What to Expect at Your Dental Check-Up
Are you dreading your regularly scheduled visit to the dentist? If you are, you’re not alone, but fear not: a visit to the dentist’s office isn’t nearly as bad as it sounds.
Dental offices like Dr. Chauvin’s office will do everything they can to make you more comfortable, and even if there’s somewhere you’d rather be, your mouth will thank you later.
Before the visit
It’s a good idea to ask your dentist’s office how long the appointment will last, then add some extra time to that. You don’t want to feel rushed or stressed while you’re in the dentist’s chair. Plus, if it’s been a long time since your last visit, the check-up could take longer.
Another thing you should do — if you have dental insurance — is to make sure that your dentist is part of your insurance network. Check with your dentist’s office beforehand to see if you will have to pay a copay or other fees when you get there.
The check-up
Arrive early at your dentist’s office to fill out paperwork, and also to make sure the staff has everything they need to complete your visit.
Here’s what will typically happen during the exam:
- 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.
- If you haven’t had a cleaning in a long time, you might need a deep cleaning, in which case your dentist will likely have to inject novocaine or something similar to numb the gums.
- 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.
- The final person inspecting your mouth will be the dentist, who will inspect your teeth and gums and rate the strength of each tooth and search for any pockets or gaps in between your teeth and gums. Sometimes, this causes mild pain, discomfort, or slight bleeding. Don’t be alarmed – this happens to many people.
- If there are no problems detected, you’ll probably schedule your next check-up and call it a day. If the dentist finds any issues, he or she will discuss them with you and determine the next course of action.
Schedule Your Next Appointment with Dr. Tim Chauvin
If it’s time for your next check-up and cleaning, don’t hesitate. Your oral health depends on it! Contact Dr. Tim Chauvin’s office today.
What is tooth contouring?
Everybody wants a perfect smile! If you’re displeased with the shade of your teeth, you can have them whitened. If your teeth are crooked, you can get braces. But what do you do if your teeth are in an odd shape, or have small chips in them? The simple solution to it is tooth contouring!
What is tooth contouring?
Tooth contouring is an easy procedure that dentists use to adjust the shape of a person’s teeth. Your dentist will take some x-rays to see where the pulp is and then work with either a laser or a drill. Misshapen areas will be trimmed, teeth that are too long or badly shaped will be adjusted, and then everything is smoothed out and polished.
It can cost anywhere from $50-300 per tooth and may only require one 30-minute dentist appointment. And if the defects are due to an injury or accident, your insurance may cover some of the cost!
Another possible component of contouring is bonding. This is when the resin is applied to the tooth to fill in any chips or gaps, to add shape, or to improve the color. The tooth is etched so that the resin adheres properly. Your dentist may use a special conditioning liquid that helps the resin stick better, and then a light is shined on the resin to cure it. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.
What are the benefits of tooth contouring?
Although it’s a cosmetic procedure, there are some dental health benefits from having your teeth contoured, chief among them being the cost. Contouring is much cheaper than braces! In some cases, contouring may eliminate the need for braces since it makes teeth look straighter and removes any overlaps.
Another perk of contouring is that it’s painless. Since all that is being removed is enamel, there’s typically no pain, which means no anesthesia is necessary! Tooth contouring also removes places where teeth overlap and other slight imperfections that ordinarily allow for plaque buildup, which lowers the risk for gum disease and tooth decay.
These benefits are just the tip of the iceberg since tooth contouring opens you up to many benefits such as:
- Enhances your appearance by modifying your teeth’s size or shape.
- Fixes the alignment or any cracks or chips in the teeth
- Enables easy cleaning of spaces in the teeth
- The entire process takes less than 60 minutes
- Simple and painless process
- A permanent procedure that does not need a further treatment
- Improves the issues that are due to the grinding teeth
- You don’t have to visit the doctor again and again since it is a one-time procedure
Are there any cons to contouring?
The biggest risk with contouring is weakened teeth. Since enamel is removed, reshaped teeth have higher chances of chip or staining. A vital recommendation is that you don’t chew on fingernails or pens, eat hard food, or open packages with your teeth to preserve your repairs.
Moreover, not everyone should go for this procedure since it only helps fix small imperfections with your teeth. Besides that, there is nothing more to worry about, but you can consult doctors regarding it for any questions.
Contact a Dentist today for Tooth Contouring
Tooth contouring is a great way to ensure teeth in odd shapes or include a small chip in them can get into the right shape. With the right dental services, you can know about the steps before and after tooth contouring.
Therefore, Tim Chauvin, DDS & Associates, offers you high-quality services to patients in the vicinity of Lafayette and the surrounding areas. Call us today at (337) 234-2186 or book an appointment to enjoy a beautiful smile after tooth contouring.
Learn the causes of a coated tongue
Have you ever noticed discoloration on your tongue? This can occur due to something you ate or drank, like blue icing on a cake or bright red fruit punch. But sometimes, the tongue can take on a whitish cast, and appear paler than normal or visibly white, known as the coated tongue. In extreme cases, a person speaking to you may be able to see the discoloration on your tongue.
It can make you uncomfortable and may prevent you from socializing. This problem can occur due to minor issues or severe health conditions. Therefore, it’s vital to get yourself checked after noticing a coated tongue.
Why is my Tongue White?
When your tongue turns white, it’s because the papillae, the tiny projections that coat your tongue, have become swollen or overgrown. When this happens, your tongue is prone to catching and holding onto dead cells, bacteria, or debris within your mouth. All of these things build up on the surface of the tongue, giving it a white appearance.
What is the Root Cause of a Coated Tongue?
Generally, a coated tongue is not a cause for alarm. It can be something as simple as having dry mouth, or if you have a cold and just aren’t talking that much! There are a number of different things that are responsible for a white tongue. The most common causes of coated tongue include:
- Dry mouth
- Dehydration
- Congenital heart disease
- Smoking
- Poor oral hygiene
- Alcohol use
- Breathing through the mouth
- Eating primarily soft/mashed foods
- Irritation from sharp edges of the teeth or dental work
- Fever
Some serious conditions that can cause the coated tongue include:
- Certain medications
- Leukoplakia
- Oral thrush
- Oral lichen planus
- Geographic tongue
- Mouth or tongue cancer
- HIV/AIDS
- Syphilis
Treatment of Coated Tongue
White tongue or coated tongues, in most cases, is harmless and resolves easily. Simply use a tongue scraper, or brush your tongue when you brush your teeth and drink plenty of water. The combination of agitating the surface of the tongue, along with proper hydration, will break up the coating of debris and bacteria and rinse it away. This will allow the swollen papillae to return to their original condition, as they’re no longer surrounded by bacteria.
If following these steps does not resolve your coated tongue over the course of several weeks, if it hurts, or if you simply want to rule out the risk of serious health problems, talk to your doctor. If you suspect that poor oral hygiene is the reason for your coated tongue, your doctor will give tips on maintaining proper oral health.
Prevention of White Tongue
You can prevent white tongue by practicing excellent oral hygiene. Make sure to get a checkup every six months from a reputable and experienced dentist in your locality. Try to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. Adding more natural foods to your diet and cutting out processed carbohydrates is a good way to improve your oral health.
If you develop coated tongue problem, then stop consuming tobacco and alcohol, as they are major contributors to poor oral health. Also, people who are struggling with this problem must visit the doctor regularly to rule out underlying diseases.
Bottom Line
Although coated tongue is a common issue and can affect children and adults, it’s important to determine the cause of the problem. This will help you prevent serious health conditions and even give you clues about what chronic problems you face.
If you are struggling with white tongue and want to improve oral health, visit Tim Chauvin, DDS & Associates. Not only do we offer treatment options, but our doctor, Dr. Chauvin, also helps you determine the reason for this problem. So, don’t wait, and book an appointment to get your oral health back on track!
How to pick the right dental floss
Flossing plays an integral role in maintaining oral health. It cleans the surfaces of your teeth that were unreachable by brushing. Neglecting oral health can lead to severe problems, including gum disease, cavities, and the growth of bacteria in the spaces between your teeth.
The article focuses on the importance of flossing and things one must consider while purchasing dental floss.
When should you floss?
Dentists recommend flossing at least two times a day. However, once during the day, also maintain your oral health. Flossing does not have any particular time. One can floss anytime during the day. However, flossing at night is effective as it removes all the particles left between your teeth during the day.
It is important to note that floss strands lose their potential after a single-use. Reusing the same strand may cause serious diseases. Similarly, sharing a piece of floss is also an open invitation to bacteria.
Things to consider before Purchasing A Dental Floss
Flossing is essential for oral health. It helps in getting rid of the plague and prevents diseases. There are certain things one must consider while purchasing dental floss. Some essential factors to consider before making the final purchase are as follows.
Decide the Type of Floss
Flosses come in different types catering to a different set of teeth. People with larger gaps must pick an extra thick dental floss. Choosing a thicker floss removes the surfaces of your teeth easily.
On the other hand, people with crowded teeth must opt for thin flosses. Go for single-strand flosses, as they will effectively clean the surfaces of the teeth.
Decide Between Flavored or Unflavored
Dental flosses also come in flavors. Flavored flosses make flossing enjoyable and may encourage you to floss often. However, people who do not enjoy flossing their teeth with flavored floss can purchase unflavored floss.
Choose between Waxed or Unwaxed
People with crowded teeth should opt for waxed floss as it perfectly flosses your teeth. However, people with gaps between their teeth should go for unwaxed floss, as it will effectively remove tartar from your teeth.
Price
Nylon and monofilament are the two most dominant flosses in the market. Being cheaper than the latter, nylon is a better choice for people looking for less pricey floss. Nylon flosses come in different thicknesses and flavors also. However, monofilament is stronger than nylon but expensive.
Check the seal
With a wide range of flosses available in the market, it is vital to check the dental association seal before you purchase the dental floss. Do not risk your oral health for money.
Why is Flossing Important?
American Dental Association (ADA) reveals that floss plays a vital role in oral hygiene. Skipping flossing means providing an opportunity for particles to stay between your teeth’ spaces. The particles infect your teeth and cause tooth decay and gum diseases with time.
American Dental Association (ADA) has emphasized oral hygiene and highlighted its importance. Following are some reasons how flossing helps you.
Prevents Bad Breath
People often look for ways to cure bad breath. They carry mint gums or use mouthwash for minty and fresh breath. However, these solutions are only temporary. Flossing helps remove tartar and buildup particles from your teeth that cause bad breath. Flossing twice a day will help you get rid of bad breath and provide the confidence to talk to people without worrying about your breath.
Reduces the risk of cavities
The buildup of tartar leads to tooth decay, leading to a cavity. Even though it does not happen in hours or days, neglecting your oral health can lead to severe infections. Flossing reduces the chances of tartar, which further lowers the risk of cavities.
The Bottom Line – Contact a Dentist today
Flossing plays a vital role in removing the plague. It removes buildup particles between the teeth and lowers the chances of gum line diseases. Dentists emphasize flossing regularly to minimize the chances of cavities and other tooth infections.
At Tim Chauvin, DDS & Associates, we offer high-quality services to patients across Lafayette and surrounding areas. Give us a call at (337) 234-2186 or book an appointment to start your journey towards healthier and beautiful smiles.
Are your brushing habits harming your teeth and gums?
If you brush twice a day and never forget to floss, you may think you’re doing everything possible to care for your teeth. But there are a lot of brushing habits that are actually bad for your teeth, and a lot of people are unknowingly guilty of these oral care no-nos.
From our experienced dentist Dr. Tim Chauvin in Lafayette, Louisiana, here’s what you need to know about brushing habits.
What are Bad Brushing Habits?
- Sharing your toothbrush: It may seem harmless to use your spouse or partner’s toothbrush if you can’t find yours since you kiss and share so many other things. But sharing a toothbrush is bad. Why? You’re inviting a new batch of germs and bacteria that your body isn’t ready for – and you can spread flu and other nasty viruses through your toothbrush. Not only that, the bacteria that causes cavities is highly contagious.
- Keeping your toothbrush for too long: Your toothbrush needs to be thrown away every three to four months. Period. No exceptions! Toothbrushes can preserve germs and other things that are harmful to your oral health.
- Not brushing long enough: Dentists recommend brushing your teeth for two minutes, but did you know that the average American only brushes for 45 seconds? Are you guilty of this? Not brushing long enough presents two problems: You’re not getting all the plaque and other germs out, and you’re not giving the fluoride in your toothpaste long enough to work in your mouth. Even if you’re rushed to get out the door in the morning, taking time away from your tooth-brushing will only hurt you in the end.
- Not cleaning your tongue: Your teeth and gums aren’t the only places where bacteria live in your mouth. Even if you don’t get a tongue-scraper, be sure to include your tongue in your twice-daily brushings.
- Neglecting your gums: When you’re running the toothbrush back and forth over your teeth, don’t forget your gums! Just make sure to be gentle.
- Brushing too hard: It might seem logical to brush harder to ensure plaque removal, but doing so can actually do more harm than good. Plaque is easy to remove. You don’t need to press down hard to get the job done.
- Improperly storing your toothbrush: There’s only ONE way to store your toothbrush: Upright with the brush in the open air. Don’t do it any other way.
How can bad brushing techniques affect my teeth and gums?
When it comes to brushing, one of the most important aspects of preventing disease is utilizing proper brushing technique. You could purchase the most lauded and expensive toothbrush and still develop tooth decay and gum disease if your brushing is subpar.
Proper technique involves brushing two to three times per day. You should spend about two minutes brushing your teeth and soft oral tissue each time you brush. Bearing down too hard while brushing could wear cracks in your teeth’s enamel and irritate your gingiva.
While you brush, it is important to gently run your brush over all surfaces of your teeth along with your gums, your tongue, and the insides of your lips and cheeks. Soft oral tissue harbors more bacteria than your teeth so it’s important to brush all surfaces in your mouth.
Contact Our Office Today
For more oral health tips, contact Dr. Tim Chauvin’s office today for an appointment.
What’s the best type of toothbrush?
A toothbrush is a powerful tool that can help you prevent oral disease. The selection of available toothbrushes in your local pharmacy or supermarket might overwhelm you. Today’s consumers have access to manual and powered toothbrushes all with different options for bristle texture. While manual and powered toothbrushes effectively clean teeth when used correctly, it is important to select a toothbrush that feels comfortable to you. If you have questions about what type of toothbrush you should use, feel free to speak with our team at Tim Chauvin, DDS & Associates. Our staff is happy to provide oral hygiene recommendations to help you safeguard your oral health.
Manual vs. Powered: Which toothbrush is better?
There is some debate over whether powered toothbrushes are better than manual ones. According to the ADA, if you use proper techniques, either option will help you remove the majority of surface debris on your teeth.
Powered toothbrushes typically cost much more than manual ones so if you’re on a budget, know that using a manual toothbrush is not an automatic disadvantage so long as you brush long enough with correct technique. Powered toothbrushes can be advantageous if you tend to bear down too hard when brushing or have issues with dexterity. For instance, many people with arthritis or similar conditions that affect dexterity might benefit from choosing a powered brush over a manual one.
Should I get a toothbrush with soft or hard bristles?
The texture of a toothbrush’s bristles can vary. The most common varieties you’ll see in stores are brushes with soft, medium, and hard bristles. Most oral healthcare providers believe that soft-bristled brushes are best. Medium and hard bristles could harm your tooth enamel—especially if you tend to brush with a lot of pressure and vigor. Both manual brushes and powered brush heads come in soft-bristled varieties.
How can bad brushing techniques affect my teeth and gums?
When it comes to brushing, one of the most important aspects of preventing disease is utilizing proper brushing technique. You could purchase the most lauded and expensive toothbrush and still develop tooth decay and gum disease if your brushing is subpar.
Proper technique involves brushing two to three times per day. You should spend about two minutes brushing your teeth and soft oral tissue each time you brush. Bearing down too hard while brushing could wear cracks in your teeth’s enamel and irritate your gingiva.
While you brush, it is important to gently run your brush over all surfaces of your teeth along with your gums, your tongue, and the insides of your lips and cheeks. Soft oral tissue harbors more bacteria than your teeth so it’s important to brush all surfaces in your mouth.
How do I care for my toothbrush?
Caring for your toothbrush is important. You should rinse the bristles of your brush after every oral hygiene session. You should also store your toothbrush in an upright position so that leftover water can drain off. Perpetually wet bristles could contribute to bacterial growth on your bristles’ surfaces.
A toothbrush or brush head should be replaced on a frequent basis. The American Dental Association recommends replacing your brush or brush heads four times per year. Setting reminders on a digital calendar or making a point to replace your brush as the seasons change are great ways to ensure that you don’t use a toothbrush for too long. It’s wise, too, to replace your brush or brush heads after you’re sick with common ailments like a cold, the flu, or a stomach bug.
The way you care for your teeth at home can have a big impact on your dental health. Our team is happy to help you improve your oral hygiene technique and recommend products. Call Tim Chauvin, DDS & Associates at (337) 234-2186 to schedule a checkup or cleaning.
Do I really need to floss?
We’ve all been told to floss. From television ads advertising oral hygiene products to visits to the dentist, we have been exposed to the concept of flossing.
The problem is, however, that many people don’t actually floss on a regular basis. Perhaps they believe that brushing their teeth is enough. Or, maybe flossing seems very mundane and cumbersome. Whatever your reason for not flossing is, it’s important to know that this act of self-care is very important to safeguarding your oral health.
Brushing alone is not enough to protect our teeth and gums. This is because a toothbrush and toothpaste can’t reach all the surfaces in our mouth. In fact, thorough and proper brushing can only clean about 70% of the surfaces of teeth. Having 30% of our mouths uncleaned on a regular basis can lead to the development of serious and destructive oral health concerns.
What does flossing do?
Flossing helps remove debris between teeth and removes the film of bacteria known as “plaque.” Plaque that is not removed can harden into tartar once it is exposed to calculus. Once tartar forms, it can only be removed through a professional cleaning from a dentist or dental hygienist.
When we forego flossing, tartar will begin to accumulate at the gum line. As tartar builds up, the gums will recede from teeth and become inflamed. Without improved oral hygiene and professional cleanings, tartar buildup will lead to the development of a common condition called “gingivitis.”
When oral hygiene is inadequate, this bacteria-laden tartar and plaque can spread even deeper below the gum line, causing periodontitis—a more progressive form of gingivitis. Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss and can also destroy bone in the jaws.
Flossing can prevent the accumulation of tartar that leads to gum disease. It also helps control oral bacteria by disrupting its colonization at the gum line. An additional benefit to regular flossing is that it stimulates the gingiva, which has additional protective benefits when it comes to maintaining good oral health.
When is the best time to floss?
According to the American Dental Association, you can floss either before or after brushing.
However, if you use dental floss before you brush, the fluoride from the toothpaste has a better chance of reaching between teeth. Unlike brushing, you only need to floss once a day. Although you may choose to do it in the morning or afternoon, many prefer to floss at night to prevent food and debris from remaining in the crevices of the teeth overnight. This could prevent the build-up of plaque too.
What type of floss should I use?
When picking a floss, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with how many brands and varieties there are. There are other types of interdental cleaners such as handheld flossers, picks, and water irrigators, too.
When selecting oral hygiene tools and products, we encourage you to buy items with the ADA seal of acceptance. You may want to try a few different types of floss and products to determine what works best for your needs. Some folks find that a combination of products—such as waxed dental floss and a water irrigator—provide the best results.
The main objective is to find products that you will use on a daily basis. Our knowledgeable staff is happy to help you make product selections. Feel free to call with questions or ask for our recommendations at your next appointment.
A few helpful tips when choosing:
- Large gaps between teeth? Try dental tape
- Not much space between your teeth? Try waxed floss, which glides more easily between crowded surfaces.
- Want less mess? Look for disposable flossers
- Braces or bridges? A spongy floss is a great option.
- Wear prosthetics like bridges and fixed dentures? Consider investing in a water irrigator.
Schedule a dental cleaning today
Even if you commit to flossing daily, you will still need routine dental cleanings at our practice. Dental cleanings remove surface debris and tartar with specialized instruments. The ADA recommends that patients with good oral health receive two cleanings a year spaced six months apart. Those who have developed gum disease may require more frequent prophylaxis.
Give our Lafayette dental practice a call at (337) 234-2186 to schedule your next cleaning and checkup with our gentle dentist, Dr. Chavin.
How often do I need to get a teeth cleaning?
One of the best things a person can do for their dental health is to prioritize practicing good oral hygiene and keeping routine appointments with his or her dentist. If you have good oral hygiene habits and good oral health, your dentist and dental hygienist will probably suggest professional teeth cleaning at least twice a year. For patients with gum disease, dental cleanings may be necessary every quarter.
Dental cleanings are necessary for everyone, including those with great oral health. Even if you brush and floss correctly, you still need to have routine cleanings. A dental cleaning provides much more protection from destructive oral conditions than oral hygiene alone. Cleanings remove substances that cannot be cleaned away with brushing and flossing. During dental cleanings, a dentist or hygienist will measure the depth of periodontal pockets (the space just between the base of a tooth and the gingiva). If these pockets are too wide or deep, it could indicate that a patient has gum disease. Having cleanings every six months greatly improves the chances that a patient’s gum disease is detected in its earliest stages.
Tartar and plaque form in the mouth at different rates and can lead to periodontal disease that can cause inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) or the bones (periodontitis) that surround and support the teeth. Once these conditions have developed, they can be challenging to treat. The best protection is prevention, with regular teeth cleanings, avoiding smoking, and practicing good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly at home.
What Can I Expect During a Teeth Cleaning?
During a teeth cleaning, a dentist or hygienist will evaluate your overall health and oral hygiene. They will check for any tooth decay, root decay, and gum or bone disease. Any surface stains or deposits of plaque and tartar on your teeth are removed with tools including a tooth polisher and a scaler. Tooth polishers buff teeth and eliminate tiny pieces of plaque. Scalers look a bit like metal hooks and are used to remove calcified plaque (tartar).
What you can do to prevent gum disease and tooth decay:
There several things you can do to improve your mouth’s health and decrease your chances of dental problems.
- Scheduling routine checkups and cleanings
- Brushing 2-3 times a day
- Flossing once a day
- Using mouthwash once a day
- Brushing in soft and gentle circular motions
- Using the correct type of toothbrush—preferably one with soft bristles that is ADA-approved
Every day, your mouth has to battle oral bacteria and the effects of the foods/beverages you consume. As you eat, food particles are smashed in-between your teeth. Acidic drinks such as fruit juice or soda can wear away enamel over time while sugar serves as a food source for bacteria. As bacteria feed on sugar molecules, they release acids, which soften tooth enamel.
Since our gums and teeth must contend with a hostile environment, it’s imperative that all patients commit to practicing meticulous oral hygiene and receive dental cleanings twice a year. Keeping appointments with your dentist can help detect oral health concerns in their earliest stages, which is when they are easier and cheaper to treat.
If it’s time for a checkup or cleaning, give our Lafayette dental office a call at (337) 234-2186 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chauvin.
How to get rid of bad breath
Do you feel self-conscious about your breath? Bad breath might make us feel awkward in social and professional situations, but the good news is that there are simple things you can do to improve your breath in no time.
Generally speaking, bad breath (also called halitosis), isn’t serious. In many cases it’s caused by poor oral hygiene but it can also be caused by tooth decay, gum disease, and failing restorations.
Causes of Bad breath
The underlying cause of most halitosis is the growth of oral bacteria and leftover food stuck in hard-to-reach areas. However, there are other common contributors to bad breath, which include:
- Certain foods and drinks: Strong-smelling foods such as garlic and onions, as well some dairy products like cheese, along with coffee may be detected on a person’s breath for up to 72 hours after digestion.
- Not flossing: Small particles of food can get stuck between your teeth, just below your gums, and the back teeth that are difficult to reach. When food particles are left behind, they collect bacteria, which in turn causes bad breath and plaque.
- Oral Bacteria: The mouth can harbor obscene amounts of bacteria because it is a warm and moist environment. Moreover, bacterial growth on the tongue accounts for most cases of mouth-related bad breath.
- Smoking: Smoking leaves particles in the throat and lungs. This is typical of nearly any tobacco product that involves inhaling smoke or rolling it around in the mouth. The smell of a freshly smoked cigarette can linger in the lungs for hours, hence the stale scent associated with smoker’s breath
How to Control Bad Breath
Controlling most instances of bad breath can be accomplished with committing to better oral hygiene and certain lifestyle changes.
Oral Hygiene
When it comes to cleaning your teeth and gums, it’s important to dedicate plenty of time to brushing and flossing. For example, it takes about two minutes to thoroughly brush your teeth and soft oral tissue. Adequate brushing involves more than just cleaning your teeth. Since bacteria grows anywhere in the mouth, it’s important to gently brush your tongue, the roof of your mouth, your gums, and the linings of your cheeks. Flossing, like brushing, is an important component of controlling the growth of halitosis-causing bacteria. We recommend using handheld flossers or waxed dental floss to clean hard-to-reach areas. Patients with bridges and implant-supported dentures may want to invest in a water irrigator to keep the gingiva underneath prosthetics debris-free.
Dietary and Lifestyle Changes
If bad breath persists after improving your oral hygiene, consider removing foods like onions and garlic from your diet. If coffee is the cause of your unpleasant breath, consider switching to green tea or caffeinated sparkling water for a breath-friendly energy fix.
Smoking and chewing tobacco greatly contributes to bad breath. Since both of these habits cause a number of serious health problems, quitting as soon as possible makes good sense.
Tooth Decay, Periodontal Disease, and Failing Restorations
Sometimes, halitosis is caused by common dental conditions and old dental work like fillings, inlays, and crowns. Tooth decay and gum (periodontal) disease could be the cause of your unpleasant breath. If you have old dental work, it might be time to get it replaced. Ensuring that your oral health and restorations aren’t the cause of your bad breath involves keeping routine appointments for dental checkups and cleanings.
Our gentle dentist, Dr. Chauvin provides excellent oral healthcare to patients in and around Lafayette, Louisiana. If it’s time for a checkup or cleaning, give our office a call at (337) 234-2186.