How to Get Rid of White Spots on Your Teeth - dr chauvin lafayette la

How to get rid of white spots on your teeth

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White spots on your teeth can be worrisome if you do not know how they got there or how to treat them. On top of that, white spots on your teeth can be unsightly, which can take a toll on your confidence. These spots are typically a cosmetic issue but can turn into a health concern. If it goes untreated, the problem can lead to tooth deterioration.

Causes of White Spots on Teeth

If the spots have been present since you were a child, you may have experienced a disruption in enamel formation as your teeth grew. This is better known as enamel hypoplasia. White spots can also appear in childhood when kids ingest too much fluoride toothpaste, called fluorosis. Both of these causes of white spots on teeth are common in childhood and lead to lasting spots on teeth.

White spots that have formed more recently on adult teeth are often caused by plaque build-up. This can cause hard, scaly spots near the gum line and make the teeth look discolored. The most concerning reason for white spots on teeth can be the beginning stages of tooth decay or cavities, as these problems sometimes look like white spots in the early stages. As bacteria produce acid, it begins dissolving the mineralized surface of a tooth, appearing bright white. Lastly, braces can leave such spots but can be avoided with the proper care.

Treatment of White Spots on Your Teeth

There are various methods by which a dentist can get rid of calcium deposits from your teeth. Your dentist might whiten the teeth to remove calcium deposits by concealing the discoloration. If the whitening process does not work, there are a few more options. There is the air abrasion procedure, in which your dentist will use a device that blows crystal particles towards the calcium deposit. They can fix any remaining spots with filling material. This treatment of white spots is called microabrasion; this is a process where the dentist rubs a mixture of pumice and acid on the teeth to get rid of white teeth spots. However, if the white spots are very large, microabrasion might not be a viable option. In that case, a porcelain crown or a cap is necessary to cover up the spot or spots.

Prevention of White Spots on Your Teeth

If you don’t currently have white spots, you should opt for prevention techniques for white spots. You can start by practicing good oral hygiene. You must brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day and visit your dentist after every six months for a regular dental check-up. 

Do your best to avoid acidic and sugary drinks and foods that can damage your tooth enamel. If you wear braces, you must take additional steps to take excellent care of your teeth so that when the braces are removed to expose your straightened teeth, you don’t have to worry about unpleasant spots.

Bottom Line

At Tim Chauvin, DDS & Associates, we know it can sometimes it can be difficult to determine what white spots mean. In these cases, it’s better to visit experienced and qualified doctors who will guide you. 

Too often, it is an early sign of tooth decay that can be handled, but you must visit a dentist. We will be able to assess the damage and recommend treatments that are suitable for your situation. Contact Dr. Chauvin today to make an appointment.

Should I get my teeth whitened - dr chauvin lafayette la

Should I get my teeth whitened?

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Almost everyone desires a bright, white, attention-grabbing smile. Since a beaming smile is such a coveted asset, teeth whitening is the most common cosmetic procedure that dentists perform. 

Professional teeth whitening is also popular because it’s a non-invasive treatment that doesn’t permanently alter dental structures like other cosmetic procedures such as porcelain veneers or tooth-colored crowns. 

Before we can get into the details of how teeth whitening works, it’s important to understand how unsightly stains develop.

How Dental Stains Form

Your teeth are made up of an inner layer called dentin and an outer layer enamel.  Enamel is hard and shiny but is easily stained. Food, and other substances build up on your teeth in the form of a tiny particle layer called a “pellicle film.”  

Brushing your teeth can control the development of pellicle film.  Beyond good oral hygiene, a dentist can clean away this film through teeth cleanings.

The pellicle layer gradually gives way to discoloration in the enamel layer, discoloring it slightly. Over time, these stains appear more noticeable, and that’s why many adults eventually seek out teeth whitening treatments. 

Stains can also form in the dentin layer of teeth—particularly when tooth enamel is compromised by decay, wear and tear, and dental injuries.

Common causes for stains

  • Foods/Drinks: Coffee, tea, soda, wines and dark-colored foods like beets and berries.
  • Tobacco use including smokeless varieties.
  • Poor oral hygiene.
  • Medicine including antihistamines, antidepressants and high blood pressure pills.
  • Age: As you get older, the outer layer of enamel on your teeth wears away, revealing dentin’s natural, yellow color.
  • Genetics—certain folks have thinner tooth enamel, which leaves the innermost structures of teeth vulnerable to stain-causing agents.
  • Exposure to too much fluoride.

Not All Teeth Whitening is Created Equal

Over the counter teeth whiteners typically cannot yield the same results as a professional treatment. 

Adding insult to injury, many of these products can be harmful to your teeth. Since over the counter whiteners have weaker formulas, some products rely on harsh abrasives to remove surface stains. A whitening toothpaste, for example, could permanently damage your tooth enamel and cause long-term tooth sensitivity. 

When it comes to lightening your teeth, your best bet is to work with your dentist. A dentist has access to prescription-grade products and can help ensure that you improve the appearance of your smile in the safest conditions possible. 

How Professional Teeth Whitening Works

In-office treatments will use more powerful formulations and a special high-intensity light that deepens the teeth-whitening process.  

Before a tooth whitening treatment at our office, Dr. Chauvin will clean the teeth, fill cavities, and make sure your gums are healthy. Then he will place a hydrogen peroxide paste on the teeth for several minutes, rinse it off, and may apply it several more times. The procedure can lighten teeth up to eight shades after one 40-minute treatment. 

Patients’ eyes and their soft oral tissues will be protected during the process with goggles, dental dam, and gauze. 

In-home treatments are another popular option. Whitening at home will still utilize clinically-tested, prescription-grade lightening solutions. Our dentist will take a mold of your mouth and make custom mouth trays.  Patients will put a thin layer of whitening gel into the tray and wear it for about 2 hours a day for a couple of weeks. 

In-home treatments are great for maintaining the results of office-based whitening, too. 

 

Are you looking for professional teeth whitening in Lafayette, La?

Give our family dental practice a call at (337) 234-2186 to reserve a smile makeover consultation with Dr. Chauvin. 

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.

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. 

Best New Years Resolutions for you and your teeth

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“New year, new you!”

You may be considering saving some extra money, getting a better job or losing weight. Many people set new goals about having a healthier lifestyle in the new year.  Why not try adding some New Year resolutions for your teeth into the mix? Setting a goal to improve dental health is easy and it can benefit your overall health too.

Simple New Years Resolutions for you and your teeth

  • Schedule out your two dentist appointments – We all know that professional cleanings should happen twice a year, but most people have a hard time making it into the office for just one of the two appointments. We all have packed and growing schedules. So, make it a point to actually see the dentist twice in 2015, even if that means scheduling the appointments right now. You will be glad you did once you’re walking out with a healthy smile!
  • Diet Change (2 birds 1 stone) – Eating well is important for your dental health. Poor nutrition can affect the entire immune system making you more susceptible to a long list of mouth problems (including gum disease). Luckily, eating crisp fruits and raw vegetables like apples, carrots and celery help clean plaque from teeth and freshen breath.  Antioxidants and other nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts improve your body’s ability to fight bacteria and inflammation, helping to protect your teeth and gums.
  • Quit smoking – Smokers experience twice the tooth loss of non-smokers, due to plaque and tartar buildup that encourages dental decay.  Your ability to fight infection throughout the body decreases significantly, including in the mouth and gums.  Lastly smoking causes bad breath (and it’s much more pleasant to kiss a non-smoker!)
  • Finally (possibly the hardest resolution) Pick up that FLOSS! – It’s been in the drawer for months just hoping to get it’s big break – why not make 2015 the year? Flossing is the only way to get between the teeth and all the way down in the gum line. The seemingly never ending list of benefits  might just be the kick you need.

So we’ve got you on the right path and hopefully you will think about your teeth while you plan out your New Year’s resolutions, and you will have a healthier, better-looking smile by the time the next year rolls around!

The first and easiest step is picking up the phone to make your appointments – Dr. Chauvin is waiting for your call!

Happy New Year!