Flossing Technique

Flossing is always an important part of oral hygiene, but that’s especially true if you missed a regular cleaning during the stay-at-home order. We at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs want to ensure that our patients are still taking good care of themselves while socially distancing, so we thought it would be a good time to discuss flossing technique.

 

You’ll need about fifteen to eighteen inches of floss to do a thorough job. Wrapping the floss around your middle fingers will allow you to more easily manipulate it using your index fingers and thumbs. Keeping about an inch of floss taut, you’ll want to slide it along the side of each tooth as far as it will go without hurting your gums, and then pull it toward the tooth to wrap it along the tooth’s side. Wiggle it back and forth as you move it back out to make sure you’re gathering as much plaque from the tooth as possible. Keep unspooling more floss as you move from tooth to tooth so you don’t just spread the plaque around, and don’t forget to floss the backs of your back teeth.

 

Remember, plaque can accumulate on the sides of prosthetic teeth, and needs to be cleaned from them, as well. If you have trouble moving the floss, you may benefit from a flosser. If you have braces, you may want to look into floss with stiffened tips that will be easier to thread behind orthodontic wires. You may floss before you brush your teeth or after, but don’t forget to floss at least once a day, and to schedule your make-up appointment as soon as possible.

 

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.

Periapical Abscesses

During the coronavirus outbreak, we at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs are limiting our services to emergency treatment. However, this does not mean patients should hesitate to seek help for an emergency. One of the most urgent matters a dentist deals with is a periapical abscess, which is what happens when the pulp chamber of a tooth is infected. We wanted our patients to be able to recognize the signs of one and understand why they should seek care.

 

When there is an infection in the tooth’s pulp, a buildup of pus, called an abscess, forms at the tip of its root. Common infection symptoms include fever, swelling, throbbing pain, difficulty swallowing, and a foul taste in the mouth. The pulp chamber likely became infected because of a fracture in the enamel that allowed bacteria in, or because a bacterial infection on the tooth surface caused a deep enough cavity for the bacteria to spread to the pulp. If it is not treated, the infection could spread to the jawbone or the sinus cavities.

 

Treating a periapical abscess will require a root canal. This means that after the patient has been numbed, the infected pulp will be removed and the tooth will be resealed. They will also be prescribed antibiotic medication. In severe cases or when the infection recurs, it may be necessary to remove the tooth. If this happens, we can discuss replacement options with the patient, but ideally, patients can avoid abscess by wearing mouthguards when exercising and maintaining good oral hygiene.

 

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.

Tips for Cleaning Dentures

Plaque build-up is a  problem everybody has to deal with.  The mouth is an ecosystem that is home to all sorts of bacteria, including a few that will cause decay if left unstopped. When a person gets dentures, they’ll have to make some changes in how they practice their oral hygiene, or else their artificial teeth could also become decayed. As long-time providers of dental care to people of all ages, we at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs wanted to provide some advice on denture maintenance.

 

Dentures need to be brushed twice a day; in the morning and at night. Although they allow people to chew normally, they aren’t as hard as natural teeth, and can be scratched by the fluoride in regular toothpaste. Instead, patients should brush them with American Dental Association-approved specialized toothpaste and maintain separate soft-bristled toothbrushes for their dentures and natural teeth. They should also brush the whole denture, including the pink part that mimics gum tissue, and floss between the false teeth.

 

There are several safe cleaning solutions dentures can be soaked in overnight, although many people get good results just using soap and water. But it is important for dentures to always be kept wet, and for them to be kept at room temperature. Being put in boiling water or being left in a case under harsh sunlight could cause their shape to distort. Patients should also brush their gums and around implant abutments prior to putting their dentures in each morning, and remember to scrape their tongues as they normally do.

 

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.

Sjögren’s Syndrome and Dry Mouth

It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene, but people with certain conditions are at greater risk of developing caries and yeast infections even when they brush and floss regularly. Among those most at risk are people with the autoimmune disease Sjögren’s Syndrome. Although it is estimated to only affect about three million people in the United States, dentists are often the ones who first recognize each case. Therefore, we at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs wanted our patients to be aware of it.

Sjögren’s Syndrome is characterized by the immune system attacking the body’s secretory glands. This means it interferes with the production of tears and saliva. When a person’s saliva production slows down, they are said to develop xerostomia and will incur dry mouth. The absence of saliva allows food debris and sugary residue to remain on the teeth, feeding oral bacteria. It also allows fissures to develop at the corners of the mouth, where fungus can colonize. A person is also likely to develop bad breath as plaque builds on their tongue.

Because people with Sjögren’s Syndrome have additional oral health problems, they are often advised to have more regular professional cleanings. They may also depend on artificial throat moisturizers and need to increase their fluid intake while cutting back on sugar. It is often difficult to tell the difference between Sjögren’s Syndrome and xerostomia caused by other things, but it occurs most frequently in women over fifty who have recently suffered another infection. If we suspect a patient has Sjögren’s Syndrome, we may refer them for additional counseling to address their eye symptoms.

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 Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Pericoronitis

If you have a child nearing their teenage years, you may have heard us discussing the risk of impacted wisdom teeth. At Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, our goal is to preserve a patient’s teeth, but the wisdom teeth often encounter problems that require us to remove them. One of the most common problems when they are unable to erupt completely is pericoronitis, so we wanted our patients to better understand it.

An impacted tooth is one which is partly or entirely unable to push through the gum line. As the largest teeth and the last to erupt, the wisdom teeth frequently are impacted, with a portion of them sticking through the gum and most of them still inside it. The part of a dental crown that breaks through the gum line may still be covered by a flap of gingival tissue called an operculum. Food debris and bacteria can easily get stuck in between the operculum and the crown, leading to recurring infections. “Pericoronitis” is the phrase we use to describe inflammation around a dental crown.

It is difficult for a person to clean an impacted tooth. They should still brush and floss regularly and may also want to try swishing salt water in their mouth, but they will probably need our professional help to remove build-up. We may have to cut away the operculum, and because impacted wisdom teeth often cause misalignments and jaw pain in addition to pericoronitis, we will often extract them.

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 Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Gum Abscesses

Do your gums often bleed when you brush your teeth? Do you sometimes suffer from fevers and a bad taste in your mouth? If the answer to all those questions is yes, you may have a gum abscess. This condition is extremely serious, not to mention painful, and it develops from gum disease. We at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs can provide treatment for it, but we encourage all of our patients to understand why they should prevent an abscess from forming.

Abscesses are pockets of pus, which is a mixture of bacteria, dead tissue, and acid. A gingival abscess is one that forms near the gum line, often as a result of poor oral hygiene. A periodontal abscess is one that forms deeper in the gum pocket when gum disease is severe. Periodontal disease causes the walls of a gum pocket to recede from around a tooth root, leaving the tooth loose and bacteria with more space to colonize. When periodontal disease gets bad enough, it can also cause recession in the jaw bone.

After administering local anesthesia to a patient, we can treat gum abscesses by draining them and removing the dead tissue. We will also determine whether any of the teeth’s pulp chambers are infected or if they have abscesses at their roots. After removing the dead tissue, we’ll plane down the tooth root so that it will be easier to clean in the future. The patient will also take antibiotics in the days following the successful treatment of an abscess.

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 Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

 

National Diabetes Awareness Month

If you have diabetes, you are at elevated risk for gum disease. But this fact doesn’t mean that you can’t have good oral hygiene and retain healthy teeth throughout your life. This National Diabetes Awareness Month, we at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs want to share some information about the particular challenges people with diabetes face and what can be done about them.

People with uncontrolled diabetes have a harder time than other people fighting off infections. They have more extreme responses to bacteria, including oral bacteria, so their gums tend to become inflamed more easily and for longer. If the bacteria that trigger gingivitis are allowed to remain, gum disease may progress to periodontitis. When this happens, the teeth come loose and parts of the jawbone deteriorate. People with diabetes also commonly suffer from dry mouth as a side effect of their medication, which means they can’t rely on saliva to neutralize the acid produced by oral bacteria.

Redness, pain, bleeding, and swelling are all symptoms of gum disease. A patient should take these as warning signs that they need to brush and floss more thoroughly. They may also want to consider coming to our office for professional below-the-gum cleaning. People suffering from dry mouth can stimulate more saliva production by sucking sugar-free candy and drinking more water. Chewing sugar-free gum can also dislodge some food debris following a snack, but it is not a substitute for brushing.

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 Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Guarding against Incipient Lesions

Do you sometimes see strange white patches on your teeth? Those are signs that enamel is being demineralized, and if something isn’t done, the white spots could turn into caries. We do a lot of patient education at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, and preventing tooth decay is one of our top priorities. This week’s blog post is devoted to the science behind white spot lesions and what you can do about them.

Enamel is mostly comprised of non-living minerals. As those minerals are removed, the enamel takes on a glazed, white appearance. This could be caused by acid reflux, and dentists will look for signs of it during a patient’s regular check-up. But more often, the acid is coming from bacteria. As oral bacteria metabolize food debris, they excrete acid, which gets stuck in plaque. Bacteria are likely to build up in places that are hard to brush, such as near the gum line, on the backs of the bottom incisors, and near orthodontic brackets.

White spots can turn into cavities in as little time as a month. They are likelier to occur when the body’s natural defenses are compromised, such as when a patient suffers from dry mouth or diabetes. The good news is that they can usually be treated with better brushing and flossing. Orthodontic patients will need to take care that they are using Christmas tree toothbrushes to remove food debris quickly after eating. If a white spot scars, we may be able to cover it with bonding.

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.

 

What is Peri-Implantitis?

No matter what your dental history, you’ll get high-quality care at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs. Implants are a great way of replacing permanent teeth and restoring the stability of a patient’s facial structure. But they need to be kept clean, or else infection might necessitate their removal. We’ll work together with our patients to prevent peri-implantitis, which is inflammation surrounding an implant post.

Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, is characterized by redness, soreness, and bleeding. When it happens in the vicinity of an implant, it may be in response to a foreign object, such as leaking dental cement. The patient may also be one of the few people allergic to titanium. But in most cases, peri-implantitis is a hygienic issue. An implant post will be eroded by oral bacteria’s acidic secretions, just like a natural tooth root. Implants are also dependent on being well-integrated into the surrounding jaw bone matrix, and loss of bone tissue or weakening of the post could cause the implant to come loose. In that case, we’d have to remove it.

Patients with implants must be careful to brush and floss thoroughly twice a day. When people maintain their oral hygiene, peri-implantitis is very rare, but when it’s present, it needs to be addressed professionally. We can provide patients with deep cleanings, but they need to schedule an appointment with us if they are concerned about their oral health.

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.

 

Denture Stomatitis

When properly fitted and cared for, dentures are comfortable, clean, and aesthetically pleasing. Most of our patients at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs who wear dentures report high satisfaction with their appearance and are in good oral health. But to maintain their oral hygiene, patients need to be on the lookout for denture stomatitis. This type of yeast infection is common, but preventable.

Candida species of fungus are a normal part of the mouth’s biome. Usually, they are kept under control by saliva, which contains enzymes that fight them and helps to remove food debris that could fuel their growth. However, when a person wears a denture, parts of their mouth, such as the roof, may not be exposed to as much saliva. This would give yeast an opportunity to grow.

People with oral yeast infections may not feel any pain, but they can still develop red bumps in the area of infection. Since these sorts of infections most often happen in people with dentures, patients who wear them will have to learn to examine themselves regularly. Fortunately, yeast infections can usually be prevented if the denture is brushed twice a day and kept in a clean container and the patient brushes their mouth before putting the denture in.

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.

 

Gingivitis during Pregnancy

If you’re pregnant, you’re facing a particularly sensitive time in your oral health. Gingivitis, the inflammation of gum tissue, is especially common early and late in pregnancy, as well as during menarche and menopause. We at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs want our patients to maintain good oral health, but also to understand what is normal and expected.

The gums can become inflamed in response to physical irritants, as well as the acid secreted by oral bacteria stuck to tartar. Gingivitis is the milder form of gum disease, with periodontitis being the more severe stage. Early symptoms of gum disease, such as bleeding and puffiness, are so common that many people fail to recognize them as problems. During pregnancy, the body is flooded with a hormone called progesterone, which increases blood flow to the gums and makes them much more reactive to irritants.

Although some gingival bleeding may be unavoidable during pregnancy, patients should still practice regular brushing and flossing to keep oral bacteria under control. It is important not to damage the gums by overbrushing them, but this could be a good time to seek a deep cleaning at our dental office. We can also demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques and review a patient’s oral hygiene habits, such as using non-alcoholic mouthwash and sugar-free gum.

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.

 

Sealants

Wherever our mouths have crevices, bacteria are able to hide and feed. This is true of our tongues, our gum pockets, and of the indentations between the cusps on our molars and premolars. We take prevention very seriously at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs. Sealants are one of the most common treatments we use to protect patients from the harm of tooth decay and make it easier for them to care for their oral health.

A sealant is a plastic coating that is applied to the grinding surfaces on the back teeth. Besides creating a barrier between acid and enamel, it also smoothens out the tooth just enough to make it easier to brush. The cusps will still be prominent enough to grind food, but less food will get stuck between them.

Patients don’t need to do anything to prepare for sealant placement. After cleaning the teeth, we’ll apply an etching acid to them to increase their surface area and then paint the plastic coating on. The sealant will be hardened with a light, and the patient should be able to eat normally within a few hours. Sealants are commonly recommended for children when their permanent molars come in, but adults can benefit from them, too. A sealant can last for as long as ten years, after which a new one may be applied.

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.

 

Tooth Sensitivity to Cold

Imagine biting into a fudge-covered ice cream treat only to have a sudden pain shoot through your incisors. Does this sound familiar to you? Is it something you avoid cold food and drinks because of? If so, there’s help. We at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs want all our patients to use their teeth with confidence. If a person is extremely sensitive to cold, they may be suffering from enamel erosion.

It is necessary when discussing tooth sensitivity to know a bit about dental anatomy. Dental pulp contains a nerve, and it is surrounded by a porous material called dentin. Heat is easily conducted through dentin, which depends on enamel to insulate the dental crown. Below the gum line, the outermost layer of the tooth is much thinner and comprised of a sticky substance called cementum. When the enamel is eroded or gum tissue has receded from around cementum, heat may easily leave the pulp anytime the tooth comes into contact with something cold.

Thin enamel can be identified by yellow-brown colored dentin showing through it. Erosion is usually caused by exposure to acid. Oral bacteria secrete acid as a by-product of their metabolism, and people who smoke or eat a large amount of acidic food or red meat are vulnerable to developing acid reflux. Regular brushing is essential to preventing the spread of oral bacteria. Enamel may be remineralized through fluoride therapy or fluoride-enriched toothpaste. We can also provide patients with sealants, protecting the teeth that are most affected by acid reflux and tooth decay.

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 Gum Disease Leads to Alzheimer's

Dentistry is of vital importance to a person’s health. We work hard at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs to be accessible to all patients because we know how closely tied oral health is to several chronic conditions. Recently, scientists have published studies establishing that oral bacteria are directly linked to Alzheimer’s disease, and we want our patients to know how.

Gingipains are destructive enzymes that the bacteria species Porphyromonas gingivalis secretes to protect itself from white blood cells. They are unusually common in the brains and spinal fluid of people who had symptoms of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is caused by the development of plaque on neurons. Recent research found that gingipains trigger the production of components of those plaques.

Within the past few months, researchers published proof that P. gingivalis moves from the mouth to the brains in living people. Although scientists say this is probably not the only contributing factor to Alzheimer’s, they have called it a breakthrough discovery. Dementia and gum disease often exist in a feedback loop, with people having more difficulty maintaining their oral hygiene as their memory deteriorates. But if people keep a habit of twice-daily brushing and flossing, as well as regularly getting deep cleanings at the dentist, they may be able to prevent Alzheimer’s from developing.

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.

 

Have You Had A Cleaning This Year?

Southern Cross Dental encourages all our patients to maintain a great oral health routine at home, but it is still important to come into the office for regular professional cleanings.  During the holidays, we want everyone looking forward to the New Year and maintaining great oral hygiene!  However much you brush and floss, some harmful bacteria grow in your mouth that cause gum disease and can only be removed by a dental professional. 

It’s important to see a professional regularly not just to clean your teeth, but also to locate and monitor areas in the mouth that may need special attention, and a dentist can tell you if you may be missing a spot or skipping an important step in your regular oral care routine.  During a teeth cleaning, a hygienist thoroughly clean the area above and below the gum line with scaling tools to rid them of plaque and tartar. After the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned, the hygienist flosses between every one of your teeth and may apply fluoride if recommended by the dentist. Come see us for a cleaning to make a great impression during the holidays, and start the year off with your best smile!

To learn more about dental health and all the services provided 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, call 719-471-1717.

Drinking Water for Oral Health

Drinking water is important for your health at all ages.  Southern Cross Dental has seen adult patients that are guilty of not drinking enough water, so we know it can be tough to monitor if kids are getting enough too.  We want to encourage you and the kids in your family to stay hydrated and healthy!

We all know kids love drinking juice and soda, but we forget that these beverages leave unwanted sugar behind on the teeth.  The type of bacteria that causes cavities feeds on sugar, and produces acid that wears away enamel. Enamel is not replaceable, so it’s important to take care of it even from a young age.  When kids drink juice or soda, it is helpful just to drink some water afterwards to dilute acids and wash away food particles and residue. You and your children should be drinking at least eight 8oz glasses of water each day.  Drinking tap water with fluoride is important to help prevent cavities.  If you’re worried that your children may not be drinking enough water, come see us to discuss tips that might help them drink more!

To learn more about dental health and all the services provided 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, call 719-471-1717.

Importance of Tartar Control

If you practice poor oral hygiene, you are likely to develop plaque buildup, a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on our teeth along the gum line. Plaque contains bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease and when left untreated, can lead to tartar buildup that only our doctors at Southern Cross Dental will be able to remove.

Because tartar is spongy, it absorbs stains easily. The most common sign of this mineral is a yellow or brown deposit between the lower front teeth or at the gum line. Therefore, if you are a coffee or tea drinker, or a smoker, it is especially important that you prevent tartar buildup. Proper brushing, especially with an American Dental Association (ADA) approved toothpaste, and flossing is necessary to reduce both plaque and tartar buildup. The process for removing tartar is called scaling. During a scaling, a hygienist will use special instruments to remove it.  

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental health, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our 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, call 719-471-1717.

Flossing Properly

At Southern Cross Dental, we want to see the families we provide for continue healthy oral care routines at home.  Regular flossing is essential to maintaining oral health and you should floss once a day, either before or after brushing. Remember these tips to floss effectively:

• ·        A strand of dental floss about 18 inches long allows you to wrap the ends of the floss around a finger on each hand. This gives you excellent control over the portion of floss you are using.


• ·        The proper technique to flossing is sliding the floss between the teeth and rubbing the floss back and forth up until you reach your gums.


• ·        Pushing at your gums too hard with floss can damage your gum line and isn’t necessary to floss properly. Gently rub the floss up to one gum, then down and back up towards the other.


• ·        As you move on to the next tooth, adjust the floss to expose an unused portion. Repeat this rubbing motion between each tooth and dispose of the floss once you are finished.

To learn more about dental hygiene and the services we offer at the practice, visit ww.scdsmile.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, call 719-471-1717.

Importance of Healthy Gums

By taking care of your oral health, you are doing your oral cavity the ultimate favor. Having a healthy mouth means that teeth are clean and free of debris, your gums are pink and do not hurt or bleed when you brush or floss, and bad breath is not a constant problem. Our doctors at Southern Cross Dental are here to help you maintain healthy gums with routine cleanings.

When you have healthy gums, your teeth are well supported by the tissue in your gums and your chances for long-term oral health are significantly increased. Because periodontal disease is linked to an increased susceptibility to systemic disease (bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease), it is important to prevent it as well as control it. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly is important and helps remove the thin film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth each day and contributes to tooth decay. If you need assistance maintaining a daily oral hygiene routine, give our office a call today.

If you have further questions regarding dental health or oral care, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our 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, call 719-471-1717.

Flossing Properly

At Southern Cross Dental, our doctors take pride in providing the best oral care for our patients.  We also encourage you and your family to continue healthy oral care routines at home.  Regular flossing is essential to maintaining oral health and you should floss once a day, either before or after brushing. Remember these tips to floss effectively:

• A strand of dental floss about 18 inches long allows you to wrap the ends of the floss around a finger on each hand. This gives you excellent control over the portion of floss you are using.


• The proper technique to flossing is sliding the floss between the teeth and rubbing the floss back and forth up until you reach your gums.


• Pushing at your gums too hard with floss can damage your gum line and isn’t necessary to floss properly. Gently rub the floss up to one gum, then down and back up towards the other.


• As you move on to the next tooth, adjust the floss to expose an unused portion. Repeat this rubbing motion between each tooth and dispose of the floss once you are finished.

To learn more about dental hygiene and the services we provide at our practice, visit www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, call 719-471-1717.