How Often Do I Need a Dental Cleaning - dr chauvin lafayette la

How often do I need to get a teeth cleaning?

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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 - dr chauvin lafayette la

How to get rid of bad breath

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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.

Great Oral Health in 2021- dr chauvin lafayette la

New Year, New Smile: Achieve Great Oral Health in 2021

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Do you want to take charge of your oral health in 2021? If so, we recommend booking an appointment with our Lafayette dentist for a checkup and cleaning. In addition to providing excellent preventive oral care, our practice offers restorative and cosmetic services that can help repair damaged teeth and give you the smile of your dreams. 

Dental Checkups: What You Need to Know

Dental checkups are thorough. A checkup with Dr. Chauvin could reveal that you have slipped into bad habits with your oral hygiene, developed common oral health concerns like tooth decay and gum disease, or determine if you’re at risk for a number of dental conditions.

Our team recommends frequent dental checkups because many oral health conditions develop without symptoms. In fact, when noticeable symptoms develop for patients, they have already developed considerable damage to their teeth and gums. 

During checkups, your oral health is evaluated with a physical examination and diagnostic aids like digital X-rays. We assess more than the health of teeth and gums, too. Your checkup is also a screening for bone issues that affect your jaw and potential life-threatening conditions like oral cancer. 

Another important aspect of your checkup is the conversation you will have with our dentist, Dr. Chauvin. This is a great time to bring up any general health changes or diagnoses you’ve had, changes in medications or supplements you take, your stress levels, and lifestyle habits. Oral health is connected to your general wellbeing, so it’s important to have candid conversations with our team so that we can better serve your unique needs. 

How Dental Cleanings Prevent Disease

Keeping appointments for routine professional cleanings is a powerful weapon against the development of oral disease. Our dental hygienists use specialized tools that remove surface debris from teeth and just beneath the gums. Accumulation of surface debris, particularly tartar, contributes to gum disease—a condition that can wreck your oral health if left untreated. 

During dental cleanings, our hygienists can discuss oral hygiene education with you. If our team notices signs of inadequate brushing and flossing, we can discuss your habits at home and provide tips to improve the effectiveness of your home care. This is a great time to ask for product recommendations or learn more about oral hygiene techniques that can help you prevent disease. 

Another bonus to receiving regular cleanings is the fact that removing surface debris and polishing teeth lightens surface stains so that you can enjoy a whiter smile. 

Restorative, Periodontal, and Cosmetic Dental Care

If it’s been a while since you’ve seen a dentist, there’s a good chance you might need follow-up treatments. These can include:

  • Restorations
  • Periodontal therapy
  • Application of cosmetic enhancements to restore appearance
  • Or a number of other follow-ups

Restorations such as fillings and crowns help protect damaged teeth and when tooth-colored materials are chosen, you can enjoy undetectable dental work. 

Periodontal treatments can slow down the progression of gum disease and improve the health of your gingiva. 

Our practice also offers a number of cosmetic services like professional teeth whitening to help you look and feel your best. 

Our practice is here to help you achieve your oral health goals for 2021. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chauvin, call our Lafayette dental practice at (337) 234-2186.

WHY DENTAL HEALTH CHECKUPS ARE SO IMPORTANT- dr chauvin lafayette la

WHY DENTAL HEALTH CHECKUPS ARE SO IMPORTANT

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What to expect at your first dental exam - dr chauvin lafayette la

What to expect at your first dental exam

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Colgate smart toothbrush - dr chauvin lafayette la

All about the Colgate smart toothbrush

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You’ve heard of smart phones, smart TVs, smart watches, the list goes on. But a smart toothbrush? Yes, it’s (almost) here.

Colgate is introducing the Plaqless Pro smart electric toothbrush in 2020. When it’s released, it will be the first toothbrush to detect “biofilm buildup” (or dental plaque) and coach in real time while you brush.

What makes this toothbrush “smart”?

The toothbrush will include the following features: 

  • Users will be able to see when they need to brush longer in one area of their mouth or, conversely, when all the biofilm buildup has been removed. 
  • A blue light will tell users when plaque has been found, and then a white light will appear when all is removed and it’s time to move on to other areas of your mouth. 
  • The Colgate Connect app will connect to the toothbrush through Bluetooth technology, giving users a “precise, personalized brushing experience.” 
  • Sensors in the toothbrush handle will create a comprehensive map of your mouth. 
  • Users will be able to turn to the app to see exactly where they brushed their teeth, where they missed a spot, and if an area they just brushed is really clean. 
  • The app will also provide brushing feedback, coaching, personalized oral health data and tips for good oral health. 

“In the dentist’s office, we’re beginning to see a shift toward precision oral care that tailors treatment to each patient’s specific needs,” said Dr. Maria Ryan, Colgate’s Chief Dental Officer. “The Colgate Plaqless Pro smart electric toothbrush is inspired by that shift, and improves brushing efficacy by accounting for an individual’s brushing technique and the biofilm buildup in their mouth. And by immediately alerting the user when an area is clean, Plaqless Pro coaches them to brush better, helping both the patient and the oral care provider to build an even stronger partnership in achieving optimal oral health.”

And while this new toothbrush is sure to bring smiles to a lot of faces, there’s no substitute for your twice-a-year professional cleaning and checkup at your favorite dentist’s office. What are you waiting for? Call Dr. Tim Chauvin’s office today to make an appointment!

Why jocks have rotting teeth — even if they brush twice daily - chauvin dental lafayette la

Why jocks have rotting teeth — even if they brush twice daily

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Athletes are known to take extra special care of their bodies. After all, they need them to excel on the field, right? 

Although their oral care routines are seemingly no different (94 percent of athletes surveyed said they brushed twice daily and flossed regularly), a study of a few hundred athletes showed their oral health was below average. 

In fact, out of 352 Olympic and professional athletes who compete in sports like cycling, swimming, football and rugby, almost half of them had untreated tooth decay, and most of their gums were inflamed. 

But why? Researchers believe sugary sports drinks, energy bars and gels are contributing to the alarming numbers. 

It’s common knowledge that sugar leads to tooth decay. How does the sugary soda or sports drink — or the too-often candy bar — lead to poor oral health? 

Your mouth is full of bacteria, some of them good, some of them bad. 

Some of the bad ones, researchers found, produce acid when they come in contact with sugar. Acid erodes the enamel that coats your teeth. Enamel is what protects your teeth from tooth decay. Without it, your teeth are more susceptible to decay and other problems. 

Luckily for humans, the minerals found in your saliva, like calcium and phosphate, work to reverse the process of acid eroding enamel. But those minerals can only do so much when they’re constantly under attack from acids caused by sugar. 

Over time, the enamel is destroyed, and that’s where cavities start. 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. 

Advice for athletes: Look for sports recovery drinks that aren’t loaded with sugar. 

And most important: Schedule regular checkups at Dr. Tim Chauvin’s office to keep your oral health in check!

7 Common and Surprising Things That Can Ruin Your Teeth

7 Common and Surprising Things That Can Ruin Your Teeth

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We’ve all heard over and over that sugar is bad for your teeth, but there’s a long list of other things that can harm your oral health – and some of them are surprising. 

 

Here are seven other obvious – and not so obvious – things that can ruin your smile: 

  • Biting things that aren’t food: Do you ever use your teeth to rip open a plastic bag? Or bite your nails? How about chewing on ice? They may seem harmless because your teeth are quite sharp, especially ice because it’s just frozen water, but they’re not. Biting your nails and other nonfood items can cause gingivitis and tooth loss, because the tips of your teeth that you use to bite are the thinnest and weakest part. They’re more susceptible to chipping and breaking. 
  • Sticky foods and fruit smoothies: Peanut butter, gummy vitamins and marshmallows are tempting for kids and grownups alike, but dentists recommend limiting your intake of sticky foods and even gummy vitamins. Sticky substances stay on your teeth longer, and then they break down and become acids that can erode your enamel. And fruit smoothies? They’re increasing in popularity as a healthy option, but they’re high in sugar – and high in acid. And as we just mentioned, acid erodes your tooth enamel. If you’re not willing to limit your intake of smoothies, sip them through a straw and drink lots of water after to rinse the acid out of your mouth. 
  • Too much brushing and flossing: Can too much of a good thing be a bad thing? In the case of brushing and flossing, yes. If you’re using a hard-bristled brush and pushing down hard on your teeth, you’re doing it wrong. You could be wearing down your enamel and maybe even causing your gums to recede. Opt for a soft toothbrush next time you’re at the pharmacy, and be careful not to press down too hard on your gums while flossing. 
  • Grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw: You may not even know you’re doing it, but do you ever wake up with a sore jaw or face? That’s a sign you’re grinding your teeth at night. It could be from stress or from other conditions, but whatever the cause, it’s obviously not good for your teeth. Consult with a dentist if you’re having this problem. They might recommend a mouthguard or something else. 
  • Drug abuse: You may have heard of “meth mouth,” or the rapid deterioration of teeth for people addicted to crystal meth, but meth isn’t the only drug that can cause problems for your teeth. Cocaine, ecstasy, heroin – and even marijuana – can harm your oral health. 
  • Alcohol: Just like caffeine, alcohol lessens the amount of saliva that flows in your mouth. Prolonged abuse of alcohol can lead to tooth decay, and even worse, oral cancers. 
  • Ignoring tooth pain: It may seem like just a little ache, but if you don’t see a dentist soon after, that toothache could turn into something more serious. What starts as a tiny cavity can quickly evolve into infection, which can cause tooth loss or worse. 

 

Don’t let these habits ruin your beautiful smile. Contact Dr. Tim Chauvin’s office today for a checkup.  

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!

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.