Choosing A Toothbrush

Choosing a toothbrush may seem mundane, but it’s actually a really big decision! Your toothbrush has to be just right in order to meet your dental needs. The bristles and head need to be the right size and toughness. That’s why Southern Cross Dental has provided this simple toothbrush guide. Drs. Faranak and Navid Rahimpour can recommend a toothbrush that’s right for you. Learn more at our office in Colorado Springs, CO.

 

Dentists recommend soft-bristled toothbrushes for everyday care. Using a harder brush may seem beneficial, but in reality, is doing more harm than good. The gums and enamel will become inflamed. This eventually leads to teeth sensitivity. A softer brush thoroughly cleans your mouth without damaging it.

 

The shape of the head is also important. It has to reach all areas while being large enough to clean the entirety of each tooth. Finding a compromise between the size and maneuverability is key. Just make sure you can reach the back molars without any discomfort.

 

Electric toothbrushes are a great investment as well. They guarantee your teeth are properly cleaned. Individuals trying to improve their dental health can really benefit from them. It helps you get into the habit of brushing for the full two minutes while being thorough.

 

It’s also important to change your toothbrush every 3 months or so. The bristles will start to wear down, making the toothbrush less effective. Do this even sooner after recovering from a cold or infection. Bacteria often nestle themselves into the bristles.

 

Drs. Faranak and Navid Rahimpour are available by appointment for dental examinations. If your 6-month appointment is coming up, contact Southern Cross Dental today. Our office is conveniently located in the Colorado Springs, CO, area. Schedule your appointment by visiting our website or calling 719-471-1717.

What Are Canker Sores?

Canker Sores are the most reviled and irritating mouth-related problems in the modern world. They are small white or yellow sores that appear on your lips and gums. These painful sores make it hard to eat, talk, and even drink! Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour of Southern Cross Dental has created a guide for treating your canker sores. If this is your first time experiencing canker sores, have had one for more than two weeks, or are getting them frequently, contact our office in Colorado Springs, CO, immediately. This can be an indicator of a more serious condition.

 

Canker sores come in three distinct types: herpetiform, major, and minor. Minor, as the name suggests, are smaller by nature. They only take about a week or two to heal. The major sores are larger and more painful. Their healing process can take up to six weeks. Herpetiform is different from the other two types. These come in clusters numbered between 10-100. They are incredibly small, about the size of a pinprick.

 

Home remedies or holistic treatments are available for symptom relief. Ice, like with any other injury, when applied to the face can reduce the canker sores swelling. Another suggestion is placing a wet tea bag over the sore. You can never go wrong with the infamous salt water or baking soda rinse. Combine a mixture of water and either substance, swishing it around your mouth for one to two minutes. Consider investing in some nutritional supplements as well. Canker sore outbreaks can be caused by nutritional deficiencies. Make sure your diet includes foods that are high in iron and vitamin B.

 

Over-the-counter canker sore products can be used for managing symptoms. Most grocery stores sell these products. The majority of them are numbing agents. They contain a chemical called Benzocaine. Place a small amount of the gel on the canker sore to numb it. Canker sore patches are also available. A gel-like barrier is created across and around the sore when placed on top of it. Specific canker sore mouthwashes can clean the area while also soothing it. All of these products provide temporary relief from the pain.

 

Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Southern Cross Dental if you’re suffering from frequent Canker Sores. Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour are here to help. To schedule an appointment with your Colorado Springs dentist, visit our website or call 719-471-1717.

Wearing A Mouthguard

Your teeth are a life-long investment! Just like with any investment, you’re going to want to do all you can to protect it. That’s why Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour offer Dental Mouthguards for our patients here at Southern Cross Dental. Mouthguards are removable oral protectors that are worn during sports or physical activity. They protect your teeth from any kind of facial injury. To learn more, contact our office in Colorado Springs, CO.

 

Investing in a mouthguard for you or your child is essential. It’s a necessary piece of equipment for sports like hockey, football, wrestling, basketball, lacrosse, baseball/softball, and soccer. Mouthguards fit snuggly over your teeth, preventing structural damage to your jaws and mouth. It’ll keep you from getting lacerations to your cheeks, tongue, and lips. Certain studies have also shown that they reduce the rates of concussion.

 

There are three types of mouthguards available: stock, boil and bite, and customized. Customized is the recommended option by your Colorado Springs dentist. It gives you the ultimate form of protection. Your dentist creates an impression of your teeth using a special material. The mouth guard is then built around this. Stock mouthguards are just bought over-the-counter. This means they are a universal fit, so they’re one-size-fits-all. Because of this, they aren’t very sturdy. Boil and bite are a step above stock. Thermoplastic is placed in boiling water to make it bendable. You then bite down on it to create a customized protector. They provide better protection than a stock mouthguard, but a customized mouthguard is still the best option.

 

Call Southern Cross Dental today to schedule a mouthguard consultation. Our office is located in Colorado Springs, CO. For appointments with Drs. Faranak and Navid Rahimpour, call the office at 719-471-1717 or visit their website.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Many parents believe that their children's baby teeth don’t need as much maintenance as their adult counterparts. This is not at all true. If anything, baby teeth require more care. They are weaker by nature which makes them more susceptible to tooth decay. Teaching your child good dental habits now will continue into adulthood. Schedule your child’s first dental appointment with Southern Cross Dental to avoid the phenomenon known as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. Drs. Faranak and Navid Rahimpour provide pediatric dental services in the Colorado Springs, CO, area.

 

Cavities are caused by oral bacteria. The byproducts they create wear down your teeth. Their biggest attractors are the sugary substances left behind by foods and drinks. This is the biggest cause of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay, and it’s located right in your child's bottle. The American Dental Association recommends only filling infants bottles with breast milk, formula, or milk. Try not to give your child anything high in sugar. This includes juice, soda, and sugar-water. Water is the recommended choice for older children. The water supply in the U.S. naturally contains fluoride, a cavity-fighting chemical.

 

Moisture leads to a surplus of bacteria in the mouth. Avoid giving your child access to a bottle during the night. Carefully clean pacifiers to remove any bacteria. Don’t dip them in any sugary substances like honey.

 

The other main source of baby bottle tooth decay comes from bacteria transferred between mother and child. The mother's saliva contains harmful bacteria. It’s advised to avoid unnecessary mouth-to-mouth contact. Don’t share food or improperly clean their pacifiers as well.

 

Southern Cross Dental is located in Colorado Springs, CO. To schedule your child's appointment with Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour, visit our website or call 719-471-1717.