Wednesday, October 26, 2016

The Extraction of Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth can cause quite the stir. Often, they grow in painful and do not fit right. Other times, they fit okay, but it is still a good idea to take them out. At Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, we are able to examine wisdom teeth, create a plan for them, and extract them as needed.


Since most of everyone has their wisdom teeth pulled out, you may be wondering why we even have wisdom teeth in the first place. Well, there is a theory that we needed them about 20,000 years ago. Back then, humans had a much rougher diet of things like of uncooked meat, nuts, and roots. It is thought that the extra teeth helped chew through these foods better. However, since, then, the human facial structure and jaw has shrunken. We also have a lot more food options and do not eat such tough chews all the time. This has rendered our wisdom teeth ill-fitting and unnecessary. 


In order to remove wisdom teeth, first, your doctor will make an incision in the gums to access the bone tissue holding in the tooth. The bone is removed and the tooth is rocked back and forth until it is pulled free. Occasionally, the tooth will need to be broken up into several pieces before it is removed. The area is then cleaned and stitched up to heal. You will need to follow instructions to allow a healthy and speedy recovery.


Wisdom teeth can cause a lot of pain. It is important to have them monitored if you think they are growing in. To schedule an appointment at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, call our office at (719) 471-1717 or visit our website, www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Fight Off Bad Breath

Bad breath can be embarrassing and well, gross. Fortunately, here at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, we are able to give our patients tips on keeping bad breath away. Keep reading to learn how it happens and what you can do about it!


Fresh breath comes down to a few different things; cleanliness, hydration, and food. First, we will talk about cleanliness. Bacteria are often the culprit of bad breath. Good oral hygiene including brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist will keep your mouth in good shape.


Hydration is important because bacteria thrive in dry mouth conditions. Get in your recommended amount of water every day. Make it a priority. Not only will you have fresher breath, your mouth and whole body will be healthier!


Certain foods can also contribute to bad breath. Dairy especially contains certain types of bacteria that contribute to bad smells. Then there are stinky foods like onions and garlic. Chew mint leaves or lemon rinds after consuming “stinky food” as this will both freshen and hydrate your mouth. In addition, reach for bacteria-fighting foods. Examples of these are yogurt, which has live and active good bacteria cultures that fight bad bacteria and green tea which hydrates and eliminates bad odors.


Bad breath can ruin a moment but not when you have these tips to keep it away! To schedule your next appointment with Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, call our office at (719) 471-1717 or visit our website, www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Tooth Care for Babies

When teeth first come in, your child may start to fuss. This is because he or she has sore or tender gums and the eruption of those little tooth buds are causing them pain. Parents often, when should I start cleaning my child’s teeth? The answer is that daily dental cleaning should start as soon as your infant’s first tooth appears. To help prevent the buildup of plaque bacteria that can lead to decay, our doctors at Southern Cross Dental highly recommend regularly cleaning your newborn’s gums with a damp washcloth following feedings.


While most babies don’t start getting teeth until they are six months old, infant dental care is important from the very beginning. In addition to cleaning your baby’s gums with a damp cloth, you can also gently rub their gums with a clean finger, a small, cool spoon, or a wet gauze pad. You can also give the baby a clean teething ring to chew on. It’s important to care for your baby’s teeth from the start because his or her gums act as placement holders for permanent teeth.


If you have a question about your child’s tooth care, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, call 719-471-1717.

Saturday, October 8, 2016

Teeth Whitening Perks

How many of us get a confidence boost when a stranger gives us a compliment? Have you ever paid attention to how much of a positive effect this has on your self-esteem? The same positive feeling can result from teeth whitening. Teeth-whitening is an excellent way to restore the natural color of your teeth or even make them whiter than your natural color if you would like. Here Southern Cross Dental, our doctors can help you do just that.


With all of the lifestyle habits and environmental factors that have the ability to stain our teeth on a daily basis, even proper maintenance sometimes leave them a little dull. Fortunately, through our whitening system, your pearly whites can revive their shine. In addition, teeth-whitening can also take years off of your appearance. This is because as we age, over time, our teeth darken and can become yellow, brown, or even develop a green or gray tint (which may be due to heredity and/or eating habits). Your smile speaks volumes about who you are and leaves an everlasting impression, so it’s only natural that you want it to be as radiant as possible.


If you would like to discuss your teeth whitening options, please give us a call.  To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, call 719-471-1717.