lafayette dentist Archives

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.

Surprising Foods That Promote Healthy Teeth - dr chauvin lafayette la

5 Surprising Foods That Promote Healthy Teeth

May 3, 2021/in cavities/by admin

We’ve all been told to avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks, but many of us may be unaware of what we can eat that could increase our oral health. It turns out, there’s a number of foods we can add to our diets to promote healthier teeth and gums. While what we eat can’t replace the importance of receiving regular preventive care from a dentist, it can certainly help decrease our risks for common oral health conditions.

Below are five foods you should incorporate in your diet to promote healthier teeth and gums.

Eggs

You might be aware of how calcium can strengthen teeth, but you may not know that phosphorus is another important mineral related to dental health. Our tooth enamel consists of many minerals, but two of the most important are calcium and phosphorus. Eggs contain high concentrations of phosphorus. They’re also a source of Vitamin D, which helps our bodies absorb calcium. Incorporating eggs a few times a week into your breakfasts could help keep your tooth enamel healthy and strong.

Dark Chocolate

Chocolate is not usually considered a healthy food. However, there are different types of chocolate. Milk and white chocolate are full of sugar. But since it contains tannins and antioxidants, dark chocolate can actually inhibit the growth of bacteria. It also has a chemical called theobromine that can harden tooth enamel and has health benefits for your heart. Dark chocolate’s benefits shouldn’t be misconstrued as a free license to eat candy bars everyday, but coating fresh fruit in dark chocolate is certainly a healthier choice for an indulgent treat.

Alcohol-Based Sweeteners

Alcohol-based sweeteners do not have the same effect as sugar on oral bacteria. One alcohol-based sweetener, xylitol, is actually good for controlling harmful bacteria like s. mutans—the specific bacteria that causes cavities. Xylitol tricks oral bacteria into thinking it is a food source, but unlike real sugar, xylitol starves bacteria. We recommend using xylitol breath mints and/or chewing gum on a regular basis to reap the benefits of this cavity-fighting ingredient.

Cheese

Most people know that dairy is a great source of protein and calcium. One way to increase your calcium intake is to incorporate cheese into your diet. Cheese is a great food to eat for your oral health because it also neutralizes acid, which can help you maintain a healthy oral pH. Cheese does contain fat and cholesterol, however, so it’s wise to consume appropriate portions to avoid unwanted weight gain or potential cardiovascular issues.

Kale

Like cheese, kale is a great source of calcium and a number of other crucial nutrients. What is unique about kale is that it requires plenty of chewing. This has the same effect on your teeth that sugar free gums do. The excess saliva production needed to break down kale loosens food particles and neutralizes acid in your mouth.

In addition to practicing great oral hygiene and receiving routine checkups, eating a healthy and balanced diet can do wonders for your oral health. If it’s time for a checkup or cleaning, give our Lafayette dental office a call today at (337) 234-2186 to reserve an appointment with our gentle dentist, Dr. Chauvin.

Why is your jaw popping?

January 24, 2018/in jaw/by admin

Do you notice your jaw popping all of the time? Does it happen when you’re eating or just for no reason? While there is no scientific evidence suggesting that the popping or clicking sounds coming from the jaw bone are cause for concern – These sounds happen to be very common in the general population. Now, if this popping sound is accompanied by pain, stiffness or limited movement of the jaw then you’ll want to alert your dentist right away.

This clicking or popping sound is known medically as Temporomandibular Disorder or TMJ/TMD. Temporomandibular disorder occurs as a result of injury or imbalance of the jaw joints, jaw muscles or other closely aligned structures. Contributing factors to TMJ include jaw postural imbalance, abnormal jaw function, stretched or strained muscles and/or ligaments and illnesses such as arthritis. It has been shown that work stress or problems at home can have an impact on temporomandibular disorders.

Symptoms of TMD / TMJ:

Pain in the jaw area
Pain, ringing, or stuffiness in the ears
Frequent headaches or neck aches
Clicking or popping sound when the jaw moves
Swelling on the sides of the face
Muscle spasms in the jaw area
A change in the alignment of top and bottom teeth
Locked jaw or limited opening of the mouth

TMD / TMJ sufferers may also experience dizziness, jaw fatigue, sinus problems, dental pain, sleep disruption, grinding and clenching behavior.

Contributing factors of TMD / TMJ:

Jaw motions not needed to survive
- Chewing gum
- Biting your nails
- Constant snacking
Unusual jaw positions
- Phone use for long periods of time
- Talking for extended periods
- Smoking
Irregularities in the mouth
- Missing teeth
- Broken and missing fillings
- Arthritis
- Jaw injury

Treatment for TMD / TMJ:

If any of this applies to you, talk to your dentist. Your dentist will test your ability to open and close your jaw and feel the jaw joint and muscles for pain or tenderness. Your dentist will then listen in front of the ear for any clicking, popping or grinding sounds and will feel the jaw joint while you open and close it. X-rays are often taken to look at the jaw joint and to rule out other diseases.

While we advise you to discuss any TMD symptoms with your dentist, occasional discomfort in the jaw joint and chewing muscles is quite common and usually not a cause for concern. However, if you are diagnosed with TMD, the good news is that at home treatments are highly effective in dealing with the discomfort. You can start by eating soft foods, applying heat or ice packs and avoiding extreme jaw movements. Effective, conservative treatments include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, physical therapy and oral appliances.

Contact Dr. Chauvin to discuss your jaw discomfort today.

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 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.

What’s the difference in cold sores and canker sores

May 13, 2015/in Uncategorized/by admin

At 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.

The dangers of ignoring an abscessed tooth

May 6, 2015/in Uncategorized/by admin

No one wants to think about a tooth abscess let alone have one. They are wildly uncomfortable and often lead to dental procedures that don’t exactly spark a cause for celebration. If an abscessed tooth is left untreated it can cause problems that extend well passed the problem tooth.

What is an abscessed tooth?

An abscessed tooth is a painful infection that is usually located at the root of the tooth or between the tooth and gums. Generally, abscessed teeth are caused by serious dental decay, but they can also be caused by trauma, gingivitis or gum disease. When your tooth abscesses, bacteria infect the center of the tooth, causing rapid decay and intense pain. Abscesses in teeth can spread to surrounding bone and cause life-threatening complications.

When the decay manages to crack your tooth’s enamel, it lets in bacteria into the pulp of your tooth. When the pulp gets infected, your immune system tries to fight it with white blood cells. This results in pus and tissue accumulate in a small area. If left untreated, the infection will end up spreading until it reaches your gums, increasing the pain even more. The only way to address the pain is to visit a reliable Lafayette Louisiana dentist like Dr. Chauvin and undergo treatment. In some cases, dentists will be able to save the tooth with a root canal treatment, but may need to be pulled depending on the condition of the tooth.

Symptoms of an abscessed tooth

A severe and continuous toothache with a throbbing pain is a very good indicator that you may have an abscessed tooth.

Other symptoms may include:

Fever
Pain when chewing
Sensitivity of the teeth to hot or cold
Bitter taste in the mouth
Foul smell to the breath
Swollen neck glands
General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling
Redness and swelling of the gums
Swollen area of the upper or lower jaw
An open, draining sore on the side of the gum

Treating an abscessed tooth

A abscessed tooth won’t just go away without treatment. Even if the abscess disperses, bursts or drains and the pain stops, you still need professional dental treatment.

Common treatments by Dr. Chauvin for tooth abscesses consist of the following:

Draining the abscess, eradicating and stopping the spread of infection, preserving the tooth (whenever possible) and preventing complications.
Antibiotics to kill the germs responsible for tooth abscesses, helping the body to repair the tooth and bone. Dr. Chauvin usually prescribes tooth abscess antibiotics after X-rays have been reviewed to confirm that you have an infection. Tooth abscess antibiotics normally are effective in controlling the abscess; most of the symptoms will be alleviated within two days, and the tooth abscess typically will heal after five days of antibiotic treatment.
If an abscess erupts by itself, warm salt-water rinses will soothe, help clean the mouth and encourage drainage until you are able to see your dentist. Your dentist also may recommend them during the treatment recovery time to alleviate discomfort and promote healing.
Painkillers such as ibuprofen help alleviate discomfort while the area is healing.
Root canals
Extraction of infected tooth

The best way to avoid getting an abscess is by practicing great dental hygiene, and having regular dental cleanings and check-ups. But even though you may have the most awesome, dental hygiene, things happen and there just may be no way to avoid it.

Just remember, if you are having a toothache, please don’t hesitate to call Dr. Chauvin’s office. Even if the toothache has gone away, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you are out of the woods. We would love to help you get rid of your pain.

How does dry mouth affect your smile?

April 29, 2015/in Uncategorized/by admin

Dry mouth is medically known as Xerostomia. Having Xerostomia can be perfectly normal every once in a while. Though the name doesn’t sound casual and common, it is. Xerostomia is defined as dry mouth resulting from reduced or absent saliva flow. Maybe it happens when you are nervous, upset, stressed or plain old thirsty. So what? Who cares? No big deal. Well, if you are dealing with a dry mouth on a consistent basis, you should take it seriously and find a solution to the problem.

Dry mouth and your oral health

Decreased saliva can make speaking, chewing, and swallowing more difficult. Saliva reduces the amount of cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth and helps prevent tooth decay. It also keeps oral tissue healthy. Without saliva, your teeth will decay faster, and you will be more likely to lose teeth. If you have a persistent dry mouth, you may also be at greater risk for fungal or viral infections in your mouth. These ulcerations may also develop from trauma caused by friction of oral tissues against denture clasps, appliances or edges of worn or defective dental restorations.

Signs and symptoms of dry mouth

Increased need to sip or drink fluids or excessive thirst
Difficulty speaking
Difficulty swallowing
Burning or sore sensation in the mouth
Diminished or altered sense of taste
Increased susceptibility to oral infections
Sleep interruptions due to thirst
Tooth decay
Gingivitis
Stale or bad breath

Causes of dry mouth

If you take a prescription medication every day, you might be suffering from dry mouth a side effect. Medication is the number one cause of dry mouth. For example, sinus medications inhibit salivary gland production, thus causing dry mouth. So while you’re downing Benadryl or Claritin like your life depends on it to put an end to that stuffy or runny nose, you might be stopping saliva from cultivating and lubricating your mouth. Ugh. Seems like you just can’t win… But you can!

Treatment for dry mouth

In less severe cases, there are a number of things you can do on your own to treat your dry mouth. As mentioned earlier, sipping water or chewing on sugar-free gum can help stimulate the production of saliva. You may also find over-the-counter saliva substitutes at your local pharmacy. Other at home treatments include:

Sip room-temperature water throughout the day and night and carry a water bottle with you at all times.
Avoid drinking lots of water at an extreme temperature (very hot or very cold).
Only drink sugarless drinks and avoid carbonated beverages.
Include a beverage like water during meals. Drink water before, during and after the meal.
Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candy to stimulate salivary flow.
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Both alcoholic beverages and smoking dry out the mouth and make you more susceptible to gum diseases and oral cancer.
Select an alcohol-free mouth rinse if you’re in the habit of using a mouthwash. Read the label and make sure alcohol is not listed as an ingredient.
Try using a nighttime humidifier to moisten room air.

Dr. Chauvin will examine your smile and review your medical history, including any medications that you’re currently taking. He’ll discuss the cause of dry mouth, which is impaired function of the salivary glands. This impairment can result from a variety of factors.

For more information about treating dry mouth and other dental care issues, be sure to contact Dr. Chavin in Lafayette today. We look forward to your visit and helping you achieve excellent dental health.

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