Asthma and Oral Health

People with asthma may have some particular oral health needs. At Southern Cross Dental, we provide care to patients of all ages in the Colorado Springs area. Although we can restore the structure and whiteness of teeth that have been damaged by caries, we want our patients to be able to avoid them in the first place, which is why people with asthma should know to take additional precautions.

Asthma is a condition in which people’s airways are inflamed and produce extra mucus. More severe cases are more highly correlated with tooth decay. One of the consequences of asthma or the medications used to counter it is dry mouth, known scientifically as xerostomia. We need saliva to keep our mouths at a pH level that allows enamel to rebuild its minerals. Saliva also makes it easier for us to swallow food debris, depriving acid-producing bacteria of nutrients. Although patients should follow their doctor’s instructions regarding medications, they should take dry mouth seriously and can mitigate it by using throat moisturizers and drinking plenty of fluids.

Dry mouth isn’t the only challenge facing asthma patients. To prevent throat constrictions, some patients are prescribed muscle relaxants. This could allow stomach acid to flow upwards into the mouth, through a process called acid reflux. Besides being painful, this can cause enamel erosion. Acid reflux may be countered through lifestyle changes such as avoiding large meals, particularly red meat, onions, garlic, and alcohol, before bed and while lying down. Patients should also be aware that asthma medications are often sugary, and as part of a night-time routine, it’s a good idea to take them prior to brushing their teeth.

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.

 

How Soda Affects Your Teeth

Drinking soda increases your chances of developing cavities. At Southern Cross Dental, we encourage our patients to drink water instead of soda when possible. Soda is full of sugars that feed acid-producing bacteria in your mouth.  When acid is created, it feeds off your tooth enamel that protects your teeth. The less tooth enamel you have, the more sensitive your teeth are.

We advise our patients to drink soda with a straw to limit the amount of sugar that is resting on their teeth. Don’t forget to brush or rinse your mouth about 20 minutes after drinking soda to remove sugar and acid.

Regardless of how much soda you drink, we want all of our patients to brush twice a day to fight tooth decay and limit the damage done to your teeth by soda. Drinking plenty of water and non-acidic drinks will give you the best smile possible!

To learn more about all of the services we provide at the 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, please call us at 719-471-1717.

Dentures

Dentures are removable dental appliances used for replacing missing teeth and tissue. Southern Cross Dental provides its patients with both forms of dentures: complete and partial. Complete dentures are used when all teeth are missing, while partials are used when some natural teeth remain. At your appointment with Dr. Navid Rahimpour or Dr. Faranak Rahimpour ask about your qualifications and options.

Complete dentures are either “conventional” or “immediate.” With conventional dentures, all the teeth have been removed from the mouth. The patient must wait four to six weeks for the tissue to heal before receiving their dentures. Immediate dentures are made in advance and are immediately placed after the teeth are removed.

The process of getting dentures requires several appointments over a few weeks. The dentures are made from an impression or mold of your mouth. Because of this, the dentures are made offsite in a dental laboratory. It takes time for our office to receive your dentures back from the lab. You might also have to come in for a few “try-in” appointments. This can guarantee your dentures are the right shape and fit. At your last appointment, the dentist will adjust and place the final dentures.

Make sure to follow the care instructions given for your new dentures. It is normal to experience increased saliva, soreness, and chewing and speaking difficulty. This will subside as your mouth adjusts to the dentures.

Southern Cross Dental is located in Colorado Springs, CO. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Navid Rahimpour, D.D.S or Dr. Faranak Rahimpour, D.D.S. visit our website or call 719-471-1717.