Why Thumb Sucking is Bad for Children’s Teeth

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Thumb sucking is a common habit among infants and young children. It provides comfort, security, and a sense of calm. However, as children grow and their teeth begin to emerge, prolonged thumb sucking can cause dental problems that may require intervention. At Chauvin Family Dentistry in Lafayette, we often see how early guidance can prevent long-term issues and ensure your child’s smile develops healthily.

When Thumb Sucking Becomes a Concern

Most children naturally stop thumb sucking on their own, but if the habit continues after permanent teeth start to appear, dental complications may arise. Thumb-sucking can affect your child’s bite and teeth alignment, and it may also contribute to issues like bad breath.  Some children may notice unusual tastes in their mouth from prolonged thumb-sucking or other oral habits.

Excessive thumb sucking can cause:

  • Open bite: The front teeth may be pushed outward, making it difficult to close the mouth properly.

  • Overbite or misalignment: Persistent pressure on teeth and jaws can alter normal growth.

  • Speech issues: Children may struggle with “S” sounds or other speech patterns that require proper tongue placement.

  • Thumb and skin irritation: Ongoing sucking can lead to chapped skin, infections, or nail problems.

Dental professionals generally recommend that children stop thumb sucking by around age five, or once permanent teeth start emerging, to avoid these complications.

How to Help Your Child Stop Thumb Sucking

Encouraging your child to break the habit takes patience and positive reinforcement. Here are some strategies recommended by Lafayette dentists:

  1. Positive reinforcement: Praise your child when they refrain from thumb sucking. Consider a sticker chart or small rewards.

  2. Identify triggers: Some children suck their thumbs out of boredom or anxiety. Engaging activities or comfort alternatives can help.

  3. Gentle guidance: Avoid scolding or punishing your child, which can increase stress and make the habit worse.

  4. Set limits at night: If thumb sucking occurs mostly during sleep, placing a light bandage or sock on the hand can serve as a reminder.

  5. Professional support: Discuss your concerns with your child’s dentist. They can offer personalized strategies, appliances, or advice suited to your child’s dental development.

The Role of a Lafayette Dentist

Regular dental visits are crucial for monitoring how your child’s teeth and jaw are developing. At Chauvin Family Dentistry, we not only treat dental issues but also guide families on habits like thumb sucking to prevent future complications. Early intervention can save time, money, and discomfort down the line.

When to Seek Help

If your child continues thumb sucking past the recommended age or shows signs of dental misalignment, it’s time to consult a Lafayette dentist. Addressing the habit early helps preserve proper tooth alignment and speech development.

Schedule an Appointment

At Chauvin Family Dentistry, we’re here to help your child maintain a healthy, confident smile. Our team can assess the impact of thumb sucking, provide guidance to curb the habit, and ensure your child’s teeth develop correctly. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward long-term dental health.

What Not Brushing Before Bed Does to Your Teeth

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Picture this: it’s late at night after a long day, and you finally make it to bed. Just as you’re about to fall asleep, you remember — you forgot to brush your teeth. Skipping brushing before bed might not seem like a big deal, but for your dental health, it can be one of the worst habits you can form.

At Tim Chauvin DDS & Associates, we often see the effects of poor nighttime oral hygiene: cavities, gum disease, and even bad breath that could have been prevented. If brushing before bed feels hard to remember, here’s why it matters so much — and how to make it easier.

Why Brushing Before Bed Is So Important

When you eat, food particles and sugar fuel the bacteria in your mouth, causing them to multiply quickly. Those bacteria leave behind waste that turns into plaque. If you don’t brush it off before bed, plaque hardens into tartar overnight, which you can’t remove at home. Tartar buildup increases your risk for gum disease and cavities.

Think about that “morning breath” feeling when you wake up. If you skipped brushing, you’ve gone nearly twice as long between brushes, giving bacteria even more time to grow and leaving you with twice the germs.

Risks of Skipping Nighttime Brushing

Not brushing before bed can lead to:

  • Cavities and tooth decay

  • Gum inflammation or bleeding

  • Bad breath

  • Increased tartar buildup, which can only be removed by a professional cleaning

Nighttime is also when saliva production slows down, meaning your mouth has less natural protection against bacteria.

Create a Nightly Dental Routine

The American Dental Association recommends brushing at least twice a day for two minutes and flossing once daily. Spending those two minutes before bed removes harmful plaque and strengthens teeth — especially if you use fluoridated toothpaste.

Here are some tips to make brushing before bed easier:

  • Brush right after dinner if you’re likely to forget later.

  • Keep a toothbrush and toothpaste near your nightstand for a quick dry brush.

  • Try a new toothpaste or toothbrush that feels like a small “treat” so brushing feels enjoyable.

  • Pair brushing with another habit (like washing your face) so it becomes part of your bedtime routine.

Don’t Skip Dental Checkups

Even if you brush twice a day, regular dental visits are essential to catch problems early. If you notice tooth sensitivity, you may need a cleaning or treatment — read more about why teeth become sensitive here.

Contact Tim Chauvin DDS & Associates To Schedule Your Next Appointment

Bottom line: Brushing before bed isn’t optional. It’s one of the simplest ways to protect your teeth from cavities, gum disease, and expensive dental work down the road. Commit to those two minutes every night and keep your smile healthy.

If it’s been more than six months since your last cleaning, schedule an appointment with Tim Chauvin DDS & Associates in Lafayette today.

The Best Floss and Tools for Cleaning Between Tight Teeth

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If you have teeth that are tightly packed together, flossing can feel like a frustrating challenge. Years ago, limited flossing options made it nearly impossible for many people to clean between their teeth effectively. Fortunately, advancements in dental products have made it easier than ever to find floss and interdental tools that work for even the tightest spaces.

At Dr. Tim Chauvin & Associates in Lafayette, we often hear from patients struggling to floss properly due to crowded teeth. The good news? There are now plenty of effective options to help you maintain healthy gums and prevent cavities. If you’ve been frustrated with flossing in the past, this guide will walk you through the best solutions available today.

The Best Floss for Close Teeth

Choosing the right floss is the first essential step in caring for a mouth full of tightly packed teeth. Years ago, thick waxed floss would often shred or fail to fit between certain teeth, making flossing a painful or discouraging experience. Now, you have much better options:

  • Ribbon-style floss – These are thin, flat, and slide more easily between tight teeth. Glide is a great option that minimizes friction while still effectively removing plaque.
  • Unwaxed floss – Traditional waxed floss is often too thick, but some brands now make waxed floss specifically for tight spaces. Reach Unwaxed and Glide Pro-Health Comfort Plus are both great choices.

If regular floss isn’t enough, there are other tools that can enhance your cleaning routine.

Beyond Floss: Additional Cleaning Tools

For some people, flossing once a day is enough. However, if you’re prone to plaque buildup or struggle to keep your teeth clean, adding another interdental tool can make a big difference.

1. Interdental Brushes

  • Brush-style picks – These tiny brushes (like Butler GUM Soft-Picks) resemble pipe cleaners and can be inserted between teeth to remove food debris and stimulate gums.
  • Plastic picks – If your teeth are too close together for brush-style picks, try flat plastic toothpicks with tiny bristles, such as those from The Doctor’s. They slide between tight spaces while still scrubbing plaque.

2. Floss Picks

  • Floss picks, like DenTek flossers, hold a short piece of floss between two plastic prongs, making them a convenient alternative to traditional floss. While they don’t replace full flossing, they help remove food particles and keep plaque in check throughout the day.

Why Cleaning Between Tight Teeth Matters

Flossing and interdental cleaning aren’t just about removing food debris. They help prevent cavities, reduce gum inflammation, and lower your risk of gum disease. If flossing has been difficult for you in the past, don’t give up—there are plenty of tools available to make it easier.

Need Help Choosing the Right Floss?

At Dr. Tim Chauvin & Associates in Lafayette, we can help you find the best flossing tools for your specific dental needs. If you’re struggling with tight teeth or frequent plaque buildup, schedule an appointment with our team. We’ll provide personalized recommendations and ensure you’re using the best techniques to keep your smile healthy.

Call us today to book your next dental cleaning!

Braces vs. Invisalign: Which is Right for You?

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Crooked, misaligned, or unevenly spaced teeth can affect more than just your appearance—they can impact your self-esteem, oral health, and overall well-being. Misaligned teeth can cause you to feel self-conscious about your smile, often leading to a lack of confidence in social situations. But there is a solution: Braces and Invisalign.

Not only do these treatments help straighten your smile, but they can also prevent long-term oral health issues. From our dentistry team at Tim Chauvin, DDS & Associates, dive into how these treatments work and which might be the best option for your needs.

Health Risks of Crooked Teeth

Beyond the aesthetic concerns, untreated crooked teeth can lead to significant oral health problems. When your teeth are misaligned, they place unnecessary stress on both your teeth and jaw. This can result in:

  • Premature Wear: Crooked teeth can cause chipping and notching at the gum line due to uneven pressure.
  • Jaw Pain & Headaches: Misalignment can lead to jaw discomfort, earaches, and even tension headaches.
  • Gum Disease: Crowded teeth make it more difficult to clean your teeth properly, increasing the risk of plaque buildup, which can lead to periodontal disease.

Common Types of Misalignment

  • Crowding
  • Spacing
  • Deep bite
  • Open bite
  • Crossbite
  • Edge-to-edge bite
  • Excessive overbite

Correcting these issues with orthodontic treatments can help prevent long-term complications and improve both the function and appearance of your smile.

Braces vs. Invisalign: What Are the Differences?

Both braces and Invisalign are effective treatments for straightening teeth and improving your smile. However, each comes with unique advantages, and which treatment is best depends on your specific needs.

Braces: The Traditional Option

Braces have been used for decades to straighten teeth. They consist of metal brackets that are glued to the teeth, connected by wires and rubber bands. While traditional braces are often silver, you can opt for tooth-colored brackets for a more discreet look, or go with colorful rubber bands to make a fashion statement.

Invisalign: A Clear, Removable Alternative

Invisalign uses clear, removable aligner trays made of BPA-free plastic to gently move your teeth into place. These aligners are custom-designed using 3D imaging technology to fit your teeth precisely. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign is virtually invisible and can be removed when eating or brushing your teeth.

Braces vs. Invisalign: A Quick Comparison

Feature Braces (Fixed) Invisalign (Removable)
Appearance Metal or tooth-colored brackets Clear, invisible aligner trays
Treatment Duration 24/7 for about 2 years 22-24 hours/day for 6-18 months
Cost $1,800 – $5,500 Average of $5,000
Maintenance Brush brackets and wires regularly Clean aligners with Invisalign cleaning system
Follow-up Visits Monthly visits to adjust brackets New aligners every 2 weeks; check-ups every 4-6 weeks
Post-Treatment Care Retainer or positioner may be needed Retainer or positioner may be needed

Pros and Cons of Braces vs. Invisalign

Braces Pros

  • Highly effective for more complex alignment issues
  • No need to worry about removing them
  • No extra cleaning steps beyond regular brushing & flossing

Braces Cons

  • Can cause discomfort from brackets and wires
  • Food can get stuck in the braces
  • Might lead to tooth discoloration or breakage

Invisalign Pros

  • Nearly invisible for a more discreet treatment
  • Removable for eating, drinking, and cleaning
  • No discomfort from brackets or wires

Invisalign Cons

  • Must be removed before eating or drinking anything other than water
  • Requires diligent cleaning after each meal to avoid staining
  • May cause some mild discomfort as teeth shift

Who Should Avoid Invisalign?

While Invisalign is a great option for many people, it may not be ideal for individuals with:

  • Contact sports players
  • Bridgework in place
  • Complex bite issues (such as needing vertical tooth movement)
  • Back tooth bite issues
  • The need for teeth rotation or alignment of canines/premolars

In these cases, traditional braces might be the better option.

Get Your Perfect Smile Today

If you’re ready to improve your smile and oral health, visit Dr. Chauvin’s office to explore your treatment options. Whether you choose braces or Invisalign, we can help you determine the best path for achieving a straighter, healthier smile.

signs you need to see the dentist dr chauvin lafayette la dentist

5 signs that mean you need to see your dentist

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We all know that we’re supposed to visit the dentist every six months. Some people may need more frequent visits, but for the most part, twice a year is the general rule. It’s important to see your dentist regularly that way any potentially serious issues are handled before they snowball into something very bad (and very expensive).

Aside from your usual check-up, there are some things that necessitate an immediate dental visit. From our dedicated Lafayette team at Tim Chauvin D.D.S. & Associates, here are 5 signs that mean you need to see your dentist.

1. Tooth pain

This is an obvious one, namely because it’s impossible to ignore. Tooth pain can interfere with eating, drinking, even talking! And tooth pain can have a variety of causes, so it’s very important to get to a dentist as soon as you notice it. It could be an infection, a cavity, debris lodged between your teeth, gum disease, or something else. Even if the pain recedes after a day or two, make sure you keep your appointment.

2. Swollen or inflamed gums

If your gums are swollen or inflamed, call your dentist immediately. What has most likely happened is that plaque has hardened beneath the gum line. It’s also a sign of gingivitis. If enough of this plaque accumulates beneath your gums, you’ll develop periodontitis, and surgery is the only way to fix it. This plaque is a breeding ground for bacteria, and when it’s beneath the gum line, it’s much easier for bacteria to get to the roots of our teeth, where it can do some serious damage.

3. A metallic taste in your mouth

Having a metallic taste in your mouth (as if you’ve been chewing on coins) is another common sign of gingivitis. It is also an indicator of periodontitis. See your dentist immediately if it starts to taste like you’ve been sucking on a penny.  

4. Dry mouth

Dry mouth can have a variety of causes, either from age, medication, or some form of bacteria. In each case, it’s important to have your dentist check it out. Our saliva actually helps our bodies fight off cavity-causing bacteria. When our mouth is dry, it’s much easier for the bacteria to get out of control. Dry mouth is also one of the main causes of bad breath. Schedule an appointment with your dentist, and drink lots of water in the meantime to keep things moist.

5. White spots on teeth

This is the first sign of dental decay. Typically, the white spots are unaccompanied by other symptoms, so it’s important to check your teeth carefully every time you brush and floss. The white spots appear because the enamel has begun to dissolve, thanks to acid-producing bacteria.

Contact Dr. Chauvin’s Office Today

If any of these sound familiar, our team is here to help. Call 337-234-2186 to set up your appointment with our experienced Louisiana dental professionals today!

Canker sore causes and treatments

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Canker sores do not directly affect your teeth, but they are a huge part of your oral health; therefore, it’s your dentist’s concern. However, that doesn’t mean you should call your dentist every time you get a canker sore!

You’ve probably had one of these small ulcers before. Canker sores can appear almost anywhere inside your mouth—your gums, your tongue, your cheek, and even the roof of your mouth. They will be white or gray and very painful. In bad cases, you may feel like you have a cold. While not contagious, the pain from these bumps can make talking and eating difficult.

From our team at Tim Chauvin D.D.S. & Associates, here’s everything you need to know about canker sores and how they relate to your oral health.

What Causes a Canker Sore?

No one really knows the exact cause of these little mouth ulcers.

Some are most likely caused by stress or injury to the gum tissue. If you have a rare complex canker sore, it could be caused by a health condition, like a mineral deficiency. Certain foods, especially those that are very acidic, can also trigger or exacerbate canker sores.

Canker sores usually heal themselves within a few days or weeks. There are doctor-related treatments that do help the pain subside, but these are usually only administered in serious cases.

For less serious canker sores, there are some at-home treatments and remedies that help ease pain, discomfort, and possibly speed the healing process:

  • Saltwater Solution and Sodium Bicarbonate – Saline and sodium bicarbonate both help the mouth heal quickly by gently reducing the alkalinity and bacteria in the mouth
  • Hydrogen Peroxide Solution – Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic that will help reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth
  • Over-The-Counter Oral Care Products and Mouth Rinse – Products such as gels, paste, and rinses that are specifically marketed for mouth sores may provide pain relief and help speed the healing process.

When to Tell Your Dentist about a Canker Sore

If it’s a serious case, or if you consistently deal with canker sores, you should talk to your dentist about your sores. Signs that it’s time to talk to him or her include:

  • More than 3 outbreaks a month
  • Extremely large canker sores
  • Sores that last longer than 3 weeks
  • Difficulty drinking and/or dehydration
  • Pain that will not subside even while avoiding trigger foods and taking pain medications
  • High fever
  • A spreading of the sores

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to schedule an appointment with your dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Don’t Let Canker Sores Ruin Your Smile!

If you’re struggling with persistent or painful canker sores, our team at Tim Chauvin D.D.S. & Associates is here to help. We can provide personalized advice and solutions to manage your symptoms and improve your oral health.

Schedule an appointment today!

5 Tips for Mouth Health

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In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to overlook one of the most important parts of your well-being: your oral health. Many people associate a healthy mouth with fresh breath or straight teeth—but true oral health means strong, clean teeth, healthy gums, and habits that support your overall wellness.

If you want to keep your smile strong and healthy, follow these five simple mouth health tips from Dr. Tim Chauvin and his trusted team here in Lafayette, Louisiana.

1. Brush and Floss Regularly

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is essential. Ideally, brush after meals as well. Use a circular motion rather than brushing straight across—this helps remove more plaque and covers more surface area. Don’t forget to gently brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath.

Flossing is just as important. It removes food particles and plaque from between teeth—areas your toothbrush can’t reach. Daily flossing reduces your risk of cavities, gum disease, and inflammation. Make it part of your brushing routine.

2. Avoid Tobacco Products

Tobacco use, especially smoking, is a major risk factor for gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. Smokers are more likely to experience bad breath, bleeding gums, gum recession, and bone loss. Protect your oral and overall health by quitting smoking.

3. Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Chewing sugar-free gum helps clean your teeth and boosts saliva production, which neutralizes acids in your mouth. It’s a great way to freshen breath and maintain mouth health between brushing sessions—just make sure it’s sugar-free!

4. Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year

Routine dental check-ups are key to maintaining a healthy mouth. At Dr. Tim Chauvin’s Lafayette dental office, we’ll screen for early signs of decay, gum disease, and other issues before they become serious problems. Plus, your professional cleaning will leave your teeth sparkling and fresh.

5. Eat a Mouth-Healthy Diet

A balanced diet provides the nutrients your teeth and gums need to stay strong. Cut back on sugary snacks and drinks, and eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Calcium-rich foods like dairy products and leafy greens also help protect tooth enamel.

Looking for a Lafayette Dentist?

Whether you’re due for a cleaning or want to learn more about improving your oral health, Dr. Tim Chauvin and his team are here to help. Contact our Lafayette office today to schedule your appointment!

Everything You Need to Know About Braces

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At Chauvin Dental, we get lots of questions about braces. If you’re considering braces or want to know if you’re a potential candidate, first remember it’s essential to choose an orthodontist with extensive training and experience. Dr. Chauvin has a reputation in our Lafayette, Louisiana community for achieving great results and genuinely caring for patients.

It’s also important to remember that braces are an investment that will reward you with a lifetime of great smiles! Here are some of the most commonly asked questions we get asked and our answers.

1. Do braces hurt?

There can be some swelling and discomfort when you first get your braces put on and when you get them tightened over subsequent visits. Your teeth and gums may feel sore, but this can be easily managed at home. A few options to manage the discomfort include: rubbing ice on your gums and lightly massaging them, using an oral anesthetic gel, or taking an over-the-counter pain reliever that’s approved by your dentist. If your pain is coming from the braces poking or rubbing against your cheek, we can give you a special wax to help alleviate that discomfort.

2. How will having braces affect my daily life?

The good news is that having braces will not affect things like sports participation or other common extracurricular activities. You should be able to continue on with your activities as normal, but you will have to change your care regimen and look at what you eat. You’ll need to brush your teeth after each meal to make sure there’s no food stuck in your braces, and you’ll need to floss once a day. There are certain foods you should avoid while you have braces; these include sticky candies, crunchy foods, and gum. Basically, you will want to eat things that are not going to be “hard” on your braces, so options like soup, mashed potatoes, and ice cream would all be examples of good choices.

3. How long will I have to wear my braces?

The length of treatment time varies from patient to patient and depends on the treatment end goals and other factors. Your dentist will be able to give you more information at your consultation.

4. Why do I have to wear a retainer after I get my braces off? Does it really matter if I do or not?

To answer that second question in a word: yes. After putting in all the work and effort to straighten your teeth, don’t you want them to remain as perfect as possible? Wearing your retainer as instructed will prevent your teeth from moving back to the way they were before. Be sure to take good care of your retainer so it will last you a long time.

5. Should I get Invisalign or regular braces?

Invisalign is an attractive alternative to braces because it’s clear and less noticeable than traditional braces. You can think of Invisalign as a sort of removable, clear retainer. While some patients get great results with this treatment, it’s not an appropriate option for every patient’s needs. Again, we would be able to tell you more detailed information at your consultation.

6. I’m an adult in my 30’s. Am I too old for braces?

Increasing numbers of adults these days are deciding to take the plunge and get braces or Invisalign. In fact, many of our current clients are adults. It’s never too late, so don’t let age stop you from coming in to evaluate your options.

Contact our team at Tim Chauvin D.D.S. & Associates today!

Still have questions? Feel free to contact us or schedule a visit with Chauvin Dental today!

 

5 Tips for Preventing Gum Disease

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Gum disease, or periodontal disease, occurs when the tissues within the mouth become inflamed or infected.

Gum disease is generally separated into two categories: gingivitis, which refers to inflammation in the early stages of gum disease, and periodontitis, which is when damage happens to the gum tissue. While gingivitis is highly treatable if caught early, periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in the adult population, making it essential to prevent gingivitis from advancing.

From leading Lafayette dentist Dr. Tim Chauvin, here’s what you need to know about gum disease and how to prevent it.

Preventing gum disease in Louisiana

Because most cases of gum disease are caused by plaque buildup, the ways we recommend to prevent it typically center around reducing or removing plaque buildup from the mouth.

Here are 5 tips you can use to prevent gum disease:

  1. Lessen your sugar intake. Sugar is a leading cause of tooth decay and when you consume sugary foods, the bad bacteria in your mouth multiply rapidly. Even worse, sticky candies can stay on the teeth surfaces for long periods of time, making it even more risky. Consider swapping out sugary foods and drinks for healthier choices and if you must satisfy your sweet tooth, choose items like chocolate that melt fast and won’t stick on your teeth.
  2. Stop smoking. Smoking, or use of any tobacco products, greatly increases your chance of developing gum disease and oral cancer. In addition, smokers have a harder time healing from dental procedures and when they get gum disease, it’s harder to treat than in non-smokers. Even if you’ve been a lifelong smoker, you can still reap many health benefits by quitting today.
  3. Make proper at-home dental hygiene an integral part of your routine. A solid at-home regimen is a crucial part of preventing gum disease. You should be brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing at least once a day.
  4. Visit your dentist at least twice a year. Even if you’ve got no problems with your mouth, you should still go in for regular dental checkups. Your dentist and hygienist will be able to remove more plaque with their instruments than you can with your toothbrush. You will also have regular X-rays to monitor your oral health.
  5. Know and manage your risk factors. Managing your overall wellness is key to making sure your teeth stay healthy. Speak with your dentist about how any diseases or medications you have may affect your oral health. For example, if you’re diabetic, it’s important to keep your blood sugar well controlled so you’re not at increased risk for dental issues.

Make an appointment with Dr. Chauvin Today

Gum disease is very common and usually quite treatable. Be sure to take steps within your control to lessen your risk and see your dentist regularly to be sure your oral health is on track. Contact the highly skilled team at Chauvin Dental if you have any questions about preventing gum disease or any other oral health questions!

Choosing the right mouthwash

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We’ve talked toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss – but what about mouthwash? If you’d like to add a mouthwash or rinse to your oral care routine, it’s important to be aware of just what a mouthwash or rinse does. Some freshen breath, others provide an anti-cavity benefit from fluoride, while others contain germ-killing ingredients to help prevent plaque buildup.

You have many options, and the right mouthwash or rinse for you is the one that meets your dental hygiene needs for the health of your teeth and gums, and taste preference. Of course, mouthwash should be used along with other oral hygiene practices, but when used together with flossing and brushing, it can help to keep the entire mouth healthy. However, it can often be difficult to choose the best mouthwash for you and your oral needs. Dr. Chauvin and his team in Lafayette, Louisiana,  can offer some suggestions for choosing the correct mouthwash.

Types of mouthwash

  • Fluoride mouthwash:
    • Recommended for those who are cavity-prone. In the United States, tap water contains small amounts of fluoride in order to promote dental health for society as a whole. However, for those who need extra protection, a fluoride mouthwash can create a protective film over the teeth.
  • Antibacterial mouthwash:
    • This type contains chemicals to help fight against gum disease and other infections. Mouthwashes made specifically to fight bacteria can be a great preventive method for developing infections in the mouth. However, if an infection is already present, a dentist can prescribe a more powerful antibacterial mouthwash to treat the infection and prevent it from spreading.
  • Alcohol Mouthwash:
    • This type works as an antiseptic. It clears the mouth of germs and some viral infections (that’s where the burning sensation comes from). However, if you have issues relating to dry mouth, alcohol can exacerbate the problem. If this is the case, consider using an alcohol-free mouthwash. This will free your mouth from the drying effects of the alcohol base.

Schedule an appointment with Lafayette dentist Dr. Chauvin today

Remember that mouthwashes are to be used as one part of an entire oral hygiene program. Visiting Dr. Chauvin twice a year, brushing and flossing daily, along with using mouthwash are all necessary aspects of a full oral hygiene program. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.