from work or school while you recover.

You may experience slight bleeding for the first 24 hours; gently biting down on clean gauze pads periodically will soak up any blood. If you still experience bleeding after the first 24 hours, give our office a call at (775) 753-6118. Most people have swelling and discomfort for the first few days, and it may take a week or so to feel better. The surgical wounds can take a few months to heal completely, so make sure to take good care of your oral hygiene and keep the wounds clean.

Encouraging Speedy Recovery After Removal

While recovery can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, there are plenty of things you can do to help speed things up. This includes:

• Using an ice pack on your face to help with swelling
• Using moist heat (a rag soaked in warm water, for example) for a sore jaw
• Gently opening and closing your mouth periodically to exercise your jaw muscles
• Eating soft or liquid foods like pasta, rice, soup, or yogurt (avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods until you heal completely)
• Carefully brushing your teeth and gently rinsing so that you don’t aggravate your surgical wounds
• Doing salt gargles or rinses to help with soreness or inflammation (just be gentle)
• Avoiding straws when drinking. The suction may loosen blood clots that help your mouth heal.
• Avoiding smoking, which slows the healing process and can cause infections in your surgical wounds

At Elko Dental Specialists, we pride ourselves on offering virtually every dental specialty under one roof. Our team of orthodontists, pediatric dentists, endodontists, oral surgeons, periodontists, and prosthodontists all collaborate to offer the best possible care for our patients, and create a one-stop-shop for all your dental and orthodontic needs. To see why so many people all over Elko, Ely, Eureka, and northern Nevada trust us with their smiles, give us a call at (775) 753-6118 today or schedule a free initial consultation.

The post Wisdom Teeth Extraction: What to Expect appeared first on Elko Dental Specialists.

Life with braces can take some getting used to, but here are some tips that can help you make the transition easier for your child:

5 Tips to Help Your Child Adjust to Braces

1. Support a Good Dental Cleaning Routine

   Brushing and flossing every day is important to keep your mouth healthy, but it’s even more important when you have braces. Because braces create so many more areas for food to get stuck in, taking extra care while cleaning is essential to keeping your teeth and braces clean and preventing cavities and gum disease. Experts recommend brushing and flossing after every meal if you have braces. An interproximal brush is great for getting food stuck between brackets and wires, while using floss threaders or floss picks will make flossing much easier. Rinsing thoroughly with mouthwash afterward will make sure that you kill any germs in those hard-to-reach spots.

2. Make Sure They Can Keep Their Braces Clean on the Go

   Whether they are at school, a friend’s house, or anywhere else outside the home, making sure that your child can clean and maintain their braces will go a long way to helping their treatment process. An on the go braces care kit is a great way to make sure they can take care of their braces no matter where they are. A quick search online can find complete kits to buy, but even if you wish to put a kit together yourself, make sure that it includes:

   • A travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste
   • An interproximal brush
   • Floss threaders and/or floss picks
   • Extra rubber bands
   • Orthodontic wax
   • A small dental mirror

3. Fill the Fridge with Healthy, Braces-Friendly Food

   Many people think that when they get braces they may have to give up a lot of different foods. Luckily, as long as you follow a few simple rules, you can continue eating most of your favorite foods. Hard or crunchy foods (like popcorn, nuts, or hard bread) can easily pop off or break a bracket, while sticky foods (gum, taffy, jelly beans, etc.) love to get stuck in wires and brackets (and can be a pain to remove!). Instead, try to provide braces-friendly foods, including:

   • Liquid foods like smoothies, soup, and yogurt
   • Soft fruit (or hard fruit cut into bite-sized pieces)
   • Cooked/steamed vegetables
   • Burgers and fries
   • Just about anything you eat with a fork

4. Help Remedy Pain or Discomfort

   It’s totally normal to feel uncomfortable at times when wearing braces, especially after first getting your braces put on or adjusted. There are several ways you can help your child alleviate soreness or pain, including:

   • Orthodontic wax will help with any wires or brackets that are poking or rubbing the inside of your mouth. Simply rub a small piece of wax between your fingers to soften it up and stick it onto whatever part of your braces is bothering you.
   • Ice packs and cold food/drinks can relieve soreness
   • Rinsing/gargling with salt water can help heal any sores or cuts in your mouth caused by your braces
   • Over-the-counter pain relief products can help (but try to use other methods first!)

5. Keep the Eye on the Prize

   A year or two with braces may seem like a long time to your child, but that time is nothing compared to a smile that can last forever. Not only will braces give your child a better smile, but braces also work to correct bite issues (overbite, underbite, etc.), jaw misalignment, or speech difficulties they may have. Your child will also have less risk of cavities and gum disease because straight teeth are easier to clean effectively. Focusing on the many benefits of braces, and how much better their smile will look when all is said and done, can help your child if they are feeling nervous or self-conscious about their braces.

Getting braces is an important milestone in anyone’s life. Taking charge of your dental health is something to be proud of, and our team at Elko Dental Specialists are here to ensure that your child’s orthodontic treatment goes as smoothly as possible. With the combined expertise of our pediatric dentists, orthodontists, and oral surgeons, we make it easy to get the best care available, and we pride ourselves on treating our patients (and their families) as part of our family. To see what sets us apart, call us today at (775) 753-6118 or schedule a free initial consultation.

The post Parenting Tips for Children with Braces appeared first on Elko Dental Specialists.

1. Not Brushing Long Enough

   Perhaps the most common mistake people make is not brushing long enough. The ADA recommends brushing your teeth for 2 minutes, but in truth, the average person only brushes their teeth for about 45 seconds! This is most likely caused by trying to keep track of time in their head; it’s very easy to count too fast or lose count. A good way to make sure you or your child are brushing for the full 2 minutes is to use the timer on your phone.

2. Using Incorrect Brushing Techniques

   Another common mistake people make is HOW they brush their teeth. The best way to brush is to make small circles with the toothbrush, not a side-to-side motion. This not only cleans the teeth more effectively but also can prevent damage to tooth enamel and the gumline. It’s also important to brush gently and to use a soft-bristle toothbrush, as these will also ensure that you don’t damage your teeth and gums.

3. Brushing Teeth at the Wrong Angle

   Brushing at the right angle also makes a big difference in how effective your brushing can be. Instead of pointing the toothbrush directly at your teeth, hold it at a 45-degree angle towards the gums while brushing. This angle will get slightly underneath the gumline while brushing, cleaning more effectively while being less rough on your gums. This is why you sometimes see toothbrushes with angled bristles.

4. Using Toothbrush for Too Long

   Another mistake that not only affects your dental health but also possibly your physical health is keeping a toothbrush for too long. The ADA recommends replacing your toothbrush or replaceable brush head every 3-4 months. If you have been sick, you should replace it right after you get over your illness. Cold germs and other bacteria can live on your toothbrush for days, even weeks, after you’ve been sick and can get you sick all over again!

5. Storing Your Toothbrush Incorrectly

   What’s probably the grossest mistake people can make when it comes to toothbrushes is storing their toothbrush out in the open in the bathroom. A 2012 study by Manchester University in the UK showed that more than 10 million bacteria can call your toothbrush home, and that possibly includes human fecal matter. In fact, about 60% of the toothbrushes examined in the study contained trace amounts of feces. It is suggested that this is caused by flushing the toilet with the lid open, which can spray toilet water particles into the air. We recommend rinsing and air drying your toothbrush before storing it in a medicine cabinet or a drawer. Try not to use a toothbrush cover, which can trap moisture in the bristles and encourage bacteria to multiply.

6. Brushing Too Often

   Some people may think that if they want cleaner teeth, then brushing more often is the way to go. Makes sense, right? Actually, the general consensus among dentists is to brush teeth twice a day, as brushing too often can actually damage tooth enamel and the gumline.

7. Don’t Rinse Your Mouth with Water after Brushing Teeth

   After they are done brushing many people rinse their mouths out with water. This is usually to get rid of that toothpaste aftertaste, but this actually keeps the toothpaste from really working its magic. Rinsing with water after brushing dilutes the fluoride in your mouth from the toothpaste, causing it to not work as effectively. Instead of rinsing with water, use mouthwash instead. Just don’t rinse with water after using mouthwash, either!

8. Not Cleaning Your Tongue

   Another simple mistake people make while brushing their teeth is not cleaning their tongue. The human tongue is covered in bumps (known as papillae) that bacteria can hide between. This bacteria creates a nasty biofilm on the tongue not only causes bad breath but can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. The best way to clean your tongue is with a tongue scraper, but some toothbrushes have a tongue scraper part on the back of the toothbrush head.

9. Falling into a Routine

   It’s hard not to fall into a routine going through our day-to-day activities. Your brushing habits shouldn’t become one. When we fall into a routine, it’s like running on auto-pilot, and that can cause us to not clean as well or miss areas. A good way to avoid this is to change things up by starting in a different spot and to follow an irregular pattern (still make sure to brush correctly and not miss any areas.)

At Elko Dental Specialists, we know exactly what your teeth need to look their best. The combined expertise of our pediatric dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, periodontists, prosthodontists, and endodontists means that Elko Dental Specialists is a one-stop clinic for all of your dental needs, from baby’s first tooth through a whole lifetime of smiles. To see just how great your smile can look, call us today at (775) 753-6118 or schedule an appointment online for a free initial consultation.

The post 9 Common Tooth Brushing Mistakes to Avoid appeared first on Elko Dental Specialists.

Here are some signs that indicate when you should schedule an appointment with the dentist:

1. Bleeding After Brushing or Flossing

   – Having Bloody gums from brushing or flossing isn’t normal. Bleeding gums can be the first sign of gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to bone loss around the teeth, and eventually, tooth loss. Following proper dental hygiene is essential for preventing gum disease.

2. Swollen, Sore, Inflamed, or Receding Gums

   – Swollen, sore, inflamed, or receding gums can also be indicators of gum disease. These will also increase the risk of decay, infection, pain, and possible tooth loss. Luckily, the process can be stopped or even reversed with proper periodontal treatment.

3. White Spots on Teeth or Gums

   – White spots or stains on your teeth are one of the first signs of tooth decay, and white spots on gums are a sign of some kind of infection. These often appear as small “pimples” on your gums. IT’S IMPORTANT NOT TO POP OR PICK AT THESE SPOTS! See your dentist right away for treatment.

4. Tooth Pain or Swelling

   – Toothaches can make you feel miserable, and trying to wait one out is no fun. Toothaches can have several causes, and will only get worse if left untreated. Swelling around the area that hurts, or in your cheeks, is often a sign of infection in the root. To treat this, you may be prescribed antibiotics or undergo endodontic treatment.

5. Mouth Injuries

   – Any serious mouth injuries should be treated immediately, especially if you have braces or other orthodontic appliances. If necessary, seek medical attention first, and then see your dentist. Damage to the teeth can extend to the root, so it’s important for your dentist to do a thorough inspection.

6. Jaw Pain and/or Headaches (Grinding Teeth)

   – Studies have suggested that around 10% of adults suffer from nocturnal tooth grinding (aka sleep bruxism), and more than 1/3 of parents report symptoms of grinding teeth in their children. Many people don’t even know they are grinding their teeth at night until their partner tells them! If you frequently wake up with headaches, a sore jaw, or earaches, you should speak with your dentist about what they can do for you.

7. Hot and Cold Sensitivity

   – While some patients naturally have more sensitive teeth than others, extreme sensitivity or a sudden change could indicate an issue. If your teeth feel unusually or extremely sensitive to hot or cold food and drink, schedule a dentist visit. Typically, tooth sensitivity is treated with a sensitivity toothpaste, but in certain cases the dentist may prescribe other treatments.

8. Dry Mouth

   – A healthy mouth is well-hydrated with saliva, preventing tooth decay by neutralizing acids produced by bacteria, and washing away food particles while you eat. Dry mouth can be caused by illness, a side effect from medication, aging, or tobacco and alcohol use. If left untreated, dry mouth can lead to other problems, such as a higher risk of gum disease and tooth decay. If you are feeling unusual or chronic dry mouth, talk to your dentist about treatment options.

9. Loose or Shifting Teeth

   – Once your adult teeth have grown in, they are generally set for life. If you notice slight movement in your teeth, a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite, or perhaps a gap that is starting to get wider, these could be signs of infection or bone loss. Meet with your dentist quickly so that these problems can be checked and addressed.

If you feel that you need to see a dentist for any of the above reasons, or are looking for a dental practice to set up for your twice-a-year appointments, then consider what Elko Dental Specialists can do for you. With specialists in pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, prosthodontics, and endodontics, we pride ourselves on being your one-clinic solution for all of your family’s oral health needs. Elko Dental Specialists serves patients from all over Elko, Ely, Eureka, and Northern Nevada, and we would love to serve you and your family. 

Give us a call at (775) 753-6118 today or schedule an appointment online.

The post 9 Indications That You Should See A Dentist appeared first on Elko Dental Specialists.

Here’s what you can do to make sure your teeth, mouth, and gums stay healthy:

• 1) Wash Your Hands!

  Before brushing your teeth, flossing, or performing any other personal dental care, you should wash your hands thoroughly with soap for at least 20 seconds. No one wants to put dirty fingers in their mouth!

• 2) Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

  In order to keep your dental health in top shape, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day, but it is preferable to brush after every meal. Also, make sure to floss daily so that there are no food particles stuck between your teeth. Using mouthwash will kill bacteria in your mouth and keep your breath nice and fresh.

• 3) Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly

  When was the last time you replaced your toothbrush? Dentists recommend that you should replace it every 2-3 months. An old toothbrush is less effective at cleaning, which increases the risk of tooth decay. If you ever get sick or catch a cold, make sure to replace it right after you get better! If you keep your toothbrush near others, then you should replace them all at the same time so that other people don’t get sick.

• 4) Eat a Healthy Diet

  We understand that many people may turn to comfort food and frequent snacking during these stressful times, but having a well-balanced diet will make dental care easier. Try to incorporate all five major food groups into your meals, and avoid having too many sugary food and drinks. A healthy diet should include:

  • whole grains
  • fruits
  • vegetables
  • lean sources of protein such as lean beef, poultry, and fish
  • low-fat or fat-free dairy

• 5) Stay Hydrated

  Drinking enough water every day has a significant effect on your overall health and wellbeing. Staying hydrated prevents dry mouth, which not only causes bad breath but can also promote cavities. Proper hydration also promotes good cardiovascular health, helps your muscles and joints work better, and helps your kidneys function properly. It is generally recommended that you drink around 2 liters of water a day, which is about 8 8oz glasses.

• 6) Take Care of Your Mental Well-Being

  Even though this is not dental-related, we understand how important it is to take care of your mental well-being during these difficult times. With many people staying at home all day for an indeterminable amount of time, it is understandable to feel cooped up, stressed out, and anxious. Here are some helpful tips to cope with these drastic changes:

  • Maintain a regular schedule with consistent sleep, meal times, work or study time, and time to relax. This scheduling can help you feel more in control of your day-to-day life.
  • Keep yourself busy with activities or hobbies. Doing things that you enjoy is an excellent way to pass time, but try to avoid sitting on the couch watching TV all day. Exercising, drawing, reading, or playing games with your family are all great choices for keeping your body and mind active, and managing stress and anxiety.
  • Setting daily goals and priorities around the house will help keep you motivated and feel accomplished when completing them. Keep your goals reasonable, and plan out the steps you can take to reach them.
  • If you feel stressed out, anxious, or overwhelmed, reach out to someone. Ask for help when you need it, and be upfront about how you’re doing. Talking to family or friends is a good start, but if you recognize that these symptoms are worsening, seek professional help or guidance.

While appointments in our offices at Elko Dental Specialists are temporarily limited to orthodontics and pediatric dental care, we’re also available for virtual consultations and If you have any questions or concerns about your dental health give us a call at (775) 753-6118.

 We apologize for the inconvenience but are thankful for your understanding that the safety and health patients and our team is our top priority.

The post 6 Dental Care Tips During COVID-19 appeared first on Elko Dental Specialists.

Minor Orthodontic Problems

• Pokey Wires, Ties, or Brackets

  If the end of a wire, tie, or bracket is poking or rubbing the inside of your mouth, an easy fix is to apply orthodontic wax over the piece that is causing discomfort. If a wire has moved and is starting to poke inside your mouth, you may be able to use a sterilized pair of tweezers, a Q-tip, or even a clean pencil eraser to gently move the wire into a more comfortable position. The last resort would be to try and clip the end of the wire with a pair of sterilized nail clippers, but we recommend that you call us before you try this.

• Loose or Broken Wires/Brackets

  If a wire, band, or bracket comes loose or breaks off entirely, the only solution is to schedule an emergency appointment so we can repair or replace the piece. If it is still attached to your braces, leave it in place and try not to touch it or move it around before your appointment. If the piece falls out, make sure to save it and bring it with you to the appointment.

Major Dental Emergencies

• An Injury or Trauma to the Mouth, Teeth, or Face

  If you injure your mouth, teeth, or face, you should see a doctor or dentist immediately. You may need an X-ray to determine how severe your injury is, and having orthodontic appliances may compound your injuries. A common occurrence is being hit in the mouth by a ball or something similar while playing sports, which is why it is important to always wear a mouthguard!

• Swollen or Infected Gums or Teeth

  It is possible for teeth or gums to become infected during treatment. This may be related to your orthodontic appliances, but can have other causes such as allergies or bacterial infection. If you experience pain or swelling around a tooth that gets progressively worse, seek professional care ASAP. 

• Severe Pain in the Mouth, Teeth, or Face

  There could be several causes of this, such as an infection or injury. If you have severe pain that won’t go away, don’t wait! Get checked out as soon as possible to address your pain for the proper treatment.

What Should I Do In An Emergency?

Most problems you may run into during dental treatment will be minor, and most of the time can be handled over the phone. If you are experiencing a major orthodontic or dental emergency, DON’T WAIT call us immediately at (775) 753-6118.

We’ll schedule an emergency appointment ASAP. If you have suffered a severe injury that needs immediate attention, head straight to the emergency room. After you have been cared for, call us to explain the situation and we will make sure to get you in for an appointment. No matter what type of problem you may have, we are here to help you resolve it.

Whether you are dealing with a minor problem or a major orthodontic emergency, the first step is to give Elko Orthodontic Specialists a call at (775) 753-6118. Our team is eager to show you why so many patients in the Northern Nevada area trust our expertise to take good care of their smiles.  Give us a call or use our online form to schedule a free initial consultation today.

The post Orthodontic and Dental Emergency Care appeared first on Elko Dental Specialists.