Spirit Dental Blog

Have you noticed that you’re having trouble hearing? This can be incredibly frustrating, and it can get in the way of your ability to enjoy life. But there’s no need to live with hearing loss. Seeing a doctor can help you pinpoint the cause, and you might also discover that getting a hearing aid is the simple solution to hearing better.  There are different types of hearing aids available, so you might be wondering how you can go about selecting the one that’s right for you. We’re here to help with the brief guide below.  What are the different types of hearing aids? To be able to choose the right hearing aid, you first need to have a basic understanding of the various options a doctor might recommend based on the type of hearing loss you’ve experienced. And the great news is you can find a hearing aid that’s so small no one will even know you’re wearing it! Think about how large you want a hearing aid to be, and how you’d like it to fit on or in your ear. This can help you narrow down your options. Just keep in mind that your doctor will be able to confirm whether a specific type of hearing aid will be able to improve your ability to hear, as different products may be designed for different types and levels of hearing loss.  Here are some of the main types of hearing aids to consider: Behind the Ear (BTE) hearing aid – Part of this hearing aid sits behind the ear and another part of it sits in the ear canal. The Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) hearing aid has similar features. This design might be a good choice if you don’t want it to be obvious to others that you’re wearing a hearing aid. Open-fit hearing aid – This hearing aid is less obvious, and it’s similar to the BTE type. It doesn’t cover the ear canal, so it helps you hear certain frequencies that you have trouble with, while allowing others to be heard naturally. In the Ear (ITE) hearing aid – This type of hearing aid sits inside your ear canal. Some of these are more obvious than others, depending on their size and how deeply into the ear canal they sit. Examples include Completely in the Canal (CIC) and In the Canal (ITC) models.  A high-tech hearing aid can make life easier Modern advancements have made hearing aids better than ever. Today, you can talk to your doctor about various hearing aids, but you can also discuss myriad features that make them even more effective and easier to use. One feature you might want to consider is a rechargeable battery. Rather than having to worry about tiny batteries that you’d need to change regularly, you can go with a hearing aid that you can recharge over and over again. Super convenient! Bluetooth technology built into a hearing aid can be a fun feature you might want to take advantage of. With this tech, you can connect your hearing aid to a mobile device or computer so you can enjoy entertainment and phone calls.   The most important things are comfort and effectiveness! No matter which type of hearing aid you go with, and regardless of how advanced it is, what you really want is for it to be effective and comfortable.  Even though you might be concerned about how visible a hearing aid will be, it’s wise to focus more on finding the product that will improve your hearing without any feedback. Your doctor can help you select a hearing aid that fits perfectly and is simple for you to set in place and use daily. It might take some trial and error, but once you start using the right hearing aid, you may never want to go back to life without it!       Sources: https://www.drugs.com/cg/how-to-choose-a-hearing-aid.html https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/in-depth/hearing-aids/art-20044116 https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2021/choosing-a-hearing-aid.html https://newtonhearing.com/2019/04/16/what-is-an-open-fit-hearing-aid/ https://ilovehearing.com/2020/03/23/hearing-aid-styles-explained/ http://www.srinivasentclinic.com/hearingaids.html  

Although dental problems might become more of an issue when you’re older, it’s important to know that children can also be impacted by oral health ailments. By being aware of the risks, you can take steps to help your kids maintain strong teeth and gums.  What are some of the common dental problems that kids might develop? Below is a short list of a few things to watch out for as your little one grows.  Cavities are common in kids The CDC has stated that around 20% of kids between the ages of 5 and 11 have at least one tooth with decay that hasn’t been treated. And if the decay is left to progress, a child might end up with an infection, in addition to tooth pain and trouble chewing. Just like you can work toward preventing cavities in your own teeth, you can help your child keep their teeth healthy and strong by instilling good habits like daily brushing and flossing. In the event that a cavity does develop, your child’s dentist might recommend a filling to restore the strength of the tooth. Or, the dentist might recommend treatments like sealants to help prevent decay before it forms.    Note: Even baby teeth can develop cavities. And if a baby tooth has extensive decay, to the point that the tooth falls out or needs to be extracted long before it would’ve naturally fallen out, nearby teeth might shift, potentially making it harder for the permanent tooth to come in straight. Just another reason to work on preventing cavities!  Gum disease can affect kids, too If your child has bad breath that won’t go away or if their gums bleed, they might have gum disease. While it might be hard to believe that someone so young could end up with this problem, if your little one doesn’t maintain a good oral hygiene routine, plaque can turn into tartar, and the gums can be affected. Also, some kids are more susceptible to gum disease because of various factors, such as their diet, other health problems, or bruxism. The scary thing about gum disease is that it doesn’t just affect the gums and cause them to become inflamed and sore; it can also damage the structures that support teeth and keep them in place. In other words, your child’s teeth might end up falling out if the gum disease isn’t treated with the help of a dentist.  Certain habits might lead to misaligned teeth Sometimes, a child’s teeth don’t grow in straight, or there might not be enough room in the mouth for all of the teeth to be aligned properly. But misaligned teeth might also occur if poor habits develop. For example, if a child continues sucking their thumb once their permanent teeth have started to erupt, it might cause changes to the alignment of the teeth or bite. Other habits that might also result in changes to the bite or teeth alignment are lip sucking and tongue thrusting. So, if your child is exhibiting those habits, talk to your dentist for advice on how to get them to stop before any damage is done.  Get your child used to going to the dentist on a regular basis The sooner you can get your child used to going to the dentist, the better. That way, they can be comfortable with the idea of having their mouth examined, and you’ll be able to catch problems in their earliest stages. Although there are some dental issues that are quite common, rest assured that treatment options are available, and your dentist can steer you in the right direction.  Want to be sure you’ll be able to afford your child’s trips to the dentist and any treatments that might be necessary to ensure their smile will be bright? Check out the family dental plans offered by Spirit, including those that provide coverage for orthodontics, to see how much you could potentially save.          Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/childrens-oral-health/index.html https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/oral-health-problems-children https://www.perio.org/for-patients/gum-disease-information/ https://www.mykoolsmiles.com/content/kids-dental-problems/ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=90&contentid=p01865  

The lens of your eye, which is located behind the iris, is normally clear, allowing for light to pass through so you can see well. But when a cataract forms on the lens, it causes it to become cloudy or foggy, inhibiting the amount of light that can get through. And that results in changes in your vision because your eye isn’t able to focus like it should.  Cataracts are a common problem, and many seniors end up needing surgery to replace the lens and restore vision in one or both eyes. Being aware of the causes may help you take steps to reduce the risk of cataracts, while being familiar with the symptoms can help you recognize the problem if it develops, so we cover both the causes and symptoms of cataracts below.  What can cause cataracts? You might develop a cataract simply as a result of the aging process. Basically, as you get older, the lens changes and the proteins in it break down. As they clump together, those proteins can cause clouding.   These changes to the lens might start when you’re around 40 years old, but you might not notice a problem until years later. That’s right: a cataract can progress over time, making the cloudiness—and your vision—worse.   In addition to being a part of the aging process, there are certain conditions, medications, injuries, and habits that might lead to cataracts or speed up their development. Here are some examples: Diabetes Certain genetic disorders Other eye problems Eye injury (the cataract might even form years after an injury!) Certain medications, such as steroids  Radiation treatment, particularly to the upper part of the body Exposing the eyes to too much sunlight by not wearing sunglasses or hats Drinking a lot of alocohol Smoking What are the symptoms of cataracts? When a cataract is first forming, you might not realize that there’s a problem. Over time, though, as the cataract expands and covers more of the lens, you may start to notice changes in your vision.  Here are some of the ways in which your vision might change because of cataracts: Blurriness Vision that’s described as foggy, hazy, or cloudy Faced colors Difficulty seeing at night Needing more light for doing things like reading Double vision Halos or glare surrounding lights Sensitivity to lights (such as from lamps or sunlight), which might appear brighter than they should The need to change your prescription more often than usual  Your eye doctor can be there to help you see clearly again Keep in mind that cataracts symptoms may come on slowly because this condition typically develops slowly. And it’s important to talk to an eye doctor as soon as you notice changes in your vision so you can figure out if a cataract is to blame.  At first, your eye doctor might recommend changing your prescription to cope with the changes caused by a cataract. But if it gets to the point that you’re finding it really hard to see clearly and do things like drive or read, your doctor might recommend surgery to remove the cataract and prevent further vision loss.  Take great care of your eyes with the help of vision insurance! A last note: the symptoms caused by cataracts might also be associated with other conditions, so it’s critical that you get the right diagnosis and pursue the best treatment to save your vision. Again, don’t hesitate to talk about your symptoms and have your eyes carefully examined by a professional.  If you’re concerned about being able to afford trips to the eye doctor, Spirit is here to help. With the right vision insurance, you can worry less about the cost of eye exams and prescription glasses or contacts, so you won’t need to waste any time when you need to address changes in your vision.          Sources: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8589-cataracts https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353790 https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts/causes-cataract https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/cataracts https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/cataracts.htm

Vitamin C is known for supporting your immune system, but here’s something you might not know about this vital nutrient: it can also support your dental health! That’s right, getting enough vitamin C is a smart move if you want to keep your gums and pearly whites strong. Check out the information below to learn more.  Do Your Gums Bleed? You Might Need More Vitamin C Researchers have found that, in addition to brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly, another important step that may help support the health and strength of your gums is getting enough vitamin C.  What happens if you don’t have enough vitamin C in your blood? Well, you might end up with gum problems. More specifically, you might be at a greater risk of bleeding gums, which is a symptom of gingivitis. In that case, increasing the level of vitamin C in the body might help resolve these issues.  If your gums are bleeding or you are experiencing other gum problems, talk to your dentist, and consider consulting with your physician as well. They can help you determine if you’re deficient in this vitamin, and can also give you advice on how to bring the level up safely, if necessary.   Where Can You Get Vitamin C? Water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C aren’t stored in your body, so you need to get enough of it daily to maintain the right amount of it in your system.   The good news is there are a lot of delicious foods that can provide plenty of vitamin C. Eating a nutritious and balanced diet that consists of various fruits and veggies is a great place to start.  Here are some examples of foods that contain vitamin C: Citrus fruits, such as oranges Carrots Cantaloupe Berries Kiwi Sweet potatoes Spinach Kale Red peppers Broccoli Note: Even though you can also get vitamin C from fruit juice like orange juice, it’s a good idea to enjoy it in moderation because it may be acidic and high in sugar—not good for your chompers! You can also take vitamin C supplements In addition to getting this vitamin from your diet, you can take a high-quality vitamin C supplement. Or, you might decide to take a multivitamin that provides enough of this nutrient. This simple step may help ensure that, no matter what you eat, you’re getting enough of this vitamin on a consistent basis.  How Much Vitamin C Should You Aim to Get Daily?   Experts recommend that adult men get around 90 mg of vitamin C every day. On the other hand, adult women can aim to get around 75 mg each day.   If you want to take a vitamin C supplement to help support your gums, you might consider taking one that provides anywhere from 100-200 mg of vitamin C daily. But the amount you need may depend on various factors. For example, you might need more vitamin C if you’re following a low-carb diet. To figure out just how much is right for you, consult with your doctor for personalized guidance. He or she might check your current level to determine how much you need to get from a supplement. Plus, your doctor can also share valuable tips on how you can improve your diet.    Talk to Your Dentist About Vitamin C If Your Gums Bleed Easily Bleeding gums is a symptom that should be addressed, so don’t hesitate to discuss this problem with your dentist as soon as possible. By figuring out the cause—whether it’s a low level of vitamin C or not—you can receive the right treatment and prevent further damage. Bottom line: brush, floss, and keep an eye out for gum irritation, inflammation, or bleeding. Also, improving and supplementing your diet so you get adequate amounts of vitamin C every day might make a big difference in the health of your teeth and gums.      Sources: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/nutrition-and-oral-health/5-essential-vitamins-for-teeth-and-gum-health https://oralb.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/gums/vitamin-c-calcium-oral-health/ https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/can-increasing-vitamin-c-intake-help-stop-bleeding-gums https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/threats-to-dental-health/how-acidic-drinks-affect-teeth https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/bleeding-gums-you-may-need-more-vitamin-c

If you’ve ever had a canker sore, you know how annoying and painful they can be. But what exactly are they, what causes them, and are there any ways to prevent them? Keep reading to learn all about this common oral health ailment.  What Are Canker Sores? Canker sores are ulcers or lesions that are described as shallow, small, and oval or round. In terms of their color, they’ll typically be white, yellow, or gray, and there’s also some redness surrounding the sore.  These sores develop in the mouth, such as on the inside of the lips or cheeks, at the base of the gums, on the soft palate, and on the tongue. The good news is these sores aren’t contagious, and they generally heal on their own. But while you have them, they can be painful to the point that you have trouble talking or chewing.  Note: Minor canker sores are often small and may heal in a week or two, while major canker sores are bigger and may take several weeks to heal.   What Causes a Canker Sore? Experts aren’t really sure what causes canker sores, but certain things might trigger their development. Here are some examples: Stress Hormonal changes Mouth injury (this might be caused by brushing too hard or by accidentally biting the inside of your cheek, as a couple examples) Acidic or spicy foods, or any foods that you’re sensitive to A lack of adequate zinc, iron, folate, or vitamin B12 Irritation caused by sodium lauryl sulfate, an ingredient commonly found in toothpaste and mouthwash Irritation caused by braces, dentures, or other dental appliances Other interesting things to keep in mind about canker sores: If people in your family get canker sores often, you might too.  Certain conditions, such as IBD and celiac disease, might cause canker sores.  These sores aren’t caused by the herpes virus.  How Can You Treat a Canker Sore? Though they can cause quite a bit of discomfort, you don’t necessarily need to do anything to treat a canker sore, as it usually goes away on its own.  However, if you want to get some relief, you can try over-the-counter products like Orajel. You can also consult your doctor or dentist to discuss options like prescription mouthwashes if you have a large canker sore that’s causing a lot of pain.     In addition to avoiding triggers like acidic foods and beverages that could make the discomfort worse, you can also try rinsing your mouth with a mixture of water and baking soda or water and hydrogen peroxide. And it’s also wise to brush your teeth as gently as possible to avoid further irritation.    Note: If your symptoms are severe, your sore is really big or isn’t healing, you have a lot of sores that keep coming back, or you have other symptoms (e.g. fever), it’s best to talk to your doctor to figure out how to tackle the problem.  Can You Prevent Canker Sores? Here are some simple steps you can take to help prevent the occurrence of unpleasant canker sores: To avoid irritating your mouth, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to thoroughly and gently clean your teeth. And don’t forget to brush and floss daily! Because chewing on gum might cause irritation, avoiding it may be helpful when it comes to preventing canker sores. Test things out to see if you can figure out your triggers. Do you tend to get canker sores after eating a lot of spicy food? Or, you might try switching to products that don’t contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) to see if that’s the irritant you need to avoid. Eat a balanced diet, and take supplements if necessary, to ensure you aren’t deficient in any key nutrients. And practice stress-relieving techniques to keep your mind in a balanced and positive state as well.  Can a Dentist Help If You Have Canker Sores? Yes! Your dentist might be able to give you valuable tips about what to do to treat and prevent canker sores. Also, if your canker sores are caused by a dental appliance that needs to be adjusted, or by one or more teeth that have sharp surfaces, your dentist can fix those problems for you. Just more great reasons to have a high-quality dental plan in place! So, to summarize: you generally don’t need to be too worried about canker sores, but don’t hesitate to see your dentist if they’re causing a lot of pain or aren’t healing properly.  Sources: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10945-canker-sores https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/mouth-sores-and-infections/how-to-prevent-canker-sores https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/canker-sore/symptoms-causes/syc-20370615 https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/how-to-get-rid-of-canker-sores#alum-powder