Tag Archive for: teeth cleanings

Best New Years Resolutions For you and your teeth

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Most New Year’s resolutions don’t make it to February.

The ones that stick? They’re usually simple, practical, and tied to something that actually matters.

Your dental health checks all three boxes, and the payoff goes way beyond a prettier smile. Good oral health is connected to your heart health, immune system, and overall wellbeing. So this year, give your teeth a little love.

From our team at Dr. Chauvin’s dental office in Lafayette, Louisiana, here’s where to start.

See Your Dentist Twice, and Book It Now

This one sounds obvious, but most people only make it in once a year… if that.

Don’t leave it to chance. Pull up your calendar right now and schedule both of your cleanings for the year. Getting ahead of it takes two minutes and saves you from the “I’ll call next week” spiral. Dr. Chauvin’s Lafayette office is ready to get you on the books.

Eat for Your Teeth, Not Just Your Waistline

Diet resolutions are already on most people’s lists, so this one is an easy add-on.

Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery naturally scrub plaque from teeth as you chew. Nuts, legumes, and leafy greens are packed with antioxidants that help your body fight the bacteria and inflammation behind gum disease. Cut back on sugary drinks and processed snacks, and your teeth will notice just as fast as your body does.

Quit Smoking. Your Gums Are Begging You

Smokers lose twice as many teeth as non-smokers.

That’s not a scare tactic, that’s just what the research shows. Smoking accelerates plaque and tartar buildup, weakens your immune response, and is one of the leading drivers of gum disease. If quitting has been on your list before, let your smile be the extra motivation this time.

Finally, Actually Floss

You know it’s important. The floss has been sitting in your drawer judging you for months. Flossing is the only way to clean between your teeth and below the gum line: places your toothbrush will never reach.

One minute a day. That’s all it takes. Make this the year you actually do it.

Start With a Phone Call

The easiest resolution on this list? Picking up the phone. Dr. Chauvin and the team at our Lafayette dental office are here to help you start the year with a healthy smile. Give us a call and let’s get you scheduled.

Your smile deserves a spot on your resolution list this year! Happy New Year from all of us at Dr. Chauvin’s office.

Why sharks don’t get cavities – A lesson in fluoride

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Sharks have the healthiest teeth in the animal kingdom. That’s pretty impressive seeing as sharks average around 15 rows of teeth in each jaw. Some sharks end up growing and shedding up to 30,000 teeth in their lifetime. Great pearly White Shark, that’s a lot of teeth! How do sharks keep all their teeth looking so porcelain and clean? Well for one, they don’t drink a lot of sugary beverages or candies. It also turns out that sharks have a fluoride coating on their teeth. In fact, their teeth contain 100% fluoride.   Makes sense that they would have their own type of travel toothpaste since they always seem to be on the move.

Why is fluoride so important?

Fluoride is an active ingredient in most toothpastes and is even added to water throughout the country. It’s extremely important in fighting against tooth decay. It protects teeth by restoring the loss of minerals on the tooth enamel. When our teeth lose those minerals on the enamel, it opens the doors to cavities. Think of fluoride as a protective shield, keeping acids that eat through the tooth’s surface at bay. If plaque and tartar are allowed to accumulate on teeth for an extended period of time, it can allow for dangerous bacteria to grow next to the gums. By getting routine teeth cleanings harmful build is removed from your tooth and leaves the tooth surface smooth and clean in order to stop bacteria from developing.

 

How to make sure you are getting enough fluoride:

  • Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral and is found in various foods and water.
  • Mouthwashes and toothpastes often contain fluoride. Your dentist may even apply higher doses of fluoride in a gel or foam form when you have a checkup.
  • Sometimes a doctor may decide that you need a fluoride supplement. These are available in liquid or tablet form.
  • Fluoride is also important for adults – It’s important to continue to use fluoride toothpaste even after the ‘formative years’ for teeth
  • Too much fluoride can be a bad thing. Knowing how much your city puts in water is important.

 

It just doesn’t seem fair that a mammal with thousands of replaceable teeth also has the advantage of never getting cavities. Throw a dog a bone! Unfortunately, humans can’t regenerate teeth each time we get a new cavity, so remember to brush and floss daily because this is the only real set of teeth you’ll have!

If you have questions about whether you’re getting enough fluoride, contact us to make an appointment for a routine cleaning.