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

How to get rid of white spots on your teeth

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

Causes of White Spots on Teeth

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

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

Treatment of White Spots on Your Teeth

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

Prevention of White Spots on Your Teeth

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

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

Bottom Line

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

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

Should I get my teeth whitened - dr chauvin lafayette la

Should I get my teeth whitened?

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

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

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

How Dental Stains Form

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

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

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

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

Common causes for stains

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

Not All Teeth Whitening is Created Equal

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

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

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

How Professional Teeth Whitening Works

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

tooth fairy note

Lessons from the Tooth Fairy

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tooth fairy noteDoes 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

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Screen Shot 2015-04-08 at 11.44.15 AMWhether 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 ?

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sedation dentistry

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.

Is There A Vaccination For Cavities In The Future?

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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’s the difference in cold sores and canker sores

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difference in cold sores and canker soresAt doctor Chauvin’s office, we know many people have experienced some form of mouth sores or irritation. Some mouth sores are harmless and go away on their own after a few days, while others are more serious and should not be ignored. Mouth sores occur for many different reasons, but bacterial infections, viruses, or funguses often trigger them. The best way to tell the difference between cold sores and a canker sores is that canker sores occur inside the mouth while cold sores occur on the outside the mouth.

What is a canker sore?

A canker sore is an open sore inside the mouth or along the tongue. It can also be referred to as an aphthous ulcer. They can cause some discomfort and are normally white or yellow in color along with a red area in the middle. A canker sore is not contagious and therefore cannot be spread with any mouth-to-mouth interaction such as kissing or sharing food and drink.

What is a cold sore?

A cold sore is normally associated with the herpes simplex virus and appears along the lips and side of the mouth. These sores are small but painful and red in color. They can also be called fever blisters. A cold sore can tend to leak fluid and scab at times. Unlike canker sores, a cold sore is highly contagious and can be spread from kissing, sharing food or by touching the sore.

Causes for canker sores

Although there is really no one cause for getting a canker sore, there are some things that doctors  and dentist relate canker sores to include the following:

  • Stress
  • Poor Diet
  • Vitamin Deficiency
  • Food Allergies
  • Menstrual Period
  • Hormones

Causes for cold sores

Canker sores can be brought on easily with stress or spicy food, but a cold sore is very different. Cold sores are normally only brought on by the herpes simplex virus from a person who is already infected with the virus. If a person shares their saliva with another person while kissing or sipping on the same glass, this can easily get someone else infected with the virus and therefore bring out a cold sore.

How to detect a cold sore and a canker sore

Knowing which type of sore you have is imperative so that you know what type of treatment you need. Luckily, there are many ways to determine which type of sore you have just by simply looking at your symptoms.

Cold sores offer specific symptoms which include:

  • Pain around the mouth or effected area
  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Swollen glands
  • Clear leaky fluid from sore
  • Scab over the blister

Canker sores have their own set of symptoms and can sometimes be confused with cold sores because they can be very similar. Some symptoms of canker sores can be:

  • A small painful sore or an open ulcer
  • White or yellow in color
  • Fever
  • Swollen glands

The biggest difference between a canker sore and a cold sore is where they are on the body and what they look like. While a cold sore is usually red and sometimes leaks a clear fluid, a canker sore is usually yellow or white. Both can cause a fever, but normally a canker sore only causes fevers, fatigue or swollen glands in very severe cases.

Treatment for cold and canker sores:

The pain from a canker sore usually lessens within a few days and the sores heal without treatment. If the sores are large, painful and persistent, your dentist may prescribe an antimicrobial mouth rinse or ointment to relieve the irritation. It is also suggested that you avoid foods that irritate your mouth such as citrus fruits, acidic vegetables and spicy flavors.  Be sure to brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss daily, which will keep your mouth free from irritating food particles.

Cold sores also typically heal on their own.  However, if they are painful or you are embarrassed by their appearance, over the counter topical ointments and creams can be used. The virus that causes the cold sore, unfortunately, can not be cured.

Thankfully, though they are both annoying and painful mouth sores, neither are life threatening and can happen to anyone.  If you think you have one of these mouth sores and need advice on treatment, call our office today to schedule a quick appointment so your dentist can help treat your mouth sore.

A Tooth Friendly Easter Basket

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tooth friendly easter basketChocolate bunnies, heavenly hash, and bright yellow peeps are the traditional part of Easter Basket fun. The National Confectioners Association says that Americans spend more than $1.5 billion on Easter candy each year, second only to Halloween candy! This is the equivalent of 25 pounds per candy per person! However, here at your favorite Lafayette dentists office, we have it on good authority from the Easter Bunny that there are many fun items you can include in a tooth friendly easter basket that are not filled with sugar. 

Whether you’re 5 or 35, Easter candy can be incredibly tempting. However, too much of a good thing can be a very bad thing – 92% of adults age 20-64 have had cavities in their permanent teeth. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, each person in that same age group has an average of 3.28 decayed or missing permanent teeth and 13.65 decayed and missing permanent surfaces. And it’s not just grown-ups: The Pew Center on the States says that about 60% of children have dental decay. 

Going easy on the sugary, sticky candy that hangs on to teeth long after the taste is gone is a better idea than you might think. Sugar in candy combines with the bacteria in your mouth to create acids, which attack the enamel of your teeth. What tastes so great in the moment can lead to cavities and other dental problems down the road. And if you skip the sugar in your child’s basket, you might even avoid the sugar rush! You can have them to drink plenty of water between each piece of candy. Rinsing their mouth frequently will clean their smile of some acid formation and bacteria from sugar. Since dry mouth is more conducive to bacteria, hydrating your mouth is a good practice for daily oral hygiene. But a better alternative is simply replacing the candy in your tooth friendly easter basket!

Tooth Friendly Easter Basket Ideas:

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is important, but that doesn’t mean kids can’t have fun with it. 

  • Novelty tooth brush
  • Play Dough
  • Bubbles
  • Glitter Pens
  • Stickers –scratch n sniff of course
  • Legos
  • Fruit snacks
  • Dark chocolate

 

As always, there’s no substitute for brushing and flossing at the end of the day to keep teeth clean and cavity free. The easter bunny never intended for tooth decay to go hand in hand with his delightful reputation.

If you need help keeping your family’s mouth healthy contact Dr. Chauvin’s office today and schedule a check up or teeth cleaning.

 

What’s in toothpaste and how should I pick?

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whats in toothpaste and how do I pick

whats in toothpaste and how do I pick

Toothpaste no longer comes in simple choices of fluoride and fresh breath. Paste is not even the only option! You also have a choice of an array of colors and flavors. With so many varieties available, it may be difficult to know which features or combinations of ingredients are best for your mouth. Dr. Chauvin and our amazing Lafayette Louisiana team are here to help!

When it comes to dental care products, toothpaste is one of the most important components of proper dental hygiene for kids and adults. It cleans and polishes your teeth and removes bacteria and plaque that cause gum disease, dental decay, and bad breath. Toothpastes contain various ingredients that work in different ways. Detergents produce foaming action to better remove plaque and food particles. Abrasives help remove stains, and fluoride strengthens and protects teeth. The toothpaste you choose should reflect your personal dental care needs.

Types of toothpaste

  • Fluoride Toothpaste –  The most common ingredient in toothpaste is fluoride.  It aids in cleaning the teeth and strengthening the enamel.
  • Desensitizing Toothpaste – Contains active ingredients such as potassium nitrate or arginine that assist in blocking the nerve pathways from the tooth.
  • Whitening Toothpaste –  Usually does not contain bleaches but contain relatively coarse abrasives which function by abrading the stains on the tooth surface, giving a whitening effect. You may want to keep in mind that whitening toothpaste does not do the job of a professional bleaching – it simply helps to remove minor stains and touch up a faded smile and are often too harsh for the average tooth.
  • Tartar Controlled Toothpaste – These help to prevent any further build up of tarter but cannot reach the tartar that collects below your gum line. However some companies are looking to produce toothpaste which fights gum disease.
  • Smokers Toothpaste –  These are specially designed to remove nicotine and tar stains on teeth caused by smoking.
  • Children’s Toothpaste –  These are fairly similar to the adult versions the only difference being that they will contain a smaller amount of fluoride and have more child friendly flavors.

One very important thing to know about your toothpaste is it’s abrasivity.  Toothpaste makers regularly measure their product’s abrasivity. It’s necessary for FDA approval, and usually is not included in marketing. Abrasivity measurements are given by what’s known as an RDA value which stands for radioactive dentin abrasion or relative dentin abrasivity.

There is an ever changing chart to keep up with the values. Anything below 70-80 RDA is considered low abrasive.

 

RDA Dentifrice brand and variety Source
07 straight baking soda Church & Dwight
08 Arm & Hammer Tooth Powder Church & Dwight
30 Elmex Sensitive Plus Elmex
35 Arm & Hammer Dental Care Church & Dwight
42 Arm & Hammer Advance White Baking Soda Peroxide Church & Dwight
44 Squigle Enamel Saver Squigle
48 Arm & Hammer Dental Care Sensitive Church & Dwight
49 Arm & Hammer Peroxicare Tartar Control Church & Dwight
49 Tom’s of Maine Sensitive (given as 40’s) Tom’s
52 Arm & Hammer Peroxicare Regular Church & Dwight
53 Rembrandt Original (RDA) Rembrandt
54 Arm & Hammer Dental Care PM Bold Mint Church & Dwight
57 Tom’s of Maine Children’s, Wintermint (given as mid-50’s) Tom’s
62 Supersmile Supersmile
63 Rembrandt Mint (‘Heffernan RDA’) Rembrandt
68 Colgate Regular Colgate-Palmolive
70 Colgate Total Colgate-Palmolive
70 Arm & Hammer Advance White Sensitive Church & Dwight
70 Colgate 2-in-1 Fresh Mint (given as 50-70) Colgate-Palmolive
79 Sensodyne Colgate-Palmolive
80 AIM Unilever
80 Close-Up Unilever
83 Colgate Sensitive Maximum Strength Colgate-Palmolive
91 Aquafresh Sensitive Colgate-Palmolive
93 Tom’s of Maine Regular (given as high 80’s low 90’s) Squigle (Tom’s)
94 Rembrandt Plus Rembrandt
94 Plus White Indiana study
95 Crest Regular (possibly 99) P&G (P&G)
101 Natural White Indiana study
103 Mentadent Squigle
103 Arm & Hammer Sensation Church & Dwight
104 Sensodyne Extra Whitening Colgate-Palmolive
106 Colgate Platinum Indiana study
106 Arm & Hammer Advance White Paste Church & Dwight
107 Crest Sensitivity Protection Colgate-Palmolive
110 Colgate Herbal Colgate-Palmolive
110 Amway Glister (given as upper bound) Patent US06174515
113 Aquafresh Whitening Indiana study
117 Arm & Hammer Advance White Gel Church & Dwight
117 Arm & Hammer Sensation Tartar Control Church & Dwight
120 Close-Up with Baking Soda (canadian) Unilever
124 Colgate Whitening Indiana study
130 Crest Extra Whitening Indiana study
133 Ultra brite (or 120-140) Indiana study (or Colgate-Palmolive)
144 Crest MultiCare Whitening P&G
145 Ultra brite Advanced Whitening Formula P&G
145 Colgate Baking Sode & Peroxide Whitening (given as 135-145) Colgate-Palmolive
150 Pepsodent (given as upper bound) Unilever
165 Colgate Tartar Control (given as 155-165) Colgate-Palmolive
168 Arm & Hammer Dental Care PM Fresh Mint Church & Dwight
200 Colgate 2-in-1 Tartar Control/Whitening or Icy Blast/Whitening (given as 190-200) Colgate-Palmolive
200 recommended limit FDA
250 recommended limit ADA

 

The ADA Seal

The most important thing you should look for when buying toothpaste is the seal of the ADA (American Dental Association). According to Dr. Ada Cooper, an ADA spokesperson, “This shows the product has been tested, its claims are legitimate and its ingredients are effective.”

The ADA seal indicates that the toothpaste contains fluoride, an ingredient that removes plaque. One of the biggest threats to your dental health, plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums and can cause tooth decay and gum disease.

You may also want to consider the flavor of your toothpaste. You are more likely to use toothpaste in a flavor you enjoy. If you’re curious about testing a new flavor, but aren’t sure whether you will like it, try a travel-sized tube instead of a full size. Or, ask your favorite Lafayette La dentist, Dr. Chauvin for a sample during your next dental visit!

 

Visiting your dentist

Once you find the toothpaste that is right for you it is important to keep up with good dental hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth twice a day and make sure you schedule your routine teeth cleaning every six months with Dr. Chauvin.

Types of Dental Fillings and the Right One for You

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dental fillings

Are you curious about what types of dental filling options you have, and what types there are? Lots of people can get confused by what sort of dental filling options they have. Thankfully, Dr. Chauvin, your favorite Lafayette Louisiana dentist is extremely experienced and can help you along this process by offering a great deal of options for your procedure.

 

Your dental options vary depending on your health, where and how the filling is placed, the amount of pressure the tooth will have to take while chewing and the type of materials that should be used for your individual needs. Most fillings are used to fill the hole that is left behind when a dentist takes out a cavity. Fillings can also be used to repair cracked or broken teeth, or give new shape to a tooth.

Types of Dental Fillings:

  1. Amalgam Fillings –  These metal fillings are typically made up of mercury and copper. Amalgam fillings are strong and long-lasting, but are aesthetically unpleasing. Advantages include: Strength, inexpensive, and can be completed in one visit.  Disadvantages include: Do not blend in, healthy parts of tooth may be removed to make room for filling, can tarnish over time, can crack in temperature changes.
  2. Composite Fillings – These tooth-colored fillings are made of a hard plastic material, making them very safe and strong. The main advantage is that they are made to match your teeth. However, the 5 year lifespan is very short compared to other filling options, so they may not be the first option for people on a budget in the long-term. 
  3. Porcelain Fillings – Also called inlays or onlays, porcelain fillings are custom created in a dental lab and then bonded to the tooth by the dentist. They can be matched to the color of the tooth, resist staining, and are about the same cost as gold fillings. A porcelain restoration generally covers most of the tooth, making the filling nearly undetectable.
  4. Glass ionomers –  These glass and acrylic fillings usually last less than five years, but they are often a good choice for children whose teeth are still changing. Also, they can release fluoride, which can help prevent tooth decay.

An Alternative to Dental Fillings: Dental Crowns and Dental Implants

For some patients of Dr. Chauvin, dental crowns may be necessary in the presence of severe tooth decay. Dental crowns are used to protect teeth that are weak from decay and in danger of breaking or cracking. Teeth that are already cracked can also be held together with a dental crown. When there isn’t enough tooth left after a filling has been placed (when the filling is too large), a dental crown can be used to protect and cover the tooth. A dental crown is a cap placed over a tooth to restore strength, shape, and size. Dental crowns may also be used to improve the appearance of the teeth, and once placed, fully encase the entire visible portion of the tooth above and below the gumline. 

If your tooth has suffered so much damage that it cannot be saved, the tooth will need to be extracted and replaced.  Dental implants often offer the most stable, durable, and natural looking tooth replacement option.

Learn More about Dental Fillings

Want to know more? Please contact your Lafayette La dentist Dr. Chauvin. He readily shares his knowledge and expertise with our patients. We would be happy to answer any questions or schedule an appointment for you.

It’s important that you take good care of your teeth by brushing twice a day and flossing regularly. And of course, visiting Dr. Chauvin twice a year for your regular check-up. Doing so will ensure that issues with tooth decay are caught and dealt with early and that your teeth remain as healthy as possible.