Tips for a Nice Smile

With selfies and instant photo sharing taking over the internet, a camera ready smile is great to have. Here at the dental practice of Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS we provide a variety of cosmetic services to give you the Hollywood smile you’ve always dreamed of. However, if there is any reason you can’t go the cosmetic route at this moment, we will provide you with these tips that will give you a photogenic smile.

• Be natural – when it’s picture time, smile gently. That way, your face looks relaxed. Your mouth opens slightly, and your lower lip matches the curve of your upper teeth.


• Check your teeth and gums – getting your smile camera-ready sometimes calls for a little behind the scenes prep work. If your pearly whites have yellowed with age, try an over-the-counter whitening product or pay us a visit! Also, don’t forget about taking care of your gums. They play a critical role in your nice smile. So keep them in good shape by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a mouthwash every day.


• Practice – your perfect smile may not happen overnight, but if you have a big photo event like a wedding or a graduation coming up, it doesn’t hurt to try out your grin in front of the mirror!

If you are searching to brighten your smile, give us a call to discuss treatment options or visit www.drcranedental.com for more information on the services provided at the practice. To schedule a consultation with Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS in Lafayette, LA, call 337-232-3873.

Dental Phobia

If the thought of having your teeth cleaned by a dentist frightens you to no end, Dr. T. Kirk Crane is here to make you feel as comfortable as possible during a procedure. Dental phobia is different from dental anxiety and fear of the dentist, in the sense that it is much stronger. Someone with dental phobia will avoid dental care at all costs until either a physical problem or the psychological burden of the phobia becomes overwhelming.

The most common causes of dental phobia are bad experiences, a history of abuse, uncaring dentists, humiliation, and post-traumatic stress. Anyone can be affected by dental phobia, regardless of age. Dental phobia not only allows a person’s dental health to suffer, but it may lead to anxiety and depression. Loss of self-esteem over not being able to do something as “simple” as going to the dentist and intense feelings of guilt over not having looked after one’s teeth properly are also very common. Dr. T. Kirk Crane is dedicated to making his patient’s as relaxed as achievably possible, this includes keeping them informed every step of the way and providing an individualized treatment plan.

If you fear the dentist, you are not alone, give us a call to discuss treatment options or visit www.drcranedental.com for more information on the sedation services provided at the practice. To schedule a consultation with Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS in Lafayette, LA, call 337-232-3873. 

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease (periodontal disease) that causes irritation, redness and swelling (inflammation) of your gums. Because gingivitis can be mild, you may not be aware that you have the condition. However, it’s important to take gingivitis seriously and treat it promptly. The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. If you are not maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine, Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS is here to help by providing you with routine dental cleanings.

Gingivitis commonly occurs because of films of bacteria that accumulate on the teeth (plaque). Gingivitis is a non-destructive type of periodontal disease, which means that it can be prevented. Generally, gingivitis resolves with good oral hygiene – longer and more frequent brushing, as well as flossing. If the condition is left untreated, gum disease can spread and affect tissue, teeth and bones, leading to periodontitis which can eventually lead to tooth loss.

If you notice a bit of blood in the sink while brushing your teeth, give us a call to discuss treatment options, or visit www.drcranedental.com for more information on the services provided at the practice. To schedule a consultation with Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS in Lafayette, LA, call 337-232-3873. 

How to Keep Tooth Enamel Strong

Tooth enamel is the hard outer surface layer of your teeth that serves to protect against tooth decay. In fact, tooth enamel is considered the hardest mineral substance in your body, even stronger than bone. At the dental practice of Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS, we want your enamel to be as strong as the rest of the bones in your body and you can keep it that way by following these simple steps:

• Limit sugary foods and drinks – bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar from foods and drinks. They produce acids, which soften and wear away your enamel. Chewy candies that stick on your teeth can also cause damage.


• Eat foods that protect enamel – calcium in food counters acids in your mouth that cause decay. It also helps keep your bones and teeth strong. Milk, cheese, and other dairy products help protect and strengthen enamel. If you don’t eat dairy, look for foods with calcium added.


• Avoid over-brushing – You can actually wear down your enamel if you brush too fast and hard. Wait for up to an hour after eating sweets or citrus fruits before you brush your teeth.


• Use fluoride – Fluoride is nature’s cavity fighter because it strengthens your enamel and helps repair the early stages of tooth decay. Using a fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash can help prevent cavities and keep your enamel strong.

If you need assistance with your daily oral care routine, give us a call, or visit www.drcranedental.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS in Lafayette, LA, call 337-232-3873. 

Are You Flossing?

Flossing is an essential part of our teeth and gums and most of us are guilty for not utilizing the action. Flossing is important because plaque that is not removed by brushing can eventually harden into calculus or tartar, eventually leading to periodontal (gum) disease. Dr. T. Kirk Crane recommends flossing at least once a day to help remove plaque from the areas between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach and he wants to make sure that you do it properly.

There are several varieties available when selecting floss. Waxed dental floss tends to slide between the teeth more easily; however, if you have wider gaps between your teeth, then tape floss may work best. Next time you reach for the floss, keep in mind that it should not be painful and allow yourself utilize the following steps:

• Take approximately 18 inches of dental floss and wrap most of it around the two index fingers. This allows the most control when flossing your teeth.


• Gently curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making sure you go beneath the gum line.


• Always use clean sections of floss as you move from tooth to tooth.


• Rinse your mouth out with mouthwash or water when you’re done flossing. This removes any stray particles that were nearly dislodged from your gums.

If you want to need assistance with your daily oral care routine, give us a call, or visit www.drcranedental.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS in Lafayette, LA, call 337-232-3873. 

Do You Own a Tongue Scraper?

When we sleep, our digestive system remains awake, removing toxins from our body by depositing them onto the surface of our tongue. This causes bad breath (halitosis) which can wreak havoc on a person’s life, relationships, and self-esteem. Dr. T. Kirk Crane wants you to achieve the freshest breath possible. This is why he recommends implementing a tongue scraper into your daily oral care routine.  

Although brushing your tongue with a toothbrush is effective, overall, a tongue scraper does the job better. Almost all of our oral bacteria live on and in the deep crevices of our tongue; therefore the scraping action of this tongue tool collects these toxic coatings. With a cleaner tongue you are able to reduce bad breath, as well as unblock your taste buds. Removing build-up from the surface of your tongue will open up its pores and allow for greater enjoyment of food flavors. This oral hygiene practice also promotes general tooth and gum health and removes bacteria and toxins responsible for periodontal problems, tooth decay and even tooth loss.

If you want to need assistance with your daily oral care routine, give us a call, or visit www.drcranedental.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS in Lafayette, LA, call 337-232-3873. 

Benefits of Teeth Whitening

The truth is we are not all blessed with pearly whites. Even those who brush, floss, and visit the dentist on a regular basis may find that food, environmental factors, and the passage of time will eventually take a toll on the natural radiance of your teeth. Your smile is the first trait anyone notices about you, so we want it to be as vibrant as you are. Dr. T. Kirk Crane wants you to have a smile that is equivalent to your personality, which is why he offers a variety of teeth whitening options here at his practice.

Brightening your smile is as easy as visiting us for a whitening treatment. Teeth whitening is a low-risk procedure, and therefore is suitable for a wide range of patients. Certain foods, beverages and habits, such as smoking, can cause teeth to become discolored. Fortunately, professional tooth whitening offers overall health benefits, a greater amount of self-esteem and a boost of confidence.

If you want to desire a brighter smile, give us a call to discuss your treatment options or visit www.drcranedental.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS in Lafayette, LA, call 337-232-3873.