Benefits of dental sealants

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There is no replacement for taking proper care of your teeth. However, it can be difficult to get children to brush and floss as much as they should, which is why they are more susceptible to cavities. Since our adult teeth can come in as early as six years of age, it’s very important to take care of them, as we will have these teeth for the rest of our lives. Fortunately, there is an additional measure of protection parents can choose to put on their children’s teeth: dental sealants.

What is a dental sealant?

A dental sealant is simply an additional layer of protection that can be placed on children’s teeth. It’s made of a very common dental composite that is resin based, bis-GMA (bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate). This is often the same material used for cavity fillings. It bonds micro-mechanically to properly prepared teeth, providing a lasting hold that actually strengthens the teeth it’s attached to. The process is simple:

  1. Teeth are cleaned of all plaque and food deposits
  2. A tooth is dried
  3. Then etched – which creates tiny irregularities that make it easier for the resin to bond to it
  4. It is rinsed and dried again
  5. The sealant is applied
  6. A self-curing light is used for thirty seconds to harden the resin
  7. And the process is repeated until all teeth are finished

When should their teeth be sealed?

Once the final permanent tooth erupts. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says that using a sealant “has shown a reduction of cavities’ incidence [by] 86 percent after one year and 58 percent after four years.” So it’s important to have it done quickly after the child has all of their permanent teeth for maximum protection, typically around age six.

How long does it last?

If the child takes proper care of their teeth, the sealant can last as long as ten years! Chips, wear, and tear will happen as time goes on, but a dentist can repair any chinks in this particular armor. It’s a simple matter of reapplying the sealant to the affected tooth. For this reason, it’s important to maintain your regular dental check-ups, twice a year.

Adults that don’t have decay or fillings in their molars can also have their teeth sealed! It’s a wonderful way to keep your teeth healthy and prevent cavities. If you are interested in having your or your child’s teeth sealed, set up an appointment with Dr. Chauvin!

nitrous oxide chauvin dental lafayette dentist louisiana

How Nitrous Oxide works

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nitrous oxide chauvin dental lafayette dentist louisianaIf you’ve ever had any dental work done, especially as a child, you’re probably familiar with nitrous oxide. On its own, the gas can be fatal. When mixed with oxygen (typically at a ratio of 30% nitrous oxide and 70% oxygen) it becomes N2O-O2, more commonly known as laughing gas.

How does nitrous oxide work?

Nitrous oxide is administered via a small facemask that covers the nose. Sometimes the mask is scented (typically for children) to give the otherwise undetectable gas a pleasant odor. The easiest way to describe the effects of the gas is that it gives the patient a “happy drunk” feeling. After breathing in the gas for around five minutes, you experience a euphoric feeling throughout the body. It can also make you feel light-headed, and make your limbs feel weighed down, but not in an unpleasant way. People often get the giggles, hence the “laughing gas” moniker.

After light-headedness, depending on how much gas is administered, the patient will descend through the following levels of sedation:

  1. Tingling or vibrating sensations in the limbs
  2. Warmth
  3. Euphoria or floating (the patient’s hearing may dissolve into distant throbbing)
  4. Sleepiness and difficulty speaking

If you begin to feel nauseous, you’ve been over-sedated. If at any point do you feel unpleasant sensations, tell your dentist. They can adjust to N2O-O2 dosage and make you feel better, or even remove the mask to dispel some of the effects.

Uses of nitrous oxide:

It is primarily used for partial sedation, but can double as an anaesthetic, as N2O deadens virtually all sensation, including pain! In fact, it’s so effective at minimizing pain that it is often used instead of gumline injected anaesthetics. It also inhibits some emotional response, which is why it can be used to calm down people (and children) who are incredibly afraid at the dentist.

It works quickly, reaching your brain in under thirty seconds. Within five minutes, you’ll be optimally sedated. It is easy to adjust the dosage, so if a patient is somewhat resistant to the effects, or is feeling badly, necessary changes can be made quickly in order to minimize discomfort.

Another reason it’s so popular for dental procedures is there are no aftereffects. Once the gas is turned off, all effects are removed from the body in a matter of minutes. You can even drive after laughing gas!

If you’re in need of any dental work, come see Dr. Chauvin!

Why replace a lost tooth?

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As a child, losing teeth is a very necessary step in growing up. Baby teeth fall out, adult teeth come in. However, losing a tooth (and not replacing it) as an adult, can have very dramatic dental and medical consequences. Our mouths have evolved over the millennia to be what they are today, and when a tooth is missing, it throws off a lot of things.

The first problem is a loss in chewing efficiency. Every lost tooth is a 10% loss in your ability to chew properly. This leads to swallowing food that is not completely chewed, increasing your risk of choking, and leading to digestive problems (because the rest of the digestive system now has to compensate for your teeth not properly doing their jobs).

The primary function of the mouth is to break down food enough for the stomach to be able to digest properly. If food isn’t masticated properly, the stomach may not be able to fully break down the food, so your body won’t be able to properly absorb nutrients from what you eat. Also, large chunks of food that do not digest can become a breeding ground for bacteria, ultimately causing gas, bloating, constipation or diarrhea, cramping, and abdominal pain. This can also contribute to acid reflux or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).

lost tooth dr chauvin lafayette dentist

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another issue from a lost tooth is something called extrusion or supereruption. Essentially, without support on the opposite side of the mouth, the tooth on the opposite jaw will begin to drift down (or up) into the vacant space. The teeth on either side of the gap can drift inward as well, causing additional teeth to be misaligned. This reduces your bite strength, increases wear and tear on your teeth, and makes them harder to clean properly.

You can also experience a collapsed bite. Your arch, the arc between the backs of your back teeth, will degrade over time. This will make your nose begin to point down, making your face shorter. After that, muscle tone in your face will be reduced, causing sunken cheeks and a pinched facial expression. In a nutshell, it makes a person look a lot older due to the loss of bone volume and muscle tone.

It’s very important to replace a lost tooth immediately. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to fix. Once the other teeth start moving around, braces may be required to push them back into place. And as the teeth degrade, getting an accurate bite imprint will be almost impossible. Have a missing tooth you suddenly feel a need to have fixed? Call Dr. Chauvin!

symbol of dentistry chavin dental lafayette la

Do you know the meaning behind the official symbol of dentistry?

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symbol of dentistry chavin dental lafayette laThe symbol of dentistry, a staff with a snake coiled around it, flanked by leaves, inside a triangle, surrounded by (and intertwined with) a circle, and on a purple background. Chosen in 1965, the symbol has been around for over 50 years. It looks cool, but what in the world does it stand for?

As with many things, the symbol has its origins in mythology. Enter Asclepius – one of the earlier gods associated with health. Asclepius was a son of Apollo (who you may recognize as the god who drives the chariot across the sky each day, bringing the sun with him). Apollo was known for healing, among other things.

Asclepius was primarily known for his healing abilities, and his symbol was a staff entwined with a snake. Believed to have taken the form of a serpent, the story goes that Asclepius healed the Greek people that were suffering from a Roman plague.

Although snakes have a negative connotation today, from a mythological standpoint, the snake was a creature of rebirth. They saw the shedding of its skin as  a rejuvenation, a healing. You’ll notice that his symbol is also very similar to the symbol of medicine, the Caduceus; a winged staff with two snakes twirling around it.

Interestingly enough, the serpent has a healing representation in the Old Testament too! Moses made a brass serpent, put it on a pole, and “… if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.” (Numbers 21:9) This is also connected to the origins of the Caduceus.

Also appearing on the symbol of dentistry are two branches of leaves with berries on them. This is a very specific reference to the number of teeth people have. There are 32 leaves, for 32 permanent (adult) teeth, and 20 berries, representing primary (children’s) teeth.

The triangle is actually the greek letter Δ, delta, here referring to “dentistry”. The circle is Ο, omicron. Omicron represents “odont” – the greek word for tooth. The two symbols are woven together. The purple color is actually lilac, and was selected as the color of dentistry by the NADF (National Association of Dental Faculties) in 1897.

Symbols and logos are never what they appear to be at face value. Each element is carefully chosen, and with a little digging, you too can discover what they really mean. In the meantime, if you need to see a dentist, give Dr. Chauvin a call!

adult braces dr chauvin lafayette la

What you should know about adult orthodontics

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adult braces dr chauvin lafayette laThese days, braces aren’t just for kids. As people are living longer, and advancements in medical and dental health continue, people are choosing to have their teeth corrected with orthodontics. If a person has good dental health, they can get braces – whether they’re twenty years old, or seventy years old!

 

 

There are multiple benefits to having braces as an adult:

  • Closing gaps between teeth
  • Fixing over/under/cross-bites
  • Improving their smile
  • Correctly aligned teeth are easier to care for via flossing and brushing

The most important thing to bear in mind when considering braces, good dental hygiene must be maintained, or they’ll cause more problems than they fix. Special care must be taken when a person has braces. Brushing after every meal is a must, and flossing properly will take roughly twenty minutes – also after every meal.

Thankfully, due to advancing technology, braces are no longer the gigantic metal bands that were around in the 80s and 90s. There are a number of options to choose from!

 

  • Traditional braces:

 

    • Are much smaller nowadays, which makes them easier to clean and easier for a person’s mouth to adjust to. The orthodontist will tighten the wires every four to six weeks, and adults will typically have these for anywhere from eighteen months to three years.

 

  • Ceramic braces:

 

    • Although more expensive, they’re harder to see, as the ceramic is the same color of the teeth.
      • Another option, if the visibility of the braces is a concern, is to have the metal brackets placed behind the teeth. It is important to note that this method is much more costly, as each bracket has to be custom fitted to the back of each tooth. This location also makes the braces more difficult to clean.
  • Clear alignment braces:
    • These can be removed for eating and teeth cleaning, but they tend to take longer than traditional braces. They’re meant for minor adjustments. If a large tooth gap is an issue, than metal braces are the way to go

 

  • Veneers:

 

    • A veneer is a thin layer of ceramic that cosmetically corrects any chipped or stained teeth, without actually moving anything around. Another thing to consider is the cost, as the dentist may need to shave some of the existing tooth to make the veneers look right.

If a person is considering braces, they should talk to their dentist about the options. They can make a recommendation based on the current state of their teeth, and refer a good orthodontist in the area. Need more information? Call Dr. Chauvin!

 

Getting a root canal over existing dental work

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tooth-anatomy-762x812There are a variety of reasons where a person may need to have a crown on their tooth. Maybe some trauma caused a tooth to crack, or they had a root canal. A person may also have a crown if they had a cavity that was in an area that was too difficult to fill via traditional methods. Regardless of the reason, they have a shiny new crown in place, and some time goes by. Then that tooth starts to hurt again… What does that mean?

There are a few things that could have happened. If the crown didn’t seal properly, bacteria may have gotten under the crown, causing additional damage or cavities. Trauma, such as a fall, sports injury, or traffic accident, can also damage or displace a crown. This would also allow bacteria to get into the underlying tooth and tissue. The end result being that a root canal is required.

 

What happens if there is already a crown and a root canal is needed?

 

The dentist will assess the situation and consider a variety of factors before proceeding:

 

  • Is the crown seated properly?
  • Is it intact?
  • What is causing the pain?
  • Can the crown be salvaged?

 

If the crown is seated properly and everything is intact, the dentist will be able to perform a root canal or cavity filling through the existing crown, and simply patch the crown when he’s finished. If the crown is damaged or hasn’t sealed properly, the crown will be removed. Replacing the crown will depend on whether or not there is enough remaining tooth structure to support a crown.

It’s important to remember that, while porcelain, crowns are not invincible. Proper dental care is required if a crown is going to last more than a few years. Although they will wear down over time, a crown should last many years before needing a replacement. Cavities can happen to crowns (because there is tooth beneath them), so make sure to brush after meals and floss daily. The edges where the crown meets the gum line, or margins, of the crown are especially susceptible to wear and tear. Make sure to get proper care instructions from the dentist after having a crown put in.

Be sure to notify the dentist if a crowned tooth begins to hurt. Any bacteria that get in under a damaged crown will be impossible to remove via brushing, flossing, and mouthwash. They will continue to eat at what’s beneath the crown until a dentist rectifies the situation, either via a simple cavity filling or a root canal. Having tooth pain? Give Dr. Chauvin a call!

What is a water flosser?

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water flosserDo you find yourself forgetting to floss some days? You’re not alone. Just half of Americans floss daily, and 18.5% don’t floss at all. Even if we don’t always remember to do it, flossing is an important part of our daily routine. Floss gets to places between your teeth and in the spaces between your teeth and gums your toothbrush can’t reach. But is dental floss your only option?

Water flosser – what is it?

A water flosser, sometimes called a water pick, is an oral irrigator. That means it’s a cleaning device that shoots a thin stream of water, and when aimed between your teeth or at the gumline it can remove food particles and plaque on or between your teeth. The most popular version is made by Waterpik.

Oral irrigation tools are also more effective ways to irrigate pockets ob plaque between the sides of teeth and the inside of the gums, because they flush out bacteria without making the gums bleed.

Who should use a water flosser?

  1. People with gum disease and bleeding gums
    • If you have some hard to clean areas that continue to bleed despite good flossing, water flossers can be a great way to clean these problem areas. Water flossers clean these areas with persistent gum inflammation well enough to see a noticeable reduction in inflammation and bleeding, which is the goal of treatment to address gum disease.
  2. People with braces
    • Water flossers are great for those with braces who tend to get more food particles stuck in their teeth. Not only does that feel gross and irritating, it increases your risk for cavities when you don’t clean them out.
  3. People that always get food stuck in their teeth
    • Some people just get more food stuck in their teeth than others. It probably has more to do with the shape of your teeth. People with small gaps where their teeth and gums meet are more likely to have that problem. It can also happen when you’re teeth aren’t perfectly aligned. That’s usually due to genetics, and those rotated or crowded teeth can create pesky food traps. Food can also get stuck around some dental work like bridges and dental implants, and water flossers can be a big help to clean these harder to reach places.

How to use a water flosser

8 Simple Steps for Using a Water Flosser

  1. Fill the reservoir with lukewarm water and place it on the base, pressing down firmly to ensure full seating.
  2. Select the tip and press firmly into the handle.
  3. If this is the first use, set the pressure control dial to high. Point the tip into the sink and turn on until water flows. Turn unit off.
  4. Adjust the pressure control (start at low pressure)
  5. Lean over the sink and place tip in mouth.
  6. Turn unit on. Close lips to prevent splashing, while allowing water to flow from mouth into sink.
  7. Start with the back teeth and pause briefly between teeth, aiming the tip just above the gumline at a 90 degree angle.
  8. When finished, turn unit off and use the tip eject button to remove the tip.

What is sedation dentistry ?

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sedation dentistry

What is sedation dentistry

If you’re afraid of the dentist, you’re not alone. But did you know there’s a way of conquering the fears that may have kept you from visiting your dentist for necessary treatment? Using the techniques of sedation dentistry,  your favorite Lafayette Louisiana dentist, Dr. Chauvin can ease your apprehension, and even make the entire experience pain-free. How? By administering a combination of anxiety-relieving and pain-blocking drugs.  

With sleep dentistry the patient can be put in either a conscious sedative sleep state or an unconscious sedative sleep state. With sedation dentistry you can visit your dentist with peace of mind of knowing that it will be a relaxed, pain-free, and anxiety-free visit. If you have long been someone that either fears the pain of dental work or you don’t like having personal space invade then it might be time for you to consider a sleep dentist. 

How does sedation dentistry work?

During your initial consultation, Dr. Chauvin can help you determine which type of sedation medication would work best for you based on your medical background, dental procedure, and current health. Dr. Chauvin offers two types of sedation dentistry in his office – Nitrous Oxide and Oral Sedation. 

 Nitrous Oxide 

  • Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas,  is inhaled by the patient right before and during the procedure. The patient wears a mask that delivers a combination of nitrogen and oxygen, creating a relaxed state of mind.
  • One reason nitrous oxide is a popular form of sedation is because the effects last only as long as the patient is wearing the mask. Within a few minutes of removing the mask, the patient will feel “back to normal.”

Oral Sedation 

  • With oral conscious sedation, the patient takes a medication in pill form in the hours leading up to the appointment, and possibly again immediately before the procedure begins. The medication makes the patient feel very relaxed but does not put the patient completely to sleep. He or she will be able to communicate with the dentist and will remain alert, but will experience relief from anxiousness and nervousness.
  • Unlike nitrous oxide, which fades very quickly, the effects of oral conscious sedation can last several hours after the appointment. Therefore, patients will need a ride home from their appointments if they have undergone oral sedation.

Who should have sedation at the dentist?

Sedation is best for people with a real fear or anxiety that is preventing them from going to the dentist.

Sedation dentistry can apply for people with:

  • have a low pain threshold
  • can’t sit still in the dentist’s chair
  • have very sensitive teeth
  • have a bad gag reflex
  • need a large amount of dental work completed

 

 

Sleep Dentistry is a still relatively new procedure and something that most people do not take advantage of. For most people seeing the dentist is just another part of everyday life but for others sedation dentistry has made a world of difference. These people are no longer forced to visit their dentist in extreme fear or completely avoid getting the oral care they need. 

People of all ages can experience dental anxiety, which is why Dr. Chauvins strives to make your visits with us as comfortable and worry-free as possible. Please share your feelings and concerns with us so we can help you receive the dental treatment you need at a pace that makes you feel comfortable. Every member of our team has a gentle touch, and our treatment rooms are equipped with TVs and massaging dental chairs to keep you comfortable and entertained throughout your visit. Life can be stressful, but going to the dentist doesn’t have to be!

So, contact us today to set up an appointment! Wether its a routine teeth cleaning or a root canal, everyone deserves a beautiful healthy smile.

Best New Years Resolutions for you and your teeth

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“New year, new you!”

You may be considering saving some extra money, getting a better job or losing weight. Many people set new goals about having a healthier lifestyle in the new year.  Why not try adding some New Year resolutions for your teeth into the mix? Setting a goal to improve dental health is easy and it can benefit your overall health too.

Simple New Years Resolutions for you and your teeth

  • Schedule out your two dentist appointments – We all know that professional cleanings should happen twice a year, but most people have a hard time making it into the office for just one of the two appointments. We all have packed and growing schedules. So, make it a point to actually see the dentist twice in 2015, even if that means scheduling the appointments right now. You will be glad you did once you’re walking out with a healthy smile!
  • Diet Change (2 birds 1 stone) – Eating well is important for your dental health. Poor nutrition can affect the entire immune system making you more susceptible to a long list of mouth problems (including gum disease). Luckily, eating crisp fruits and raw vegetables like apples, carrots and celery help clean plaque from teeth and freshen breath.  Antioxidants and other nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts improve your body’s ability to fight bacteria and inflammation, helping to protect your teeth and gums.
  • Quit smoking – Smokers experience twice the tooth loss of non-smokers, due to plaque and tartar buildup that encourages dental decay.  Your ability to fight infection throughout the body decreases significantly, including in the mouth and gums.  Lastly smoking causes bad breath (and it’s much more pleasant to kiss a non-smoker!)
  • Finally (possibly the hardest resolution) Pick up that FLOSS! – It’s been in the drawer for months just hoping to get it’s big break – why not make 2015 the year? Flossing is the only way to get between the teeth and all the way down in the gum line. The seemingly never ending list of benefits  might just be the kick you need.

So we’ve got you on the right path and hopefully you will think about your teeth while you plan out your New Year’s resolutions, and you will have a healthier, better-looking smile by the time the next year rolls around!

The first and easiest step is picking up the phone to make your appointments – Dr. Chauvin is waiting for your call!

Happy New Year!

What is Oral Thrush?

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oral thrushOral thrush, or oral candidiasis, is an infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans. It is also referred to as a yeast infection and is caused by the same fungus that causes vaginal yeast infections. Candida albicans is a fungus that may normally exist in the mouth and other parts of the body; it is usually kept in check from overgrowth by a healthy immune system and good bacteria in the body. However, in certain situations when the immune system is weakened or good bacteria is not present, the fungus can multiply and lead to issues.

 

Causes of Oral Thrush

The most common populations affected are infants, the elderly, and the immunosuppressed. While oral thrush is common in infants and typically resolves within a couple weeks, in children and adults it can indicate an underlying condition or a weakened immune system.

 

The following can be risk factors for oral thrush:

  • Diabetes
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Cancer or chemotherapy treatments
  • Medications such as steroids, antibiotics, and birth control pills
  • Dentures, particularly ones that don’t fit well
  • Smoking
  • Dry mouth
  • Pregnancy and associated hormonal changes
  • Stress

 

Symptoms of Oral Thrush

Signs of oral thrush typically include white lesions and sores in the mouth, as well as a white coating on the tongue and pain. The sores can affect not only the mouth but the surrounding areas. In more severe or advanced cases, the infection can spread to the esophagus and other systems of the body.

If babies have oral thrush and are breastfeeding, they can spread the infection to the mother’s breasts, which causes skin irritation and sensitivity.

Treatment for Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is typically a short-term condition but for people with weakened immune systems, thrush can spread to other systems of the body and cause serious illness. It’s important to see your doctor to determine the cause and proper treatment of oral thrush.

Although oral thrush in babies is common, if your infant exhibits mild signs of oral thrush that do not resolve within 1-2 weeks, make an appointment to see your doctor. For children and adults, make an appointment as soon as possible to rule out potential underlying conditions. You may be prescribed anti-fungal medications to treat the infection.

 

Oral Thrush Prevention

Oral thrush is usually not contagious, except in the case of infants transmitting to their mother’s breasts. The best way to prevent oral thrush is to stay as healthy as you can: stop smoking, monitor your diet, manage your stress level, and try to keep your immune system working as well as possible. If you have a condition like diabetes, take any prescribed medications and follow your doctor’s instructions to manage your health.

As always, don’t forget to practice proper dental hygiene: brush twice a day, floss once a day, and if you have dentures, clean them properly and don’t sleep in them. See us at Chauvin Dental every six months for your regular checkups and let us know if you’ve got any concerns about oral thrush or any other oral conditions.