halloween candy and childrens teeth

No Ghouling Around with Your Children’s Teeth

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halloween candy and childrens teethWhat is more frightening than all the ghouls, goblins and monsters running amuck on Halloween night? If you are a parent, it’s the cavities that will be handed out freely to your children from your neighbors and local shops in the guise of brightly colored paper that dresses the cavities up as candy.

As a parent, you don’t want to be the big bad wolf on Halloween and take the fun out of the holiday. However, you need to think about the health of your children’s teeth before you consider letting them devour what seems like endless amounts of candy and chocolate.

 

 

There is, of course, always, compromise. A new trend has taken place between parents and children over the past few years. Parents have found strategies that still allow Halloween fun and treats that children can enjoy without putting their teeth at risk.

Fun Ways to Explain Good and Bad Bacteria

The important thing to understand about tooth decay is exactly how it happens and how to explain in an age appropriate way the adverse effects that eating too much candy and chocolate can have on their teeth.

The Battle of the Bacteria and your children’s teeth 

Most parents know what dangers are lurking at the bottom of their child’s Halloween bag, but many parents are not aware of what is going on inside their child’s mouth. There are hundreds of good and bad bacteria in our mouth. These bacteria occupy every space available in our mouth and are always working against each other to take over and foil the others plan. There are good bacteria that work with the fluoride in our toothpaste and some places drinking water to help keep our mouth healthy and cavity free; while the bad bacteria team up with sugar to form acids that attack and erode our teeth. This explanation sounds easy for children to understand, but you should try something a bit more fun and clever to get their attention.

For instance, children learn things better if it relates to something they know. You could try referring to brushing their teeth as something a superhero would do while working with their partner’s saliva and fluoride to beat the nasty villain called bacteria that works with sugar and acidic foods to cause cavity and tooth decay.

A Good Compromise

The next step is finding alternative ways to compromise with your children so that they can still enjoy the holiday without feeling cheated or set apart from other children they know

Alternative Treats on Halloween

Families are putting more of a spin on traditional holidays these days and making them more personalized. For instance, some parents are taking different snacks, or homemade movie tickets, small toys, and get out of doing chore coupons to their neighbors in advance and asking them to give these to their children instead of candy when they come to the door. Other parents do a candy for cash scheme for every pound of candy the child trades in they get money in return.

Planning a neighborhood, Halloween Trick-or-treat trail that offers alternatives to sweets and chocolate is a good idea.  If you decide that you want to celebrate Halloween the old-fashioned way and allow your children to eat the candy they get on Halloween night, that is OK too. Just remember to hand out the sweets over several weeks instead of days and make sure that your child cleans their teeth after they have eaten any candy or chocolate treats.  

Reversing Early Signs of Tooth Decay

According to the National Dental and Craniofacial Institute, it is possible to reverse early signs of tooth decay. If you notice tooth decay in its early or moderate stages, then there is a good chance that you can repair your child’s teeth. NIDCR, suggest that you make sure your child brushes with a fluoridated toothpaste at least twice a day as well as, and don’t forget to remind them to floss once a day. Ask your dentist about a protective coating to go on your child’s teeth, as usual, monitor your child’s intake of sugar and acidic foods. It is important to remember that sugars are in most things such as fruit juice, packaged drinks, sodas, homemade Southern sweet tea as well as well as, fruits and processed foods. So keep in mind that no matter what your child is eating or drinking they need to brush away the bad bacteria.

 

Broken, Chipped, Knocked Out Teeth

What should you do if your little one falls and knocks out a tooth while ghouling around on Halloween or breaks or chips a tooth on a piece of that frightful candy?

If your child does break or chip a tooth, you must take them to the dentist straight away, even if the tooth is not a permanent tooth. A chipped or broken tooth is open to infection and bacteria. A dentist should access the tooth to see what steps need to be taken to mend your child’s tooth. If you can find the chipped or broken tooth place it in a glass of milk and take it to the dentist, it is possible that the dentist may be able to put the chipped or broken piece back into your child’s mouth.

If your child knocks out a permanent or baby tooth, you should take the same steps you would with a chipped or broken tooth. Making sure you take your child straight to the dentist. However, make sure you hold the tooth that was knocked out by the base and not the root.  

Dental Visits and Toothbrushes

Unless told otherwise by your dentist then you should take your child for a dental checkup every six months.  Also, make sure that you change your child’s toothbrush every three months.

Recap

  •    Try to find a fun and child-friendly way to explain the battle between the good and bad bacteria that live in your child’s mouth that causes tooth decay.
  •    Look for alternative treats to give your little goblins on Halloween and try and work with neighbors or other parents to create a Halloween trick- or – a treat that will make both parents and children happy.
  •    Know that your child can have candy and chocolate on Halloween but teach them the importance of moderation while enjoying their treats.
  •    Reversing the early to moderate signs of tooth decay is possible if you limit or stop your child from eating and drinking so many sugary and acidic products and brushing their teeth after every meal is ideal but no less than twice a day.
  •    If your child knocks out, breaks or chips a permanent or baby tooth do not hesitate to take them to the dentist straight away. Make sure you put the tooth in a glass of milk because the dentist might be able to save the child’s tooth.
  •    Don’t forget to take your child to the dentist every six months or twice a year, more visits may be necessary if the dentist requires.

 

For more information on healthy teeth, tooth decay prevention, or if you would like to schedule a teeth cleaning for your child contact Dr. Chauvin’s office today!

Dr. Chauvin and his wonderful staff hopes you have a happy and frightfully fun Halloween.

3 Things Young Teeth Need in Moderation

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young teeth dr chauvin lafayette la dentistIt can be said that with most things in life – diet, exercise, guilty pleasures – moderation is the key, and this too applies as we talk about your baby’s or children’s teeth.

What do we mean by that?

Specifically, when we look at sugar intake, teeth brushing practices, and toothpaste, we want to be sure we’re making the correct and moderate choices, since these will ensure healthy adult teeth for your children. Damage to baby teeth can cause children to have dental problems later on in their adult lives, so it’s important to start good dental practices early on.

3 Things Young Teeth Need in Moderation

  • Sugar Intake

Eating sugary foods can cause tooth breakdown and decay over time and gives bacteria ample opportunity to multiply within your child’s mouth. Sugar is the main reason that almost half of children under the age of 11 experience tooth decay, and it’s easy to see why: sugar can creep in through not only obvious food items like soft drinks and ice cream, but also through milk, juice, and dried fruit.

It can be tempting to give in to your child’s demands for sugary snacks and candy, especially with Halloween right around the corner, but try to have healthy alternatives for drinks and snacks on hand. Keep an eye out especially for sticky foods.

 

  • Teeth Brushing

Before your baby’s teeth come in, you can gently wipe gums after feedings with a damp, clean washcloth to remove bacteria. Once the first teeth come in, you can still use a washcloth to remove plaque or you can use a soft-bristled baby toothbrush to brush the tooth with a small smear of baby toothpaste.

Be very gentle so you don’t irritate gums and remember that teething is an uncomfortable time, so be careful with your baby’s sensitive gums and mouth. Once your child gets older, you can introduce them to their toothbrush and let them hold it, but stress the importance of thoroughly and patiently brushing their teeth.

 

  • Toothpaste

There are varying recommendations as to what age is appropriate to start using fluoridated toothpaste, so check with your dentist on this. Remember to use just a small smear of toothpaste for babies and a pea-sized amount for children as they get older. Too much fluoride is not good for children, so monitor them while brushing to be sure they’re not accidentally swallowing or ingesting fluoridated toothpaste.

Remember to start getting your children used to coming to the dentist’s office at an early age. It’s best your dentist establish a relationship with your child so he or she can track progress, give recommendations, and note any important changes. Your child will also benefit by beginning to view the dentist’s office as a safe and welcoming space instead of something to fear. At Chauvin Dental, we hope to see you and your family soon for your regular check up!

What Not Brushing Before Bed Does to Your Teeth

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brushing before bedPicture this: it’s late at night, you’ve had a long day, and you stumble up the stairs and toward your bed. You feel as though you’ll barely make it before passing out. As your eyes close, you realize you forgot to brush your teeth, but it’s the last thing you want to worry about doing right now.

You wonder: why is it so hard to remember brushing before bed? We’ve probably all been in this scenario before, but it’s time to face reality: not brushing your teeth before bed is one of the poorest decisions you can make when it comes to proper dental hygiene.

 

 

 

Is brushing before bed not for you?

Let’s break down what actually happens when you don’t brush your teeth before bed. When you eat, food causes the bacteria that’s already in your mouth to multiply in overdrive, especially if there’s a high sugar content. Bacteria love sugar! So you’ve got all of this bacterial waste in your mouth and then you start to feel a layer of plaque accumulate on your teeth. Plaque has to be physically removed from your teeth by brushing or it becomes tartar and causes a world of problems, including gum disease and cavities.

Think of just how funky your mouth can seem when you wake up in the morning. If you skip your nighttime teeth brushing session, that means you’re going roughly twice the amount of time in between brushes that you should be – which means more than twice the germs. Pretty gross, right?

Commit to a nightly routine

The American Dental Association advises that everyone should brush at least twice a day for two minutes a session and floss once a day. Spending those two minutes brushing your teeth twice a day removes plaque and, if you use fluoridated products, strengthens and revitalizes your teeth. In addition, you should still be sure to see your dentist regularly to screen for any potential dental issues before they become serious.

Make sure brushing is a part of your standard bedtime routine. It’s so easy to form bad habits and what seems like an occasional miss when it comes to nighttime brushing can easily turn into a regular thing if left unchecked. If it seems like this is something you struggle with regularly, think of ways to make it easier for yourself. Can you brush your teeth right after dinner? Can you keep a toothbrush by your bed so you at least do a dry brush? Maybe you can even try out a toothpaste that feels like more of a splurge than your usual pick, so you’ll be more inclined to use it.

The bottom line is that brushing your teeth cannot be replaced by mouthwash, chewing gum, or mints, and not brushing before bed can have negative long-term effects on your dental health. Commit to those two minutes twice a day, and rest easy knowing your teeth are healthy and protected.

 

3 Most Common Dental Emergencies

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Dental EmergenciesWhenever your teeth are uncomfortable, it can feel like an emergency, but there are a few commonly experienced situations that do warrant pretty immediate attention from your dentist. The three most common dental emergencies are tooth trauma (chipped, broken, or knocked-out tooth), toothaches or tooth pain, and a lost filling or crown.

 

Tooth Trauma

Have you chipped, broken, or even lost a tooth? If you’ve chipped or broken a tooth, make an appointment to see your dentist and then rinse with warm water. If you’ve got swelling, you can try applying a cold compress to your face to help. Depending on the damage, the treatment will be different: for a small chip, many times your dentist can round out the edges of your tooth or bond a small amount of resin to your tooth to recreate its natural look. Bigger chips may require placement of a crown, veneers, or a root canal procedure. If you knocked your tooth out, save it in a cup of milk (to prevent the tooth drying out) and bring it to your appointment – and hurry! The chances of saving your tooth are best within an hour of your trauma. Don’t scrub your tooth and don’t touch the root. You can also try to put the tooth back in its place and see if it will hold. If you’ve got time before your appointment, you can also rinse with warm water and apply pressure with a piece of gauze to stop any bleeding.

 

Toothache or Tooth Pain

Toothaches and teeth sensitivity are conditions most people have experienced. Many times, these are symptoms that the tooth’s nerve is inflamed and may indicate you have a cavity or some decay that needs treatment. See your dentist to be sure of what’s going on. Remember the best way to prevent dental problems is to practice proper oral hygiene, including brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day. You may be able to temporarily relieve symptoms by rinsing with warm water, using sensitive teeth toothpaste, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, or using a cold compress to help with pain or swelling. Your dentist can recommend specific treatment based on the underlying condition causing your toothache or pain.

 

Lost Filling or Crown

A filling is what’s used to fill in the space after a cavity is removed, while a crown is what’s placed over your tooth to protect it from further damage or after a procedure like a root canal. It’s possible for these to come loose, for example, if you’ve applied a lot of pressure to a tooth or if there’s decay that needs treatment. If this happens to you, make an appointment with your dentist and, if possible, bring the filling or crown with you. Rinse with warm water immediately after you notice the filling or crown is lost. This is not as urgent as a tooth trauma or toothache, but you should still schedule an appointment ASAP to avoid your tooth becoming further compromised. Your exposed tooth will not be as strong as it was with the filling or crown in place.

 

Always remember the best thing to do if you ever have any questions or uncertainty regarding your teeth is to make an appointment with your dentist’s office. Although these common dental emergencies require prompt attention, they can typically be successfully and quickly resolved with the help of your dentist.

What is pulp therapy?

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Pulp-TherapyPulp therapy (pulpotomy or pulpectomy) is needed when the nerve of a primay (“baby”) tooth is affected by decay or infection; it is the same concept of root canal therapy for permanent teeth.

In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.

Having pulp therapy done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed.  Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth may ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems with space maintenance for permanent teeth.

Pulp treatment is highly successful and usually lasts the lifetime of the baby tooth, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be extracted due to new or recurrent infections.

Signs and symptoms for possible pulp therapy:

Inflamed or injured pulp is exceptionally painful.  Even if the source of the pain isn’t visible, it will quickly become obvious that the child needs to see the pediatric dentist.

Here are some of the other signs to look for:

  • Sensitivity to hot and cold.
  • Severe toothache pain.
  • Sometimes no symptoms are present.
  • Swelling and/or tenderness.

Reasons for pulp therapy:

  • Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth).
  • Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.
  • Injury or trauma to the tooth.

When should a child undergo pulp therapy?

Every situation is unique.  The pediatric dentist assesses the age of the child, the positioning of the tooth, and the general health of the child before making a recommendation to extract the tooth or to save it via pulp therapy.

Some of the undesirable consequences of prematurely extracted/missing teeth are listed below:

  • Arch length may shorten.
  • In the case of primary tooth loss, permanent teeth may lack sufficient space to emerge.
  • Opposing teeth may grow in a protruding or undesirable way.
  • Premolars may become painfully impacted.
  • Remaining teeth may “move” to fill the gap.
  • The tongue may posture abnormally.

What does pulp therapy involve?

A pulpotomy or pulpectomy procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist).

While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva.  An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria for a pulpectomy or just the pulp tissue from the crown (the part of the tooth visible when looking in the mirror) region for a pulpotomy.  Tooth decay will also be removed with special dental instruments.

Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and medicated, the best way to restore or “fix” the missing tooth structure and provide the best seal from bacteria is to place a stainless steel crown. This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and will restore it to its full function.

After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed.

You will be given care instructions after each appointment.  Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your child’s pulp treatment.

If you live in or around Lafayette, Louisiana and you suspect your child is in need of pulp therapy, contact Dr.  Chauvin’s office to schedule an appointment for a consultation today.

Why thumb sucking is bad for children’s teeth

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If you asked a group of parents about their opinions on thumb sucking and pacifiers, odds are good that you would get a wide variety of opinions. This habit is a perfectly normal behavior in babies and young children because it provides security and comfort. The real problem begins when teeth start to come in because it can disrupt their formation.

When is thumb sucking a problem?

If thumbsucking continues after permanent teeth come in or especially in cases of excessively hard sucking, dental problems can occur.  Your child’s palate may become arched causing what’s known as an “Open Bite”.  It may also cause front teeth to be pushed forward, causing bite and speech problems.  Many older children who still suck their thumbs may have trouble making “S” sounds or sounds requiring the tongue to touch the front teeth.  Some children develop chapped skin or nail problems on the thumb or finger being sucked.  After age 5, or when permanent teeth are starting to erupt, the child should be encouraged to stop.

How can I help my child stop thumb sucking?

Children usually stop sucking their thumb during their toddler years, but some will continue to use the behavior as a comfort mechanism.  We’ve found that the best methods to curb thumbsucking are based on positive reinforcement.  Here are a few ideas you might consider:

  • A first-step may be to simply ignore the behavior, especially if it is part of a power struggle with your child or it is being used to gain attention.  Some experts suggest a “one month moratorium” on discussing the subject before moving on to other methods.
  • Use praise when your child isn’t sucking his or her thumb, never scold them when they do.
  • Try positive reinforcement such as a sticker chart or other reward system.
  • Seek out the possible causes of anxiety and work to alleviate the reasons for thumbsucking.
  • Some children suck their thumbs from boredom.  Try engaging your child in a fun activity.
  • Allow older children to pick a reward for not sucking their thumb.
  • Mention the behavior at your child’s next appointment and allow us to offer some positive motivation.
  • As a last resort, place a bandage or sock on the child’s hand at night to discourage thumbsucking while sleeping.

How to Fix a “Gummy Smile”

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What is a Gummy smile? You may not have heard the phrase, but you’ve probably noticed the condition. A “gummy smile” occurs when too much gum tissue (in technical terms, over 4 millimeters, or about one-eighth of an inch) is visible in the smile. A gummy smile by itself is not considered to be unhealthy or abnormal. It has been long considered by dentists to be a normal variation of a persons body. but if you feel it detracts from your appearance, there are several ways dentists can treat a gummy smile.   

A gummy smile can give the teeth a short and unhealthy look. The gingival tissue should be at or just above the neck of the tooth, called the cementoenamel junction. In some cases of a gummy smile, the tissue may cover 50% or more of the teeth. The gummy smile can be caused by a variety of things. These can include:

• Abnormal eruption of the teeth can cause an excessive display of gingival in your upper jaw. As a result, your teeth may appear short due to the excessive gums, although they might actually be the proper length.

• The way your upper jaw bone develops over the years can also cause gummy smiles. For example, if there is an excessive bulging protrusion in your upper jaw within the gums, you will experience an obvious gingival issue.

• The muscle that takes control of the movement of your upper lip can be hyperactive and it can cause your upper lip to rise higher than usual. 

The presence of excess gum tissue makes maintenance of oral hygiene very difficult or at least more difficult than for patients without a gummy smile. This can lead to unhealthy tissue that can bleed easily as well as increased risk for tooth decay. The excessive tissue will allow food and bacteria to get lodged underneath, causing red, swollen gums and bleeding. This early situation is called gingivitis. Gingivitis is the earliest form of periodontal disease. If this goes untreated the gingivitis leads to  periodontal disease with progression toward tooth loss. 

Treatment for a gummy smile

If you think you have a gummy smile, visit your favorite Lafayette Louisiana dentist, Dr. Chauvin for confirmation and treatment options. Dr. Chauvin will examine your mouth, teeth and gums to determine the extent of the excessive gingival display and any possible causes. This examination may involve conventional and/or digital impressions of your teeth and gums. You may also need X-ray imaging so that the tooth roots and jaw bone can be carefully examined.

If you suffer from a severe gummy smile, your dentist may refer you to a specialist, like a periodontist, orthodontist or an oral surgeon. Depending on the nature of your specific clinical condition, treatment for your gummy smile could include:

1) Gingivectomy 

This is simply the removal of excess gum tissue. By removing the excess tissue and reshaping the gums, you end up with a very cosmetic result. During this procedure a very small amount of gum tissue needs to be removed.  The procedure is generally quite painless, but local anesthetic is necessary. The treatment requires no sutures and typically the gingival tissue heals within 1-2 weeks. A gingivectomy is usually the prescribed procedure when only a few teeth are affected by the gummy smile. Sometimes, the bone must also be remodeled to correct the problem.

2) Crown Lengthening 

During this procedure, excess gum and bone tissue is removed and reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth. This can be done to one or more teeth to expose a natural, even, wide smile. This procedure is a bit more advanced but still relatively easy to perform by a trained dentist or specialist. The gum tissue is removed in the same way as in a gingivectomy, the bone removal requires rotary instrumentation.

There is a very low risk of complications for both procedures. Any discomfort following the procedures can usually be handled by over the counter medications. Patients will see results immediately. But over the next few weeks following the procedure it will look even better. This is because the gingival and bone tissues need time to fully heal. Once fully healed they will see the full effect of a beautiful and healthy smile and can say goodbye to their old gummy smile!

If you would like more information on treatments for “gummy” smiles, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.

Periodontal Disease Linked to Heart Disease

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Heart disease is one of the most common health problems of many people around the globe. Did you know that poor oral hygiene can lead to heart problem? Gum disease is a type of condition wherein the tissues that surround the teeth are inflamed or has an infection. As this condition advances, the bones of the jaw will start to decay. This disease is caused by bacteria that grow within the surface of teeth under the gums. Scientific studies have shown that gum disease can lead to heart disease that can be describe as a diversity of heart infection, heart disease and other conditions.

Gum disease is an infection of the tissue that within the teeth. The first phase of gum disease is called as gingivitis as this condition aggravates, it can lead to periodontal disease. According to the expert from Michigan Health System, the mouth produces plaque naturally, an unseen substance situated in human teeth. This contains bacteria that can produce contaminant that can harm gum tissue, which will harden over time.

Heart Disease

Periodontal disease is linked to heart disease because when the infection and damage of the gums and bones becomes worst, the bacteria and the tiny fragments can be swallowed thus leading to heart disease. This is because the bacteria can travel through the bloodstream and can be deposited to the heart tissue that causes inflammation and infection.

Gingivitis is a slight condition that causes red and swollen gums that may bleed when brushed. Periodontitis can be seen when the gums starts to withdraw from teeth, wherein it exposes the bone. The unprotected bone may become infected with the bacteria. The gums may become swollen, red and may emit pus. The loosen teeth and bad breath means that it should be extracted immediately.
The signs of bacterial endocarditis comprises of breathlessness, joint pain, coughing, muscle aches, weakness, fever, fatigue and heart murmur. Heart functional issues eventually follows such as chest pain, irregular heart beat and heart palpitations.

Risk Factors of Periodontal Disease

The risk of developing this condition is very high for individuals who have genetic predisposition but most of all it is very common for people who doesn’t practice a healthy oral care. The teeth should be brushed at least 2-3 times a day and flossed once a day. Additionally, people with poor immune system are also prone to develop the condition such as patients with diabetes, leukemia and AIDS. Smokers or people who are under high stress with poor diet are also prone to develop this condition.

Prevention and Treatment of Periodontal Disease

The prevention is very important to avoid the bad effects of periodontal disease. Proper oral care like brushing and flossing the teeth regularly is a must to protect your teeth from these bacteria. Additionally, do not be afraid to visit your reliable and dependable dentist regularly for at least two times a year to prevent periodontal disease. Mild case of gingivitis will require proper oral care and antibacterial medication, but in severe case, the dentist may need to remove parts of the gums wherein it is the only way to prevent the disease to spread.

In conclusion, heart disease due to periodontal disease can be evaded as long as you know how to care your teeth.  Consulting the dentist is an effective way to help you prevent heart disease.

Is There A Vaccination For Cavities In The Future?

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Is there a vaccination for cavities in the future? This is perhaps a common question for most people who are looking for non-costly means on how to protect the teeth from cavities permanently. Since immemorial, cavities is one of the most common problems of people and it is the reason why they need to go to the dentist at least twice a year in order to determine if their teeth are always healthy.

What is Mutans Streptococci?

Mutans streptococci are a type of bacteria that is responsible for cavities. This is a type of bacteria that is naturally released by our system particularly in the mouth area.  They can be there at the mouth not harming the oral system. On the other hand, poor oral hygiene, genetic predisposition, weak immune system can allow these bacteria to proliferate in the system thus causing harm and can lead to periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is a condition wherein cavities have advanced causing to destroy the teeth, gums and well as the bones within the jaw. As a result, the bacteria can travel through bloodstream which can infect the heart eventually.

Vaccines are important preventive measure to avert such health condition to thrive. Believe it or not, scientist and researchers from the Forsyth Institute in Boston in U.S. are studying or researching a vaccine which targets the bacteria mutans streptococci.  You have to understand that when these bacteria break down the food they produce lactic acid that is responsible to wear away the tooth enamel.

About the Vaccine

The main objective of the vaccine is to enhance the immune system to create antibodies that can kill the enzyme that permits the bacteria to stick into the teeth. Since, it cannot cling anymore to the tooth enamel the bacteria are eradicated by saliva thus protecting the teeth and gums.

In an experiment done and rats are given with this vaccine has not develop any cavities. Trials are also used in people and it shown that the vaccine is promising because it does not have caused any issue.

Moreover, experts also suggest that it can be an ideal vaccine for children below 1 year old while their teeth are still developing and at the same time the plaque bacteria is already established. According to the experts, if this vaccine is given to children, it can avert thrive of plaque bacteria. This is an effective barrier to help the children to have a better oral health for life.

The adults who are tested for this vaccination shows that the vaccine helps to decrease the cavity and oral health problems. Moreover, still it is still not out in the market because additional researches are still being done.

Cavity vaccines can be an effective tool to protect the teeth and the overall health. On the other hand, practicing a good oral health and visiting the dentist regularly is still imperative to assure that your teeth are healthy as well as to protect health from periodontal disease. Cavities can be avoided as long as you know how to protect oral health.

 

Until this vaccine becomes a reality Dr. Chauvin, your favorite Lafayette Louisiana dentist wants you to remember to get teeth cleanings twice a year to keep your mouth happy. Contact us today!

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

  • 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

 

Treatment of Dry Socket

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

Dry Socket Prevention

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.

If you have any further questions feel free to contact Dr. Chauvin’s office today!