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. 

Traditional Braces in Lafayette, LA

When you hear the word “braces” the traditional ones most likely come to mind. These metal brackets and wires have become more modern in recent years, making the brackets smaller and less noticeable than the notorious “metal-mouth” braces. Plus, new heat-activated archwires use your body heat to help teeth move more quickly and less painfully than in the past. Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS provides a variety of options of straightening your teeth and if braces are indeed the solution for you, he will prescribe an appliance specific for your needs.

Traditional braces have come a long way over the years, becoming sleeker, smaller, and more comfortable. Traditional braces consist of standard metal brackets that are adhered to your teeth with an adhesive connected by wire. They require periodic tightening so pressure can gradually straighten your teeth. The pros of traditional braces is that they are the least expensive type on the orthodontic market and the colored bands may allow you to express yourself regardless of age, however the con is that they are the most noticeable type of braces.

If you want to straighten your teeth, give us a call to discuss your 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. 

Corrective Jaw (Orthognathic) Surgery

At his general and family dentistry practice in Lafayette, LA, Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS utilizes orthognathic surgery to correct a wide range of minor and major skeletal and dental irregularities, including the misalignment of jaws and teeth. Surgery can improve chewing, speaking and breathing. While the patient's appearance may be dramatically enhanced as a result of their surgery, orthognathic surgery is performed to correct functional problems.

The definition of “orthognathic” means straight jaw. Often a patient may have orthodontic treatment to straighten their teeth to achieve a healthier bite. However, there is a small group of patients that will require the expertise of the oral surgeon to help the orthodontist get the bite correct. A growth problem, traumatic injury, or pathologic process of the upper, lower or both jaws are common causes of this problem. Therefore, even if the orthodontist would get the teeth straight the bite would still not come together because the upper and lower jaw bones are not aligned. Jaw surgery can be performed entirely inside your mouth, so that no facial scars show on your chin, jaw, or around the mouth. Jaw surgery takes place in the hospital and requires a one-to-two day stay. Complete recovery at home typically takes three to six weeks.

If you have been told that your jaw is not properly aligned, give us a call to discuss your 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.