Friday, February 23, 2018

Reasons for Filling Failure

At Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, we supply fillings that are long-lasting and naturally-colored to give patients the smiles they deserve. However, it is possible in some circumstances for fillings to fail prematurely, and scientists have recently released a new study that determines why.


The expected lifespan of a filling is about ten years. But the study found that in smokers and people who heavily drank alcohol, fillings were significantly likelier to fail after just two years. The study also found that filling failure tends to run in families. Scientists speculated about which genes might be responsible for this, but the lesson is that people from families with a history of bad dental health need to be especially attentive to their oral hygiene and to maintaining regular dental check-ups.


Each time our patients see us, we assess the durability of their fillings so they can be removed and replaced before any problems arise. One piece of good news from the study is that white fillings attached with bonding are just as effective as the old amalgam ones made of mercury and silver. This means that patients are sacrificing anything by going with the better-looking option.


Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour operate Southern Cross Dental at 1855 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80905-2516. To schedule an appointment, call 719-471-1717 or visit Southern Cross Family Dentistry and fill out a contact sheet.


 

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

National Children's Dental Health Month

We treat patients of all ages at Southern Cross Dental and are proud members of the American Dental Association (ADA). Each year, the ADA designates February as National Children’s Dental Health Month. This year’s theme is the proper use of fluoridated toothpaste, so we wanted to help educate our patients about it.


Fluoridated toothpaste provides additional protection against tooth decay. It works according to the same principle as water fluoridation and the fluoride topical treatments we provide pediatric patients. It is essential for children to brush their teeth properly, or else the pain from tooth decay can disrupt their sleep and eating habits and cause speech development delays. When children do brush their teeth, they are learning to take responsibility for their own health, which will bring a lifetime of benefits.


Brushing should be done with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Each session should last for two minutes, during which the brusher covers each tooth surface, as well as their tongue. The toothpaste should be spat out afterward since excessive fluoride intake can discolor the teeth. Fluoride toothpaste should also not be used on mouth guards or other oral appliances.


Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour operate Southern Cross Dental at 1855 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80905-2516. To schedule an appointment, call 719-471-1717 or visit Southern Cross Family Dentistry and fill out a contact sheet.


 

Tuesday, February 6, 2018

In-Office Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is often called nature’s cavity fighter and there is a reason for this. If children and adults are prone to cavities, this naturally-occurring mineral helps prevent cavities by making the enamel more resistant to the acidity that causes tooth decay. At Southern Cross Dental, our doctors can administer fluoride in topical form.


In our office, fluoride can be applied directly to the teeth through a gel, foam, or a rinse. Fluoride has the ability to repair teeth in the very early stages of tooth decay. It’s additionally used as a preventive measure in children to keep cavities from forming. Depending on the patient’s oral health status, fluoride treatments may be recommended every three, six, or 12 months. General treatment takes just a few minutes but you will not be allowed to eat for at least 30 minutes afterward. If you are anticipating a fluoride treatment, don’t come to the office hungry!


If you have questions or concerns regarding preventive dentistry, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.scdsmile.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, February 3, 2018

Dangers of Dental Plaque

Our doctors at Southern Cross Dental have a request. Run your tongue over your teeth right now. Do they feel squeaky clean or do they feel fuzzy? If you feel a layer of build-up on your tooth enamel, this is the plaque and it should be removed on a daily basis. If plaque isn’t adequately removed through preventive oral hygiene practices, the bacteria will linger and eventually lead to periodontal disease and oral systemic conditions.


If you neglect your teeth, plaque will begin to build-up on the teeth. If you don’t remove plaque within 48 hours, it will harden into tartar, which only our doctors will be able to remove. If your gums are sensitive and bleeding, this means that tartar has already made its way below the gum line. Because periodontal disease can be detrimental to your overall health, treatment of this condition can reduce inflammation in the body as well as the gums.


If you have questions or concerns regarding dental health, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.scdsmile.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.