The Purpose of Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The purpose they serve is to seal out cavities and avoid tooth decay that is caused by food particles and plaque left in between teeth. Sealants are easy for Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS to apply. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits to make sure they are not chipped or worn away, sealants can last up to 10 years.

Although thorough brushing and flossing can remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth, they cannot always get into all the nooks and crannies of the back teeth to remove these substances. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas from tooth decay by “sealing out” plaque and food. Because of the likelihood of developing decay in the depressions and grooves of the premolars and molars, children and teenagers are the most popular candidates for sealants. However, adults without decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealants.

If you believe that you or your child may benefit from dental sealants, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visitwww.drkeithrudolph.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS in Fairfield, CT, call 203-254-9533.

Baby Tooth Care

When teeth first come in, your child may start to fuss. This is because he or she has sore or tender gums and the eruption of those little tooth buds are causing them pain. Parents often, when should I start cleaning my child’s teeth? The answer is that daily dental cleaning should start as soon as your infant’s first tooth appears. To help prevent the buildup of plaque bacteria that can lead to decay, Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS highly recommends regularly cleaning your newborn’s gums with a damp washcloth following feedings.

While most babies don’t start getting teeth until they are six months old, infant dental care is important from the very beginning. In addition to cleaning your baby’s gums with a damp cloth, you can also gently rub their gums with a clean finger, a small, cool spoon, or a wet gauze pad. You can also give the baby a clean teething ring to chew on. It’s important to care for your baby’s teeth from the start because his or her gums act as placement holders for permanent teeth.

If you have questions about your child’s tooth care, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.drkeithrudolph.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS in Fairfield, CT, call 203-254-9533.

Protect Your Teeth from Plaque

Have you ever licked your teeth with your tongue and felt a fuzzy buildup? That fuzzy stuff is called plaque and it’s a sticky, colorless film of bacteria and sugars that are constantly forming on our teeth. Plaque is the main cause of cavities and gum disease, and can harden into tartar that only Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS and staff will be able to remove if you don’t brush and floss on a daily basis or visit our practice for regular dental checkups.

Plaque contains bacteria, which produce acids that attack your tooth enamel and can damage your gums. If not treated, the damage can become permanent and you may increase your chance of needing costly dental procedures in the future. Since plaque is constantly growing in your mouth, the best way to remove it and to prevent tartar buildup is to brush and floss your teeth every day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque from the surface and protect your teeth from decay.

If you are due for a dental checkup or a teeth cleaning, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.drkeithrudolph.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS in Fairfield, CT, call 203-254-9533.

Tooth Sensitivity Causes and Treatment

Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common complaints among dental patients. It is caused by the movement of fluid within tiny tubes located in the dentin (the layer of tissue found beneath the hard enamel that contains the inner pulp), which results in nerve irritation. When you have sensitive teeth, certain activities such as brushing, flossing, or eating and drinking, can cause sharp, temporary pain in your teeth. If you’re concerned about sensitive teeth, start by visiting Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS. He can identify or rule out any underlying causes of your tooth pain.

Sensitive teeth are typically the result of worn tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots. Sometimes, however, tooth sensitivity is caused by other factors, such as a cavity, a cracked or chipped tooth, a recently placed filling or a side effect of other dental procedures, such as whitening or bleaching. To prevent sensitive teeth from recurring, Dr. Keith Rudolph can offer suggestions to help you maintain your oral health. Maintaining a proper oral hygiene is the key prevention to tooth sensitivity.

If you have sensitive teeth and would like to discuss your treatment options, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.drkeithrudolph.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS in Fairfield, CT, call 203-254-9533.