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.

3 Signs You Need Dental Implants

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dental implantsA 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 can heal well from the surgery. Implants have a few advantages over other options like bridges or dentures: they’re the closest thing to your real teeth, they’re easy to take care of, and they last longer.

Dental implants are made out of titanium and are surgically implanted into your jaw in order to hold the replacement tooth. The implant is most commonly placed in the jawbone but can also be put on the jawbone if necessary. The bones of the jaw actually heal around the titanium and integrate it into the mouth structure, which is a great benefit of implants.

How do you know if you need dental implants?

Here are three common reasons to visit your dentist to see if you’re a candidate for dental implants.

  1. You have one or more missing or broken teeth due to injury or disease. People lose teeth for many different reasons, and it’s nothing to feel embarrassed about, as you’ve got plenty of options with modern dentistry. The best time to get implants is as close to the tooth loss as possible.  
  2. You currently have bridges or dentures in your mouth and are unhappy with them. Dentures and bridges may be time-consuming to take care of and need to be replaced every so often. They also don’t offer the security that dental implants do, and you may find that you aren’t able to enjoy your favorite foods or your self-confidence is affected in some way.
  3. Your self-confidence or happiness is suffering in some way because of your teeth. Many people may feel uncomfortable eating in social situations with their dentures or bridges or may not feel as confident as they used to. The team at Chauvin Dental wants our patients to be proud of their smiles, and we can work with you to figure out a plan to achieve that together.

 

If you do get dental implants, you’ll take care of them the same way you do your natural teeth: brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss once a day, and visit your dentist every six months for regular scheduled cleanings. If you want to see if you’re a potential candidate for dental implants, schedule an appointment with Chauvin Dental today.

Dangers of Wearing Dentures at Night

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Dangers of Wearing Dentures at Night dr. chauvin lafayette la dentistMany people, both young and old, wear either partial or full dentures to counteract the negative effects of tooth loss. Dentures can help restore a person’s self-confidence and give back the ability to enjoy favorite foods or speak in public with no fear of judgment. Many denture wearers may feel so comfortable with their dentures that they don’t see a problem sleeping with them at night; however, there are many alarming side effects to wearing dentures at night or while sleeping.

 

Complications of Constantly Wearing Dentures 

It’s essential to remove your dentures while sleeping, or for another 7-8 hour stretch during the day, to give your tissues and gums a break. If you sleep with dentures, the moist environment of your mouth can create the perfect environment for bacteria to grow between the bottom of the dentures and your gum-line. This bacteria can then easily be breathed into your lungs and cause systemic infections. A study in the Journal of Dental Research showed that within denture wearers in a nursing home, the ones who slept with dentures were more than twice as likely to experience complications, and even death, related to pneumonia.

 

Other common complications that can be caused by not removing dentures at night include:

  • Denture-related stomatitis, which is an inflammation in the top of the mouth caused by a yeast infection. This can be accompanied by cracking and dryness in the corners of the mouth.
  • Bone loss and long-term changes in appearance in the face, caused by constant pressure on the gums from the dentures. Taking dentures out at night gives your gums a break from the pressure and lessens the risk of bone loss.
  • Foul smells or bad breath
  • Inflammation or sores in the mouth

 

Proper Denture Care

Your dentures are an investment that you want to last. Here are some tips to make sure they stay in top condition:

  • Remove and clean your dentures after meals; if you don’t have time to clean them each time, make sure to at least rinse them with water. This will help wash off any bacteria.
  • At least once a day, gently brush your dentures with a soft toothbrush or denture brush. Use hand soap, dish liquid, or a denture cleanser. Regular toothpaste is usually a bit too abrasive for dentures.
  • When your dentures are not in your mouth, clean your gums and tongue once a day. You can use a damp, soft washcloth to wipe and massage them.
  • While the dentures are out of your mouth, store them in water or a solution designed for dentures. Dentures are made to be kept moist, so leaving them out in the air could lead to breakdowns in the structure of the dentures.

 

Remember that even if you have dentures, you still need to visit your dentist at least every six months to make sure that your dental health is in order. If you’re experiencing pain, discomfort, or any other issues with your dentures, come in for a visit as soon as possible to make sure there is no evidence of gum disease or other issues. With proper care and maintenance, your dentures will last and be a positive part of your overall dental health.

 

How Coffee Affects Oral Health

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coffee affects on oral health chauvin dental lafayette laThe majority of Americans depend on some amount of coffee each day to wake up and go about their days. Sound familiar? If you’re in a steady relationship with your daily cup (or two, or three…) of joe, have you ever considered the ways in which your coffee habit affects your dental health? Don’t worry – we have some good news for you!

 

 

The Good

There are multiple research studies that show very promising results for coffee drinkers. These studies show that drinking coffee may actually reduce harmful bacteria in your mouth, which positively impacts dental health. Evidence also shows that antioxidants in coffee may help prevent cavities and dental disease. Keep in mind these study results apply to black coffee and not sweetened coffee.

The Bad

If you take your coffee with cream or sugar, or both, remember that sugar consumption allows harmful bacteria to grow within your mouth. If you can’t live without your additives or hate the taste of black coffee, make sure to practice proper dental hygiene to prevent future cavities or dental issues. You can also try consuming your coffee during a specified time of the day, so your teeth aren’t exposed to sugar for extended periods of time.

There is some concern that drinking a lot of coffee can cause erosion of the enamel of your teeth, although it’s not as acidic as beverages like fruit juice. In addition, if you suffer from bruxism, evaluate the effects of your caffeine consumption and reduce it accordingly if it seems to be causing you to grind or clench your teeth.

The Ugly

Coffee can stain your teeth over time, especially if you drink it frequently. The enamel in your teeth is porous and it can absorb what it’s exposed to, which means it can become yellow or brown if you drink a lot of coffee and don’t counteract the staining effects. Drinking through a straw when possible can limit the potential of staining your teeth. Consider drinking or swishing with water after you drink coffee to remove it from the surface of your teeth. You can also use a whitening toothpaste at home and schedule a visit with your dentist to see if you’re a candidate for a whitening treatment.

As always, moderation is key. Enjoy your coffee but think about ways you can protect your teeth while doing so. Come see us at Chauvin Dental for your regular dental checkups and if you have any questions about how to counteract any of the effects coffee drinking has on your teeth.

Oral Health Issues and Diabetes

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dental health and diabetes chauvin dental lafayette laWhether you have Type I or Type II Diabetes, it is a disease that requires constant monitoring of the entire body, including the eyes, nerves, and even your teeth. When you have diabetes, you’re at an increased risk for periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, which can lead to tooth decay or even tooth loss in more advanced stages. In the beginning stages of gum disease, symptoms for diabetic patients could be as simple as sore, tender gums or bad breath. It’s essential to let your dentist know if you are diabetic and what medications you are taking. It’s also important to see your dentist if you’re experiencing any problems since these could be the first sign of undiagnosed diabetes.

It’s thought that diabetic patients are at a higher risk for gum disease because if blood glucose is not well controlled, that means there’s a lot of glucose in the saliva. You may notice that here on the blog for Chauvin Dental, we talk a lot about why you should restrict sugar intake, and that’s for good reason: sugar is the main enemy in the war against dental decay! When your blood glucose level is not kept in check, that gives harmful bacteria in your mouth the perfect environment in which to flourish.

At the same time your blood glucose level affects your oral health, there is the simple fact that having gum disease or oral infections can cause your blood sugar to rise, which is not desirable for diabetics. Thus, controlling blood sugar and keeping watch over your oral health are important because the consequences flow both ways.

Infections in diabetic patients can be more severe because the immune system is weakened.

Other potential oral issues experienced by diabetic individuals include:

  • Fungal infections in the mouth, or thrush, characterized by sore patches in the mouth
  • Dry mouth
  • Ulcers
  • Infections
  • Cavities
  • Burning sensation

The best way to prevent any oral health issues is to control your blood glucose levels. Work with your primary care physician to determine your blood sugar target and a plan to achieve it. If you are a smoker, consider quitting to lessen your risk of health complications. Maintain proper oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing once a day. Ask your dentist how often you should be coming in for checkups and come in sooner if you’re experiencing pain or having a dental emergency.