Sjögren’s Syndrome

Dry mouth is a major problem for oral health. At Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, we want to help patients to manage this condition so it doesn’t lead to the spread of bacteria and fungi. In order to do that, patients should understand how dry mouth can be caused by a disease called Sjögren’s syndrome.

Sjögren’s syndrome is a disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue throughout the body, beginning the saliva and tear glands. It most often occurs in older women who also have other autoimmune disorders such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis and can be triggered by a trauma or prolonged stress. Dry mouth has major implications for oral health because saliva is necessary for washing away food debris and maintaining a healthy balance of acidity. Without it, bacteria and fungi grow out of control, causing bad breath and dental decay. Infections agents could even be inhaled or enter the bloodstream through lesions in the gums.

To test for Sjögren’s syndrome, dentists will refer a patient for a biopsy. During the procedure, a doctor will pluck a few saliva glands from the patient’s lip. (We have hundreds of saliva glands and the absence of a few should not make a difference). If a patient tests positive, they may be recommended for medication that will stimulate saliva production. They may also try sugar-free gum or candy to increase saliva flow or apply artificial saliva in the form of a spray.

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.

 

White Spot Lesions

Usually, people are happy to have white teeth, but they’re a lot less pleased by glazed or chalky-looking white spots. At Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, we can assist patients with this issue and hope they will come to see us because a white spot is the first sign of a developing lesion.

Glazed white spots on teeth are caused by acid damaging the enamel. This can be observed on the upper back molars of people who frequently suffer from acid reflux. Elsewhere in the mouth, they are likely to be caused by bacterial infection. As bacteria feeds, it secretes acid which gets stuck to the teeth. As the decay progresses, the white spot will eventually become a caries or cavity. This is most likely to occur near the gum line, on the sides of the teeth, or anywhere else that is difficult to brush, such as near an orthodontic bracket.

It can take as few as thirty days for a white spot to form. Their appearance is an immediate sign that a patient needs to improve their brushing or be left with scared teeth. We can assess whether a white spot still has an active infection. If not, we may be able to provide mineralization therapy or cover the spot with bonding or a veneer.

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.

 

What is the ADA Seal?

The American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance program began in 1931 and to this day, dentists and consumers recognize it as the gold standard when it comes to evaluating the safety and efficiency of dental products. Some people purchase their oral care products based off of this seal, and you are likely to find a toothbrush or floss from our doctors at Southern Cross Dental in your take-home bag after a dental appointment.

Not every dental product possesses the ADA seal of approval, but this doesn’t mean that it won’t get the job done. When a product has the ADA seal of approval, this just means that the company selling the product may or may not have submitted their product for review. There are thousands of products on store shelves from white strips, to flossers, and toothbrushes, that can help protect your mouth and prevent oral diseases.

If you have further questions regarding the ADA Seal of approval or ADA dental products, 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.

Benefits of a Custom-Fitted Mouthguard

Mouthguards are very versatile. They provide damage control for those who grind and clench the teeth, athletes with an increased risk of dental injuries, and to reduce snoring from sleep apnea. At Southern Cross Dental, we offer custom-fitted mouthguards to our patients for ultimate comfort and protection.

Mouthguards can be used by anyone but are most beneficial for those who play contact sports. Those who play hockey, soccer, football, or basketball, pose a higher risk of dental injury and trauma and a mouthguard provides a barrier to protect them from these problems. A custom-fitted mouthguard will also benefit a “bruxer” who grinds their teeth and risks wearing down tooth enamel. If you’ve ever considered a mouthguard, our doctors will discuss what is best for you.

If you have further questions regarding mouthguards, 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.

Dental Hygienist Part-Time Job

Our office is looking for an energetic dental hygienist who is a team player with quality and compassionate care, for two days in a week to begin with but gradually work into more days. This is a general dentistry practice. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Faranak at (719) 471-1717 and fax your resume to (719) 447-0605. You may visit our website at www.scdsmile.com.

1855 S Nevada Ave
Colorado Springs, CO 80905-2516