Electric Toothbrush vs Manual Toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes and manual toothbrushes have long been debated about which is better. When choosing a new toothbrush, it is nice to know which one will get you the best cleaning. Dr. Keith Rudolph in Fairfield, CT wants his patients and all dental patients to know the difference between electric and manual toothbrushes so they can make an informed purchase.

According to recent studies, manual toothbrushes do just as good of a job brushing teeth as electric ones. The only difference is that the more expensive sonic toothbrush happened to show less cases of gingivitis. However, this could be because people who spend more on healthcare supplies often stick to their healthcare routines better.

The studies showed that the toothbrush really didn’t matter much when determining how to get a good brushing. What mattered most was the person brushing. Having the right technique is key to good oral care, no matter what type of toothbrush you choose. However, for those with trouble using their hands, like those with arthritis, an electric toothbrush may help them get a better cleaning as they do most of the work. Electric toothbrushes require less maneuvering around the mouth.

When it comes to better quality, electric toothbrushes and manual toothbrushes are on the same page for the most part. Again, it depends on the person using the toothbrush. For more tips on oral care, contact Dr. Keith Rudolph here in Fairfield, CT by calling (203) 254-9533 or by visiting our website, www.drkeithrudolph.com. 

Full and Partial Dentures in Fairfield, CT

When missing most or all of your teeth, you can appear older than you are. The missing teeth cause a loss in jaw and facial structure, making your facial muscles sag. Dr. Keith Rudolph is restoring smiles and confidence by offering full and partial dentures to his patients.

Dentures are a removable tooth replacement option for all of the teeth. They are replacements for top and bottom teeth that are strong, durable, and good-looking. They are made to look natural and healthy. We have available full dentures for replacement of all the teeth and also partial dentures for replacement of just some of the teeth.

Full dentures can be placed conventionally and immediately, depending on your lifestyle. Immediate dentures are great for those who do not want to spend any time without teeth; however they may have to be re-fitted in the future. When teeth are extracted for denture placement, the healing process takes some time. When the gums heal they can shrink, causing the dentures to be misplaced in the future.  Conventional dentures are placed a few months after the extractions.

Partial dentures are similar to dental bridges but they are not permanent fixtures; they are removable. They work by being attached to stable teeth adjacent to the open space.

Replacing missing teeth will restore your confidence and allow you to eat the things you’ve been missing. To find out if dentures are right for you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Keith Rudolph in our Fairfield, CT dental practice. Call us at (203) 254-9533 or visit our website, www.drkeithrudolph.com. 

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

Sensitive teeth can stop you from eating some of your favorite things. It can also make brushing your teeth uncomfortable. Stopping teeth sensitivity may be a very simple fix; however it may also be an indicator of a more serious problem. Dr. Keith Rudolph of Fairfield, CT wants his patients to be aware of what can cause teeth sensitivity and what it means for their oral health.

Teeth can become sensitive for a variety of reasons. The wear down of enamel is a big reason. Brushing with stiff bristles, brushing too hard, eating a lot of acidic foods, and letting plaque build up are common ways to wear down enamel. Grinding your teeth will also wear down enamel. Exposed tooth roots which are the result of gum disease can also be causing sensitivity.  Cracks or chips can cause sensitivity plus even more pain. They can also lead to an infection, so if your tooth is cracked, you should visit your dentist as soon as you can.

Sensitive teeth may be an indicator that you are eating too much acidic food or brushing too hard, and those are simple fixes. But it could also be an indicator that there is an infection, a fracture, or gum disease. If you are experiencing sensitive teeth, it is important to get an evaluation by your dentist to find out what is the cause.

Tooth sensitivity can be a real downer, but it does not have to last forever. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Keith Rudolph in our Fairfield, CT dental practice, call us at (203) 254-9533 or visit our website,www.drkeithrudolph.com. 

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

Sensitive teeth can stop you from eating some of your favorite things. It can also make brushing your teeth uncomfortable. Stopping teeth sensitivity may be a very simple fix; however it may also be an indicator of a more serious problem. Dr. Keith Rudolph of Fairfield, CT wants his patients to be aware of what can cause teeth sensitivity and what it means for their oral health.

Teeth can become sensitive for a variety of reasons. The wear down of enamel is a big reason. Brushing with stiff bristles, brushing too hard, eating a lot of acidic foods, and letting plaque build up are common ways to wear down enamel. Grinding your teeth will also wear down enamel. Exposed tooth roots which are the result of gum disease can also be causing sensitivity.  Cracks or chips can cause sensitivity plus even more pain. They can also lead to an infection, so if your tooth is cracked, you should visit your dentist as soon as you can.

Sensitive teeth may be an indicator that you are eating too much acidic food or brushing too hard, and those are simple fixes. But it could also be an indicator that there is an infection, a fracture, or gum disease. If you are experiencing sensitive teeth, it is important to get an evaluation by your dentist to find out what is the cause.

Tooth sensitivity can be a real downer, but it does not have to last forever. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Keith Rudolph in our Fairfield, CT dental practice, call us at (203) 254-9533 or visit our website, www.drkeithrudolph.com. 

Why It is Important to Replace Missing Teeth

Missing a tooth not only diminishes the look of your smile, but it diminishes your oral health, too. Replacing a missing tooth is vital for the health of your jaw, your other teeth, and your gums. Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS wants our patients of the Fairfield, CT area to understand the importance of preserving the site of a missing tooth.

When a tooth falls out or is extracted, the jawbone loses bone and begins to deteriorate. With multiple missing teeth, this can change the shape of your jawbone, which in turn, chances the shape of your facial structure! Even when only a single tooth is missing, the deteriorated jawbone allows the other teeth in the area to shift towards that open space. This creates spaces within the teeth and introduces hard-to-reach areas where bacteria can collect.

A collection of bacteria is no doubt bad for the teeth and the gums. It can cause decay and disease. However, this is not the only way a missing tooth can harm the gums. For teeth that are at the last space in your mouth, often there will be a corresponding tooth on the opposite set of teeth. When one of the teeth is missing, there is nothing for the other tooth to clack up against, which can irritate and damage the gums.

Replacing a missing tooth is about more than just aesthetics. For information about the replacement options Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS offers in our Fairfield, CT dental practice, call our office at (203) 930-1214 or visit our website, www.drkeithrudolph.com.

Restoration Options in Fairfield, CT

Restoring a weak tooth will restore your smile. Not only will your smile be improved, but the tooth will be able to stay around for a lot longer. Here in our Fairfield, CT dental practice, Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS offers several options for tooth restoration to his patients in need of newly strengthened and protected teeth.

Dental bonding is completed using a composite resin to fix cracks and chips in the teeth. The resin is tooth-colored and polished to shine like the rest of your natural tooth, so it will blend right in. Dental bonding is long-lasting and is taken care of like normal teeth. With good care, dental bonding can last over ten years.

Dental crowns are like caps that go on the tooth after it has become weakened but still has the root intact. They are also made to look just like a normal tooth, so it will be an improvement in your smile. Here, Dr. Rudolph implements CEREC technology, so a crown is able to be created for you during your visit. Crowns can last between ten and fifteen years.

For teeth that have a little less damage, inlays and onlays are available. These are commonly called partial crowns, because they only cover the chewing surface of the tooth. Inlays and onlays are also able to be custom-created right here in our office during your appointment.

To learn more about your options for restoration here at our Fairfield, CT dental practice, contact Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS at (203) 930-1214 or visit our website, www.drkeithrudolph.com. 

How to Keep Your Teeth White and Bright

Keeping your teeth white can seem like a hassle. But when you know the right tips and tricks, it really is not difficult at all! Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS wants to share some tips for keeping teeth white for our patients at our Fairfield, CT dental practice!

The first place to start for white teeth is what causes the stains. Dark foods and drinks like blueberries, coffee, wine, and soy sauce are common stain culprits. Avoiding these foods can sometimes be difficult, especially when they are your favorite, but rinsing you mouth after consumption of them can help. Also, using a straw to drink dark liquids will often allow the liquid to completely skip the front of your teeth.

When stain-causing substances do reach your teeth, it is important to brush it away. Plaque, the sticky bacterial film, forms only hours after brushing and traps in the stains close to your enamel. Brushing three times per day will be ideal to make sure the plaque is not contributing to the staining. Do not forget to floss, as well!

For patients who would like to get a kick-start on their whitening, Dr. Rudolph offers customized tray whitening. Over a short period of time, this teeth whitening system can result in teeth four to eight shades whiter!

To learn more about keeping teeth white or to schedule a whitening consultation at our Fairfield, CT dental practice, call Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS at (203) 930-1214 or visit our website, www.drkeithrudolph.com.