Advantages of Dental Sealants

Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS in Fairfield, CT, wants his patients to know that the most important reason for getting dental sealants is to avoid tooth decay. Tooth decay is damage that occurs when germs (bacteria) in your mouth make acids that eat away at a tooth. If not treated, tooth decay can not only cause cavities, but it can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss. Dental sealants act as a barrier to prevent cavities, so you may want to discuss them the next time you are in the office.

Because of the likelihood of developing decay in the depressions and grooves of the premolars and molars, children and teenagers are the top candidates for sealants. However, adults without decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealants. In some cases, dental sealants may also be appropriate for baby teeth. This is because baby teeth play such an important role in holding the correct spacing for permanent teeth, it’s important to keep them healthy from the very beginning.

If you are cavity prone and would like to discuss dental sealants, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.drkeithrudolph.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS in Fairfield, CT, call 203-254-9533. 

Straight Teeth are Healthy Teeth

Benefits of having properly aligned teeth extend far beyond a confident smile. According to the American Dental Association, straightening your teeth can significantly affect your overall dental health. Straightening your smile could hardly be perfect if it’s not a healthy one and here at the dental practice of Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS in Fairfield, CT, we offer Invisalign to help get you started.

Swollen red gums can often be the result of having teeth that are crowded or too widely spaced. Unfortunately, these are also signs of periodontal disease. When teeth are properly aligned, it helps the gums fit more securely around the teeth, allowing for the strongest and healthiest defense against periodontal problems. When teeth are crooked, extra pressure is placed on just a few teeth when the forces of chewing should be equally distributed between all of the teeth. In addition, smiles can be misaligned to the degree where individual teeth may be completely out of place behind or in front of other teeth, which can cause daily cleaning problems. Plaque left behind after brushing and flossing turns into tartar within 24 hours and this tartar cannot be removed with a toothbrush.

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

Preventive Care and Oral Hygiene

If you don’t take care of your teeth and properly maintain your oral health, you may find yourself spending thousands of dollars in restorative dental care down the line. Although we love to see you here at the dental practice of Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS in Fairfield, CT, we want to save you money and help you keep your teeth for life. When the dental team and the patient work together, this can help to prevent the need for treatment.

Preventive dentistry emphasizes the importance of ongoing hygiene procedures and daily practices to prevent tooth decay and other dental diseases and conditions. Effective preventive dentistry combines at-home oral care by patients with chairside treatments and counseling by dental professionals. The American Dental Association recommends a minimum of two dental checkups each year for professional cleaning and management of any developing conditions. Obeying this recommendation can help our dentists stop a dental disease in the earliest stages, protecting your smile and your wallet.

Considering that oral health is linked to overall health, preventive dentistry is important for the sake of your overall wellbeing. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.drkeithrudolph.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS in Fairfield, CT, call 203-254-9533. 

Dental Care for Adults Over 60

As we grow older, certain health concerns earn our full attention, especially the importance of oral health for seniors. According to studies, around 75 percent of adults 60 and older only have a portion of their original teeth. Issues as severe gum disease, which is common in about 23 percent of seniors between the ages of 65-74, can contribute to the loss of your natural teeth. This is why Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS takes pride, regardless of age, in providing the utmost care to help you keep your permanent teeth for a lifetime.

Advancing age puts many seniors at risk for a number of oral health problems, such as darkened teeth, dry mouth, diminished sense of taste, and much more. Even at 55+ years, adults can still develop tooth or root decay if gum recession has occurred. It is important for older adults to effectively clean the gums, the teeth, and exposed root surfaces to remove dental plaque and food debris. Age itself doesn’t play a dominant factor in determining your oral health status, but conditions such as arthritis may make brushing and flossing teeth difficult or impossible to perform.

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

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is a type of dentistry that is aimed at creating a positive change to your teeth and to your smile. If you have a grin that embarrasses you due to missing teeth, tooth discoloration, or teeth that are chipped or cracked, Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS offers a wide variety of treatment options to restore your confidence.

From subtle changes to major repairs, our dentists can perform a variety of procedures to improve your smile. These procedures include, but are not limited to, whitening, dental bonding, dental crowns, veneers, and reshaping and contouring. These improvements are not always just cosmetic. Many of these treatments can improve oral problems as well, such as your bite. If you’re not sure which procedure may be right for you, we are here to answer all of your questions. The condition of your teeth and your desired result often indicate the best procedure for you.

If you have desire a more aesthetically pleasing smile, don’t hesitate to give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.drkeithrudolph.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS in Fairfield, CT, call 203-254-9533. 

The Root Canal Procedure

Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal, becomes inflamed or infected. Signs to look for include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, tenderness to touch and chewing, discoloration of the tooth, and swelling, and/or drainage and tenderness in the lymph nodes as well as nearby bone and gum tissues. Sometimes, however, there are no symptoms and this is why it’s important to visit Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS for routine checkups.

The words “root canal” alone is scary for most people, but most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure. To start the procedure itself, the area around the tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic. Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS will then drill down into the tooth to create an opening into the canal where he will be able to remove the infected tissue and clean the canal. After the infection has been removed, the empty space is filled with a sealant called “gutta-percha.” In most cases, a temporary filling is placed to close the opening. The filling will be removed before the tooth is fully restored.

If you have questions regarding an upcoming root canal, give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.drkeithrudolph.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS in Fairfield, CT, call 203-254-9533. 

Understanding the Actions of Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a chemical compound with the formula N20. At room temperature, it is a colorless, non-flammable gas, with a slightly sweet odor and taste. Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative agent that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose to help you relax. In Fairfield, CT, Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS only administers this pain-relieving formula to eligible patients.

Nitrous oxide is the most commonly used form of sedation in dentistry. It is administered by having the patient inhale the gas, which is carefully monitored by Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS. You will fall into a euphoric state and feel completely relaxed. All feelings of fear and anxiety fade away, leaving you to sit back peacefully while your dental procedure is performed. In most cases, all dental work can be completed in one visit while you are sedated. Once the procedure is over, the nitrous oxide will wear off fairly quickly and you will probably be able to drive yourself home and return to your daily activities.

You will need to have a preliminary visit with your dentist to make sure that you are an eligible candidate for nitrous sedation. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.drkeithrudolph.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS in Fairfield, CT, call 203-254-9533. 

Soft Food Diet for TMJ Relief

If you suffer from a TMJ disorder, you may notice a clicking or a popping in your jaw when you try to eat your favorite foods. This is because symptoms of TMJ disorder can include jaw discomfort and tenderness or pain when opening or closing the mouth. At the dental practice of Dr. Keith Rudolph DDS, we don’t want you to live on a soft diet, but incorporating soft foods into your diet may alleviate your discomfort.

Soft foods give your jaw and temporomandibular joints the opportunity to rest and heal. Some excellent (and healthy) foods to eat include cooked vegetables and fruits, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, soup, and yogurt. If you must eat food that requires a heavy amount of chewing, we recommended chopping it up into small pieces. If you have a sweet tooth, soft cakes, cobblers and cheesecake are good things to choose from.

If you have questions about TMJ/TMD, please give us a call. To learn more about the services provided 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.

TMJ Foods to Avoid

Your temporomandibular joint is a hinge that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull, which are in front of each ear. Problems with your jaw in the muscles of your face that control it are known as temporomandibular disorders. TMJ disorders can affect your jaws range of motion while talking, chewing, and yawning. If you’ve been diagnosed with a TMJ disorder, Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS recommends adjusting your diet to avoid certain foods that might worsen the condition.

Hard vegetables like carrots and celery can also cause pain in the jaw because of the intensity with which you need to bite down on them. Crunchy foods, including popcorn, chips, and other salty snack foods may also be too difficult to chew when you have a TMJ disorder. Other types of food to avoid include chewy snacks, fatty foods, and foods that are cut into large pieces. To summarize, any type of food that allows you to open your mouth wide or chew for long periods of time may aggravate your TMJ. Instead, we recommend incorporating more soft foods into your diet, such as cooked veggies, soft bread, and yogurt.

If you notice yourself experiencing jaw pain, or hear a clicking sound when you chew, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services provided 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.

Flossing with Traditional Braces

As Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS will tell you, flossing can be difficult when you have braces, but it’s more important than ever to keep the gaps in your teeth clean when you have a mouth full of metal. Many folks who have braces don’t know how to floss with them or think that they can’t floss at all if they have braces and this is not true. We’ve already taught you how to brush with braces, so it’s only fair that we share some tips for flossing effectively and keeping those brackets and wires clean.

• Use waxed floss because unwaxed floss is more likely to get caught and shred in your braces.


• Use about 18 inches of floss and thread it carefully.


• Take the floss and gently thread it under the main wire of the braces before passing it between two teeth. Then remove the floss and re-thread it under the main wire to pass between the next pair of teeth.


• Be sure not to snap the floss. Simply move the floss up and down carefully against the side of each tooth.

If you have questions about oral care, please give us a call. To learn more about the services provided 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.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is commonly called nature’s cavity fighter and there’s a good reason for this. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the entire tooth surface more resistant to acid attacks from the bacteria that live in the plaque on your teeth. Fluoride also promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before a cavity forms in the tooth. Here at the dental practice of Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS he can provide patients with fluoride treatments to help them protect their pearly whites.

Fluoride is found naturally in soil, water, foods, and several minerals. When present at the right level, fluoride in drinking water has two beneficial effects: preventing tooth decay and contributing to healthy bones. The type of fluoride we utilize at our office is called topical fluoride. Topical fluoride is applied directly to and absorbed by the surface of the teeth. It may be applied as a foam or gel after a professional cleaning and can additionally be found in personal oral hygiene products such as toothpaste and mouth rinses.

If you have questions about fluoride treatment, please give us a call. To learn more about the services provided 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.

Xylitol and Dental Benefits

Tooth decay happens when bacteria in your mouth consume the sugars we eat. When we eat food containing ordinary table sugar (sucrose), it gives bacteria on your teeth energy to thrive, allowing them to multiply and start making acids that can eat away the enamel on teeth. This “acid attack” causes the tooth decay process. This is when xylitol comes in to save the day. Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from the fibrous parts of plants and Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS wants you to learn all about it.

Xylitol is a sugar substitute that can be found in gum, mints, or candy. It can also be found in dental products such as toothpaste and mouthwash. Aside from slowing down the tooth decay process, dental benefits of xylitol also include a decrease of bacteria. Xylitol enhances the remineralization of teeth, particularly in small decay spots just developing in the tooth enamel. So next time you decide to sweeten your coffee or tea with some sugar, add a little some cavity-prevention with xylitol.

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

What is a General Dentist?

General dentists are the primary dental care providers for patients of all ages. They can treat you and your entire family and care for your overall health. Dentistry is defined as the evaluation, diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment (nonsurgical or related procedures) of diseases, disorders and/or conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and/or the adjacent and associated structures and their impact on the human body. When looking for exceptional and quality general dentistry services, look no further than the practice of Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS.

Instead of specializing in just one area of dentistry, general dentists, such as Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS provide plenty of different services for you and your family, such as: cosmetic procedures, crowns and bridges, dental implants, dentures, gum disease treatment, home care instruction, root canal therapy, teeth cleanings and many more.

If you are searching for a general dentist, look no further and give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.drkeithrudolph.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS in Fairfield, CT, call 203-254-9533. 

What Type of Mouthwash Should You Use?

Mouthwash or rinses are used for a variety of reasons: to freshen breath, to help prevent or control tooth decay, to reduce plaque, to prevent or reduce gingivitis, to reduce the speed that tartar forms on the teeth, or to produce a combination of these effects. Active ingredients vary depending on the type of mouth rinse but are normally placed into four general groups. While shopping for mouthwash at your local drugstore, it is important when searching for the rinse that’s right for you to look for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. Mouthwash has many beneficial qualities and Dr. Keith Rudolph DDS would like to explain a few.

• Antimicrobial agents act directly on oral bacteria to help reduce plaque, decrease the severity of gingivitis and control bad breath.


• Fluoride helps reduce tiny lesions (tooth decay) on tooth enamel and make teeth more resistant to decay.


• Astringent salts can serve as temporary deodorizers that mask bad breath.


• Odor neutralizers act by chemically inactivating odor causing compounds.

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

Shopping for Toothpaste

Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS understands while walking through the dental health aisle at the drugstore, that the selections of toothpaste can be overwhelming. Should you go for tartar control, fluoride, sensitive, or whitening toothpaste? How do you decide? When it comes to choosing the toothpaste that is best for you, it’s important to consider your unique oral health needs. The best way to discover what those are is by scheduling an oral exam with Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS here in Fairfield, CT. In the meantime, here are some options to consider while browsing:

• Anti-cavity: This type of toothpaste contains fluoride. Fluoride plays an active role in preventing decay, and it actively strengthens tooth enamel.


• Anti-gingivitis: If you spit blood in the sink, this is an early sign of gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. Anti-gingivitis toothpaste helps reduce oral bacteria and can be very effective at stopping gingivitis in its tracks.


•  Desensitizing: If you’ve ever bit into an ice cream cone and felt a sharp pain in your tooth’s nerve, this type of toothpaste will provide relief by blocking the tooth’s pain signal to the nerve.


• Tartar-control: This toothpaste does exact what it says, however, the best way to remove tartar is by scheduling a professional dental cleaning with one of our doctors.


• Whitening: This toothpaste contains chemicals that are able to help maintain the natural color of your teeth.

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

Explaining the Root Canal Procedure

When a tooth’s nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it breaks down and bacteria begin to multiply within the pulp chamber. Before the bacteria can cause an infection or an abscessed tooth, Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS may recommend a root canal. A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. If you’ve been told that a root canal is right for you, we’d like to explain the process to make you feel calmer about the procedure itself.

The root canal procedure requires one or more office visits and can be performed right here in the office. The first step in the procedure is to take an X-ray to see the shape of the root canals and determine if there are any signs of infection in the surrounding bone. Once anesthesia is administered, Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS will make an opening in the crown of the tooth. Very small instruments are then used to clean the pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals and to shape the space for filling. After the empty space is cleaned and shaped, he will fill the root canals with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. In most cases, a temporary filling is placed to close the opening. There may be some soreness after the procedure, but that is perfectly normal.

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

Brushing with Traditional Braces

If you have braces, you should be working overtime on practicing proper oral hygiene. This is because braces have tiny spaces where food particles and plaque get trapped, and inadequate cleaning while wearing these wires can cause enamel staining and tooth decay around brackets or bands. Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS can’t stand behind you to monitor how you often you brush, but he can provide you with the following routine that will help make brushing with traditional braces both simple and effective.

• Prepare to brush – take off elastics, and any other removable parts of your orthodontic appliance.


• Clean your braces – use your brush at a 45-degree angle to clean around the wires and pins of your braces. Brush the top of each wire and then from the bottom. Take time to ensure that all plaque and debris are removed.


• Brush your teeth – clean each tooth individually. First, place your brush at a 45-degree angle to the junction between the tooth and the gum, and then apply gentle pressure as you move in a circular motion. Use the same brushing action on all outer and inner tooth surfaces, tilting the brush as needed to better reach the insides of smaller front teeth.

To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.drkeithrudolph.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS in Fairfield, CT, call 203-254-9533. 

Stages of Periodontal Disease

If you want to keep your permanent teeth for a lifetime, then you need to practice a proper oral hygiene routine on a daily basis. If you don’t, you’re already headed down the road toward gum disease. Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth and there are three stages that you should be familiar with. Additionally, you should always schedule professional cleanings and oral exams with Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS twice a year to avoid this condition.

• Gingivitis – This is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gum line. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. This is when you’ll notice blood in the sink after you complete your brushing routine. However, at this early stage, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected.


• Periodontitis – This is the second stage of gum disease. By this point, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may even begin to form a pocket below the gum line, which traps food and plaque.


• Advanced Periodontitis – This is the final stage of gum disease, and the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are officially destroyed. In this case, your teeth may begin to shift or loosen and your bite may also be affected. If aggressive treatment can’t save them, the teeth will need to be extracted.

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

Common Dental Emergencies

Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS understands that accidents happen and being informed about what to do in case one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. If you or your child experience some sort of trauma to your mouth for whatever reason, please give us a call immediately. We promise to assist you quickly and help put your mind at ease. Meanwhile, in the midst of a dental emergency, utilize these tips to ensure a smooth recovery. 

• For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it between your cheek and gums, or use a tooth preservation product that has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance.


• For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area.


• If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.


• For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between teeth.

If you suffer a dental emergency, please call us immediately. 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.

Thank You for Your Testimonials!

Here at the dental practice of Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS we appreciate feedback from our customers because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our staff would not only like to thank Linda R. for being an excellent patient, but we’d like to thank her for reviewing us. Additionally, we encourage the rest of our customers to do the same.  

“I have been seeing Dr. Rudolph for at least 20 years and he has managed all my varied dental needs in a highly skilled and professional manner. He is up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques. His supervision of an Invisalign teeth-straightening program for both me and for my husband has had marvelous results for us both. Our smiles now bring us many compliments. His staff is very warm and capable. In emergencies, he has fit me in quickly or taken my call to help put my mind at ease or strategize on how to resolve the issue quickly. I have sent many friends to him and they are now loyal patients.” – Linda R.

If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning 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.