Cirrhosis and Gum Disease

Dentistry is a crucial part of overall health. At Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, we enjoy keeping up with the latest developments in our field. Recent research has indicated that gum disease is closely tied to diseases elsewhere in the body, and now scientists have found evidence that treating it can relieve symptoms of cirrhosis.

The liver filters toxic substances out of the body, but it can become inflamed. When chronic inflammation causes it to scar over, this is called cirrhosis, and it causes inflammation throughout the body. People with cirrhosis have been observed to have decreased cognitive function as a result of brain inflammation. It was initially unsurprising that cirrhosis patients have unusually high rates of gum disease, since both can be caused by smoking and alcohol use, but studies also found higher rates of gum disease in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, suggesting a direct relationship. Bacteria that cause gum disease have also been found in the liver.

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University investigated whether cirrhosis symptoms would improve if patients received treatment for gum disease. They found that, following treatment, cirrhosis patients had better cognitive function and increased levels of gut bacteria that fight inflammation. While we are awaiting more research, we have another reason to emphasize why it is so important for people to brush and floss regularly and to encourage people to come to our office to get inflamed gums treated.

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.

 

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. 

Custom and Natural-Looking Dental Crowns

Decayed or damaged teeth need restoration and protection; otherwise, they can lead to infection and complete loss of the tooth. Here at Southern Cross Family Dentistry in Colorado Springs, CO, we are able to create completely custom dental crowns to keep our patients’ natural teeth for as long as possible.

Our custom dental crowns are caps that go over the whole tooth. They are colored to match the shade of the rest of your teeth; so when you smile, no one will be able to tell the difference. Crowns strengthen weak teeth and restore health to the tooth. With a dental crown, we can avoid pulling the tooth out completely.

To have a dental crown made, we will first remove any decay from the tooth and reshape it for the crown. Impressions are taken of the area and sent to a dental laboratory so the custom crown can be created. The creation process will take a few weeks; so during this time, you will wear a temporary crown. When the permanent crown is ready, we cement it into place. Crowns need to be taken care of just like regular teeth, but with good care, they can last for over fifteen years.

If you are interested in a natural-looking custom crown, schedule an appointment with Southern Cross Family Dentistry. To schedule in our Colorado Springs, CO office, call us at (719) 471-1717 or visit our website, www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com.