Whether you're nine or ninety, need a simple check-up or a complete smile redesign, welcome to a dental practice where your needs always come first. Your family's smiles are precious, and each one deserves special care. Dr. C. Farrell Fruge', Jr., Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is here to partner with you in correcting, enhancing, and maintaining your oral health for a lasting smile.

The finest techniques, the latest technology, the friendliest staff - Dr. C. Farrell Fruge', Jr. and his proficient dental team are committed to offering every patient a kind of dental care that inspires the smile inside and out. This experienced and skilled team offers exceptional dental care in a comfortable and caring environment, providing your family with the personalized, professional, gentle care that they deserve.

Dr. Fruge' is not only one of the most respected and renowned dentists in the Baton Rouge area, he is also a loving husband and father who has a genuine passion for helping others and that is exactly what he has been doing through his practice for the past twenty five years.

With twenty five years of practical experience in general dentistry he has been exposed to nearly every situation imaginable, but insists on continually learning and staying current with the very latest breakthroughs in dental technology. As a graduate of LSU School of Dentistry in New Orleans this native son decided to stay and contribute to his local community. His vision to fulfill the need for specialized dental care & treatment resulted in the establishment of Dr. C. Farrell Fruge', Jr., Family & Cosmetic Dentistry conveniently located at 11811 Coursey Blvd.

Dr. Fruge' says, “My uncle was a dentist and that is how I became interested in dentistry. I have always enjoyed working with my hands and working with people on a personal level. After learning all about the profession, dentistry seemed like the perfect career choice for me. I continue to gain enthusiasm for my profession by applying all the latest cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry procedures, as well as implementing the latest state-of-the-art technology.”

In the early years of Dr. Fruge's dental practice people weren't as concerned with aesthetics as they are today, the practice of dentristry has come a long way.

With modern advances and new technology in procedures and new products dentistry has taken on a new roll in the service to others. Being interested in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Fruge` continues to attend a number of conferences, lectures, seminars, workshops and hands on programs to advance his skills and knowledge. Dentists play a much greater part in thier patient’s lives since they can improve their overall appearance with a great new smile, that in the past was only reserved for the very privileged.

Your smile is as distinctively individual as you are, it is your virtual signature - as personal and unique as your fingerprint - as representative of you as the clothes you wear. If you are hiding your smile because you think it is not the best it can be, come talk to Dr. Fruge` and his team. They perform a variety of procedures that can transform even the most challenging dental problems into the kind of stunning smile that will rejuvenate your look - and the way you feel about yourself.

As a new patient, Dr. Fruge` and his team will work hard to earn your trust and become your partner in your personal oral health. First, they will conduct a thorough interview, getting to know you, listening to your needs and wants, both short-term and long-term. Working with you, they will formulate a dental plan, taking into account your health, schedule, and budget.

During this dental examination, Dr. Fruge` examines the soft tissues of the mouth for any abnormalities or pathology (including oral cancer), the teeth for tooth decay or defects, the gum tissues for periodontal (gum) disease, the amount of plaque, tartar, and debris on teeth, as well as the need to replace any missing teeth or dental prostheses.

An aching tooth as a result of a cavity is no fun, but it's something that can be easily seen and quickly solved. Unfortunately, toothaches also stem from problems that aren't so easily recognized.

Tooth pain can be a little like that weird noise your car engine makes but always disappears the moment you drive it into the repair shop.

A tooth that aches only in the morning may be the result of overnight tooth grinding (bruxism). Bruxism is quite common, and has the potential of deteriorating tooth enamel. But it's also treatable.

Occasionally a patient will experience some hot/cold sensitivity after a new filling or crown. That's normal, and should go away after a few days. If it doesn't, the problem may lie elsewhere.

There's also pain from "root surface sensitivity." This can result from years of brushing teeth too hard, "heartburn acid" which enters the mouth overnight and attacks the enamel of your teeth, receding gums, or periodontal pockets of infection. A toothache may even be the result of a microscopic crack in a molar. These pains are not easy to pinpoint, and often require a seasoned dentist to detect the actual cause.

And, yes, toothaches come from decay. But whatever the reason, if you’re experiencing tooth discomfort, call Dr. Fruge’s office so they can help you solve the mystery of an achy tooth. With all the resources at their disposal, an aching tooth is something no one should have to live with.

The best way to prevent cavities is to brush and floss on a regular basis. Fluoride, a natural substance which also helps remineralize the tooth structure, is used in community water systems and is a main ingredient of many types of toothpaste. If you are at medium to high risk for cavities, your dentist may recommend special high concentration fluoride gels, mouth rinses, or dietary fluoride supplements.

Most of the time cavities are due to a diet high in sugary foods and a lack of brushing. Limiting sugar intake and brushing regularly, of course, can help. The longer it takes to chew your food and the longer the residue stays on your teeth, the greater the chances of getting cavities.

Every time someone eats, an acid reaction occurs inside their mouth as the bacteria digest the sugars. This reaction lasts approximately 20 minutes. During this time the acid environment can destroy the tooth structure, eventually leading to cavities.

Consistency of a person's saliva also makes a difference; thinner saliva breaks up and washes away food more quickly. When a person eats diets high in carbohydrates and sugars they tend to have thicker saliva, which in turn allows more of the bacteria that can cause cavities.

Infants.
Dental problems can begin early - even in infancy - to spot early conditions such as bottle tooth decay, teething irritations, gum disease, and prolonged thumb-sucking, we recommend that you bring your baby to see Dr. Fruge`by his or her first birthday; this is generally when the first tooth comes in.

Baby bottle tooth decay is caused by exposing your child's teeth to liquids containing sugars. Culprits include milk, formula, fruit juice, sodas, and other sweet drinks. The sugars in these liquids pool around your baby's teeth and gums, feeding the bacteria that live in plaque. Pacifiers dipped in honey, sugar or syrup are just invitations to tooth decay in your babys mouth.

Brushing.
To make the transition of cleaning your babies new tooth (teeth) an easier process, begin taking a wet wash cloth and simply rubbing all surfaces clean. When your child has become more familiar with the cleaning process, introduce a soft infant toothbrush and water. Also, avoid using fluoridated toothpaste.

After the age of two, begin brushing teeth with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste. Encourage your child to spit out - not swallow - excess toothpaste after brushing. Fluoride in excess can poison your child. If you believe your child has ingested a large amount of fluoride, please call Poison Control immediately for instructions.

Teething.
When babies are teething, usually between the ages of four months and two and a half years, they often have sore and tender gums. The pain usually can be soothed by gently rubbing the baby's gums with a clean finger, a small, cool spoon or wet gauze. A clean teething ring for the baby to chew on also may be helpful. If the items already mentioned do not work, you can purchase Baby Orajel over the counter but use sparingly. Many times during the teething process children refuse to eat due to their discomfort. Simply rub a small amount of Baby Orajel on the gum tissue minutes before eating and this will allow your child to eat with ease.

Pacifiers and thumb-sucking.
In general, we would discourage thumb sucking after the age of four because prolonged thumb sucking can cause teeth to become crowded and crooked, and could lead to bite problems. In some cases, the upper front teeth may tip toward the lip or not come in properly.

Toothaches.
If your child has a toothache, rinse the irritated area with warm salt water and place a cold compress on the face if it is swollen.

Injuries. If your child loses a tooth from an injury, remain calm. If you can locate the tooth, hold it by the crown rather than the root and place in a glass of skim milk, not water. Hold a cold compress on the area where the injury occurred to help prevent swelling. Take your child and the glass immediately to the dentist. Injuries to the mouth while the permanent teeth are forming may cause problems for the child in the future.

Because of the changes women go through in life, they can experience acute dental problems. Women's oral health problems, in many cases, can be related to surges in sex hormone levels, such as in puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, lactation, and menopause.

The surge in hormones that occurs during puberty can cause swollen gums, especially during menstruation. Herpes-type lesions and ulcers also can develop. Girls may experience sensitive gums that react more to irritants.

Special Preventive Dental Care Tips for Pregnant Women. Pregnant women often experience gum inflammation because of the surge of estrogen and progesterone in their bodies.

• Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and after each meal, if possible.

• If brushing your teeth causes morning sickness, rinse with anti-plaque and fluoride mouthwashes or water.

• Pay close attention to your gum line and keep it clean.

• Floss daily.

• Focus on nutrition, including plenty of vitamins C and B12.

• Visit your dentist for a check-up and cleaning in both your first and second trimesters to control plaque and maintain good oral health.

If plaque isn't removed, it can lead to gingivitis - red, swollen, tender gums that are more likely to bleed. Oral contraceptives, which mimic pregnancy, could lead to gingivitis with long-term use.

Women with periodontal disease also are more prone to have pre-term, or low-birth weight babies, and pregnancy tumors, which are inflamed, benign growths that develop when swollen gums become irritated. Usually these tumors shrink soon after the pregnancy is over.

The stomach acids produced from vomiting caused by morning sickness can lead to tooth erosion. A paste made of baking soda and water should be used by rubbing not brushing it on the teeth.

Enjoying a variety of foods is the best way to get all the important nutrients needed for keeping healthy. Beware of fad diets that exclude entire food groups. This can cause nutritional deficiencies.

Diet and Dental Health.
The American Dietetic Association and the National Institutes of Health recommend eating a well-balanced diet including plenty of the following:

Fruits, Vegetables, A good variety of breads and cereals, Dairy products, Fish, Chicken, Dried beans, Peas & Meat.

People who develop good oral hygiene habits early in life stand a good chance of keeping their teeth later in life. Many believe that dentures are part of growing older, but this is simply not true. Studies have shown that maintaining a healthy mouth may keep your body healthier and help you avoid diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The best way to achieve good oral health is to visit your dentist for a cleaning at least twice a year.

Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle brush, and remember to floss daily to remove plaque between teeth and below the gum line that your toothbrush cannot reach.

Here are typical problems common in older adults:

Gingivitis. Gingivitis is caused by the bacteria found in plaque that attack the gums. Symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen gums and possible bleeding when you brush. If you have any of these symptoms, see us immediately. Gingivitis can lead to gum disease if problems persist.

Periodontal (gum) disease. Three out of four adults over age 35 are affected by some sort of gum disease. In gum disease, the infection becomes severe. Your gums begin to recede, pulling back from the teeth. In the worst cases, bacteria form pockets between the teeth and gums, weakening the bone. All this can lead to tooth loss if untreated.

Dry mouth. Also called "xerostomia," dry mouth is caused by improperly functioning salivary glands. This is often caused by disease, certain medications, or cancer treatment.

Oral cancer. Oral cancer most often occurs in people over 40 years of age. If you notice any red or white patches on your gums or tongue, or sores that fail to heal within two weeks, contact your dentist immediately.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway completely collapses, blocking airflow into the lungs. The harder the person tries to breathe, the tighter the airway seals. This airway obstruction persists until the brain awakens the person. Unconsciously, he or she will close the jaw returning the tongue and throat to a normal position.

What is Snoring?
Snoring occurs when the jaw opens and the tongue falls into the back of the throat, causing the airway to narrow and forcing air through the smaller opening. This creates sound vibrations in the throat known as snoring.

Problems of Sleep Apnea.
Sleep apnea is very common and affects more than twleve million Americans, according to the National Institute of Health. Risk factors include being male, overweight, and over the age of forty, but sleep apnea can strike anyone at any age, even children.

The TAP Appliance.
Dr. C. Farrell Fruge', Jr., Family & Cosmetic Dentistry offers the TAP (Thornton Adjustable Positioner) Appliance which is proven to treat Mild to Moderate Sleep Apnea and Snoring. The Tap appliance is based on the same principle as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, CPR. A constricted or collapsed airway causes snoring and/or sleep apnea. Its design is similar to an athletic mouth guard and is worn while sleeping. The Tap appliance holds the lower jaw in a forward position so that it does not fall open during the night and cause the airway to collapse. The appliance maintains a clear airway to reduce snoring and improve breathing. Developed with advanced dental technology, the Tap appliance reduces sleep apnea associated health risks without the need for surgery, medications or other more cumbersome therapy.

"We here at Dr. C. Farrell Fruge`,Jr. Family Cosmetic Dentistry take pride in knowing that we offer complete family and cosmetic dentistry to patients of all ages. We are handicap accessible and have plenty of available parking.

We pride ourselves on being able to provide our patients a wide variety of dental procedures such as: preventative care, restorations, crown & bridge, implants, root canal therapy, wisdom tooth extractions, teeth whitening, TMJ management and more.

Applying new techniques, and learning about up and coming technologies and materials, as a way to better service our patients is important to us. This is why our staff is always continuing their education at dental enrichment courses across the country. We strive to remain innovative and young in our treatments, while providing only the best course of action for whatever our patients' needs may be. I don’t have any movie stars currently on my patient roster but I do have a lot of patients with movie star smiles."