Diet and Tooth Erosion

No matter what you eat, you need to protect your teeth from decay and erosion. However, some diets present more of a threat to oral health than others. At Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, we provide high-quality, affordable restorative care to people suffering from mechanical and infection-induced damage to their enamel. But since we also value preventive care, we wanted to spotlight some common areas where people can improve.

 

Tooth decay occurs when certain species of oral bacteria eat the sugar in food debris. The bacteria secrete acid as a metabolization waste product, and the acid gets trapped in the film of biological material covering each tooth. Although bacteria can metabolize simple sugars more rapidly, given enough time, they can consume starches, as well. Some sugary substances, such as soda and citric juice, are also highly acidic and can directly erode the structure of enamel. Citric juice is commonly used as a flavoring in sour candy and energy gel, which can easily get stuck between teeth.

 

Problems with tooth decay and acidic content can be mitigated by brushing and flossing regularly, and by drinking plenty of water. Keeping the mouth wet will allow it to produce saliva, which washes away sugary residue and chemically counteracts acid. Chewing sugar-free gum is another way to stimulate saliva production and remove some food debris. But patients also need to avoid acid reflux disease, which introduces acid into the mouth from the stomach. This may require them to reduce their intake of red meat, onions and garlic, chocolate, tomatoes, and alcohol, especially right before lying down at night.

 

Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour operate Southern Cross Dental at 1855 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80905. To schedule an appointment, call 719-471-1717 or visit Southern Cross Dental.

Fight Off Bad Breath

Bad breath can be embarrassing and well, gross. Fortunately, here at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, we are able to give our patients tips on keeping bad breath away. Keep reading to learn how it happens and what you can do about it!

Fresh breath comes down to a few different things; cleanliness, hydration, and food. First, we will talk about cleanliness. Bacteria are often the culprit of bad breath. Good oral hygiene including brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist will keep your mouth in good shape.

Hydration is important because bacteria thrive in dry mouth conditions. Get in your recommended amount of water every day. Make it a priority. Not only will you have fresher breath, your mouth and whole body will be healthier!

Certain foods can also contribute to bad breath. Dairy especially contains certain types of bacteria that contribute to bad smells. Then there are stinky foods like onions and garlic. Chew mint leaves or lemon rinds after consuming “stinky food” as this will both freshen and hydrate your mouth. In addition, reach for bacteria-fighting foods. Examples of these are yogurt, which has live and active good bacteria cultures that fight bad bacteria and green tea which hydrates and eliminates bad odors.

Bad breath can ruin a moment but not when you have these tips to keep it away! To schedule your next appointment with Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, call our office at (719) 471-1717 or visit our website, www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com. 

Do You Brush For a Full Two Minutes?

Many patients do not realize the short amount of time they spend brushing their teeth. The recommended time is about two minutes, which may sound long, but if you are brushing all that you need to, it goes by pretty quickly. Dr. Navid Rahimpour, DDS and Dr. Faranak Rahimpour, DDS wants to remind their patients at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO of why the full two minutes is important. In addition, take some tips for making sure you do spend enough time.

Dental plaque is a film of bacteria that form on your teeth from food, drinks, and even our saliva. It is important to remove the bacteria from all areas of your mouth including the fronts of your teeth, the insides, the chewing surfaces, the backs of the back molars, your tongue, the roof of your mouth, and the insides of your cheeks. All of this will take about two minutes.

Splitting the mouth into four sections is also a good way to break up the minutes and get an even brushing. Spend thirty seconds on the upper-right section, thirty seconds on the upper-left section, and so on for the two lower sections.  

There are also electric and manual toothbrushes that have timers on them. Or keep track by playing some music while you brush. Most music players have counters on them, so you’ll know when you hit the two-minute mark.

Good at-home dental care is essential for your oral and overall health. To schedule a cleaning with Dr. Navid Rahimpour, DDS or Dr. Faranak Rahimpour, DDS of Southern Cross Dental, call our Colorado Springs, CO office at (719) 471-1717 or visit our website, www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com. 

What Happens When You Skip Brushing and Flossing?

We all know our dentist tells us to brush twice per day and floss once per day but do we all really do it? Maybe if you knew why it is needed, you would. Dr. Navid Rahimpour DDS and Dr. Faranak Rahimpour, DDS of Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO want their patients to know the consequences of poor oral care.

There is a reason why brushing twice per day and flossing once per day is important. Failing to keep good care of your teeth can result in decay, gum disease, and the loss of teeth. Not to mention some pretty bad breath and an unpleasant smile.

Plaque is what forms on our teeth throughout the day. It looks like a whitish material and especially likes to collect near our gum lines. Plaque is actually a film of bacteria and it is formed from food, drinks, and saliva. Plaque in itself can cause enamel to weaken and form cavities. However, if plaque is not removed, it can soon turn into tartar. Tartar is a calcified form of plaque that can really only be removed by a dentist. If this plaque and tartar sit on your teeth for long enough, the gums become irritated and can begin to recede. Infected gums are painful, they bleed easily, and they lead to worse problems like lost teeth and spread of infection. Gum disease can even increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Plaque forms just hours after brushing and flossing, which is why it is important to brush several times per day. Flossing should be done once per day. The bacteria that get caught between teeth can begin to do damage after a day, which is why flossing is important to get to once per day.

Along with a great oral care routine at home, visits to your dentist for a professional cleaning are important, too. To schedule your cleaning with Dr. Navid Rahimpour, DDS and Dr. Faranak Rahimpour, DDS in Colorado Springs, CO, call our office at (719) 471-1717. Appointments may also be made through our Southern Cross Dental website, www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com. 

Healthy Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is almost here which usually brings copious amounts of candy! This Valentine’s Day, take some tips for choosing healthier treats and doing an extra-great job cleaning your teeth! Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour, DDS of Southern Cross Dental here in Colorado Springs, CO want their patients to enjoy the holiday but still think of their dental health!

We know that Valentine’s Day is filled with lots of sweets, so it is important to really pay attention to your dental habits. Sugar can lead to tooth decay if not brushed away properly. Make sure to brush two to three times per day, but maybe throw in an extra brushing if you’re eating a lot of sweets! Flossing should be done once per day, especially during this time. Sticky candies can become stuck in between teeth and let the sugar just sit there until it is flossed away! Sticky candies are also known for pulling out dental restorations and pulling off dental brackets, so be careful!

Some healthier options for treats include chocolate dipped strawberries and berries with whipped cream! They are both delicious and not nearly as bad for your teeth as candy. In fact, strawberries even have the capability to help whiten your teeth!

Enjoy your Valentine’s Day and keep up your brushing! To schedule an appointment with Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour, DDS of Southern Cross Dental in our Colorado Springs, CO office, call us at (719) 471-1717. Appointments may also be set up through our website, www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com. 

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.