5 reasons to schedule your dental appointment in time for the new year

5 reasons to schedule your dental appointment in time for the new year

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Dentists and oral care experts across America recommend that you see your dentist for a cleaning and checkup twice a year, so why not start your new year off right with a visit to your favorite dentist’s chair? The time to schedule your new year appointment is NOW!

 

Here are five reasons why a trip to the dentist early in the year is so important: 

  • Cleaning off all the plaque build-up from the holidays: Even if you brush twice daily and floss every night, plaque still happens to everyone, especially if you’ve been indulging in sweet treats and other not-so-great for you food items from the holidays. Who wouldn’t want to start off the new year with a set of clean and plaque-free teeth? 
  • Early detection of gum disease: If you don’t want to stroll into the new year with gingivitis or other gum disease, then schedule your checkup sooner than later. Gum disease can be very harmful to your overall oral health. It can lead to tooth loss and other infections. An early trip to the dentist can prevent the fallout from gum disease. 
  • Cavity prevention and detection: Do you know how cavities are formed? Cavities are the holes in your teeth that form as a result of tooth decay. When cavities go untreated, it can cause pain and tooth loss. Who wants to start the new year with cavities? No one!
  • Bruxism: Have you heard of Bruxism? It might sound scarier than it actually is, but it’s still important to be diagnosed and treated if you have it. Bruxism is grinding, gnashing or clenching your teeth unconsciously, either when you’re sleeping or when you’re awake. If it’s a severe case, it can lead to jaw disorders, headaches, damaged teeth and more.
  • Early detection of oral cancer: Oral cancer is found more in people who are older than 45, but it can happen to anyone at any age. Did you know that people with poor oral hygiene — i.e. people who don’t take care of their teeth — are at a higher risk for oral cancer? An early dentist appointment can detect oral cancer – and a trip to the dentist can also educate you on how to properly care for your teeth so you’re not at an increased risk for oral cancer. 

 

If you want to stroll into the new year with a healthy smile, call Dr. Tim Chauvin’s office to schedule your appointment today!

Tooth Sensitivity - dr chauvin lafayette la

Tooth Sensitivity to Cold? To Hot? To Sweets?

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Ouch! We’ve all been there. You’re sipping a delicious latte or taking that first scrumptious bite of ice cream, and all of a sudden you feel jarring pain in a tooth or multiple teeth. Or, you’re nibbling on your favorite piece of chocolate when the same kind of pain appears, seemingly out of nowhere. What’s happening?

Not only is tooth sensitivity to hot and cold food, sweets and beverages painful, it’s also a sign of a bigger underlying problem. 

 

What causes your teeth to be sensitive to hot, cold and sometimes sweet things? 

There are multiple reasons why you might be experiencing the tooth sensitivity and subsequent pain or discomfort. These include: 

  • Erosion of your enamel: Your teeth are covered by enamel, which protects your pearly whites from things that are hot, cold, sticky or rough on your teeth. Over time, the enamel on your teeth can begin to wear down, putting you at risk for tooth decay and exposed nerves that make drinking and eating hot and cold things a very unpleasant experience. Enamel erosion is common as you age, but other contributing factors to losing enamel are a diet that’s too high in sugar, a diet that’s too acidic, or acid reflux.

  • Cavities: Since a cavity essentially is a hole in your tooth or gums, it makes perfect sense that having one would expose sensitive nerves and cause pain when you eat or drink things that are hot, cold or sweet. Often, tooth sensitivity is one of the first symptoms of a cavity. Fortunately, cavities are easy fixes at your dentist’s office.

  • Receding gums: Enamel is your first line of defense, but below that is dentin. Dentin is full of tiny tubes that make you more sensitive to hot and cold sensations. When your gum line is receding, the dentin has a better chance of being exposed, thus amplifying your sensitivity and pain. Receding gums are a sign of gum disease or gingivitis. 

 

How can you alleviate tooth sensitivity? 

If your tooth pain is caused by a cavity, the only real solution is to visit a dentist and have it filled. That should solve the problem of a sensitive tooth or teeth. The same goes for receding gums and being treated by your dentist for gingivitis or gum disease. 

If enamel erosion is the issue, there are steps you can take on your own to slow the process. These include: 

  • Choosing your toothbrush wisely: If your teeth are feeling sensitive, opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush instead of a medium or hard bristle. 
  • Find a toothpaste that will help to restore your enamel and/or decrease tooth sensitivity. 
  • Don’t brush your teeth too hard! It’s one of the leading causes of tooth decay. 

Whatever the reason for your tooth sensitivity, it’s not a good feeling, and you’ll want to get it taken care of. Contact Dr. Tim Chauvin’s office today for help. 

braces - dr chauvin lafayette la

The Low Down About Invisalign, Metal Braces and DIY Straighteners

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Crooked teeth are not only problematic for aesthetics, they can lead to jaw pain and other issues that can affect your overall health. But straightening your teeth can mean a lot of time in the orthodontist’s office — and a big dent on your wallet. 

The cost alone is why so many have turned to do-it-yourself (DIY) teeth-straightening treatments, despite dentists and orthodontists warning that it’s a bad idea. 

Here’s a look at what services are available to straighten your smile, and which options are better for your overall oral health and budget. 

 

Benefits of Metal Braces 

Metal braces, the more traditional treatment for crooked teeth, involve brackets that typically run along a wire, both of which are pressed against your teeth. The wire and brackets help to support slight movements, which in turn can better align and straighten your teeth. 

Metal braces typically cost between $3,000 and $5,000, depending on the severity of the tooth problems and whether you have dental insurance. 

Here are the benefits of metal braces (as opposed to Invisalign or other teeth-straightening treatments): 

 

  • Braces are not removable, so you don’t risk your child taking them off while you’re not watching. 
  • Braces are better at fixing more complicated alignment issues. They’re known for being better than Invisalign if the problems are complex. 
  • Unlike Invisalign, which is used more often to treat the look of crooked teeth, braces are able to also correct other problems, like malocclusion or bad bites. 

 

Benefits of Invisalign 

Invisalign braces are computer-made trays that you wear on the top and bottom rows of your teeth 24 hours a day to straighten your teeth. You change them out every two weeks, although some trays last six months to a year. 

Invisalign typically costs between $3,000 and $8,000. 

Here are the benefits of Invisalign: 

  • As the name suggests, Invisalign trays are relatively hard to notice when someone is wearing them. For people who are reluctant to smile with metal braces showing, this is an aesthetically appealing alternative. 
  • Invisalign also doesn’t impact your speech, a complaint for some people who wear metal braces. 
  • For people without complex alignment or bite problems, Invisalign is a great way to straighten your teeth, as long as you don’t need to improve overall functionality. 

 

DIY tooth-straighteners

There is only one benefit to DIY braces — lower cost — but the money you save in the beginning likely will be offset by the money you’ll have to spend later to correct the problems that DIY braces can cause. 

The trend started a few years ago, when a college student used a 3D printer to print his own braces. Since then, there have been a plethora of DIY alignment gimmicks that will ship your alignment trays to your front door. 

But there are some drawbacks, orthodontists say:

  • If the company you’re purchasing from doesn’t do X-Rays beforehand, you run the risk of inserting braces over an undiagnosed condition or problem in your mouth. If that happens, the condition of your teeth could worsen. 
  • Dentists warn that DIY braces kits often move the teeth quickly — in 16-20 weeks — and that’s way too fast. If your teeth move too fast, it can damage your bones and gums. 
  • And if the tooth moves in the wrong direction, which it very well could without proper supervision from a professional, you can “throw off your bite.”

 

As you can see, there are a lot of options for fixing a crooked smile, but they should always start with a consultation with a dentist or orthodontist. Contact Dr. Tim Chauvin’s office today for help. 

cavity - dr chauvin lafayette la

Cavity? Now What? (plus Signs and symptoms)

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You’ve heard the word a hundred times — and you might have been treated for one or two as a child — but do you really know what a cavity is? 

A cavity is a permanently damaged area on your tooth that morphs into a tiny hole — or opening — on the hard surface of a tooth. 

 

What causes cavities? 

If you end up with a cavity, fear not. You’re not alone, and it’s not the end of the world. In fact, cavities are one of the world’s most prevalent health issues. Cavities are caused by a number of things, including: 

  • Bacteria in your mouth
  • Lack of adequate oral care (not brushing and/or flossing your teeth enough)
  • Too many sugary beverages 
  • Too many sugary snacks

Typically, dentists can fix cavities pretty easily. But if left untreated, they can cause an infection in your mouth — or tooth loss. 

 

What are the symptoms of a cavity? 

Often, if the cavity is new or not severe, you won’t have any symptoms. But as the cavity persists, you might experience: 

  • Tooth pain
  • Sensitive teeth (sensitive to hot or cold food or beverages)
  • Holes or pits in your teeth (that you can see with the naked eye)
  • Stains on your teeth

 

How is a cavity treated? 

A cavity is typically “filled” by a dentist in a relatively painless and easy fix. There are several types of fillings available, but the most common are amalgam and composite. 

Here are the fillings available for cavities: 

  • Amalgam Fillings: Amalgam fillings are comprised of several different elements, which means they can be noticeable when you laugh or smile — even if they’re in the back of your mouth. They are among the most common — and the least costly — of all the fillings available.  
  • Composite Fillings: Composite fillings are also known as filled resins. They are a combination of glass or quartz — and they’re popular because they often match the color of your tooth, so they’re not noticeable when you smile. 
  • Metals: These metals — gold or silver — are used in amalgam fillings. Gold costs roughly 10 times more than silver when it comes to fillings. Although many people aren’t comfortable with shiny metal fillings, they choose them because they’re more durable than other options — they can last more than a decade before needing attention. 
  • Ceramic: A ceramic filling typically is made with porcelain and, like composites, won’t be noticeable to people when you smile. The difference between porcelain and composite is that the porcelain filling won’t show as many tooth stains over an extended period of time. The drawback: Ceramic fillings can be very expensive.
  • Glass Ionomer: A glass lonomer is unique because it releases fluoride, which helps to protect your teeth. Although it helps your teeth while it’s in, a glass lonomer is not as durable as other fillings, so it will need to be replaced sooner. 

 

As you can see, there is no shortage of options on correcting a cavity, and all of them are relatively pain-free and not very time-consuming. Contact Dr. Tim Chauvin’s office today for more information. 

Keto Diet and Oral Health - dr chauvin lafayette la

Keto Diet and Oral Health

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The keto diet — an extremely low-carb, high-fat eating plan — has quickly become one of the most popular weight loss fads around. The effect it produces — ketosis — burns fat in your body to produce energy, instead of glucose. 

And while many people have found a lot of weight loss success in the keto diet, they’ve also discovered a few unwanted side effects, among them: ketosis breath. 

 

Why does the keto diet cause bad breath? 

When your body begins to burn fat instead of glucose, it converts your fat cells into three kinds of ketones, or fat byproducts. One of them — acetone — cannot be used to store energy. When that happens, your body releases the acetone through your urine and your lungs. 

The acetone is what gives your breath the “ketosis” smell, kind of a sweet, fruity scent. 

 

Is the keto diet bad for your oral health? 

Although ketosis breath is often an unwanted side effect of the keto diet, dentists counter that overall, the keto diet can be better for your oral health. Why? 

  • When you’re not eating carbs, you’re not eating candy bars, cookies and other processed sugars, the foods dentists say are the worst for your teeth and gums. 
  • Reducing your sugar intake has long been touted as one way to fight cavities. 
  • Low-carb diets are also believed to help with inflammation, which contributes to gingivitis. 

 

How to combat ketosis breath 

If you don’t like the keto breath, but you like the results you’re seeing with the keto diet, here are a few ways to combat the smell: 

  • Eat more leafy green vegetables and whole grains, but continue to shy away from refined carbs (think white bread, white potatoes, etc.)
  • Drink plenty of extra water. 
  • Chew sugar-free gum. It helps to stimulate your saliva and makes your breath smell better. 
  • Keep mouthwash handy. 
  • Supplement your water or tea with fresh herbs, like clove cinnamon, mint or fennel. All of them are known to be natural breath fresheners. 

 

A cleaning is a cleaning, right_ - dr chauvin lafayette la

A cleaning is a cleaning, right?

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Going to the dentist for teeth cleanings and checkups twice a year may not be the most fun thing on your calendar, but failing to do so can result in even more inconvenient — and more painful — trips to the dentist down the road. 

The longer you go without regular cleanings, the greater your chances for having to get a deep teeth cleaning. Although many people think “a cleaning is a cleaning,” a deep cleaning is much different than a regular cleaning. Here’s how. 

 

What is a deep cleaning? 

Dental professionals often refer to deep cleanings as scaling and root planing. The process involves not only removing plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth, but also from the “pocket” between your teeth and gums. 

How can a hygienist tell if you need a cleaning? He or she will use a probe and measure the area around your teeth. “Pockets” occur when bacteria has built up in between your teeth and gums. 

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, a “pocket” occurs when the space between your teeth and gums is five millimeters or more, but ideally those “pockets” won’t be more than three millimeters. These bacteria-filled pockets can lead to gum diseases or other more serious periodontal issues. 

If it’s found that you need a deep cleaning, you’ll have to get it done in two separate appointments, and it typically will involve a numbing agent. The deep cleaning will be done with an electric ultrasonic instrument — or a manual scaling tool. 

Sometimes, the dentist will have you return for a follow-up appointment after your deep cleaning to make sure those “pockets” are healthier than they were before they were scaled. If the deep clean didn’t eliminate the bacteria, then you might have to see a periodontist 

 

What if I don’t need a deep cleaning? 

If your dentist concludes that you don’t need a deep cleaning, then you’ll sit through a regular cleaning, which is less invasive. Here’s what to expect: 

  • A dental hygienist will use a set of ultrasonic tools to clean your teeth. He or she will work to get rid of plaque and tartar on your teeth and along your gum line. 
  • The hygienist will also floss in between your teeth. If you feel pain or discomfort at any time during the cleaning, let the hygienist know. 
  • The hygienist will also polish your teeth and then give your mouth a good rinse. 
  • After the hygienist is done, you might get X-rays done, depending on the last time your mouth was X-rayed. 

Whether you need a regular cleaning or a deep cleaning, it’s something you don’t want to put off until later. Your oral health depends on it!

Contact Dr. Tim Chauvin’s office today to schedule an appointment. 

 

Things To Know About Teeth Whitening - dr chauvin lafayette la

Things To Know About Teeth Whitening

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Teeth-whitening has come a long way since it hit the market and skyrocketed in popularity. These days, if you’re looking for a brighter smile, you’ve got ample options from which to choose. 

Essentially, these options are broken down into two categories: at-home whitening kits or professional, in-office teeth whitening services. In most cases, both kinds of teeth-whitening options — the at-home or in-office — utilize peroxide-based bleaches to brighten your smile. 

But whether you use an at-home treatment or a professional service, you should check with your dentist before whitening your teeth, as if can be painful for people with sensitive teeth, and you could end up bleaching your gums!

 

What are the pros and cons of in-office teeth whitening treatments? 

If you’re looking for immediate results, then teeth whitening done at a dentist’s office will help you achieve that. Here are the other benefits of in-office teeth whitening: 

  • Stronger solution for better results: The bleach you’ll see at a dentist’s office is much stronger than what you’ll see in Crest white strips or other at-home. 
  • Heat and light treatments: Office visits might also include heat and light, or both, to quicken the process and make the results even brighter. 

 

The drawbacks of in-office whitening programs include: 

  • Cost: It varies from office to office and also depends on which type of service you receive, but you can plan on spending anywhere from $500-$1,000 if you opt for a whitening at a dentist’s office. 
  • Often, in-office whitening requires several visits, although some technology allows for a single, two-hour appointment. 

 

What are the pros and cons of at-home whitening kits? 

From strips to trays to gels, there is no shortage of at-home whitening treatments if that’s the route you’d rather take. 

If you’re thinking of using a DIY treatment, here’s what you should keep in mind: 

  • Cost: At-home teeth whitening generally will be much cheaper than going to a dentist. White strips and gels range from $25-$100, while in-office visits range from $500-$1,000. 
  • Less dramatic results: You’ll save money by whitening your teeth at home, but don’t expect the same level of white that you’d get if you got your teeth whitened professionally. 
  • Time: If you choose whitening strips or whitening trays, you’ll have to take the time to wear them daily, usually from two to four weeks. Directions are different for each treatment, but typically you’ll wear them at least 30 minutes to an hour a day, anywhere from 10 days to a month. If you visit a dentist, you won’t have to commit to wearing white strips or whitening trays daily. 

Maintaining your bright smile 

Whether you visit a dentist or buy a whitening treatment from your local drug store, you can count on the results usually lasting for at least a few months. There are steps you can take to get the most out of your whitening treatment, including: 

  • Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day. 
  • Avoid black teas, coffee, wine, carbonated beverages and berries. 

Have you been considering a teeth-whitening treatment? Contact Dr. Chauvin’s office today for more information. 

Pregnancy and Dental Health - dr chauvin lafayette la

Pregnancy and Dental Health

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Oral health is one crucial component of overall health, and this is even more true when you’re pregnant. 

Did you know that studies have revealed a connection between periodontitis — also known as gum disease — and premature birth? Gum disease also has been linked to low birthweight. That’s why it’s so important for you to take care of your teeth and gums while you’re expecting. 

How does pregnancy affect your dental health?

The changes in your body you experience during pregnancy can have a big impact on your teeth and gums. One of the most obvious signs of pregnancy is bleeding gums. When you’re pregnant, there’s more blood flowing through your veins, a higher level of acid in your mouth, and a drastic rise in hormones. 

All of these changes can cause problems with your oral health. These issues can include: 

  • Gingivitis: Do your gums bleed when you brush? Are your gums red, swollen and/or sore? Then you might have gingivitis. Progesterone, a hormone that is heightened during pregnancy, can lead to gingivitis, so it’s a common occurrence in pregnant women. You’ll need to see a dentist to treat the gingivitis before it gets more serious and turns into periodontitis (gum disease).
  • Tooth loss: Just like it causes gingivitis, excess progesterone during pregnancy — along with estrogen — can impact the tissues and bones that keep your teeth intact. If you feel loose teeth while you’re pregnant, this is normal. 
  • Periodontitis: If all of the above conditions are heightened to include extreme swelling and infection in your gums and the bones in your mouth, then you could have periodontitis. This is a serious gum disease. It can also cause your teeth to become loose. You’ll need to get this treated immediately. 
  • Pregnancy tumors: Tumor sounds like a scary word, but pregnancy tumors are not cancerous, but instead, lumps that form in between teeth — on already swollen gums. The tumors can cause your mouth to bleed. They could be caused by having too much plaque. Flossing will help to eliminate plaque, but if the pregnancy tumors don’t go away on their own, you might end up having them surgically removed after you have your baby. 
  • Tooth decay: Tooth decay — or when the enamel that protects your tooth breaks down — is caused by acid in your mouth. Because pregnancy creates higher levels of acid in your mouth, tooth decay is more common among women who are expecting. You’ll have even higher acidity levels if you’re experiencing a lot of morning sickness and vomiting during pregnancy. 

How you can help you and your unborn child

The myth that it’s unsafe to visit your dentist for cleanings or X-rays while you’re pregnant is just that: a myth. Visiting your dentist can be integral in keeping your mouth (and thus your baby) healthy while you’re expecting. 

You should notify your dentist as soon as you know about your pregnancy so he or she can adjust treatment, procedures and medications. The American Pregnancy Association says the second trimester is the usually the best time for minor dental work (i.e. cleaning, fillings).

 

The Why, When, How and Where of Tongue Scraping - dr chauvin lafayette la

The Why, When, How and Where of Tongue Scraping

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Do you ever stop and think about what rests on your tongue? No? Maybe it’s time for you to start. 

Tongue scraping has become an increasingly popular addition to oral health regimens across the globe. It’s a quick and easy way to remove particles and bacteria from the surface of your tongue — and help with bad breath. It’s no substitute for twice-a-day brushing and daily flossing, but it’s a good extra step in caring for your mouth. 

A dental hygienist said it best to the Cleveland Clinic: “Think about it this way — if your carpet is dirty and you scrub it, the dirt’s going to get embedded down in there,” she explains. “But if you scrape it, it’s going to come right off the surface.”

 

How does tongue-scraping help your overall oral health? 

Over time, dead cells, bacteria and food particles can accumulate on your tongue. All of these things can lead to bad breath. 

Using a tongue scraper — a metal or plastic tool that does exactly what it says it does — has several oral health benefits, including: 

  • Helping your sense of taste: Researchers have said that if you scrape your tongue twice a day, your taste buds could be better equipped to differentiate between spicy, salty, sweet and sour. 
  • Get rid of that white buildup: Sometimes, excessive buildup on your tongue can cause a white coating to appear. White tongue is caused by an overgrowth and swelling of the fingerlike projections (papillae) on your tongue’s surface. Using a tongue scraper can help to eliminate the buildup – and thus the white coating.
  • Eliminate bacteria: The two most common bacteria in your mouth that are widely known for causing bad breath and tooth decay are called Mutans streptococci and Lactobacilli. If you scrape your tongue twice a day, research has shown that these two types of bacteria will be reduced in your mouth. Good news for people who suffer from bad breath!

 

How to add tongue-scraping to your oral health regimen

If you’re thinking about trying tongue-scraping for the first time, here’s how to do it effectively: 

  • Brush your teeth for two minutes, then floss and rinse just like you do every day. 
  • Next, stick out your tongue and lightly run the scraper across the entire surface once or twice. You should start at the back of your tongue and scrape forward. 
  • This should not be painful, and it should not damage the tongue in any way. If it does, let up on the pressure. 
  • Rinse the scraper with warm water in between each scraping. Then, when you’re finished scraping, rinse it again — and then rinse your mouth to wash out all the crud you scraped. 
  • If your tongue is still white after scraping sessions, or if you’re seeing other discoloration (like black or red spots), you should call your dentist. 

Do you have other questions about how to properly care for your teeth, gums and tongue? Call Dr. Chauvin’s office today for an appointment!

 

What brushing your teeth has to do with heart disease - dr chauvin lafayette la

What brushing your teeth has to do with heart disease

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It’s no secret that brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes is imperative to oral health, but did you know that it’s also a factor in heart health? 

Although it hasn’t been proven that poor oral health causes heart disease, or that good oral health prevents heart disease, years of research has shown a definitive connection between the two. 

 

Here’s what we do know about brushing your teeth and heart disease: 

  • If you have untreated gum disease, also known as periodontitis, you’re at an increased risk of developing heart disease.

  • If you don’t take care of your teeth and mouth, you’re at a higher risk for a bacterial infection, which can enter the bloodstream and subsequently damage your heart valves.

  • Scientists have been able to connect tooth loss patterns to coronary artery disease.

  • If you have diabetes, your oral health is even more important. Researchers say that people with diabetes can greatly benefit from having healthy teeth and gums.

 

How do bacteria in your mouth impact your heart health? 

There are numerous studies on teeth loss and cardiovascular health, but a more recent study that focused on oral bacteria and heart health had some interesting findings: 

  • People in the study who had the kind of bacteria that causes gum disease also had thicker carotid arteries. Researchers believe the thicker your carotid arteries, the greater at risk you are for a heart attack or stroke.

  • Of the 682 people studied, people who said they brushed their teeth less than twice a day for two minutes each time had a three-fold increase in their risk for heart disease.

  • Scientists believe bacteria get into your bloodstream, then make their way through the rest of your body. This can cause inflammation, which leads to the clogging of your arteries.

  • Although it’s quite possible that people who don’t take proper care of their teeth and gums also don’t take proper care of the rest of their body, the study does conclude that gum disease increases patients’ blood pressure and interferes with medications that are prescribed to treat high blood pressure. High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of strokes and heart attacks. 

Despite the limitations of the study, cardiologist Dr. Ann Bolge said the study “is a good reminder that the mouth is an important part of a person’s entire health and simple, daily behaviors that improve health are incredibly important.”

 

How to properly care for your teeth and gums

Whether you’re at a higher risk for heart disease or not, taking care of your teeth and gums is still an essential part of your overall health. Here are the simple steps you can take to have a healthy mouth: 

  • Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time you brush.

  • Floss in between your teeth daily.

  • Schedule twice-yearly cleanings and check-ups with your dentist. 

Click here to schedule your appointment today with Lafayette’s most trusted dentist.