The Important Difference Between Plaque and Tartar

Anyone who has been to the dentist or read a toothpaste label has heard of plaque and tartar. While they are common dental terms, many do not know the difference between the two. Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour, DDS of Southern Cross Dental are committed to helping their patients lead a life of oral health. In our Colorado Springs, CO office, we want to help our patients understand the difference between plaque and tartar and why it is important.

Plaque is a thin, sticky substance that coats teeth. It is bacteria created from food, drinks, and our own saliva. It is often white in color or a pale yellow. Brushing and flossing remove plaque, but plaque forms just hours after doing so. That is why it is so important to brush your teeth two to three times per day and floss once per day!

Tartar is what forms when plaque is not brushed away. It commonly forms in hard-to-reach areas but can form anywhere plaque forms if oral hygiene is poor. When the plaque is not removed, it begins to form tiny crystals which eventually harden into calculus. Tartar is not removable by brushing and flossing and it must be removed by your dentist. Tartar left on your teeth can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Tartar may also begin to grow into the spaces between gums and teeth when irritated gums begin to recess.

To avoid plaque and tartar from forming and harming your oral health, develop a great at-home oral care routine! Also, make your cleaning and examination appointments with Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour, DDS! To schedule with Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, call us at (719) 471-1717 or visit our website, www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com. 

When Your Child Fears the Dentist

There are some kids who love going to the dentist, but for the kids who fear dental appointments, it can be tough to calm them down. At our Colorado Springs, CO dental practice, Southern Cross Dental, Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour, DDS want all of our patients to enjoy their dental appointment and feel relaxed. Take some tips for calming down your child when he or she fears dental appointments.

The key to relaxing your child is familiarity. This is most easily done by taking your child to the dentist routinely from an early age. However, if your child is going to the dentist for the first time, you can still prepare them and make them more familiar. Take them with you to your dental appointments first so they can see the office, meet the staff, and see that you have no problem seeing the dentist. You can also help them understand what the dentist will do by setting up a pretend dental appointment at home. Have your child lay back on a couch or reclining chair and open wide. Look inside their mouth and maybe use a toothbrush to scrub each tooth. Pretend to look at each tooth and comment about how healthy they are. This helps them become familiar with the actual process so when it really happens, they will know more of what to expect.

Kids will also feel better when they know that their teeth will be clean and healthy after seeing the dentist. A good checkup will give them something to be proud of. To schedule your child’s dental appointment with Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour, DDS at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, call us at (719) 471-1717 or visit our website, www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com. 

Cavity Basics

Many people think only children get cavities, but changes in your mouth as you age can make them an adult problem too. Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. If cavities aren’t treated they get larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth. Not all cavities cause pain, so it is important to schedule regular dental checkups at Southern Cross Dental to maintain a cavity-free smile.

Cavities, also called tooth decay, or caries, are caused by a combination of factors including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks, and failure to practice proper oral hygiene. The signs and symptoms of cavities vary, depending on their extent and location. However, your indicators may be non-existent at first. As the decay gets larger, it may cause a toothache, tooth sensitivity, mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold, visible holes or pits in your teeth, and/or pain when you chew. Regardless of where they occur, the best way to diagnose and treat them before they become serious is to brush and floss on a daily basis and schedule dental checkups every six months.

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity and suspect you may have a cavity, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services provided at the 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 our office at 719-471-1717.