Night Guards in Fairfield, CT

In Fairfield, CT, Dr. Keith Rudolph sees a number of patients who suffer from bruxism—a practice also known as teeth grinding. While this is a conscious problem for many who clench and grind their teeth throughout the day due to stress, even more people unconsciously grind their teeth at night while sleeping. Bruxism can cause damage to patients’ enamel, as well as cause jaw pain, headaches and gum irritation, making it is important to treat the condition, and night guards are usually the best way to do it.

Similar to those worn by athletes, night guards provide a barrier between the top and bottom teeth while the patient sleeps. By reducing the wear to their teeth and making it harder for them to grind, the patient’s smile will be healthier and they will feel better overall. Dr. Rudolph custom fits each night guard to make it as comfortable as possible. To do this, he takes an impression of the patient’s teeth and has the mouth guard created in the dental lab. These guards are very durable and can last up to 10 years.

Patients who frequently wake up with headaches or pain in their jaw may be grinding their teeth in their sleep, and treatment can prevent any serious wear to the enamel that can expose the dentin and make the teeth more sensitive to temperature changes and decay.

For a diagnosis of and treatment for night grinding, schedule an appointment by calling 203-930-1214. For more information about our practice and services, please visit www.drkeithrudolph.com. 

Benefits of Digital X-rays

Dental technology has improved greatly over the years, enhancing every step of dental care, from diagnosis to treatment. New technology has even made dental X-rays safer and more convenient, and many dentists have adopted digital radiography to view their patients’ teeth. At our practice in Fairfield, CT, we have many state-of-the-art technologies, including digital X-rays, to provide patients with the best dental care available.

Digital X-rays are taken in a similar manner to traditional X-rays that use film. However, instead of placing film in the patient’s mouth, the dentist uses a digital sensor is used. This sensor is connected to an imaging program on a computer that projects the image, which allows Dr. Keith Rudolph to view your teeth more closely and with better accuracy than traditional dental X-rays. Better images mean that there is a greater chance that the dentist will spot potential problems and be able to fix them before they become more serious or possibly more painful. In addition to better accuracy, digital radiography produces 80 percent less radiation than regular film X-rays, granting peace of mind to those who take X-rays frequently.

Whichever treatment you’re receiving at our practice, from a regular check-up to dental implants, we will strive to provide you with the best service with the most up-to-date technology.

To schedule an appointment with our office, call 203-930-1214. For more information on our practice, visit www.drkeithrudolph.com.

Food and Drinks that Stain Your Teeth

If you’re determined to keep your pearly whites actually white, then you probably already brush your teeth daily and see your dentist periodically, but brushing can often times not be enough to keep your smile bright. This is because a lot of the food and drinks we consume can stain our teeth.

The staining power of food and beverages depends on two factors, and the first is the color of the food. Intensely colored foods and beverages tend to be the worst for our teeth. If you would be worried about spilling a certain food or drink on a white tablecloth, you can bet that it has the potential to stain your teeth. The color in food comes from chromogens, which are highly pigmented molecules that have the tendency to latch onto tooth enamel. The second factor that determines staining power is a food or beverage’s acidity level. Acidic food and drinks, even those that are not brightly colored, can promote stains by eroding the dental enamel, temporarily softening teeth and making it easier for chromogens to stick.

The top teeth-staining foods and beverages that you should avoid for whiter teeth are wine, tea, soda, sports drinks, berries, sauces and sweets. To minimize staining without forgoing your favorite foods and drinks, you can try using a straw, swallowing promptly and swishing your mouth with water after consumption. This minimizes the amount of time the acidic and colorful food is in contact with your teeth.

If you’re still unhappy with the color of your teeth after practicing good oral hygiene, you can also come to our practice in Fairfield, CT for teeth whitening services. Dr. Keith Rudolph offers the tray-whitening system, which can whiten your teeth up 4 to 8 shades in only a matter of days. To schedule an appointment, call 203-930-1214. For more information, visit www.drkeithrudolph.com.

Oral Cancer Screening in Fairfield, CT

In recent years, people without traditional risk factors associated with oral cancer have been experiencing an increase in occurrences, which means that absolutely everyone should be screened for abnormal mouth tissue during their regular dental visit. At our office in Fairfield, CT, we take oral cancer seriously, and we are dedicated to keeping all of our patients safe with thorough screenings.

While everyone is at risk for oral cancer, certain factors can increase your risk of developing the disease. Lifestyle choices, such as heavy drinking or smoking, can greatly affect the health of tissues in the mouth, so those that partake in these activities. If oral abnormalities are caught early, it will not only expand your treatment options, including less invasive and less radical treatments, but it will also increase your chances of beating oral cancer.  

Screening for oral cancer can be done during routine checkups by Dr. Keith Rudolph, who uses an ultraviolet light to spot abnormal tissue months or even years before they become identifiable by the unassisted eye. By shining a safe blue light into your mouth, he can expose suspicious tissue. If the dentist thinks it might be cancer, he will order a biopsy.

Oral cancer is a serious issue, and we are all at risk. Make sure to ask about an oral cancer screening during your next appointment. To schedule an appointment, call 203-930-1214. For more information on the dentist or his services, visit www.drkeithrudolph.com.