Dental Blog

Finding quality dental care that accepts Medicaid can sometimes feel overwhelming. At Crossroads Family Dentistry, we’re committed to providing accessible and exceptional care for all patients, including those with Medicaid. Our practice offers a wide range of family dentistry services, ensuring that everyone in your family, from kids to seniors, receives the care they deserve.

Getting your tooth chipped is not uncommon. A fall, crunching on ice or hard candy, taking a blow, or tearing plastic packages can cause damage to your teeth.

In a report from 2021, 82% of the adult population notice a person’s smile first before anything else. Here at Crossroads Family Dentist, we are dedicated to helping bring out your best smile.

How Can a Dentist Tell You Smoke? If you’re a smoker, you probably know that smoking is bad for your teeth. You may be wondering whether your dentist can tell that you smoke and, if so, how.

When you have a crooked smile, one side of your smile is bigger than the other side or uneven. So, what causes this? There are all sorts of reasons why your smile might be uneven.

Frenectomies in Colorado Springs may sound like a complicated medical procedure, but they are quite common and can significantly impact.

When it comes to oral health, it’s common to encounter various healthcare professionals who specialize in different aspects of dental.

As parents, it is natural to wonder about the milestones in our children’s dental development and one of the significant milestones is when they start losing their baby teeth.

Maintaining oral health is crucial for overall well-being, and one of the key components of good oral hygiene is healthy teeth.

Maintaining proper oral hygiene is one of the best ways to care for our teeth’s health. Without the practice of proper oral hygiene, an individual is bound to experience various oral problems such as tooth decay, periodontal disease, gingivitis, or gum swelling.

Thinking of getting veneers to improve the look of your teeth? Veneers have gained popularity over the years due to their cosmetic purposes.

If you have been visiting your dentist in Colorado Springs lately, you may have heard of the dental chart. And we know that it may sound very confusing at first, but it’s actually pretty simple once you learn how to read it.

Pregnancy is one of the best times for every family household. As much as possible, you want to ensure that you stay healthy during this period.

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is one of the oral health conditions that many people suffer from but are unaware of. According to a recent report, one in three people suffers from teeth grinding or bruxism.

There are several similarities between the roles of dentists and orthodontists. There is no question that both of these oral health professionals exist to maintain the health of our teeth and gums.

Having a tooth infection is common among adults to experience. In a report, over 13% of adults seek dental care to have their tooth infection treated within four years in the United States.

Are you ever struck by a sudden toothache, whether you’ve just woken up or are just working? Or perhaps you may have noticed your gums swelling? If your answer is “yes” to any of these, it is probably a sign that you have an infected tooth.

An oral cavity is one of the most common oral diseases among all ages. It is impossible to find someone who has never experienced having at least one cavity.

Regular oral health care is one of the most important but often forgotten practices to take care of your teeth’s health. These practices are relatively simple and significantly impact preventing oral diseases from occurring in their early stages.

Maintaining oral health starts in childhood. By doing this, a person’s teeth will remain healthy as they grow older without worrying about developing unwanted oral diseases.

Periodontal disease is among the most common oral diseases that plague adults worldwide. It is probably one of the most unpleasant experiences for anyone who has gone through it.

According to the World Health Organization, over 14% of the adult population worldwide is affected by periodontitis. Simply put, billions of people suffer from this severe oral disease.

Many people are suffering from or have experienced oral health problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 40% of adults experienced tooth pain last year, and 80% of people had a cavity by age 34.

Did you ever experience excessive pain when chewing or notice bleeding gums? As you were unaware of what was happening, you made an appointment with your dentist in Colorado Springs.

In recent years, dental crowns have become increasingly popular for restoring the sparkle of teeth for people with oral problems. Dental crowns could be what you need if you’re worried about your recently broken teeth not having a solution.

Many of us were taught to care for our oral health when we were children and never thought to question the wisdom behind it. Does oral health really matter? What are the consequences of failing to maintain a good level of oral hygiene?

One common but serious oral health issue is a tooth abscess. If you’ve experienced this painful condition, you know firsthand how alarming it can be and how critical it is to seek dental care as soon as possible.

If you have lost teeth or are facing a future extraction, you might be worried about how the loss might impact your life. The good news is that while losing teeth can be a serious detriment to both your health and your confidence, dental implants can help you avoid the vast majority of negative consequences.

If there is one thing most people can agree with, it is that tooth pain is an incredibly unpleasant experience. Most people find dental problems almost unbearable, whether they have constant, throbbing pain or experience more localized pain when chewing or consuming either cold or hot foods.

Poor oral hygiene can cause several unwanted implications on our teeth. Such practice may weaken our teeth resulting in cracking, decay, or discolor.

Are you in the market for dental implants? Dental implants might be the best choice if you are interested in help with a recent or upcoming tooth loss or are hoping to improve your jaw health after an older extraction.

Good oral health is critical at any age. Even with the best dental care, however, sometimes everyone needs a good cleaning. Plaque is one of the most common issues we see as a family dentist in Colorado Springs.

There’s no best way to fight cavities but with the help of fluoride. Brushing and flossing your teeth daily is good for maintaining your oral health. Although it is extremely vital, treating your teeth with fluoride is just as important.

Tooth decay is one of the most common oral problems across all ages. In fact, according to the University of Illinois Chicago, one in four adults in the United States have cavities.

There are several reasons people have to get a tooth removed. It may be caused by several oral implications such as tooth decay irreparable with a filling, gum disease, or crowding of teeth.

Porcelain veneers are becoming increasingly popular due to the glow it provides on the overall appearance of the teeth.

Bruxism is a condition where an individual unconsciously grinds or clenches their teeth. This condition flattens the teeth and wears down the dental enamel, which exposes a deeper tooth layer.

A dry mouth or xerostomia happens when the salivary glands in your mouth don’t produce enough saliva.

Are you one of those people who fear dental procedures? Actually, this is a pretty common thing. One study found that dental anxiety affects about 36% of the American population!

Endodontic procedures vary in length depending on the patient’s needs, but root canals typically require 1-2 appointments. And each session can last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes.

Do your gums feel tender and sometimes bleed? This may be because of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is one of the most common chronic gum diseases in the United States.

Are your teeth yellow? If so, you are not alone. Over time, most people’s teeth gradually begin to have discoloration.

Do you notice an unpleasant odor coming from your mouth when you haven’t brushed your teeth or after you wake up? This is what you call halitosis, commonly called bad breath.

How many hours do you and your kids spend staring at screens each day? Each week? Let’s be honest; it’s nearly impossible to live without electronics these days.

This month at Crossroads Family Dentistry, we celebrate National Dental Care Month! It is the perfect time to remind you how to care for your smile, not just in May but all year through.

Difficulty in breathing is always correlated with the possibility of having an issue with the nose or lungs. Breathing is an important aspect of our day-to-day life as it helps our body function properly.

One way or another, some of us have experienced getting stressed – either because of work, school, or family life. A study conducted by the American Psychological Association in 2020 shows that almost 49 percent of adults in the United States experience stress, and it has negatively affected their behavior.

Everyone wants to achieve a perfect smile. Not everyone has it, but there are many options available just for you. If you are someone who aims to have that bright smile that shines, then fluoride treatment is for you.

The idea of going to a dentist to have our teeth fixed or cleaned sometimes brings shivers down our spine. This is to the point that one would rather deal with toothaches and settle for pain relievers than set an appointment with a dentist.

One of the best ways to care for our teeth is to practice proper oral hygiene. Without proper oral hygiene, it may cause tooth decay. When a tooth has deteriorated and cannot be fixed by dental pasta, the best way to treat it is through its removal.

A report released by the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) in 2020 shows that a whopping 25 million root canal therapies are performed each year.

How long does it take to become a dental hygienist? If you go to a dental practice with multiple staff members, you may have noticed that the dental professionals aren’t all dentists.

One of the many things that we have to be careful of is losing teeth, especially if it’s already permanent. There are many reasons why one loses a tooth. Some of the causes may be improper oral hygiene or tooth disease.

There are so many things to keep track of when you have a new baby. One thing you don’t want to let fall off your radar in all the chaos is taking your baby to the dentist for the first time.

What Do Dentists Do When You Have a Cavity? Discovering that you have a cavity is never pleasant, but it can happen to anyone.

Many people find the prospect of going to the dentist intimidating, unpleasant, or even scary. An incredible 20% of American adults dread their dentist visits. There’s no shame in that, but the truth is most dental appointments won’t be very painful, thanks to the numbing agents dentists have at their disposal.

You may already know that as part of routine dental cleanings, your dentist removes the tartar that has built up, on the surface of your teeth. But what exactly is tartar, and how do dentists remove it?

If you’re someone who values oral health, you probably already know that you should go to the dentist for regular checkups. But how often? The answer actually depends on a few factors.

As the end of the year draws ever closer, the time for New Year’s resolutions is quickly approaching. Soon we will be examining our goals and achievements over the past 12 months and making promises to ourselves to do “better” in the next twelve.

While we do the best we can to preserve your natural teeth, sometimes there is no choice but to extract them. At that point, preventing bone decay and the integrity of your jaw becomes our most important goal.

Keeping yourself healthy can seem like a monumental, overwhelming task, but really it comes down to the little choices you make every day. In terms of your oral health specifically, here are some good choices you can make to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.

Routine dental visits are an important component of good oral health, but many patients overlook them. This is partially due to anxiety or uncertainty about the process itself.

Good oral hygiene habits are critical to our health and well-being at all ages. From maintaining our smile to retaining the ability to eat and speak without difficulty, healthy teeth are an important component of a high quality of life.

Flossing is an essential part of a healthy oral health routine, but many people see it as a chore rather than a necessity. However, it doesn’t have to be an unpleasant experience, and we think we have some information that will boost your appreciation for the activity.

It is easy to feel sorry for ourselves with all of the little stressors that daily life hands us. Work is busy; the kids need a lot of your time – the complaints are valid.

A positive mood is vital to long-term health. It can be difficult to remain happy, however, especially when external factors in your life are affecting your thought processes.

Sometimes life moves quickly and brings with it unavoidable stress. This often leads to sleepless nights and heightened anxiety, both of which can impact your smile as well as your health and mood.

The words “October” and “excitement” naturally bring to mind visions of candy and costumes, but we look forward to this time of year for an even better reason.

When it comes to relatable medical procedures, it is hard to top wisdom teeth removal. Around 85% of the people born with wisdom teeth in the United States have them extracted.

Stress is linked to a variety of health conditions that have both short-term and long-term effects on your life. But can it affect your smile? The answer is simple: yes, it can. We will discuss the dental problems stress causes below.

Healthy teeth and good oral health are critical aspects of everyday life. That’s why when we run into issues such as tooth decay that necessitates a filling, it can be easy to panic and pick the easiest or most affordable option at our disposal.

Despite our best efforts, sometimes life just isn’t easy. This is often due to no fault of our own. It is possible to do all the “right” things and still find yourself struggling with emotions and circumstances that feel frightening and overwhelming.

When you think of getting an x-ray, you might picture something that only happens after you have been injured. While it is true that they help determine broken bones or other potential issues post-accident, x-rays also play an important role in preventative care.

People who are undergoing treatment for cancer often experience a wide variety of side effects all over their bodies. This goes for their mouths as well.

Having sealants applied to your teeth is one of the easiest and least invasive ways to protect them from potential decay. While sealants are most commonly used on children and teenagers, they’re just as effective when applied to the teeth of adults.

Soda is one of America’s favorite vices – up to half of the American population has a sugary drink once a day, and the majority of them choose soda. However, if you’re asking yourself, “should I give up soda?” then the answer should be a resounding yes.

Sending your kids back to school in the fall means a whirlwind of preparation, so teeth might be the last thing on your mind. But oral health is a constant issue, and it’s essential to be aware of it all the time.

Due to the global pandemic, many people spent much of 2020 and the early parts of 2021 in isolation. They saw only a few individuals, and even when they did, they kept six feet between them.

Flossing should be an important part of your oral hygiene routine. Some people do not floss daily, but everyone should. Unlike brushing, flossing once a day before you go to bed is fine.

One of the worst things a teenager or young adult can hear is that they need braces. To many, this immediately brings to mind metal wires, discomfort, and embarrassment.

Have you noticed that your teeth are beginning to show signs of stain, even if you brush regularly? There are a number of different foods and beverages that can stain your teeth.

Keeping your gums healthy is just as important as protecting your teeth and the rest of your mouth. If you have gingivitis or, worse, advanced periodontal disease, your teeth are in danger of becoming loose and falling out.

The benefits of having straight teeth go much further than you may think. In addition to providing you with the confidence of a gorgeous smile, having a properly aligned mouth will benefit your health in several ways.

Choosing a dental insurance plan can be an overwhelming process. There are so many different options to choose from, and knowing your unique needs and financial situation is critical to getting yourself the right plan.

A widespread concern that people have when visiting the dentist, whether it be visiting for the first time or a long-time returning client, is the anxiety of having a painful or unpleasant experience.

Crossroads Family Dentistry: A local family offers your family personalized dental health (BY PATTY TOMSKY SPONSORED FEATURE).

The new science of sleep is here, and it has a lot to teach us. Many of us are now familiar with the importance of a good night’s rest and its role in regulating stress and cardiovascular health, but not everyone knows what habits they need to implement to get that good night’s rest.

If you typically do cardio for exercise, do you know how much you really need? Cardio is a catch-all category that includes everything from walking at a brisk pace to dancing.

At Crossroads Family Dentistry we strive to create an environment that marries excellence with convenience. To that end, we are happy to announce that Arango Orthodontics will be coming to Crossroads twice a month to provide access to orthodontic experts right here in our office!

Gratitude is more than simply giving thanks for the things you have. It can actually affect much more than that. The benefits of expressing gratitude can transform your life in a number of different ways, some of which you may not have expected.

Periodontal disease, most commonly known as gum disease, affects millions of people every day. It’s one of the most common oral health conditions and overall health conditions that people deal with on a regular basis.

Many people, unfortunately, view dental care as optional or, at the very least, not as important as other healthcare. They put off seeing a dentist even when they’re in pain.

Are you seeking a hands-on role where you can genuinely help others to maintain great oral health as part of a healthy lifestyle? Then you may make a great dentist!

When it comes to keeping your pet healthy, their dental care is just as important as their other needs. If you neglect your dog’s dental health, it may lead to periodontal disease and other serious health issues.

It is essential to be aware of the risk factors for oral cancer. A risk factor is something that can increase the chance of someone developing cancer.

Are you thinking about getting dental implants? You may be wondering whether you are a good candidate and if it would be worth the expense.

Periodontitis, also referred to as gum disease, is a serious infection in the gums. Periodontitis can cause severe damage to the soft tissue, and if it is left untreated, it can destroy the bone that is supporting your teeth.

Did you know that there are 221,000 dental hygienists in the United States? We are here to outline what a dental hygienist is, what their role involves, and the advantages of following the career path.

Are you thinking about getting your teeth whitened? There are many options available; however, it can be confusing to know if you could benefit from the procedure.

Dental technology is ever-changing, and it is important to keep up to speed with the latest advancements. It’s essential to be aware of the technology available at your nearest dental office because it could affect which options you can look into when considering dental work.