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Summer Tooth Care Tips

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Summer is coming, and when it does, you may be eating a variety of summer-y foods. Barbecue, corn on the cob and other summer delights may taste good, but they aren’t always great for your teeth! Knowing how to take care of your teeth can help ensure that you can enjoy your summer favorites while also taking care of your pearly whites.

Most important is to remember that your dentist in Rancho Mirage CA can help you take care of your teeth. Keep up with your dental exams at this time of year!

Bring Floss With You To Barbecues

From ribs to corn on the cob, there are a lot of foods that can get stuck between your teeth at barbecues. Bringing floss with you to outdoor summer events ensures that you have some way to get rid of food between your teeth before it starts to break down.

Swish With Water After Eating Staining Foods

Some summer foods are particularly staining on teeth. Some examples of summer foods that are bad for your teeth include barbecue sauce, berries, iced tea and iced coffee, red wine, ketchup and anything else that’s acidic. Drinking water after eating staining foods can clean out your mouth a little until you have time to clean your mouth with toothpaste.

Avoid Chewing Ice

Chewing ice is bad for your teeth, especially if you have braces, crowns or veneers. When your glass of cold iced tea is finished, don’t chew the ice. Instead, fill your glass with some ice water and drink up!

See Your Dentist

You should be seeing your dentist for a dental exam in Rancho Mirago CA every six months. Seeing your dentist can help you keep your teeth clean and can get rid of any bacteria between your teeth. For more information about how you can take care of your teeth this summer, contact Cros Dental to make an appointment.

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What Should You Look For In A Dentist?

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Choosing a dentist in Rancho Mirage CA can be challenging! Knowing what to look for can make the process easier. From a variety of services to good customer relationships, it’s important to find a dentist with many good qualities. When you’re looking for a dentist that will provide quality care, here’s what to watch for.

Variety of Services

The more services you can get from your normal dentist’s office, the better. That’s why it’s important to look for a dentist’s office that offers tooth cleaning in Rancho Mirage CA, cosmetic dentistry, and oral surgery.

At Cros Dental Family, Cosmetic, and Implant Dentistry, we offer all three! If you’re in need of a specific specialized service, you can check our website or give us a call to find out if we offer the services you need.

Good Customer Relationships

It’s easier to be happy with a dentist who knows how to cultivate good customer relationships. There are many ways to determine whether your dentist has these skills. Some suggestions:

  • Call the office. Note how they treat clients over the phone.
  • Talk to the dentist over the phone. Do they make you feel comfortable? Do they thoroughly and accurately answer your questions?

Another way to tell whether a dental office cultivates good customer relationships is to check their client testimonials. At Cros Dental, we’ve posted our client testimonials on the front page of our website.

Reputable Team

It’s important to work with a dental office with a full team of qualified professionals. At Cros Dental, our dental team is made up of three exceptionally qualified dentists. Our clients are in good hands when they get their dental care from us.

Need an appointment for a dental cleaning? Call Cros Dental Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry.

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Why Not Just Let a Tooth Fall Out On Its Own?

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If you’ve been told that you need tooth extraction in Rancho Mirage, CA, you may be wondering if that’s really necessary. After all, children lose teeth all the time, and those teeth jsut naturally fall out by themselves. However, the baby teeth that fall out when adult teeth come in are very different than the adult tooth that you have that needs extraction.

Tooth That is Decayed

For one thing, the probable reason that you need tooth extraction in Rancho Mirage, CA is because there’s something wrong with the tooth. It may be decayed and beyond your dentist’s ability to save. Or, it may be growing in the wrong direction, crowding out abutting teeth or causing other problems in your mouth. None of these are natural conditions like those with the baby teeth of your youth.

It’s Important to Remove Bad Teeth

It’s imperative for your oral health to have a tooth extracted that’s causing harm to your other teeth or gums. Teeth like this need to be removed as soon as possible to minimize damage or to resume dental treatment that will help or save your other teeth. If you allow a decayed tooth to remain until it falls out by itself, it could lead to increased bacterial growth or decay in other, healthy teeth. A tooth that’s growing in wrong could impede the healthy growth of abutting teeth. A tooth that is crowding out other teeth will cause misalignment all over your mouth.

The Longer You Wait, the Worse it Gets

Your dentist wants to extract your tooth that can’t be saved because they are trying to save your other teeth. The longer you wait to have your tooth extracted, the worse your condition will get. This could lead to more invasive, more expensive and more prolonged treatments that could have been avoided.

If your dentist is recommending tooth extraction, just know that this is to save your other teeth. Contact us for more information or to book your appointment now.

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4 Helpful Questions to Ask At Your Next Dental Appointment

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Your visit to the dentist in Rancho Mirage, CA is your opportunity to learn more about how you can take care of your teeth – and what you can do to improve your dental hygiene routine. Knowing which questions to ask your dentist can make the experience more productive. If you’re visiting the dentist soon, here’s what you should ask the dentist when you see each other.

1. How Can I Keep My Teeth White?

Stains on tooth enamel happen over time through natural exposure to various foods and beverages like wine, coffee, barbecue sauce, tomato sauce and more. You don’t have to stop eating your favorite foods or drinking your favorite drinks to keep your teeth white. There are many things your dentist can do to help. Ask your dentist about tooth whitening services in Rancho Mirage.

2. Is My Oral Hygiene Routine Enough?

Sometimes brushing twice per day and flossing once per day isn’t enough. If your teeth are developing problems like plaque buildup, asking about your oral hygiene habits may prompt a discussion about small things you can do to keep your teeth clean and healthy. Your dentist may show you how to brush your teeth more effectively, or how to improve your flossing technique.

3. Are There Any Areas of Concern In My Oral Health?

Your dentist should bring this up with you anyway, but asking about your oral health provides an opening into this very important topic of discussion.

4. When Should I Come Back?

Most people need to visit the dentist twice per year. Ask your dentist when you should return, so you’ll know when to make your next dentist appointment. For more information about how you can take care of your oral hygiene, make your appointment for a general cleaning today.

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Is Using Mouthwash Essential?

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When you engage in a daily oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing, you may think that’s all you need. Although that’s true for the most part, your dentist in Rancho Mirage, CA wants you to know that adding mouthwash into the routine may provide additional benefits. While mouthwash is not necessarily essential, it sometimes is helpful for people who have certain from medical conditions related to their teeth.

Mouthwash May Reduce Bacteria

Regular use of mouthwash can reduce the amount of bacteria inside your mouth, which in turn lessens the amount of dental plaque that forms on your teeth. Also, using mouthwash on a routine basis can help to reduce your chances of developing periodontal disease.

Prescription Mouthwashes

In some instances where people might suffer from certain medical conditions, your Rancho Mirage, CA dentist may prescribe specialized mouthwashes to be used in conjunction with regular brushing and flossing. These mouthwashes contain certain ingredients that can assist with conditions related to dry mouth, periodontal disease, tooth sensitivity and more.

Fresher Breath

If you have chronic bad breath, it’s likely that you have some kind of dental issue going on. In that case, only professional teeth cleaning in Rancho Mirage, CA will help. In the meantime, though, you may benefit from using mouthwash because it will temporarily give fresher breath and a clean taste in your mouth.

ADA-Approved

Finally, if you’re on the fence as to whether or not to add mouthwash to your daily oral hygiene routine, the American Dental Association states that the “use of mouthwash may be a helpful addition for some people.” This, coupled with most dentists choosing to recommend the use of mouthwash during morning and evening brushing sessions, is a strong indicator of just how important mouthwash can be to keeping your teeth and gums in great shape.

To learn more about the benefits of mouthwash, schedule a dental checkup and talk to your dentist.

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Nervous About Visiting the Dentist? # Ways to Overcome Your Fear

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Going to the dentist can be stressful for some people – and for some, going to the dentist can be very hard indeed! If you’re going to the dentist in Rancho Mirage for general cleaning, then it’s important to feel comfortable throughout your visit. The following tips can help you overcome a fear of the dentist.

Choose the Right Dentist

Contact each dentist that you’re considering in advance. Ask them what they do to comfort patients that have a fear of the dentist. Look for a dentist that has proven strategies that help their patients. If you encounter a dentist that can’t tell you how they comfort fearful patients, keep looking for a dental professional.

Work Out Hand Signals

When you’re at the dentist, work out a hand signal to use when you’re uncomfortable and need to take a break. Having a hand signal can make the experience less stressful, and more comfortable. Everybody needs a break sometimes. Work out a hand signal that can make that happen.

Engage in Guided Meditation

Guided meditation can relax your body and calm your breathing just before a visit to the dentist. Engage in a guided meditation at your home before leaving for the dentist. If you’re not familiar with guided meditation, there are many free videos online that can help you.

Listen to Something Relaxing

Bring a set of headphones and a recording of something relaxing to listen to while you’re at the dentist. Some people benefit from listening to a favorite podcast, others enjoy listening to relaxing classical music.

Don’t Put It Off Another Day

Putting off a visit to the dentist can make going even harder. Don’t let that happen to you! Call your dentist to make an appointment for a general tooth cleaning in Rancho Mirage.

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3 Signs Your Tooth Is Infected

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It’s easy to ignore a toothache, especially if it’s mild or you’re used to the pain going away relatively quickly. But while not all tooth pain is serious, what you’re experiencing could be the start of a tooth infection. We’ll look at the major warning signs and when it’s time to call a doctor.

Top 3 Signs of a Tooth Infection

Keep an eye on the following if you’re experiencing any discomfort:

1. Throbbing Pain

Throbbing pain, whether it’s in the tooth, jaw, ear, or even neck, can be a sign of an infection. Pain from an infection is also likely to increase if you’re lying down.

2. Swelling

Your body is trying to fight off the inflammation, which may lead to swelling in the cheeks or lymph nodes. Any visible changes in the body can be a symptom of a progressing infection.

3. Fever

An infection in the mouth can lead to a mild or moderate fever. If you’re experiencing any chills or fatigue, even a slight fever can be a sign of infection.

Please note that people with poor dental hygiene, dry mouth, and a high-sugar diet are more likely to experience tooth infections. It’s important to monitor symptoms of tooth infection, as they’re liable to start off mild. Whether the tooth becomes infected through a cavity or chip, you can’t let the pain go untreated.

When to Call the Dentist

Ideally, you’ll call the dentist as soon as you notice any symptoms. A severe infection can cause anything from difficulty breathing to chest pain to mental confusion, so it’s important to be on the ball from the very beginning. Plus, scheduling a consultation can stave off everything from larger health problems to more intensive treatments in the dentist’s chair.

 

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Does My Dentist Need to Know About My Allergies?

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While you wait for your next dental checkup, you probably have some things you want to discuss, such as whether you have allergies. Common allergies such as hay fever do not affect your visit, but allergies to certain foods can cause problems. It is important that you discuss the possibility of an allergic reaction with your dentist before you go into treatment. If you suffer from allergies, it is always a wise idea to inform your dentist in advance.

Surprising Sources of Allergies

It’s also important to mention that latex, anesthesia and even certain metals that can be used in fillings, brackets or partial dentures may cause allergic reactions. For this reason, make sure you tell your dentist of all allergies you have, even if they seem irrelevant on the surface. Nose, ears and throat are all connected, so if something happens to one area, it is likely to affect the other. For example, if you have a sore throat due to allergies, you are likely to have problems with your oral health. You breathe through your mouth, cavities may form or your allergies leave you with a dry mouth.

Your Dentist is Aware of the Potential For Allergies

You should also know that dentists and doctors are aware that there are several associations between dentistry and allergies. Recognizing these connections and being aware of the underlying allergy is a very important step whenever you are visiting a dentist for the first time. Make sure you talk to your dentist beforehand and discuss any allergies so that he can treat you safely and comfortably during your visit.

Don’t Avoid Dentists Because of Your Allergies

Don’t hesitate to see your dentist in Rancho Mirage on a routine basis just out of fear of an allergic reaction. There are a number of ways to treat patients who have allergies related to dental care. In fact, according to the American Dental Association, there are some people in the Rancho Mirage area and other parts of the country who are allergic to local anesthetic.

Your dentist is well-equipped to handle any kind of allergy you may have. To book your appointment now, please contact us.

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Do I Need a Root Canal?

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Do you know the warning signs that can occur if you need a root canal? Recognizing the signs can help you ensure that you receive

prompt treatment for your problem tooth. Rancho Mirage, CA, dentists Dr. Ray Cros and Dr. Sheri Cros of Cros Dental provide Root canal therapy and other treatments that relieve pain and protect your smile.

Does your tooth hurt?

Pain is always a warning sign, yet we often ignore it, hoping it will subside. While minor aches and pains in your muscles do go away without any treatment, the same isn’t true for dental pain. If you have pain in a tooth, there is something wrong. Ignoring it can lead to a serious dental problem and extensive dental work.

Make an appointment with your Rancho Mirage dentist even if your pain is fairly mild or isn’t constant. You may only need a filling or might require root canal therapy due to an inflammation or infection in your tooth pulp.

Does your pain increase under certain circumstances?

If you have an inflammation or infection, hot or cold foods and beverages may increase pain. Sensitivity can remain heightened for as long as 30 minutes after you drink a glass of ice water or eat a forkful of hot mashed potatoes. Pressure may also worsen pain, which can make eating a particularly unpleasant experience.

Does your tooth or gum look different?

It’s not unusual for your tooth to darken or your gum to swell, redden or hurt if you need root canal therapy. Gum changes should always be examined, as they can be a sign of gum disease, a condition that can lead to tooth loss if it’s not treated.

Is your face swollen, or do you feel sick?

Symptoms can develop quickly if you have a dental abscess. You may wake up in the middle of the night with severe, throbbing pain and notice that your face is swollen in the morning. The bacterial infection can also make you feel awful and cause lymph node swelling. Pus may form around the tooth, or you might notice that a pimple has suddenly appeared on the gum next to the tooth. Abscesses are emergencies and require treatment with antibiotics to prevent the infection from worsening and spreading.

Do you have any of these symptoms? Call Rancho Mirage, CA, dentists Dr. Ray Cros and Dr. Sheri Cros of Cros Dental at (760) 444-3202 to schedule your appointment.

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Reasons for Tooth Extraction

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At Cros Dental we are dedicated to protecting our patients and their smiles, however, in certain situations, the best treatment option may be a tooth extraction. Prior to providing a tooth extraction in Rancho Mirage, your dentist will provide diagnostic testing to determine if it is the best option for your smile. At Cros Dental there are a few common reasons we extract teeth, which include:

Tooth Damage

Have you experienced extensive tooth damage due to decay or even an injury? When a tooth is severely decayed, damaged or even infected it can actually become a serious problem, infecting the tooth root and eventually potentially even causing sepsis (a potentially fatal blood infection). In these situations, tooth extraction may be the smartest choice for your overall oral health.

Wisdom Teeth

At Cros Dental, wisdom teeth are the most common reason we extract teeth in Rancho Mirage. Due to dietary changes throughout history, our jaws are no longer the size required to fit all of our teeth, often resulting in impacted or problematic wisdom teeth. During your consultation at Cros Dental, we will provide diagnostic testing to determine if your wisdom teeth are going to be problematic and let you know whether or not we recommend removing them.

Orthodontics

Although orthodontic treatment involves using braces or other oral appliances to shift and perfect smiles, situations do arise where teeth do not properly fit in the mouth and may need to be removed for the most successful orthodontic outcome.

Baby Teeth

Did you know those baby teeth are an essential part of having a healthy permanent smile? When baby teeth fail to fall out in a timely fashion, your dentist at Cros Dental may recommend extraction for the best outcome later in life.

Schedule Tooth Extractions in Rancho Mirage, CA

Not sure if you are a candidate for a tooth extraction in Rancho Mirage, CA? Contact Cros Dental today to schedule a consultation, we’d be more than happy to fit you into our schedule and determine whether tooth removal in Rancho Mirage is right for you.