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Brosy Family Life - Dental Hygienists

October is National Dental Hygiene Month! Our three dental hygienists have spent a combined total of more than 55 years with us, which translates to an unmatched depth of one-on-one patient care, continuing education and first-hand knowledge of the latest dental procedures. They’re also all proud northern Nevada natives, having attended Reno-area high schools and staying in the area to help their friends and neighbors achieve excellent dental health. Let's see what Jill, Sheri', and Wendy have been up to!

- Jill -

Jill enjoyed a summer filled with pool days, lake days, camping, boating, margaritas, and BBQ's! Jill and her husband Ryan are always on the go between work, school, sports, and family time. Their son Leverett (12) recently started horseback riding/rodeo. Their daughter Chesney (11) is playing on a competitive soccer team, and their son JJ (5) just started kindergarten. Jill and her family love to hop in their motorhome and head out for weekend adventures! It's always a party with the Simpson family!

- Sheri'-

Sheri' and her husband Ricky are in their 3rd year of home remodeling and renovations! They squeeze in house projects (currently rebuilding a gutted master bath) between days at Donner Lake, baseball games, neighborhood get-togethers, and all of the kid's activities. Sheri' loves volunteering at her kids' school and she tries to never miss a fieldtrip. Their daughter Caleigh (8) is an English horseback rider, their son Hudson (6) is getting ready for fall basketball, and their son Lincoln (4) loves ninja class. Their St. Bernard Bruce keeps an eye on everyone and loves a good squirrel chase, but their cat Marv still rules the roost! Never a dull moment with the Wesleys!

- Wendy -

Wendy is looking forward to a week in Hawaii with her whole family in October! A nice getaway will hit the spot since she and her husband Greg are always running between volleyball and softball tournaments with their girls! Ellie (17) is a senior at Spanish Springs High School and plays varsity volleyball. They have traveled to check out colleges and Ellie is almost ready to choose one! Sharlee (14) is a freshman and plays volleyball for SSHS. She also plays for a travel softball team. Lots of weekends spent trekking over the hill! Good thing Wendy and her sister Jill work together and live right around the corner from one another so they can help each other out with kid shuffling!

Brosy News / Dental - 10/24/2019
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Prevention Corner: Dental Sealants

Excellent oral hygiene is a very important part of preventing tooth decay. Even the best brushing and flossing routine can't reach all of the tiny nooks and crannies in teeth. First permanent molars start coming in around the age of 6. Those same teeth are supposed to withstand decades of continuous use! Once a tooth erupts into the mouth, it continues to mineralize and harden. On average, a tooth takes around 2 years to reach optimal hardness.

Dental sealants are an easy and effective way to prevent cavities in the grooves and pits of teeth. This is extremely beneficial as teeth complete the mineralization process. According to the American Dental Association, 80-90% of cavities that occur on the occlusal (chewing) surface can be prevented by the placement and maintenance of pit and fissure sealants.

What is a sealant?

Dental sealants are made of a tooth colored, thin resin material that easily flows into the pits and grooves of teeth. Once hardened, the material acts as a shield by blocking out food and bacteria. This creates a more even surface to clean and prevents bacteria from settling into thin crevices that may be too tight for toothbrush bristles to fit in.

Sealants can be placed at any age. Molars are the most commonly sealed teeth because they have the deepest grooves and the highest decay rates. Sealants are most beneficial when placed within the first 6 months after a tooth is fully erupted. Sealants should maintained through childhood and adolescence. Adults with moderate-high decay rates, special needs or medical conditions/situations such as chemotherapy or radiation treatment also benefit from dental sealants.

How are sealants placed?

A tooth must be examined to insure that it is cavity-free. If decay is present, additional treatment is needed. Once the tooth is determined to be cavity-free, it is cleaned to remove plaque and food particles. Next, the tooth is isolated with cotton to keep the area dry. An acidic etchant solution is carefully applied to the tooth. The tooth is rinsed and thoroughly dried before placing the sealant material on the tooth. The sealant material flows into the crevices and special care is taken to insure that all grooves are covered. An LED dental curing light is used to set and harden the sealant material. Once hardened (about 10 seconds of light exposure), the sealant process is complete. The process is painless and typically quick and easy!

Sealant care and maintenance

Eating and drinking can resume immediately after sealant placement. Ice chewing, eating sticky/chewing candy, and clenching/grinding teeth can all cause excessive wear to sealants. Even everyday chewing can cause normal wear and tear that will need attention as years pass. Your dental hygienist and dentist will examine the condition of your sealants at your regular cleaning appointments. Sealants should be "touched-up" as they wear over time.

While sealants greatly decrease decay rates on chewing surfaces, they cannot be placed on the smooth surfaces between teeth. Sealant material relies heavily on mechanical retention to remain in place. The material cannot stay in place without a groove to settle in. Excellent oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and regular dental care must still be practiced to protect teeth from decay.

Dental / Preventive Procedures - 10/15/2019
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Floss Like a Boss

Flossing! So simple, yet so difficult for many people to stick to! Most people won't skip a toothbrushing session, even when they are pushed for time. Flossing takes less than 60 seconds (unless you are navigating the treacherous flossing territory of braces), yet it is often thrown to the wayside. Don't dread it, don't skip it, just take a few simple steps to switch up your routine and you'll be flossing like a boss in no time!

  • Find a floss that you actually like! Hands down, the most common flossing frustrations we hear about are issues with floss tearing, shredding, or not fitting in the spaces between teeth. Standard waxed, round string floss can be fantastic, but it isn't always the best fit (pun definitely intended). Floss comes in several different shapes and sizes. Floss string can be made of nylon (most common), silk, or plastic. It can be rounded, braided, or flat like a ribbon. Floss can be unwaxed, waxed, and/or coated in Teflon, essential oils, or fluoride. SO many options!
    • Most shredding, tearing, and tightness issues can be fixed by switching to a flat ribbon nylon floss. Many ribbon flosses are also Teflon coated which will allow for the strongest, smoothest option. Crest (Glide) and Colgate both make popular ribbon floss.
    • Thicker floss, such as dental tape or braided options, will often be the most effective around implants and bridges that have significant space around them. These flosses are also helpful when larger gaps between teeth are present. Johnson and Johnson (Reach) and Oral B Superfloss are both options for larger spaces.
    • If you are looking for a natural/chemical free version but still want soemthing that is easy to use, give the Spry or Hello products a try. Both use natural ingredients and offer options with xylitol coatings to prevent cavities.
    • Don't shy away from using more than one type of floss. Sometimes a combo is the best plan.
  • Floss in the shower! Switching up when and where you floss can make a huge difference. If you wait until right before you go to bed, you are much more likely to skip it. Research shows that flossing at least once every 24 hours is key. The time of day or sequence in which you floss/brush doesn't matter as much. Move your oral hygiene routine to the shower and watch your floss boss skills come alive!
  • Bring on the tools and gadgets! Some people are motivated by a new gadget and some people just need a little help getting to the hard to reach areas. Floss holders or floss sticks can make flossing so much easier for people with dexterity issues, large hands, or just a simple lack of motivation. Even disposable floss sticks can be rinsed off and reused (just like a toothbrush) several times before they break. Using floss threaders or Superfloss (floss with a threader already attached) is necessary around almost all bridges and braces. Reusing gadgets will be easier on your pocketbook and the environment.

The floss aisle can be overwhelming! Sometimes you need more than one type to fit all of your needs. Don't fret! Your dentist and dental hygienist will gladly help you navigate options before you go. Once you have chatted about options, there is only one way to find your perfect match. Yep, you've guessed it! Get crazy...hit up the floss aisle, binge watch something amazing on Netflix, eat all of the movie snacks, and go to town! See what feels good, what doesn't work, and what you definitely can't live without. Floss Boss status achieved.

Dental / Preventive Procedures - 10/07/2019
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Fun Animal Tooth Facts #nowyouknow

Snails

Snails have thousands of teeth! Thousands! They have around 120 rows of 100 teeth! Most species have between 12,000-20,000 total! They may be tiny, but these little chompers top the charts when it comes to nature's strongest materials! Your happy, little garden plants don't stand a chance! Read more here:

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/spider-silk-loses-top-spot-natures-strongest-material-snails-teeth-180954346/

Giraffes

Giraffes have 32 teeth, the same number as humans! But...they only have bottom teeth! Giraffes have a thick, dense tissue layer called a "dental pad" in place of top teeth. They eat around 70 pounds of food each day so those bottom teeth sure get a workout!

The Megalodon

The megalodon aka "Big Tooth" is an extinct species of shark that lived millions of years ago. Thought to be related to today's great white shark, only SO much bigger! The average megalodon skeleton reaches 60 feet in length and the average tooth is 6-7" long! These fossil teeth are so strong and sharp that they can cut through protective gloves like a razor blade and must be handled to the utmost of care. Watch this:

https://go.discovery.com/tv-shows/shark-week/videos/giant-megalodon-tooth

Hippos

Hippos have 36 teeth, which are anything but straight! They have the longest canine teeth in nature. These crazy, long tusks measure around 3 feet long! Hippos mostly use their sword-like canines for fighting and protection. They can easily bite through metal and they have been known to sink fishing boats with their size and strength! Check this out:

https://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/scary-speedboat-chase-hippo-lunges-water-28235343

Crocodile

Crocodiles can have almost 60 teeth at a time! The craziest thing is that a crocodile can have over 2000 teeth during it's lifetime! These prehistoric giants lose their teeth regularly just like sharks. These big ol' teeth aren't just for eating! Female crocs gently carry their babies in their mouths. The mama's teeth keep the little ones protected and secure. Who needs a playpen anyway!?! Watch this:

https://binged.it/2ZEJdp7

Rodents

A little long in the tooth, eh? Mice, squirrels, and other rodents have teeth that never stop growing! They chew on bark and fibrous foods to wear them down. Pet rodents sometimes need to have their teeth filed if they aren't able to keep up with it on their own.

Brosy News / Dental - 08/31/2019
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Halitosis: Don't Let Your Breath Speak Louder Than Your Words

Bad breath! We've all been there and it's not somewhere any of us ever want to be! Morning time, onions, garlic, and even the popular Keto diet are all common culprits of stinky breath, but sometimes there is more to it! Let us explore...

  • Morning Breath: Hours of sleep may be fantastic for your health, but all of that time without eating, drinking, and brushing can leave your mouth dry, stagnant, and sometimes pungent!
  • Offensive foods! Garlic, onion, and coffee all contain compounds that can leave your breath kickin'!
  • Illnesses and infections such as gum disease, active dental decay, sinus infections and GERD can all lead to bad breath. An interestingly odd tidbit: Each one of those has a distinctly different odor and that can often be distinguished by dental professionals...#weirdjobexperinceskills
  • High fat and protein/low carb diets can lead to a condition called ketosis. While in the state of ketosis, your body is breaking down fat (rather than carbohydrates) for energy. Excess ketones are released as you breathe, which leads to a type of halitosis known as "keto breath".
  • Tobacco products, for obvious reasons cause bad breath. Bad breath is the least of the concerns that come along with tobacco products and can be avoiding by not using them.

What to do about the dreaded halitosis:

  • Thoroughly clean your teeth, gums AND tongue throughout the day and before bed. Brushing and flossing your teeth removes bacteria and food particles from the day. If you leave your tongue out of your brushing routine, you are missing up to half of that bacteria that can lead to bad breath! Brushing your tongue with your toothbrush works well! You can also use a tongue scraper. When bacteria and food particles are left undisturbed, the bacteria breakdown the food and release gas in the process...stinky!
  • Hydrate! Saliva has many functions! Saliva is made up of mostly water. When you are properly hydrated, it keeps your oral tissues healthy and happy. The more hydrated you are, the easier it is for your body to keep your mouth moisturized.
  • Use a dry mouth product! Biotene makes a great mouth gel along with several other products that can coat your mouth and keep it hydrated through the day/night.
  • Stay on top of your professional dental care! Don't skip appointments with your dental hygienist or dentist. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
  • Not much can be done to prevent keto breath while on a low carb diet. Gum, mints, and mouthwashes can help treat the odor and make it less noticeable!
  • Chew sugar free gum, preferably one sweetened with xylitol! Keep your saliva flowing and help combat those sneaky sugar bugs with the power of xylitol!

If you have tried all of these suggestions and you are still experiencing bad breath, don't just settle for dragon breath! Speak to your dental hygienist or dentist. There may be something for your particular situation.

Dental / Preventive Procedures - 08/31/2019
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Life with an Implant-Supported Denture

Denture life can be rocky (pun definitely intended), but there is an option that may help with the ups and downs!

A regular denture sits on top of the gums and does not attach to any type of support structure. The lack of support can cause rocking or slipping when you eat, cough, or simply take a deep breath! An implant-supported denture snaps onto dental implants that are permanently placed into the jaw. The implants act as anchors to stabilize and secure the denture. It can be snapped in and out for daily oral care.

There are two types of implant-supported dentures:

Bar-retained: A thin, horseshoe shaped metal bar is attached to at least two implants that have been placed into the jawbone. The denture fits over the bar and is clipped into place by metal attachments

Ball-retained: Each implant has it's own attachment to the denture. The attachments are ball or peg shaped and they fit into sockets on the denture.

In both types, the denture will be made of an acrylic base that will look like gum tissue. Porcelain or acrylic teeth are adhered to the base. The base has metal attachments that snap onto the implants.

The Process

Once you and your dentist decide that an implant-supported denture is the way to go, the first step is placing the implants. This step is often done by a dental specialist (periodontist or oral surgeon) and involves placing the implants in the jawbone. An incision is made in the gum and a hole is drilled in the bone. The implant is placed into the hole and the incision is stitched closed. This implant will typically need 3-6 months to fully integrate into the jawbone before the next steps can take place. During this time the incision heals over and oral care continues as usual.

After the initial healing period, your dentist will take an x-ray to determine if the implants have fully integrated into the jawbone. Next, a small incision will be made in the gums to expose the implants and place healing caps on top of the implant screws. These healing caps stay in place for 10-14 days and train the gum tissue to heal around the future abutments (the part that the denture will snap onto). The healing caps are then removed and the abutments are placed.

Now that the implants are all set, your dentist will take an impression of your gums/implants to make the denture. Most labs take around 2 weeks to build the denture. You will need to return to your dentist a few times to try-in and adjust the denture for an optimal fit.

Life with an Implant-Supported Denture

Game changer! You will likeky experience more stability and support now that you have implants supporting your dentures. We hope that this allows you to eat, drink, and be merry!

Implant-supported dentures should be removed daily to clean the denture, abutments, and gum area. Most dentures can be brushed just like natural teeth. Same goes for gum tissue, implant abutments, and your tongue. Just as with regular dentures, you should not sleep with the implant-supported dentures at night. Your gum tissue needs time to "breathe"! Dental implants can fail and become loose if they are not cleaned properly. You should remain on a regular cleaning schedule with your dental hygienist to maintain optimum oral health. Oral cancer screenings should still be done at least once a year.

If you are tired of the ups and downs of life with a traditional denture, talk to your dental care providers about the option of an implant-supported appliance! It may make your life a whole lot less...rocky.

*all photos are for example only - individual results always vary

    Dental / General Procedures - 08/01/2019
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    Skin Cancer Alert! Don't skip the lips!

    Picture it...a beautiful summer day, settling into your cozy beach chair, sinking your feet into the Tahoe sand. You've slathered spf 50 from your forehead to your toes, but wait! Did you skip your lips!?!

    Sunburnt lips are no laughing matter. Lips are often forgotten during our skin care and sun protection routines. We may remember to swipe a little lip balm or coconut oil on them when they feel dry, but how often do they get the sun protection that they deserve?

    According the National Cancer Institute, skin cancer is always one of the most common cancers in the US. The lips are often an overlooked site for two most common skin cancers, basal and squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma can also occur on the lips, but occurs less frequently. Fair-skinned men over the age of 50, those who use tobacco and alcohol, as well as those with moderate sun exposure have the highest risk of developing cancer of the lip. It can happen to anyone at any age, so it's important to take lip protection seriously.

    Signs and Symptoms

    • Dryness or cracking that doesn't heal within 2 weeks
    • Coloration changes - red, white, or dark patches
    • Changes in texture of skin
    • Soreness or bleeding
    • Loss of definitive lip margin
    • lumps, bumps, or ulceration

    Ways to Decrease Risk of Developing Skin Cancer/Lip Cancer

    • Do not use tobacco products (including vape)
    • Limit alcohol consumption and use of alcohol-containing oral care products such as certain mouthwashes and breath sprays
    • Wear a lip balm that contains an SPF (preferably one that doesn't contain retinoids/retinol or vitamin A since some studies show these additives can increase cancer risk)
    • Apply sunscreen to lips when applying it to face and neck. Reapply every hour or as needed.

    The five year survival rate for lip cancers caught in the earliest stages is close to 80%. Annual skin checks with your dermatologist and seeing your dental hygienist and dentist for regular head and neck exams is very important. If you notice changes in your tissue or have concerns, don't hesitate to get in for an exam sooner rather than later.

    Dental / Preventive Procedures - 08/01/2019
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    Brosy Family Life: Front Office Team

    Cindy - Scheduling Coordinator

    Cindy and her husband Jim will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary this November! They have 3 daughters Kristina, Mandy, and Cheryl, and 3 grandkids Miles (7), Raya (7), and Everette (5).  Cindy is on the go! She's always packing up her car for some kind of adventure. Whether it be luggage for a family vacation, fun finds for a house she is working on, garage sale treasures she just couldn't resist, or sand toys for a family day at the beach, her car is always full and ready to go!  "Packing light" isn't in her vocabulary! Check out the treasures she packed to take to Graeagle for a house she was working on! #masterpacker!

    CJ - Accounts Manager

    CJ's favorite things on her days off are gardening, cooking, and entertaining! All 3 of those things will be coming into play this Septmeber when her oldest son Jimmy gets married to Tiffany!

    In 2015, CJ and her husband Dave bought the house that she grew up in located in old southwest Reno! They will be hosting the rehearsal dinner for Jimmy and Tiffany in their backyard. They have done a ton of remodeling and re-landscaped the backyard in the summer of 2017. CJ feels her parents would be happy that they are there and so proud of what they have done. What a great adventure!

      Brosy News / Dental - 07/01/2019
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      Are Your Teeth Xylitol Strong?

      How strong are your teeth? Are you struggling with cavities or gum disease even though you feel like you are doing all of the right things? How about sensitivity? Well...have you tried xylitol?

      Xylitol is a natural, non-nutritive sweetener that comes from corncobs and birch trees. You can find rows of sugarless gum, toothpaste, mouthwash, and even sweet treats like ice cream and chocolate that contain xylitol as a sweetener or active ingredient. Xylitol is naturally sweeter than sugar, yet it doesn't contain many digestible calories.

      So what makes it so special? Xylitol can help protect your teeth from cavities and gum disease! It works by naturally preventing the bacteria in your mouth from breaking down sugars left from other foods. If the bacteria aren't able to breakdown sugar, they aren't able to produce the acid that causes tooth decay and gum disease. Harmful bacteria produce acid and thrive in the acidic environment. Xylitol also helps neutralize the pH in your mouth. A neutral pH helps protect teeth and gums by making it harder for the destructive little sugar bugs to thrive.

      To reap the dental benefits that xylitol has to offer, there are a few rules to follow!

      • Choose a gum that lists xylitol as one of the first ingredients. If other sweeteners are listed before it, there probably isn't enough of the good stuff to make a difference. Chew for at least 20 minutes after a meal.
      • Brush with a toothpaste that has xylitol. For maximum benefit, you can brush for 2 minutes then spit the toothpaste out, but don't rinse your mouth out with water.
      • If you choose to add a xylitol-based mouthwash, make sure it is the last thing that you use before you go to bed at night. You want to give it time to sit on your teeth.
      • Next time you have a sweet tooth, choose a treat that is sweetened with xylitol instead of sugar! Less sugar is always a good thing! (Some people experience an upset stomach if they swallow/consume too much xylitol. Make sure to try one thing at a time).

      Next time you are shopping for oral care products, give xylitol a try! Orbit and Spry products are good go-tos! Your teeth and gums will thank you!

      Dental / Non-Invasive / Preventive Procedures - 06/16/2019
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      Dry Mouth: Nothing to Spit At

      Dry Mouth aka Xerostomia

      Xerostomia is a condition where the body doesn't produce enough saliva. Saliva is produced and secreted by three pairs of salivary glands located in your cheeks and under your tongue.

      Symptoms of Dry Mouth

      • Dryness or sticky feeling in your mouth
      • Bad breath
      • Difficulty speaking or swallowing
      • Difficulty chewing
      • Dry, groovy, and/or sore tongue
      • Change in taste perception
      • Hoarseness

      It's all About Spit?

      Saliva, aka spit, plays a very important role in your oral health. On average, a person produces around one liter of saliva per day! Saliva keeps oral tissues moist, which protects them from wear and tear (sometimes literally). Saliva helps flush harmful bacteria out from under gums and in between teeth. It provides a source of minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, which help rebuild weakened or sensitive areas of teeth. Last but certainly not least, saliva aids in digestion by starting to breakdown carbohydrates right on the spot! Next time you are enjoying a banana or piece of toast, send a little love to your salivary glands for working hard!

      What Causes Dry Mouth?

      • Medication - meds used to treat blood pressure, depression, allergies, pain, asthma, cancer, and hormonal imbalance are notorious for causing dry mouth.
      • Aging - as we age, salivary function tends to decrese
      • Dehydration - one of the most common causes of dry mouth. Your body cannot produce saliva without adequate fluid intake.
      • Stress - fight or flight response causes a decrease in production
      • Autoimmune Disease - xerostomia is often associated with many autoimmune diseases, especially Sjorgen's syndrome and Crohn's disease.
      • Tobacco, Alcohol, and Recreational Drug Use - all may increase symptoms of dry mouth.

      Complications of Dry Mouth

      • Increased tooth decay and gum disease
      • Bad breath
      • Tender gums, tongue, and throat
      • Cracking or splitting of oral tissues and lips
      • Poor nutrition from difficulty eating/digesting foods
      • Difficulty with dentures
      • Mouth sores and infections such as thrush

      Treatment for Dry Mouth

      • Increase water intake a frequency of drinking. Keeping water nearby and taking sips all day long can help.
      • Use over-the-counter mouth moisturizers such as Biotene. These products help coat and moisturize oral tissues all day/night for a more comfortable, safe oral status.
      • Chew sugar free gum, preferably sweetened with natural xylitol. Spry makes a great line of xylitol oral health products that can help decrease decay risk and increase moisture in your mouth.
      • Talk to your doctor about other medication options that may be less likely to cause xerostomia. Medications to increase salivary production may also be an option of you.
      • Moisturize your lips
      • Consider using additional oral care products that contain fluoride such as mouthwash or prescription strength paste to protect your teeth from decay.
      • Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol as they can have a diuretic effect.

      You don't have to suffer through xerostomia! If you are experiencing dry mouth, give us a call so we can help you navigate a plan that works best for you.

      Dental / Preventive Procedures - 05/30/2019

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