why is your bite important dr chauvin lafayette dentist

Why is your bite important

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Think about when you were a kid and you lost a tooth. You kept fiddling with the missing spot with your tongue and it drove you nuts! For a few hours anyway. Then you adjusted to it and didn’t even notice the missing spot, right? Our bodies ignore certain things after a certain point – it prioritizes new stimuli over existing ones. For example, you can always see your nose! Your brain just ignores it.

Well when it comes to your bite, we don’t really notice the way our teeth fit together. As a result, our bite could be off and we wouldn’t even know it! Your bite is very important though, as a misaligned bite could lead to a host of other issues.

What could a misaligned bite cause?

When something isn’t right in our body, a host of other, in some cases seemingly unrelated problems can emerge. For example, sinus problems or digestive problems could be caused by an off-kilter vertebrate in your back! If your bite doesn’t line up correctly, you could experience:

  • Headaches
  • Tooth wear that is excessive
  • Sore muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the head and neck
  • Gum recession
  • Broken or loose teeth

There’s also the self-esteem factor to consider; if your bite is off your smile could be crooked. The good news? A misaligned bite can be fixed.

How can my dentist fix my bite?

Depending on what is causing your bite to be off, there are a variety of solutions your dentist can employ. In some cases, a missing tooth is causing a bite to be off, or a poorly fitted crown. Genetics could also be a factor, some people just have mouths that are too small to fit all of their teeth comfortably. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to keep up with regular dental checkups so your dentist can notice the signs of a misaligned bite and take steps to correct it before extreme measures are required. Some options your dentist may consider include:

  • Replacing any missing teeth
  • A dental mouth guard
  • Bite splints
  • Adjusting teeth (for example, shaving down problem areas)
  • Braces or other orthodontic methods can be used to straighten the teeth that are out of alignment

The solution used by your dentist will be entirely dependent on the issue causing your bite to be misaligned. If you are experiencing headaches or any of the other issues mentioned above, contact Dr. Chauvin’s office! We can take a look and see what is going on.

     

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Baby bottles and tooth decay

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Babies will start getting teeth around six months of age. Dentists recommend that infants are seen before their first birthday in order to assess dental health. Without proper dental care, baby bottle tooth decay occurs. It’s a common problem, also known as early childhood cavities. The good news is, as with most dental issues, the sooner you catch it, the easier it is to treat.

How does baby bottle tooth decay happen?

Kids drink a lot! As a result, the teeth are exposed to lots of sugar. It comes from what they drink and what they eat, including:

  • Formula
  • Milk
  • Fruit juice
  • Other sweet drinks
  • Fruits
  • Sugary snacks

When children (and especially babies) drink, the sugars will pool in their mouth around their teeth, creating a perfect environment for cavity and plaque causing bacteria. As time goes on, each time the child eats or drinks something with sugar – their teeth are attacked by acid. This weakens the enamel, and makes it that much easier for cavities to form.

Preventing baby bottle tooth decay:

Basically you prevent baby bottle tooth decay the same way you prevent cavities in adults! With proper dental care. For a toothless infant, you need to clean their gums daily with a clean, wet rag. Wash your hands, wrap the washcloth around your finger, and then gently wipe and massage the gums. This helps keep your infant’s gums healthy, and gets them used to you cleaning their mouth (which will be a very good thing when it’s time to start brushing teeth and going to the dentist). And never leave your infant with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice at night.

Once the teeth begin to erupt, you’ll switch to a toothbrush. Make sure to get an appropriately sized brush, with soft bristles. You will also need a fluoride free toothpaste until they are old enough to spit. Use a pea sized amount, and gently brush their teeth and gums. When they can spit, switch to a toothpaste with fluoride. Modifications to your child’s diet can also help prevent baby bottle tooth decay. Offer water instead of sugary drinks, limit sugary snacks, and acidic foods.

It’s important to instill good dental habits at a young age, that way your children will take care of their teeth for the rest of their lives. Is it time for a dental checkup, or do you suspect baby bottle tooth decay? Call Dr. Chauvin’s office to set up an appointment.

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What is the Difference Between Periodontitis and Gingivitis?

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Everyone has heard of gingivitis – it’s mentioned in practically every commercial for dental products! It’s like the boogeyman of the dental realm, but unlike the boogeyman – gingivitis is very real. Less commonly talked about is periodontitis. The two are related, but what’s the difference between periodontitis and gingivitis?

What is Gingivitis

This is the precursor to periodontitis. Gingivitis is a term that means “gum inflammation” and occurs when enough plaque has built up to allow bacteria to thrive in the mouth. The irritation in the gumline is most noticeable when brushing, as the gums bleed very easily. The good news is, gingivitis is reversible, and no permanent damage has occurred at this stage. Signs of gingivitis include:

  • Swollen gums
  • Reddened gums (healthy gums are pink)
  • Gums that bleed during brushing
  • Receding gums
  • Tender gums
  • Bad breath
  • Soft, puffy gums

If you experience any of the symptoms above, it’s important to seek dental care to prevent the disease from developing any further. Typically, a professional cleaning will clear up gingivitis, as long as proper steps are taken at home to reverse the effects of gingivitis. This includes brushing at least twice daily, flossing once a day, and using an antiseptic mouth rinse. However you should be doing those things anyway! If you don’t catch gingivitis in time…

What is Periodontitis

You’ll wind up with periodontitis – gum disease. At this stage, your gums will begin to pull away from your teeth, creating small pockets where food, plaque, and other debris will build up. As these pockets fill, they become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria. And bacteria just loves to destroy healthy tissue. The bone and connective tissue that is normally protected by your gums will start to break down. The longer it goes untreated, the more damage is caused. Periodontitis eventually results in tooth loss – because the bone and connective tissue anchoring the teeth in place gets destroyed. As a matter of fact, gum disease is the number one cause of adult tooth loss.

There are other factors that can contribute to gum disease, including:

  • Hormonal changes
  • Decreased immunity due to certain illnesses
  • Certain medications
  • Poor oral hygiene habits
  • Smoking
  • Old age
  • Certain viral or fungal infections
  • Substance abuse
  • Poor nutrition
  • Poorly fitted dental restorations

In the case of either gingivitis or periodontitis, it’s important to visit the dentist immediately in order for proper treatment. Without it, you could lose one or more teeth! If any of these symptoms sound familiar, call Dr. Chauvin’s office to set up an appointment today.

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The dangers of sleep apnea

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Imagine being sound asleep and suddenly you stop breathing. So you startle awake. You start breathing again, and fall back asleep. And it happens over. And over. And over. Over the course of one night, a person may stop breathing hundreds of times! This is the painful reality for people who suffer from sleep apnea, and results in the brain and body not getting enough oxygen. The dangers of sleep apnea include:

High blood pressure

Sleep apnea causes your body to be very stressed, as it essentially goes into a panicked state every time it needs to restart your breathing. Your hormones go on overdrive, increasing your blood pressure. Couple that with the reduced oxygen level and you are a prime candidate for high blood pressure.

Heart disease

The stress of waking up often, alongside the low oxygen levels, make a person much more likely to have some form of heart trouble. It may be atrial fibrillation, strokes, or heart attacks. Since the brain is receiving less oxygen, it has a hard time maintaining all of the background functions that keep us alive – including controlling blood flow to the heart and brain.

Type 2 diabetes

Did you know that if you don’t get enough sleep, your body can’t use insulin correctly? This can ultimately result in type 2 diabetes, and of everyone with type 2 diabetes, at least 80% of them have sleep apnea.

Mental health issues

Not getting enough sleep has a drastic effect on your mental health. It can present as simply being cranky, or as serious depression or anxiety problems. There is good news though, treating the sleep apnea can greatly improve your mental well-being.

Weight gain

Extra weight not only makes you more susceptible to sleep apnea, if you have sleep apnea, it’s harder to lose weight! Luckily, treating sleep apnea will give you more energy – making it easier to lose those extra pounds.

Dentists are often the first medical professional to notice the signs of sleep apnea, since they typically interact with their patients on a more regular basis than a general practitioner. If you are experiencing any of these side effects:

  • Lethargy
  • Headaches
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Snoring, choking, or gasping in your sleep
  • Dry mouth
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability and impaired mental/emotional functioning

Then your dentist may send you to a sleep specialist to be evaluated. If this sounds familiar, call Dr. Chauvin’s office to set up an appointment, as there are other signs that a dentist can look out for in diagnosing sleep apnea.

Treating Small Enamel Cracks Could Help you Avoid a Tooth Fracture

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Although our teeth are the hardest substances in our body, they aren’t invincible to physical trauma. It is possible to crack your teeth. Things like biting too hard on a piece of candy, catching an elbow in the face during a basketball game, or falling down can all result in a cracked tooth. The most important thing you can do is treat enamel cracks immediately in order to avoid a dangerous tooth fracture.

While it may seem that these fractures happen out of nowhere, they’re usually related to cracked tooth syndrome, which has three stages:

  • Stage one – tiny cracks, known as craze lines, develop in the enamel. They are fairly shallow and by themselves, are not dangerous. However; these develop into the second stage eventually.
  • Stage two – the craze lines have deepened into a bigger crack that affects the dentin as well.
  • Stage three – full tooth fracture that can extend to the root. At this stage, the tooth is at risk of loss, especially if the pulp is exposed.

Unfortunately, craze lines are too small to detect with x-rays. They can be found through other methods, such as using an explorer to feel for cracks, or using special lights and dye stains.

Treatment of the crack will depend on what stage it is in. There are several options for a cracked tooth. Bonding involves the use of composite resin to fill in and seal the crack. This is the easiest and cheapest way to repair a cracked tooth, however it is also the weakest method. It’s better suited to teeth that aren’t exposed to as much bite pressure – such as the front teeth.

A crown can also be used to repair a cracked tooth. Using this method will depend on how much of the original tooth remains. After all, there has to be enough tooth left for the crown to bond to. If the crack is deep enough that the pulp is affected, a root canal is in order, because the inflamed pulp needs to be treated before the damage is repaired.

If the tooth is not salvageable at all, or if the crack extends below the gumline, a dental implant will be used to replace the damaged tooth. The original tooth will have to be removed first, and then the implant will be installed.

A cracked tooth can turn nasty very quickly, so it’s important to see a dentist immediately if you suspect that one of your teeth have cracked. Set up an appointment with Dr. Chauvin today!

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Anatomy of your mouth and dental structure

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Although the femur is the strongest bone in the body, the teeth are actually the hardest substance! They have to be in order to stand up to the rigors of chewing. The anatomy and dental structure of our mouths have evolved to make human beings the perfect omnivore; our front teeth (incisors) are designed for biting through and cutting our food, whilst our back teeth (molars) are designed for chewing. This allows us to eat pretty much anything!

Anatomy of the teeth

Adults have 32 teeth, and children have 20. The teeth are held by the bones of the jaw, and have multiple parts:

  • Enamel – the tooth’s exterior, which is hard, white, and made primarily of calcium phosphate.
  • Dentin – living tissue within the tooth that secrete a hard mineral substance
  • Pulp – softer than dentin, pulp contains nerves and blood vessels, which is why cavities and other tooth injuries hurt!
  • Cementum – connective tissue that keeps the gums, jawbone, and teeth roots bound together.
  • Periodontal ligament – tissue that helps keep the teeth tight inside the jaw.

There are five different main types of tooth within the mouth:

  • Incisors – the front four teeth, top and bottom (8 total) that are used for biting and cutting.
  • Canines – our “vampire teeth” are four pointed teeth, situated at the edges of the incisors. These are for tearing meat.
  • Premolars – we have 8 of these as well, and they are between the canines and proper molars. These help with chewing
  • Molars – the best teeth for chewing, they are flat to help grind up food. We have 8 of them.
  • Wisdom teeth – these are our third set of molars. There are 4 of them, but as we’ve evolved, our jaws have gotten smaller. Nowadays, in most cases wisdom teeth must be surgically removed to prevent other teeth from being displaced.

Anatomy of the mouth

The mouth is made up of the following components, (in addition to the teeth):

Gums – soft tissue that holds the teeth in place and protects them as well as the jawbone.

Tongue – the tongue is a muscle that we use to speak, chew, and swallow.

Hard palate – this is the hard roof of the mouth that extends from the front teeth towards the back of the jaw.

Soft palate – the soft roof of the mouth back towards the throat.

Cheeks – muscle, fat, and mucous membranes that allow us to chew, swallow, smile, speak, and eat food.

dental-anxiety dr chauvin lafayette la dentist

Tips for coping with dental anxiety

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Did you have a painful or frightening experience at the dentist as a child? Or perhaps your parents used the dentist as a deterrent “if you eat all that Halloween candy, you’ll have to visit the dentist!” Things like that are most often to blame for a fear of the dentist as an adult. And while many people are afraid of the dentist, dental techniques and technology have improved to such an extent that there’s no reason to fear the dentist anymore! Here are some ways you can cope with dental anxiety or fear.

Consider the new dental tools

Years ago, dentists would use a needle for an injection, then sterilize the needle and reuse it with another patient. This practice was totally safe, however over time the needles would become duller, resulting in more painful injections. Nowadays, dentists use much smaller, thinner, disposable needles. And the method has been improved in order to ease the pain of the injection. There are also many new medications that can relieve pain and anxiety. There are topical gels and patches that are anaesthetic, as well as nitrous oxide, which is used to relax patients. Even conscious sedation – which uses an IV for pain medication but leaves you awake!

Distract yourself

You can also alleviate dental anxiety by distracting yourself. Most dentists will allow you to wear headphones, so you can listen to music, a podcast, a movie, or an audiobook that you enjoy. Some dentists have TVs on the ceiling, so you can watch TV while the dentist works on your teeth. Virtual reality is currently being explored as an option for dental anxiety relief as well. You can also use relaxation breathing techniques to help yourself remain calm. Certain essential oils have calming effects as well.

Remember your dentist is there to help

All dentists have experience with dental anxiety, and many are very understanding and willing to help you with it! Keep in mind, your dentist is there to help you. You may find that establishing a rapport with your dentist, or having him explain the procedure to you can allay your fears a great deal. You can also set up a signal, like raising your hand, that indicates to your dentist that he needs to stop immediately. Even if you don’t use it, it gives you a modicum of control over the situation, which can ease your anxiety.

Dr. Chauvin has lots of experience with anxious patients, and is happy to help you work through your dental anxiety. Want to schedule an appointment? Give us a call!

How to maintain a white smile

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Did you know that teeth are naturally an off-white color, and will yellow with age? However, everybody wants to have a pearly white smile! You can have your teeth whitened at the dentist, but it takes work to keep them white!

Here are some tips to maintain that white smile

Take proper care of your teeth

At a minimum, you should be brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and using an antiseptic mouthwash, and not just for whitening purposes! Taking proper care of your teeth will go a very long way towards staving off teeth staining and keeping them white. This will also prevent the buildup of plaque, which also causes discoloration.

Avoid stain-causing foods and drinks

If you are a frequent tea, coffee or wine drinker, you’re going to have a harder time keeping your teeth white, especially if you only brush twice a day. It’s best to avoid stain-causing food and drinks to keep your teeth white.  Although you can brush after consuming any of these to combat the staining effects:

  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Soda
  • Wine
  • Citrus/acidic foods
  • Blueberries
  • Blackberries
  • Pomegranates

Many of these wear away enamel, which reduces the natural protection of your teeth. Others cause stains just by the color of the food or drink in question.

Use a whitening toothpaste

A whitening toothpaste is a must if you want to keep your smile bright. Many people make a big mistake when brushing their teeth – they rinse after brushing. When you do that, the toothpaste doesn’t have time to work. The compounds in the toothpaste need to be left on your teeth to work properly. Make sure you brush at least twice a day, and after eating or drinking any of the stain-causing foods above.

Stop smoking

Smoking yellows teeth, period. The tar and nicotine buildup on your teeth, and it’s very difficult to remove after a certain point. If you want a whiter smile, it’s best to quit entirely. Quitting smoking is hard, but the health benefits alone are worth it!

Have regular touch-ups

Because teeth yellow naturally with age, additional whitening treatments will be needed as time goes on. Some people need touch-ups every 6 months, while others can go 1 or 2 years without needing one. It all depends on how much care you take with your teeth!

Maintaining a white smile takes a little extra work, but is ultimately worth it. If you’re interested in having your teeth whitened, set up an appointment at Dr. Chauvin’s office!

what is gum grafting

What is gum grafting?

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Our teeth are embedded in bone, which is encased in the gums. Our gums support and protect our teeth. Think of the gums as the skin of your mouth; they’re a barrier that protects your bones against bacteria and wear and tear. As long as you take proper care of your teeth, your gums will be fine. However if they recede, you may need a gum graft.

Why are my gums receding?

Gum recession is a fairly common problem, affecting 4-12% of adults. It often goes unnoticed until it’s very severe, which is another reason why you should maintain your regular dental checkups. There are many things that can cause the gum line to recede, such as;

  • Periodontal disease
  • Genetics
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Teeth grinding
  • Hormonal changes
  • Misaligned teeth
  • Diabetes
  • Poor brushing technique
  • Tongue or lip piercings

When the gums recede, they pull away from the tooth, causing the tooth to look much longer. If left unchecked, gum recession could expose the root of the tooth. This opens the door to a host of issues. At first you’ll experience sensitivity to heat and cold, then you’ll start to experience bone damage which eventually results in tooth loss.

What is gum grafting?

There are three different types of gum graft. The most common is a connective-tissue graft. A flap is cut in the roof of the mouth, which exposes the underlying connective tissue. Some of this connective tissue is removed and stitched to the receding gum line, and then the flap is closed.

Another type of gum graft is called a free gingival graft. It’s similar to the connective-tissue graft, but instead of using the underlying connective tissue, the free gingival graft simply takes some tissue directly from the roof of the mouth. This tissue is then attached to the affected gums. This process is used more often when people have thin gums, since the thicker tissue helps to enlarge the gums.

The final gum graft method is called a pedicle graft. This is only possible when the person has a lot of gum tissue near the affected tooth. A flap is cut, stretched over the exposed root, and sewn in place while still attached.

Some dentists may use a tissue bank instead of from the roof of the mouth. And some use tissue-stimulating proteins to encourage the gums to grow. Your dentist will determine the best treatment for you, based on the state of your gums. If you’ve noticed your gums receding, set up an appointment at Dr. Chauvin’s office!

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Why is my jaw shrinking?

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Can a person’s jaw shrink? Short answer, yes. Because the face gains a sunken or collapsed appearance due to bone reduction, it is often referred to as facial collapse. The process can take decades, and may not be immediately noticeable. A dentist is the only one who can accurately diagnose and treat facial collapse. There are a number of reasons why it could happen, the most common being:

Tooth loss

When we lose several teeth (and don’t replace them with dental implants) our body decides that we no longer need our jaw bone. As a result, it begins to reabsorb the bone and break it down, in order to reuse those vitamins and minerals elsewhere. Over time as the jawbone breaks down, it becomes less stable. This is what causes the characteristic sunken or collapsed look in the facial area. Sometimes the chin shrinks, or the area between the mouth and nose will shrink. The process takes 10-20 years, and it may take just as long to notice it. That’s why it’s important to always replace any missing teeth, and to maintain regular dental checkups.

Other causes

In addition to tooth loss, there are other things that could cause our jaw to shrink, such as:

  • Periodontal disease – if left untreated, periodontitis will cause progressive bone loss.
  • Osteoporosis/osteopenia – can weaken your bones, creating that same instability in the jaw as tooth loss.
  • Dentures – when you wear dentures for a long time, between the missing teeth and the additional pressure they cause, bone loss can occur. Additionally, after a certain point, simply wearing the dentures will be painful.
  • Cysts or bone cancer – both of these result in bones being destroyed internally.
  • Teeth shifting – when teeth are lost, other teeth shift forward to compensate. Eventually, we’re gumming our food, as our chewing teeth have moved forward. Ultimately, this results in pain and additional bone loss.

Prevention

To avoid severe bone loss, always have any lost teeth replaced with a dental implant. Your body will accept the surgical screw as a “root”, thereby still seeing a need for a jaw (and not reabsorbing it). If you do have missing teeth and suspect jaw shrinkage, visit your dentist. They’ll take a complete set of x-rays and be able to tell if you are losing bone mass in your jaw. Fixing facial collapse usually involves dental implants, and bone grafts. The good news is it can be reversed with proper treatment!