Benefits of a Tongue Scraper

At Southern Cross Dental, we want you to have the freshest breath on the block. If you’ve ever looked at your tongue in a mirror, you may or may not see a colored film on it. If your tongue is pink, then congratulations! That means you are cleaning your tongue properly. However, if build-up is there, it’s time to invest in a tongue scraper.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), bad breath affects up to 50% of the adult population. Bad breath can be the result of conditions like pneumonia, bronchitis, diabetes, and liver or kidney problems, but more often than not, it’s a direct result of what’s going on in your mouth –or what’s not going on. A tongue scraper (tongue cleaner or tongue brush) is an oral hygiene device designed to clean off bacteria, food debris, fungi, and dead cells from the surface of your tongue. Using a tongue scraper is easy: simply place it toward the back of your tongue, and drag it forward toward the tip of your tongue. Then begin to reap the benefits of fresh breath, improved ability to taste and most importantly, improved dental health.

For more information on maintaining proper oral hygiene give us a call today or visit www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Navid Rahimpour DDS, or Dr. Faranak Rahimpour DDS, call 719-471-1717.

Are You Flossing Properly?

Flossing is an essential part of the tooth-cleaning process because it removes plaque from between the teeth and at the gumline. Here at Southern Cross Dental we want you to get the most out of your oral hygiene routine, which is why we want to be sure that when you floss, you are doing it properly.

If you eat a meal and experience pain in your gums shortly after, you probably have some food stuck in your teeth that you need to remove. Dental floss dislodges food particles trapped between the teeth and under the gums where the toothbrushes can’t reach. To receive maximum benefits from flossing, it is best to use the following proper technique.

•  Starting with about 18 inches of floss, wind most of the floss around each middle finger, leaving an inch or two of floss to work with.


• Holding the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers, slide it gently up-and-down between your teeth.


• Gently curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making sure you go beneath the gumline.


• Use clean sections of floss as you move from tooth to tooth.

For more information on maintaining proper oral hygiene give us a call today or visit www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Navid Rahimpour DDS, or Dr. Faranak Rahimpour DDS at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, call 719-471-1717.

How to Select the Best Toothbrush

With so many shapes, sizes and styles of toothbrushes on the market, deciding which kind to buy can be confusing. There are certain characteristics that you should look for in whatever toothbrush you choose, regardless of whether it is manual or powered. At Southern Cross Dental, Dr. Navid Rahimpour DDS, and Dr. Faranak Rahimpour DDS want you to consider some general tips next time you take a walk down the toothbrush aisle.

Small brush head and well-designed bristles are important. Choose a toothbrush with a small brush head and a bristle design that helps you to get to the hard to reach places of your mouth. Your toothbrush should also have soft bristles that are gentle on your teeth and gums. Another essential feature is a comfortable handle. Many toothbrushes have non-slip grips which make them easy to use even if wet. A worn toothbrush can damage gum tissue, so be sure to replace your toothbrush every three months or when it becomes worn.

If you have questions about the difference between electric toothbrushes versus manual toothbrushes, know that one is not necessarily better than the other. If you are looking for a professional opinion, Dr. Navid Rahimpour DDS, and Dr. Faranak Rahimpour DDS can provide you with assistance. To schedule a consultation at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, call 719-471-1717 or visit www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com for more information.