What is Oral Thrush?

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Oral thrush—also called oral candidiasis—is a common fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans. This yeast is normally present in the mouth, digestive tract, and skin, but under certain conditions, it can grow out of control and cause visible symptoms. While commonly associated with infants, oral thrush can affect people of all ages, especially those with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions.

Causes and Risk Factors of Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is most common in babies, older adults, and people with compromised immune systems. It may also result from changes in the mouth’s microbiome or the use of certain medications. Risk factors include:

  • Diabetes

  • HIV/AIDS

  • Cancer or chemotherapy

  • Antibiotics, steroids, or birth control pills

  • Poor-fitting dentures

  • Smoking

  • Dry mouth

  • Pregnancy-related hormonal shifts

  • High stress or weakened immunity

Symptoms of Oral Thrush

Symptoms of oral thrush include:

  • White patches or sores on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, or tonsils

  • Pain or burning in the mouth

  • Loss of taste or cottony feeling

  • Cracking at the corners of the mouth

  • In severe cases, the infection may spread to the esophagus

In breastfeeding infants, oral thrush can also be passed to the mother’s nipples, causing soreness, redness, or discomfort during nursing.

Treatment Options for Oral Thrush

If you or your child is showing signs of oral thrush, it’s important to see a doctor or dentist. Oral antifungal medications are typically prescribed. For babies, thrush usually clears on its own within 1–2 weeks, but if symptoms persist, schedule a pediatric visit. Adults should seek treatment promptly to rule out underlying health issues and prevent spread.

How to Prevent Oral Thrush

Good oral hygiene is key to preventing oral thrush. Our team at Tim Chauvin, DDS & Associates recommends the following:

  • Brush twice daily and floss once a day

  • Rinse after using inhalers if applicable

  • Clean and remove dentures nightly

  • Manage chronic conditions like diabetes

  • Quit smoking

  • Maintain a healthy immune system with good nutrition and stress management

Contact Our Lafayette Dentistry Team Today

If you have concerns about white patches, soreness, or changes in your oral health, don’t wait—schedule an appointment at Chauvin Dental in Lafayette. We’re here to help with prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral thrush and other dental concerns.

What is dry socket?

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Dry socket, or alveolar osteitis, is known to happen following a tooth extraction or wisdom teeth extraction. This blood clot serves as a protective layer over the underlying bone and nerve endings in the empty tooth socket. The clot provides the foundation for the growth of new tissue and bone. 

In some cases, though, the clot doesn’t form properly or is physically dislodged before complete healing. With the clot gone, bone and nerves in the socket are exposed to air, fluids and food. This can cause intense pain, not only in the socket but also along the nerves radiating to the ear and eye on the same side of your face. 

The precise cause of dry socket remains the subject of study. Some researchers suspect that several issues may be at play, including:

Causes of Dry Socket

  • Bacterial contamination of the socket
  • Severe bone and tissue trauma at the surgical site due to a difficult extraction
  • Very small fragments of roots or bone remaining in the wound after surgery
  • Drinking from a straw, smoking, or any sort of similar sucking action
  • Exercise
  • Coughing and sneezing
  • Swishing with water
  • Drinking carbonated beverages (soda, beer, sparkling water etc.)

Symptoms of Dry Socket after Tooth Extraction

  • Severe pain within a few days after a tooth extraction
  • Partial or total loss of the blood clot at the tooth extraction site, which you may notice as an empty-looking (dry) socket
  • Visible bone in the socket
  • Earache
  • Eye pain
  • Bad breath or a foul odor coming from your mouth
  • Unpleasant taste in your mouth
  • Swollen lymph nodes around your jaw or neck
  • Slight fever

Dry Socket Treatment Options from a Dentist

The treatment of dry socket begins with seeking care from your dentist. Dry socket can be diagnosed by a simple examination to determine a treatment plan specifically for you.

Medications as treatment for dry socket

Dry socket is typically treated with prescription pain-relieving medication, often in the form of medicated dressings that are applied to the teeth. Antibiotics may also be prescribed if an infection is present.

Examples of medical treatments for dry socket include:

  • Antibiotics, such as penicillin or erythromycin
  • Over-the-counter pain-relieving and fever-reducing medications
  • Prescription pain relievers or medicated dressings. These dressings may need to be changed every day for several days, either at home or by your dentist.

In addition to medical treatment, your dentist will inspect and clean the dry socket. If you are experiencing severe pain, a local anesthetic may be used. Getting prompt treatment and completing all the medication prescribed by your dentist are important in preventing complications or recurrence.

What you can do to improve your dry socket

You should contact your dentist if you had a tooth extraction and think you may have a dry socket. Before seeing your health care provider, you may be able to reduce the discomfort associated with your dry socket by:

  • Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water
  • Taking over-the-counter pain relievers or pain relievers prescribed by your dentist or oral surgeon following extraction
  • Using ice packs on the cheek next to the dry socket to decrease pain and swelling

How to Prevent Dry Socket After Wisdom Teeth Removal

After your dental procedure your dentist will go over these things with you but an extra reminder never hurts!

  • Activity. After your surgery, plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Resume normal activities the next day, but for at least a week, avoid rigorous exercise and sports that might result in dislodging the blood clot in the socket.
  • Beverages. Drink lots of water after the surgery. Don’t drink alcoholic, caffeinated, carbonated or hot beverages in the first 24 hours. Don’t drink with a straw for at least a week because the sucking action may dislodge the blood clot in the socket.
  • Food. Eat only soft foods, such as yogurt or applesauce, for the first day. Start eating semisoft foods when you can tolerate them. Avoid hard, chewy, hot or spicy foods that might get stuck in the socket or irritate the wound.
  • Cleaning your mouth. Following surgery, you may gently rinse your mouth and brush your teeth, but avoid the extraction site. After the first 24 hours, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water every two hours while awake and after meals for a week after your surgery. Mix 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) of table salt in 8 ounces (237 milliliters) of water.
  • Tobacco use. If you smoke, don’t do so for at least 48 hours after surgery. If you chew tobacco, don’t use it for at least a week. Any use of tobacco products after oral surgery can delay healing and increase the risk of complications.

Contact Us for Relief from Dry Socket Pain

If you’re experiencing symptoms of dry socket after a tooth extraction, don’t wait. Prompt treatment can ease your pain and prevent further complications.
Call Dr. Chauvin’s office today to schedule an appointment or ask any questions you may have about your recovery. We’re here to help you heal comfortably and safely.

3-tips-for-improving-your-dental-routine-dr-chauvin-lafayette-dentist

3 tips to improve your dental routine

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As adults, everyone is pretty set in their ways as far as our dental routines go. Maybe some of us have perfect teeth and an impeccable dental routine, while others simply brush their teeth and leave it at that. However, improving your dental routine can do wonders for you! After all, your dental health affects your entire body. On average, it takes 66 days to develop a habit (not 21 days, as the saying goes). Is it worth it to work at a new dental routine for roughly two months? Absolutely. Here are three tips to help you improve your dental routine.

At Tim Chauvin D.D.S. & Associates, our Louisiana team is passionate about helping you achieve optimal oral health. Dr. Chauvin and our dedicated team provide comprehensive dental care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. We believe in empowering our patients with the knowledge and tools they need to maintain healthy smiles for life. From routine checkups and cleanings to advanced restorative treatments, we’re here to support you on your journey to a brighter, healthier smile.

Ready to take charge of your oral health? Let’s dive into these three easy-to-implement tips that can make a real difference in your dental routine.

1. Fuel Your Smile: Choose Tooth-Friendly Foods

Do you know what bacteria loves to eat? Sugar. Every time you reach for a soda or fruit juice instead of a water, you’re feeding all sorts of unwanted guests in your mouth. These bacteria will then multiply, and start causing damage to your teeth and gums. Carb-heavy foods tend to be high in sugar as well. By eating better, you’re starving the bacteria in your mouth. Opt for some celery or an apple when you get the munchies instead of a candy bar. In addition to limiting your sugar intake, eating better will also provide your body with the nutrients it needs to keep you healthy!

Snack smart! Reach for crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery or fruits like apples instead of sugary treats. These options help naturally clean your teeth while providing essential nutrients.

2. Fresh Start: Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly

This is a big one that a lot of people miss. Think about all the food particles and bacteria that are removed every time you brush your teeth… Sure, we rinse our toothbrushes – but that’s not enough. Over time, the toothbrush becomes a bacterial hotbed. Additionally, the bristles weaken with use, reducing their scrubbing power (and their effectiveness at removing debris from our teeth). You should switch out your toothbrush once you notice the bristles start to fray, or after an illness, typically 3 to 4 times a year.

The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. Also, be sure to get a new toothbrush after you’ve been sick to prevent re-infection.

3. Maximize Your Toothpaste: Skip the Rinse

Do you use a toothpaste that supposed to reduce sensitivity, and it doesn’t seem to be working? Rinsing with water could be the culprit. Toothpaste is not just tooth soap. Depending on your choice of toothpaste, it can contain elements that strengthen your enamel, reduce sensitivity, prevent bacterial buildup, and so on. When you rinse your mouth after brushing, you’re washing all of those elements away and they can’t do their job properly! When you’ve finished brushing, spit out the excess, but leave the residue on your teeth to give it time to work its magic! If you don’t like the aftertaste, consider switching toothpaste flavors.

After brushing, spit out the excess toothpaste, but don’t rinse with water. This allows the active ingredients to stay on your teeth and work their magic. If you can’t stand the aftertaste, try a different toothpaste flavor.

Ready for a Smile Upgrade?

Have more questions about improving your dental routine? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Chauvin and our team at Tim Chauvin D.D.S & Associates! We’ll gladly discuss your current routine and provide personalized recommendations to help you achieve your best smile. We look forward to seeing you!

Flossing chauvin dental lafayette la

Why Do You Need to Floss?

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A few years ago, flossing was removed from the government’s latest dietary guidelines. Many different studies were cited, and the results can be boiled down to the following: “The majority of available studies fail to demonstrate that flossing is generally effective in plaque removal.”

We respectfully disagree. Flossing is a very important component of proper oral hygiene!

From our experienced dental team here at the office of Dr. Chauvin & Associates, here’s why you need to keep flossing.

1. Flossing affects longevity

Flossing can actually help you live longer! We all know that oral and heart disease are closely linked: an unhealthy mouth is going to negatively affect cardiovascular health. Flossing is actually recommended by the geriatrician who created the Living to 100 Life Expectancy calculator.

The Leisure World Cohort Study also determined that flossing affected longevity. After following over 5,600 older adults for a decade, they found that adults who didn’t floss had a 25% – 29% higher risk of death than those that did floss.

2. Flossing helps with bad breath

Every time we eat, food particles get stuck between our teeth. And the best brushing in the world will never remove it all. If the food isn’t removed, it begins to decay. There are thousands of bacteria in our mouths, and when we leave food between our teeth, we’re just leaving them lunch! When certain bacteria eat, they also produce noxious gases. Between the two, a person’s breath could get pretty nasty.

3. Flossing prevents gum disease

Flossing is essential for preventing gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. This is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. Gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.

When you don’t floss, plaque builds up between your teeth and along your gumline. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can irritate your gums and lead to inflammation. If left untreated, this inflammation can damage the tissues supporting your teeth, eventually causing them to loosen and fall out.

Flossing helps remove plaque from between your teeth and below the gumline, where your toothbrush can’t reach. This helps prevent the buildup of plaque and reduces the risk of gum disease.

Contact Dr. Chauvin to schedule your next appointment!

Flossing is still very important. You can use traditional floss, a water flosser, an interdental brush, or a floss pick, as long as you’re flossing! Although we recommend regular floss, anything is better than nothing at all. Only using mouthwash isn’t going to cut it. If you don’t know how to floss properly, or have more questions, call Dr. Chauvin’s office! We’ll be happy to show you the right way to floss!

Why are my teeth so sensitive?

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If you suffer from sensitive teeth, you’re not alone: tooth sensitivity is one of the most common dental complaints we hear from our patients. Maybe your teeth hurt when you drink cold water, eat hot foods, or even just when you take a deep breath and the air hits them. Whatever the cause of your sensitive teeth, it’s likely we can recommend a treatment and care plan that will lessen or eliminate the sensitivity.

From our team at Tim Chauvin D.D.S. & Associates, here’s what to know.

Reasons for Tooth Sensitivity

First, it may be helpful to understand the basic structure of your teeth. You probably know that a strong layer of enamel is what protects the surface of your teeth. Underneath the enamel is another layer called cementum, and under that is a layer called dentin. Dentin is made up of many tiny tubes, and if you’re suffering from tooth sensitivity, it means the protective covering of your teeth has been compromised and these tubes are allowing sensations to travel to the nerves in your teeth.

Some potential causes of enamel breakdown include:

  • tooth decay,
  • a cracked tooth,
  • worn fillings,
  • improper oral hygiene, and
  • gingivitis (early gum disease)

It could also be that you have a cavity that needs to be treated, or maybe you’re experiencing a reaction to at­ home bleaching or whitening products. Because there are so many different causes and it’s important to directly treat the cause of your issue, you should schedule a visit with your dentist before starting any self ­treatments.

In more serious cases, you may require surgery like a root canal or gum graft.

Can You Prevent Tooth Sensitivity?

It’s possible to prevent or limit tooth sensitivity by using these tips:

  • Practice proper oral hygiene. Floss and brush twice a day; brush your teeth in a gentle, circular motion.
  • Use a soft­ bristled toothbrush.
  • Limit acidic foods and drinks (examples: soda, oranges). If you’re going to drink them, use a straw to limit the exposure to your teeth and drink water after to re­balance. Don’t brush your teeth directly after consuming acidic foods or beverages, as this can contribute to enamel breakdown.
  • Use a desensitizing toothpaste as part of your oral regimen.
  • If you grind your teeth, get a mouth guard to protect teeth from unnecessary wear and tear. These are available over ­the ­counter, or visit us to be professionally fit for one.

Contact Our Lafayette Dentist Today!

One of our dentists at Chauvin Dental will be able to examine your teeth, diagnose your problem, and then recommend an appropriate plan of treatment. Depending on what’s causing your sensitive teeth, the dentist may recommend at­ home or in ­office topical treatments or a procedure like a filling or crown. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!

Your childs first dental visit and what to expect

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A common question that many new parents have is, “At what age do I take my child to the dentist?”

The answer is that your child should see the dentist for the first time by their first birthday. That may seem early, but considering that some children develop cavities before they’re age two, it’s not entirely outlandish. National studies have shown that 1 in 4 kids have a cavity by age 4! And decay in baby teeth actually increases the risk of having decay in their permanent teeth.

Read on to learn more about your child’s first dentist visit from Lafayette dentist Dr. Tim Chauvin.

Finding a pediatric dentist

Pediatric dentists actually have additional schooling beyond the average dental degree. Working with children is completely different than working with adults!

So even if you want to bring your child to your dentist for the sake of ease, it’s better to find a dedicated pediatric dentist in your area. In addition to the specialization, they’ll have a more kid-friendly environment, and the sight of other children may put your child at ease.

What happens at the first dental visit?

The first dentist visit is important because it will evaluate your child’s risk for cavities. There is usually very little treatment. They’ll examine your child’s bite, check for decay, and look for potential gum, jaw, teeth, or other oral issues. If needed, they’ll do a teeth cleaning, and determine whether or not your child needs fluoride.

Depending on the dentist, you may be asked to hold your child or wait in the waiting room. The ultimate goal is to build a relationship between child and dentist – that way they aren’t scared of going to the dentist, a problem affecting up to 75% of adults!

Their dentist will also cover some topics with you, including:

  • How to properly care for your baby/toddler’s mouth
  • How to properly use fluoride
  • Ways to prevent accidents that could damage their teeth
  • What oral habits to watch out for and curb (thumb/finger sucking)
  • Teething milestones
  • The link between oral health and a proper diet

What happens after the first dental visit?

After the assessment, the dentist will set up a schedule for visits. It will depend on the state of your child’s teeth and if they are at risk for any dental issues. Typically, children should be seen every 6 months. As time goes on, that schedule may change.

In between visits, make sure to care properly for your child’s teeth. If they’re under age 8, you should help them with their teeth cleaning.

Contact Dr. Tim Chauvin’s Office Today

 Need to find a dentist for your child? Our team at Tim Chauvin, DDS & Associates is here to help make sure your little one keeps their teeth and mouth giving you the beautiful smile you love! Call us today to set up an appointment.

How Pregnancy Affects Dental Health

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Pregnancy is an exciting time in a woman’s life that brings many changes along with it. While symptoms such as morning sickness and swollen feet are more widely publicized, pregnancy can also affect dental health in different ways. If you think or know you are expecting, it’s best to tell your dentist as soon as possible so that together, you can plan your care accordingly.

Pregnancy causes a surge in hormones, which can allow plaque to build up faster than usual and increase a woman’s chances of developing gum disease. Another issue many pregnant women experience is gum tenderness or sensitivity, or gums that bleed easily. This is also referred to as “pregnancy gingivitis.” Pregnant women are at a higher risk for dental problems and in some cases, issues with teeth or gums can cause babies to be born preterm. It’s important to treat problems appropriately to avoid the risk of affecting the baby’s health.

From Lafayette dentist Dr. Chauvin, here’s what to know about dental health during pregnancy.

Professional Dental Care

If you need dental work while pregnant, the ideal time to have it is during the second trimester. Your baby is developing rapidly during the first trimester, and it’s best to postpone dental treatments until after, if possible. However, don’t delay in seeking emergency care if you have a true dental emergency.

It’s absolutely safe to continue your standard cleaning appointments with your dentist. While optional dental work should typically be postponed until after pregnancy, ask your dentist if you have questions.

At-Home Dental Care

If you’re experiencing morning sickness, try to swish afterward with water and a teaspoon of baking soda. This will help counteract the acid exposure on your teeth. Avoid brushing right after vomiting so as not to destroy your teeth enamel – try to wait about an hour before you brush.

Continue to follow your at-home dental care plan, which should include brushing gently twice a day and flossing once a day. If you don’t use a mouthwash already, you may want to consider adding one to your routine.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes

Your baby’s teeth begin to develop around the end of the first trimester, and your diet plays a big role in your baby’s health. Evaluate what you eat, and try to especially limit or avoid sugary foods. Sugar is the main cause of dental decay and gum disease.  Good sources of nutrition to consider include: fruits, veggies, whole grains, and healthy protein choices. Talk to your doctor about taking a prenatal vitamin, and remember to drink lots of water.

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Chauvin

With a little bit of planning, you can help ensure your teeth are the least of your concerns during your pregnancy. As always, come see us at Chauvin Dental if you have any questions during this exciting time in your life!

 

Is over brushing your teeth possible?

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Have you ever heard of “toothbrush abrasion?” If you think that sounds like a complicated way to say “you’re brushing too hard,” you’d be right! Proper brushing technique is very easy, but a lot of us put way too much force into it. It is possible to have too much of a good thing!

From our experienced dentist Dr. Tim Chauvin in Lafayette, Louisiana, here’s what you need to know about brushing habits.

Are you over brushing?

Most people don’t even realize that they’re over-brushing. Here are some tips for proper brushing technique:

  • Don’t think of toothbrushing as scrubbing, think of it as massaging
  • Use a soft bristle brush (that you change out as soon as the bristles fray or become discolored, usually around 3-4 months, although some dentists recommend changing your brush every four weeks)
  • Have the bristles at a 45 degree angle from the gums, and if the bristles splay out, you’re applying too much pressure
  • Make small, circular motions – instead of just moving back and forth
  • Brush for a full two minutes

Many people don’t actually brush for this long, trying to compensate for the shortened time by applying more pressure. This does not work. In fact, brushing too hard can cause the following:

  • Wearing down the enamel of the teeth – ultimately resulting in sensitive teeth
  • Receding gums (which open the door to things like periodontal disease, cavities on the roots, etc)
  • Other damage to the tooth structure

In reality, plaque is very soft and could be removed with a rag! However, with all of the nooks and crannies in our teeth, it would be impossible to completely clean the surface, which is why we need toothbrushes.

How does over brushing damage the teeth?

If you were to take a new toothbrush and look at it under a microscope, you’d see that the nylon bristles (which have sharp jagged edges normally) have been rounded at the ends. This makes them way less abrasive. Over time, those rounded edges are worn away. Between those jagged edges, and the extra pressure, you are essentially sanding down your teeth. That’s why it’s so important to replace your brush often and use minimal pressure.

Contact Dr. Chauvin’s dental office in Lafayette today

Our teeth do not heal. The enamel does not grow back. If your teeth get damaged, a dentist is the only person that can fix it. That’s why it’s so important to take proper care of your teeth, and to maintain regular dental check-ups. A dentist will notice if problems start to develop long before they get serious, as long as you see them when you’re supposed to. So come in for an exam and let’s make sure everything is on the up and up!

How Smoking Affects the Teeth, Gums, and Tongue

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At this point, it’s no secret that smoking is bad for you: even a pack of cigarettes comes with a boldly printed warning label saying as much. Although smoking does seem to be on a slow decline as far as people who are regular smokers, there are still a vast number of Americans who do smoke. According to the CDC, in 2015 almost 18% of Americans smoked. That’s over 42 million people! Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death and is currently responsible for about 20% of deaths.

Nicotine is an incredibly addictive substance that, combined with the many other chemicals in tobacco products, can have some extremely powerful and negative effects on a person’s health. Most commonly, smoking causes lung cancer, but did you know it has strong effects on a smoker’s oral health too? Smoking, or using any tobacco products, does impact the teeth, gums, and tongue.

So how does smoking affect your oral health, specifically?

When we talk about smoking in this article, we are referring to tobacco products in general, including all smokeless products.

Tobacco consumption in general is harmful and can cause the negative side effects listed below:

  • Increased buildup of plaque
  • Yellow or discolored teeth
  • Stained tongue
  • Bad breath
  • Bone loss in the mouth/jaw
  • Gum disease that is more severe and harder to treat than in non-smokers
  • Poor results or healing with dental surgery/procedures, such as dental implants
  • Higher risk of gum disease and oral cancer
  • Gum irritation or sensitivity
  • Inability to taste foods
  • Tooth loss
  • Leukoplakia, or thick white patches in the mouth

 

If you are a smoker, share that information with your dentist and doctor. Your dentist may want to see you more often than twice a year to monitor your teeth and gums for any issues.

Although you may lessen the negative effects on your oral health by reducing the amount you smoke, the best thing to do is to quit smoking. Even if you have smoked for many years, you can still reap a multitude of health benefits by quitting now. There are many resources, medications, and over the counter products available through your doctor or community if you choose to quit.

And as always, whether you smoke or not – and perhaps it is of particular importance if you do – be sure to practice good dental hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and visit your dentist at least twice a year for your scheduled cleanings.

Tips to Overcome Fear of the Dentist & Dental Anxiety - dr chauvin lafayette la

Tips to Overcome Fear of the Dentist & Dental Anxiety

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