dr chauvin Archives - Dr Chauvin

Tag Archive for: dr chauvin

Choosing the right mouthwash

October 25, 2023/in Uncategorized/by admin

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.

How to get rid of white spots on your teeth

July 13, 2022/in teeth whitening/by admin

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?

June 7, 2021/in teeth whitening/by admin

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.

Lessons from the Tooth Fairy

May 9, 2018/in dental hygiene/by admin

Does your child believe in the Tooth Fairy? I’m sure most of us excitedly tucked our lost teeth under our pillows (or in my case mostly notes because losing them seems to be easier) and woke up to a shiny quarter the next morning. The tooth fairy’s existence is well accepted in America, although these days a quarter doesn’t seem to be the going rate for a tooth anymore. According to the recent 2014 study, the average going rate for a tooth is $5.74, thats a 27% increase from 2013 (geez inflation). Approximately 81% of home got a visit from the tooth fairy last year and nearly all participants professed either neutral or positive perceptions of the tooth fairy, so apparently the practice lives on.

How did the Tooth Fairy come to exist?

In the times of witches, it was thought that if a witch got your tooth it could gain control over them. This made disposal of baby teeth a serious matter. The teeth were typically buried, thrown into a fire, or given to a rodent as quickly as possible. As time went on the fear subsided and a variety of customs emerged. In other parts of the world parents would plant the baby tooth in the garden to encourage growth of the adult teeth. Even the mighty Viking warriors made necklaces out of baby teeth believing this would bring them luck in battle.

To most people an image of a white-winged female comes to mind, illustrations of the Tooth Fairy over the years. The tooth fairy in her present common form only came into being in the 20th century. A three act play for children called “The Tooth Fairy” came out in 1927; the first known written work to use that title was printed in 1947. The legend spread during the 1950’s becoming as commonplace as the Easter Bunny in the United States. Coincident with this was an increase in commercialization, with tooth fairy banks, pillows, and so forth appearing in the marketplace.

In early America, money was left as a reward or compensation for the pain of losing a tooth, although it wasn’t until just before the Great Depression in 1927 that a three act play was written using the name of the Tooth Fairy. Not long after, a story written at the end of the Second World War mentioned the Tooth Fairy. However, she didn’t become popular until about the 1950’s along with the Easter Bunny. When the baby boomers were being born, both myths really began to take hold. Some cynics say it has to do with the commercialization of the time period, but we like to think it was just really great timing.

Using The Tooth Fairy as a Teaching Tool

Here at Dr. Chauvin’s office we encourage parents to talk about the Tooth Fairy’s visits as a way to discuss good oral health even before a child loses their first tooth. After all, there’s nothing that makes the Tooth Fairy happier than healthy teeth! You can alway remind them when they do not want to brush or floss that the Tooth Fairy is only looking for healthy baby teeth, not teeth with cavities. This will help get kids excited about taking care of their teeth. Whether it’s their first, second, or tenth tooth we have a couple of good suggestions to assist in the next tooth fairy visit!

Leave a note reinforcing good habits – A personalized note from the Tooth Fairy could be nearly as exciting for kids as the gift itself. Parents should include tips for important oral health habits that the Tooth Fairy wants kids to practice, such as brushing twice a day, flossing once a day and visiting the dentist twice a year.
Give oral health gifts – Consider opting out of cash and reinforce good oral health habits by providing a new toothbrush with their favorite cartoon character or fun-flavored toothpaste. How about a new book? There are several children’s books about Tooth Fairy adventures that can add to the Tooth Fairy excitement.

The tooth fairy is a great way to divert attention it’s still important to scheduling regular checkups. Dr. Chauvin and his team will help your children maintain good oral health and catch small issues before they cause serious dental problems.

How to help a teething baby

January 10, 2018/in Uncategorized/by admin

Whether you’re a new or seasoned parent, teething can be a hair-graying experience. Crying, whining, drooling and overall crankiness are often a normal part of the process when a baby’s teeth are on the brink of breaking through the gum tissue. When a baby begins teething, there is no set pattern on when it will begin, how long it will take and how painful it will be. For one baby teething might happen overnight without pain, while another child might have to go through a long, drawn out and painful experience. You may sometimes visibly see a rise or lump in the gum for several weeks, while sometimes there may be no visible clue at all until the tooth actually appears.

Which teeth come in first and how many teeth come in?

In total there are twenty primary teeth, which is twelve less than the full set of thirty-two permanent teeth adults have. Each of the baby teeth slowly emerge from the gum over a few weeks or months. Most children have a full set of primary teeth by the time they are around two or three years old. The teeth can seem very spaced out at first but it’s nothing to worry about; as the full set comes through, the teeth will move into a more normal position.

These teeth usually last until about the age of six, when the teeth that were first to appear become loose and fall out as the second teeth begin to push through the gums. The primary teeth continue falling out until roughly the age of twelve. The following is the most common pattern for baby teeth to appear.

Age	Teeth	Position
6 to 7 months	Incisors	Two central bottom & Two central top teeth.
7 to 9 months	Two more incisors	Top & bottom; making four top & four bottom teeth in all.
10 to 14 months	First molars	Double teeth for chewing
15 to 18 months	Canines	The pointed teeth or “fangs”
2 to 3 years	Second molars	The second set of double teeth at the back

How will you know if your baby is teething?

Teething symptoms vary from child to child. Some babies are fussier than usual when they are teething so it might make it more difficult to determine what is the exact cause.This may be because of soreness and swelling in the gums before a tooth comes through. These symptoms usually begin about 3 to 5 days before the tooth shows, and they disappear as soon as the tooth breaks the skin. Many babies don’t seem to be affected by teething.

Irritability: The pain and discomfort is most often worse during the first teeth coming in and later when the molars come in because of their bigger size

Drooling: Your baby start drooling more often than normal because teething stimulates drooling

Chin rash: The constant contact with saliva can cause the skin around the chin and mouth to become irritated

Biting & gnawing: A baby that is teething will gnaw and gum down on anything she or he can get their mouth around. The counter pressure from biting on something helps relieve the pressure from under the gums.

Cheek rubbing and ear tugging: Pain in the gums may travel to the ears and cheeks particularly when the back molars begin coming in

Diarrhea: It is believed that the most likely cause of this is the extra saliva swallowed, which then loosens the stool

Not sleeping well: With teething pain happening during the day and night, you may find your child wakes more often at night when the pain gets bad enough

Coughing: The extra saliva can cause your baby to occasionally cough or gag

How can you help teething pain?

There are plenty of things you can try before resorting to pain relief products or teething gels. Giving your baby something cool to bite on can relieve the pressure and ease the pain. You could try the following:

Rub a clean finger over your baby’s sore gums to numb the pain temporarily.
Give your baby a teething ring. Solid, silicone-based teething rings are better than liquid-filled products, which could leak and can’t be sterilised. You could try putting the teething ring in the fridge for a while before giving it to your baby. Don’t put it in the freezer, as this could hurt your baby’s gums.
Offering your baby a cold bottle of water can also help.
Teething gels.

If you have any questions about teething contact Dr. Chauvins office today.

What is sedation dentistry ?

January 13, 2016/in Uncategorized/by admin

What is sedation dentistry

If you’re afraid of the dentist, you’re not alone. But did you know there’s a way of conquering the fears that may have kept you from visiting your dentist for necessary treatment? Using the techniques of sedation dentistry, your favorite Lafayette Louisiana dentist, Dr. Chauvin can ease your apprehension, and even make the entire experience pain-free. How? By administering a combination of anxiety-relieving and pain-blocking drugs.

With sleep dentistry the patient can be put in either a conscious sedative sleep state or an unconscious sedative sleep state. With sedation dentistry you can visit your dentist with peace of mind of knowing that it will be a relaxed, pain-free, and anxiety-free visit. If you have long been someone that either fears the pain of dental work or you don’t like having personal space invade then it might be time for you to consider a sleep dentist.

How does sedation dentistry work?

During your initial consultation, Dr. Chauvin can help you determine which type of sedation medication would work best for you based on your medical background, dental procedure, and current health. Dr. Chauvin offers two types of sedation dentistry in his office – Nitrous Oxide and Oral Sedation.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is inhaled by the patient right before and during the procedure. The patient wears a mask that delivers a combination of nitrogen and oxygen, creating a relaxed state of mind.

One reason nitrous oxide is a popular form of sedation is because the effects last only as long as the patient is wearing the mask. Within a few minutes of removing the mask, the patient will feel “back to normal.”

Oral Sedation

With oral conscious sedation, the patient takes a medication in pill form in the hours leading up to the appointment, and possibly again immediately before the procedure begins. The medication makes the patient feel very relaxed but does not put the patient completely to sleep. He or she will be able to communicate with the dentist and will remain alert, but will experience relief from anxiousness and nervousness.

Unlike nitrous oxide, which fades very quickly, the effects of oral conscious sedation can last several hours after the appointment. Therefore, patients will need a ride home from their appointments if they have undergone oral sedation.

Who should have sedation at the dentist?

Sedation is best for people with a real fear or anxiety that is preventing them from going to the dentist.

Sedation dentistry can apply for people with:

have a low pain threshold
can’t sit still in the dentist’s chair
have very sensitive teeth
have a bad gag reflex
need a large amount of dental work completed

Sleep Dentistry is a still relatively new procedure and something that most people do not take advantage of. For most people seeing the dentist is just another part of everyday life but for others sedation dentistry has made a world of difference. These people are no longer forced to visit their dentist in extreme fear or completely avoid getting the oral care they need.

People of all ages can experience dental anxiety, which is why Dr. Chauvins strives to make your visits with us as comfortable and worry-free as possible. Please share your feelings and concerns with us so we can help you receive the dental treatment you need at a pace that makes you feel comfortable. Every member of our team has a gentle touch, and our treatment rooms are equipped with TVs and massaging dental chairs to keep you comfortable and entertained throughout your visit. Life can be stressful, but going to the dentist doesn’t have to be!

So, contact us today to set up an appointment! Wether its a routine teeth cleaning or a root canal, everyone deserves a beautiful healthy smile.

5 Tips for Mouth Health

June 17, 2015/in Uncategorized/by admin

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life it’s becoming more and more easy for people to forget about one of the most important aspects of their well-being–oral health. When you think of mouth health, you probably associate it with having straight teeth or fresh breath, but neither of these things indicate that your teeth are strong and well maintained. If you want to make sure that your oral health is on point following the five simple steps outlined here.

Mouth Health Tips to Follow:

1. Practice Regular Brushing and Flossing

It is good practice to brush your teeth at leas twice per day. Ideally, it’s also good to brush in between meals. To brush properly, remember to move the toothbrush in a circular motion rather than straight across. Don’t forget to gently brush your tongue, too. The circular motion helps break up more plaque and cleans a bigger surface area.
Many people have a difficult time with regular flossing. Remember, brushing your teeth is a very important part of oral health, but it doesn’t get everything in the nooks and crannies. Regular flossing reduces the chances of infection, inflammation, and cavities between the teeth. Don’t let your dentist be the only person that cares enough to floss your teeth–take the initiative! Floss each time you brush.

2. Stop Tobacco Use

Cigarette are not just a root cause to develop lung cancer and other types of respiratory disease but it is also one of the common causes of other gum or mouth disease. People who are chain smokers usually encounter toot loss, pus between teeth, bad breath, bleeding gums, bone loss, gum recession and other. This condition can lead to periodontal disease as well. That is why if you want to have good mouth health, it is best to avoid cigarette smoking.

3. Chew gum.

What’s the catch? It has to be sugar-free. Chewing gum actually helps break up food that’s stuck in your teeth and increases saliva to neutralize oral acid.

4. Dental Check-ups

You can do plenty on your own to keep up your oral health — but it’s also important to see us regularly. When you visit Dr. Chauvin’s office twice a year, we will check you for early signs of problems, and take care of any that we find… before they get bigger and harder to treat. We’ll also make sure you leave with a sparkling smile that has been thoroughly and professionally cleaned.

5. Healthy Diet

Believe it or not, what you eat can certainly impact your dental health. Eating a well-balanced diet will ensure that you are receiving necessary vitamins to help keep your teeth strong. Plus, reducing sweets will help protect your teeth against cavities.

If you would like to learn more on mouth health or just want to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chauvins office contact us today!!

Is There A Vaccination For Cavities In The Future?

June 10, 2015/in Uncategorized/by admin

Is there a vaccination for cavities in the future? This is perhaps a common question for most people who are looking for non-costly means on how to protect the teeth from cavities permanently. Since immemorial, cavities is one of the most common problems of people and it is the reason why they need to go to the dentist at least twice a year in order to determine if their teeth are always healthy.

What is Mutans Streptococci?

Mutans streptococci are a type of bacteria that is responsible for cavities. This is a type of bacteria that is naturally released by our system particularly in the mouth area. They can be there at the mouth not harming the oral system. On the other hand, poor oral hygiene, genetic predisposition, weak immune system can allow these bacteria to proliferate in the system thus causing harm and can lead to periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is a condition wherein cavities have advanced causing to destroy the teeth, gums and well as the bones within the jaw. As a result, the bacteria can travel through bloodstream which can infect the heart eventually.

Vaccines are important preventive measure to avert such health condition to thrive. Believe it or not, scientist and researchers from the Forsyth Institute in Boston in U.S. are studying or researching a vaccine which targets the bacteria mutans streptococci. You have to understand that when these bacteria break down the food they produce lactic acid that is responsible to wear away the tooth enamel.

About the Vaccine

The main objective of the vaccine is to enhance the immune system to create antibodies that can kill the enzyme that permits the bacteria to stick into the teeth. Since, it cannot cling anymore to the tooth enamel the bacteria are eradicated by saliva thus protecting the teeth and gums.

In an experiment done and rats are given with this vaccine has not develop any cavities. Trials are also used in people and it shown that the vaccine is promising because it does not have caused any issue.

Moreover, experts also suggest that it can be an ideal vaccine for children below 1 year old while their teeth are still developing and at the same time the plaque bacteria is already established. According to the experts, if this vaccine is given to children, it can avert thrive of plaque bacteria. This is an effective barrier to help the children to have a better oral health for life.

The adults who are tested for this vaccination shows that the vaccine helps to decrease the cavity and oral health problems. Moreover, still it is still not out in the market because additional researches are still being done.

Cavity vaccines can be an effective tool to protect the teeth and the overall health. On the other hand, practicing a good oral health and visiting the dentist regularly is still imperative to assure that your teeth are healthy as well as to protect health from periodontal disease. Cavities can be avoided as long as you know how to protect oral health.

Until this vaccine becomes a reality Dr. Chauvin, your favorite Lafayette Louisiana dentist wants you to remember to get teeth cleanings twice a year to keep your mouth happy. Contact us today!

What is dry socket?

June 3, 2015/in Uncategorized/by admin

Dry socket, or alveolar osteitis, is known to happen following a tooth extraction or wisdom teeth extraction. This blood clot serves as a protective layer over the underlying bone and nerve endings in the empty tooth socket. The clot provides the foundation for the growth of new tissue and bone.
In some cases, though, the clot doesn’t form properly or is physically dislodged before complete healing. With the clot gone, bone and nerves in the socket are exposed to air, fluids and food. This can cause intense pain, not only in the socket but also along the nerves radiating to the ear and eye on the same side of your face.
The precise cause of dry socket remains the subject of study. Some researchers suspect that several issues may be at play, including:

Causes of Dry Socket

Bacterial contamination of the socket
Severe bone and tissue trauma at the surgical site due to a difficult extraction
Very small fragments of roots or bone remaining in the wound after surgery
Drinking from a straw, smoking, or any sort of similar sucking action
Exercise
Coughing and sneezing
Swishing with water
Drinking carbonated beverages (soda, beer, sparkling water etc.)

Symptoms of Dry Socket

Severe pain within a few days after a tooth extraction
Partial or total loss of the blood clot at the tooth extraction site, which you may notice as an empty-looking (dry) socket
Visible bone in the socket
Earache
Eye pain
Bad breath or a foul odor coming from your mouth
Unpleasant taste in your mouth
Swollen lymph nodes around your jaw or neck
Slight fever

Treatment of Dry Socket

The treatment of dry socket begins with seeking care from your dentist. Dry socket can be diagnosed by a simple examination to determine a treatment plan specifically for you.

Medications as treatment for dry socket

Dry socket is typically treated with prescription pain-relieving medication, often in the form of medicated dressings that are applied to the teeth. Antibiotics may also be prescribed if an infection is present.

Examples of medical treatments for dry socket include:

Antibiotics, such as penicillin or erythromycin
Over-the-counter pain-relieving and fever-reducing medications
Prescription pain relievers or medicated dressings. These dressings may need to be changed every day for several days, either at home or by your dentist.

In addition to medical treatment, your dentist will inspect and clean the dry socket. If you are experiencing severe pain, a local anesthetic may be used. Getting prompt treatment and completing all the medication prescribed by your dentist are important in preventing complications or recurrence.

What you can do to improve your dry socket

You should contact your dentist if you had a tooth extraction and think you may have a dry socket. Before seeing your health care provider, you may be able to reduce the discomfort associated with your dry socket by:

Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water
Taking over-the-counter pain relievers or pain relievers prescribed by your dentist or oral surgeon following extraction
Using ice packs on the cheek next to the dry socket to decrease pain and swelling

Dry Socket Prevention

After your dental procedure your dentist will go over these things with you but an extra reminder never hurts!

Activity. After your surgery, plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Resume normal activities the next day, but for at least a week, avoid rigorous exercise and sports that might result in dislodging the blood clot in the socket.
Beverages. Drink lots of water after the surgery. Don’t drink alcoholic, caffeinated, carbonated or hot beverages in the first 24 hours. Don’t drink with a straw for at least a week because the sucking action may dislodge the blood clot in the socket.
Food. Eat only soft foods, such as yogurt or applesauce, for the first day. Start eating semisoft foods when you can tolerate them. Avoid hard, chewy, hot or spicy foods that might get stuck in the socket or irritate the wound.
Cleaning your mouth. Following surgery, you may gently rinse your mouth and brush your teeth, but avoid the extraction site. After the first 24 hours, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water every two hours while awake and after meals for a week after your surgery. Mix 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) of table salt in 8 ounces (237 milliliters) of water.
Tobacco use. If you smoke, don’t do so for at least 48 hours after surgery. If you chew tobacco, don’t use it for at least a week. Any use of tobacco products after oral surgery can delay healing and increase the risk of complications.

If you have any further questions feel free to contact Dr. Chauvin’s office today!

What Can Soda Do To Your Teeth?

May 27, 2015/in Uncategorized/by admin

Soda is perhaps everyone’s favorite beverage of all time. Soft drink, cola or pop, no matter what you call it, is a delicious drink that most people love to consume. This type of beverage is made of sweetener, water and flavorings and contains tons of sugar. Meaning to say, soda can be detrimental to the teeth’s well-being as it contains heaps of sugar and acid.

As a matter of fact, according to research a single can of soda (12oz) contains at least 39 grams of sugar, which is equals to ten cubes of sugar or 140 calorie. This is a lot amount of sugar that is not just bad to teeth but also for the overall health especially obese people. We all know that too much amount of sugar is not good to teeth just like sugary candies do.

Diet Soda and Fruit Juices

One mistake of most people is they tend to drink the diet version of sodas because it does not contain loads of sugar as compared to the regular ones, but keep in mind that the sugar is just lessened or lowered in diet versions of these drinks. They are still acidic or have a high number or acidity that can cause harm to the teeth.

If you love to drink highly acidic drinks like sodas, colas or soft drinks regularly softens the tooth enamel and it can lead to sensitive, cavity prone and weaker teeth. For some who think that fruit juices are the best alternative as they are not as harmful as sodas you are wrong, it is still contain acids. However, fruits juices are great choice as they are healthier beverages. Exposure to black coffee also affects the color of the teeth as well.

Water is Still the Best

That is why if you want to have a healthier teeth, it is very ideal to drink pure water more as it can help to have an enhanced oral health. It would be best to drink water as it helps to cleanse the mouth as well especially if there are foods particles that are stuck on between the teeth.

Signs that Soda Already Harmed Your Teeth

You need to remember the warning signs indicating that acid erosion is already happening. The symptoms are tooth aching, tingling, sensitive to hot or cold drinks, pain when brushing and flossing, The continues exposure to cola drinks can also lead to teeth eroding and cracking.

Even if the dentist will recommend their patient to permanently cut acidic drinks from the diet, it is somewhat impossible because fruit juices or coffee are still there. That is why proper care and measures should be followed as well.

Tips to Protect Teeth from Bad Effects of Soda

Always get a regular check-up from you dentist every six months is a must.

As much as possible reduce the frequency of drinking acidic drink especially cola.

Use a straw when drinking acidic drinks to prevent exposure from the liquid.

Do not gurgle with acidic drinks.
Drink water after drinking acidic beverages

It is not ideal to brush teeth right away after drinking acidic drinks.

Finally, soda is a great beverage but it pauses a great threat to oral health especially for the teeth. To assure that soda cannot harm your oral health, a regular visit to Dr. Chauvin is a must thing to do.