Healthy Foods for Teeth and Gums

Did you know that there are certain foods that are good for your oral health? Just like you have probably heard that carrots are good for eyesight, there are foods that are good for teeth and gums. At Southern Cross Family Dentistry in Colorado Springs, CO, we want our patients to know how to take good care of their teeth at home. Keep reading to learn about the different foods that can benefit your oral health!

Foods rich in calcium like milk, cheese, and yogurt are great for strong teeth. In addition, yogurt contains good bacteria that fight off odor-causing bacteria while milk lowers acid levels in your mouth.

Crunchy, fibrous foods like carrots, apples, and cucumbers actually help clean your teeth as you eat them. They remove plaque as you bite into them and chew them. If you are ever at a party and are in a pinch for a toothbrush, go for the cucumber tray!

For good gum health, snack on citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits. They strengthen the blood vessels and connective tissues that hold your teeth to your jaw. They can also help reduce any inflammation.

When looking to boost your oral health, just take a stroll through the grocery store! To schedule you routine cleaning and examination with Southern Cross Family Dentistry, call our Colorado Springs, CO office at (719) 471-1717 or visit our 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.