Wisdom teeth are your third molars. They are located at the very back of the mouth and typically begin to emerge between the ages of 16 and 25, if they come in at all. These teeth are called “wisdom teeth” because they appear later in life, around the age when a person is thought to […]
A gummy smile is a term used to describe a smile that shows an excessive amount of gum tissue. In general, a smile is considered “gummy” when more than 4 millimeters of gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth. While a gummy smile is not necessarily unhealthy or abnormal, some people feel that it […]
A dental implant is an attractive option for people who have lost or broken one or more teeth. Dental implants are typically preferred by dentists, provided the patient is in good overall health and able to heal properly from the procedure. Implants offer several advantages over other tooth replacement options such as bridges or dentures. […]
Migraines are miserable. They’re debilitating, disorienting, and notoriously hard to pin down. Most people blame stress, sleep deprivation, or sinuses, and those are all valid culprits. But if you’ve ruled out the usual suspects and migraines keep coming back, there’s one place you might not have thought to look: your teeth. From our team at […]
Root canals have a bad reputation that’s decades out of date. When root canal treatment first became common, it really was uncomfortable, but the procedure has changed dramatically since then. The reputation, unfortunately, hasn’t caught up. A survey by the American Association of Endodontists found that patients who’ve actually had a root canal are six […]
Most New Year’s resolutions don’t make it to February. The ones that stick? They’re usually simple, practical, and tied to something that actually matters. Your dental health checks all three boxes, and the payoff goes way beyond a prettier smile. Good oral health is connected to your heart health, immune system, and overall wellbeing. So […]
Energy drinks are everywhere—from gas stations to grocery stores—and they’re often marketed as a quick way to boost focus and stamina. But while they may provide a temporary energy lift, energy drinks can have serious consequences for your teeth. According to Lafayette dentist Dr. Tim Chauvin, energy drinks are especially harmful to tooth enamel due […]
Thumb sucking is a common habit among infants and young children. It provides comfort, security, and a sense of calm. However, as children grow and their teeth begin to emerge, prolonged thumb sucking can cause dental problems that may require intervention. At Chauvin Family Dentistry in Lafayette, we often see how early guidance can prevent […]
What’s more frightening than ghouls, goblins, and monsters on Halloween night? For parents, it’s the cavities that can sneak into your child’s mouth disguised as brightly colored candy. As much as you want your children to enjoy Halloween, it’s important to protect their dental health and prevent tooth decay. Luckily, with a few creative strategies, […]
Picture this: it’s late at night after a long day, and you finally make it to bed. Just as you’re about to fall asleep, you remember — you forgot to brush your teeth. Skipping brushing before bed might not seem like a big deal, but for your dental health, it can be one of the […]