Spirit Dental Blog

What is the connection between orthodontics and sleeping problems, particularly in children? Well, in some cases, orthodontic appliances can be used to treat the cause of a child’s sleep troubles. It’s true! Check out the information below to see what we mean.   Has Your Child Been Diagnosed with Sleep Apnea? If sleep apnea is the cause of your child’s inability to get a restful night’s sleep, it’s important to search for solutions. And it turns out that one of the treatment options you can consider is orthodontics. Of course, this will depend on what is causing the sleep apnea, and how severe it is. But if the culprit is a problem with the dental arch or the alignment of the teeth or jaw, the right orthodontic care might make a difference. Who knew, right?  Here’s an example: if your child’s mouth is still developing, and he or she has been diagnosed with a palate that is too narrow, an orthodontist might recommend a palatal expander. This is designed to widen the palate and help boost the amount of airflow to make it easier for your little one to breathe properly while asleep.  On the other hand, if your child’s mouth is no longer growing, orthodontic appliances, such as a mandibular advancement splint, might be able to properly position his or her jaw while asleep, thereby helping to improve the way your son or daughter breathes.  Talk to an orthodontist to figure out if this is a path that you can take to help your child get some much-needed relief when dealing with sleep apnea. With the right strategy, you might even be able to correct problems so that your child won’t have to deal with sleep apnea anymore.  Other Ways That Orthodontics Might Be Able to Help In addition to sleep apnea, there are other issues that may arise while your child sleeps, and orthodontics might be a possible solution to those as well. Here are some examples: If your little one clenches and grinds their teeth at night (this is known as bruxism), a dental professional might recommend a night guard to protect those pearly whites.   If your son or daughter breathes more through the mouth than the nose, it might be difficult to sleep well at night. When the cause is something like a misalignment of the bite, teeth, or jaw, orthodontics might be the right solution.    If your child is diagnosed with temporomandibular joint disorder (also known as TMD or TMJ), and it’s caused by a problem with his or her bite, the right orthodontic care may help.    Worried About Affording Orthodontics? Consider Dental Insurance! If you don’t already have dental insurance that covers orthodontics for kids, don’t worry! There are plenty of options available, such as those offered by Spirit Dental & Vision. You can search for a plan that will provide you with the coverage you need to afford pricey treatments more easily, and you might be surprised by how affordable the insurance itself can be. That way, if your child ever needs orthodontics for any reason, you can focus more on ensuring your little one will get the necessary treatment to reap the benefits of a healthy smile and healthy sleep.

Having a cold sore can be really embarrassing. Unfortunately, there’s no cure, so if you have contracted the virus that causes these sores, they’ll continue to come and go. The good news, however, is that there are remedies you can use in order to shorten healing time and relieve discomfort.  Natural Remedies That Are Worth Trying  When it comes to natural remedies for cold sores, consider trying the following to see if they help soothe your symptoms. Gently applying a cold compress to the sore might be helpful if you’re experiencing swelling and pain. By numbing the area, you may be able to get temporary relief.   Getting enough lysine through diet and supplementation might hinder the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores. You can also find creams that contain lysine if you want to apply it to a cold sore to see if that helps with healing.   Taking vitamin C and vitamin E supplements may be beneficial. Vitamin E might help an existing sore heal, while vitamin C may work on inactivating the herpes virus.   Various ointments, creams, and balms might also be worth a try. Here are several examples: Aloe vera gel, which boasts anti-inflammatory properties, might help you fight the virus, and it may provide soothing relief while supporting healing.   A cream that contains sage and rhubarb might help heal your cold sore faster.   An ointment that contains propolis, which is synthetic beeswax, might help shorten the time that you have a cold sore.   Kanuka honey may be as effective as medication, and you can easily apply it topically.   Diluted tea tree oil or peppermint oil are options that might help heal your cold sore in a shorter amount of time. Tea tree oil boasts antiviral and antiseptic properties, while peppermint oil might help get in the way of the herpes virus.   Lemon balm extract may be beneficial if you want to ensure efficient healing of your cold sore. It boasts antiviral properties, and it might help with reducing inflammation.   Over-the-Counter and Prescription Remedies   In addition to natural solutions, there are also products that you can buy over the counter or get with a prescription from your doctor. Below are a few options to consider: A well-known remedy is Abreva, which can be purchased without a prescription. It’s easy to apply, and it contains ingredients that may help shorten the amount of time it takes to get rid of the sore, especially if you use it as soon as you notice symptoms.   Creams that contain pain-relieving ingredients, such as benzocaine and lidocaine, may make having a cold sore more tolerable. Or, you might try taking pain-relieving pills, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, instead.   Your doctor might prescribe antiviral medications that help your body fight the herpes virus. These may also help decrease the amount of time it takes to heal. Examples include Denavir, Zovirax, Famvir, and Valtrex.   A Laser Treatment Offered by Dentists   Some dentists offer a laser treatment that might help stop a cold sore before it appears, provided that you get the treatment in time, such as when you start to feel the tingling that often precedes an outbreak. But what if you already have a sore? A laser treatment might still be an option when it comes to drying it up and disinfecting it, reducing inflammation and pain, and speeding up healing.  To see if this type of treatment would be right for you, just consult with a dentist that offers it.   Can You See the Dentist for an Appointment When You Have a Cold Sore? If you have a cold sore, is it safe to see the dentist, or should you reschedule your appointment? Well, this will depend on your dentist, as well as the type of dental treatment you need.  Simply call your dentist’s office to ask them how to proceed. Your dentist might not want to risk it if your cold sore is contagious, and might advise that you hold off on treatment if it’s possible to do so.  Also, keep in mind that undergoing dental treatments when you have a cold sore might cause it to become irritated or painful, and it might crack or bleed as well. You don’t want that to happen, especially if your goal is to reduce healing time! Be Patient When You Have a Cold Sore It might take longer than a week for a cold sore to go away, so do your best to be as patient as possible. And it may take some trial and error to figure out which of the solutions above will work for you. However, it’ll be worth the effort if it means your cold sore will heal more quickly! Sources: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/cold-sores-at-home-care#1 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-sore/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371023 https://www.abreva.com/managing-lip-health/dealing-with-cold-sores/truth-about-cold-sore-remedies/ https://www.abreva.com/managing-lip-health/cold-sore-triggers/dentist-visit/ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/cold-sores-treatment https://www.dentistry.com/topics/cold-sores/ https://www.dentalhealth.org/cold-sores https://www.aetnadentaloffers.com/dental-health/going-to-the-dentist-with-a-cold-sore https://www.biolase.com/blog/relief-cold-sore-sufferers/ https://www.daydentalcare.com/treatments/laser-cold-sore-treatment/ https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/by_the_way_doctor_does_lysine_prevent_cold_sores https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/qa/can-aloe-vera-gel-treat-cold-sores https://www.uhs.wisc.edu/medical/cold-sores/  

What you eat can affect your whole body, including your pearly whites. So, if you want to strengthen your teeth, and keep them strong for years to come, it’s wise to improve your diet by adding plenty of foods that contain nutrients that are great for your chompers.  What are some of the foods to focus on when you want to eat in a way that will help you impress your dentist at your next checkup? We’ve got you covered with a handy list to help you get started.   Calcium-Rich Foods Eating more calcium-rich foods is a smart move when you want to maintain the strength of your teeth. Dairy products like milk, cheese, and plain yogurt, which boast calcium and protein, are some good choices.  If you don’t eat dairy, or you just want more variety in your diet, you can also get calcium from other sources, such as almonds, calcium-fortified tofu or plant-based milks, and leafy greens like spinach or kale.  Foods That Are Sources of Vitamin C and Phosphorus You’re probably already aware that vitamin C can help support your immune system, but did you know that it can also help when it comes to maintaining the strength of your pearly whites? This important vitamin can support the health of your gums, and it’s easy to get from a wide range of foods, from spinach and broccoli, to tomatoes and citrus fruits.  Phosphorus is a mineral that can help support strong teeth, too, and you can get it from a variety of foods as well. Examples include seafood, dairy, and lean meats, as well as whole grains, soy, lentils, beans, seeds, and nuts.  Crunchy Fruits and Veggies Satisfy your craving for something sweet by enjoying fresh fruits, such as apples, that have a crunchy texture that can help clean your teeth. And when you want a healthy snack, you can also dig into some raw vegetables, like carrots and celery, that will cause your mouth to produce more saliva while you chew.  Because of the texture of raw fruits and veggies, and the fact that they promote saliva production because they require quite a bit of chewing, you’ll be enjoying foods that naturally help cleanse teeth and gums. Plus, when you eat fresh fruits and vegetables, you’re also getting many vitamins and minerals that promote the health of your whole mouth.  Don’t Forget About Tooth-Friendly Beverages! It should come as no surprise that sugary beverages are a big no-no when it comes to keeping your teeth and gums in tip-top shape. But if you get bored with plain water, you can switch things up with some green tea or black tea. These may help fight bacteria and plaque, thanks to their antioxidants and polyphenols.   A Delicious Diet Can Help You Keep Your Teeth Looking Great! Following a healthy diet can help you keep your teeth and gums strong, clean, and healthy. But don’t forget that it’s also super important to follow a consistent brushing and flossing routine at home, and to make regular trips to the dentist for checkups and professional cleanings. After all, you won’t know how well your diet is working until your dentist examines your mouth and takes some X-rays to look for cavities.  Worried about being able to afford dental appointments? To be sure you can get all of the care you need, and all of the advice you need when it comes to eating right for your teeth and gums, sign up for a Spirit Dental plan that’ll have your back and help you save money!  Sources: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/nutrition-and-oral-health/healthy-foods-list-seven-best-foods-for-your-teeth https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=1&contentid=4062 https://www.eatright.org/food/vitamins-and-supplements/nutrient-rich-foods/healthy-nutrition-for-healthy-teeth https://www.listerine.com/cavities-strong-teeth/foods-strong-teeth https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-high-in-phosphorus https://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=117434&page=1  

If you’ve been told that you need to undergo gum surgery, you might be a little nervous—or very nervous—about what’s ahead. But, by having an understanding of what happens during this procedure, and what to expect after it, you can feel a bit more at ease. So, to give you a general overview of what’s involved in gum surgery, we’ve compiled some helpful information below.  When Is Gum Surgery Necessary? Typically, gum surgery might be required to treat gum disease when other, less invasive treatments haven’t worked or the disease has already progressed too far for other treatments to be effective.  Your dentist might recommend seeing a periodontist for gum surgery if gum disease has become so severe that tissues and bones around the gums have been impacted, or if the gums have separated from your teeth, leaving behind pockets where infections can develop.  It’s important to receive the appropriate treatments, such as scaling and root planing, as well as surgery, to restore the health of your gums. Without healthy gums, you risk losing your teeth!  There Are Different Types of Gum Surgery The type of gum surgery that you’ll need will depend on factors like how far the gum disease has progressed. Here is a list of some of the common procedures that your periodontist might prescribe: Flap Surgery – If you’ve developed deep pockets with plaque, tartar, and bacteria, the periodontist may recommend flap surgery, which is also known as pocket reduction. Basically, the surgeon will create an incision to lift your gums and deeply clean underneath them, as well as smooth the bone if needed. Then, to ensure your gums will no longer have pockets, they’ll be stitched so they can properly cover your teeth.  Bone or Tissue Graft – If the gum disease has advanced to the point that the bone around a tooth’s root has become damaged, a bone graft might be needed to add new bone to the area so you can reduce the risk of losing the tooth. On the other hand, if your gums are receding, your periodontist might use a tissue graft to replace tissue that’s been lost, and to cover a tooth’s roots if they’ve been exposed because of gum loss.   Guided Tissue Regeneration – If gum disease has caused the bone that supports a tooth to become severely damaged or destroyed, you might need a procedure known as regeneration. Your periodontist will start by folding back the gums and cleaning out any bacteria. Then, tissue-stimulating proteins, membranes, or a bone graft will be set in place to help ensure the gums won’t grow where there should be bone. The area is allowed to heal so that tissue and bone can regrow properly.  How to Prepare for, and Recover from, Gum Surgery Your periodontist will give you instructions on any steps you need to take before the procedure. Then, he or she might use a local anesthetic so you don’t feel anything during the gum surgery, or you might be partially or completely sedated. This helps ensure you’ll be comfortable from start to finish.  Once the procedure is complete, you’ll receive instructions on how to have a smooth recovery. You may also be given a prescription for pain medication to take at home while you heal. And, if you received stitches, your periodontist will also advise you on when to have them removed.  Keep in mind, too, that you might be required to eat only soft foods after you’ve undergone gum surgery. An antiseptic mouthwash may also be prescribed. Just be sure to follow your periodontist’s instructions closely to reduce the odds of complications while your mouth heals.  At follow-up appointments, your periodontist will examine your mouth to ensure everything is healing well. During these exams, discuss any symptoms you’re experiencing, such as increased sensitivity, to be sure everything is normal and you don’t need additional care.     After your mouth has totally healed, your teeth and gums should look and feel better than they did before the procedure. At that point, it’s up to you to follow a strict oral hygiene routine at home, and to continue receiving professional level care. Doing so may help you avoid developing the same gum issues in the future.  Make Gum Surgery More Affordable with the Right Dental Insurance! Gum surgery can certainly be stressful, not only on your mind, but also on your wallet. To help ease your fears about out-of-pocket costs, consider enrolling in a high-quality, reliable dental insurance plan like one of the many options offered by Spirit Dental.  With the right coverage, you’ll be able to afford gum treatments so you can maintain a healthy mouth and strong teeth. And you also won’t ever need to miss out on professional cleanings (you can get three cleanings per year with Spirit!), which can also help keep gingivitis and gum disease at bay.   Sources: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321168#types-of-surgery https://oralb.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/gums/gum-surgery-types-what-to-expect https://www.periojackson.com/periodontal-care/flap-procedure https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw146255 https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/qa/what-is-guided-tissue-regeneration-for-gum-disease-treatment https://sdperio.com/gum-surgery-explained/ https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-regenerative-procedure  

Is it safe to go through with a dental procedure if you’re taking blood thinners for any reason? After all, certain treatments, such as extractions and gum surgery, as well as cleanings, can lead to bleeding. What if you’re taking a blood thinner and it’s hard to stop the bleeding? That’s a frightening scenario! To learn more, check out the info below. With a better understanding of the effects of blood thinners on dental care, you’ll know what to expect.  Weighing the Risks: Should You Change the Way You Take Your Medicine? Your dentist will weigh the risks based on the type of blood thinner your doctor has prescribed. For example, if you’re taking an anticoagulant like warfarin or apixaban, or you need to take an antiplatelet like aspirin or clopidogrel, you may not need to change anything about your routine prior to undergoing a dental treatment. That’s because the risks of not taking these medications as prescribed are likely to be greater than bleeding that might occur from the dental procedure.  Also, if your dentist determines that bleeding can be controlled rather easily, he or she will probably tell you that it’s fine to continue taking your medications as you normally would.  On the other hand, if you’ve been diagnosed with other health problems that boost the odds of excessive bleeding, the risk might be too high. And the risk might also be too great if you’re taking other medications that can increase bleeding. In these cases, your dentist might want to talk to your doctor about what steps need to be taken to keep you safe while working on making your teeth and gums as strong as possible.  In the end, it all depends on various factors, such as: The medications that you’re taking Any other conditions that you’ve been diagnosed with The risk of bleeding associated with the procedure you need  No matter what, your dentist should work with your doctor to determine if you need to change anything about the way you take your medications, even if it means just altering the timing of your doses to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding.  Always Let the Dentist Know About Your Blood Thinners! It’s important to let your dentist  know if you’re taking any medications, including any type of blood thinner, and if you’ve ever experienced complications from taking your prescriptions.  In addition to disclosing the medicine you take, it’s also wise to let him or her know about your medical history. That way, he or she can take your overall health into consideration too. Plus, this information can shed more light on why you need to take blood thinners, and if you need to take them for a short span of time or if you need them for the long run.   With the help of all of these details, your dentist can tell you how to proceed if you’re planning on having your teeth cleaned or you need any type of treatment, from fillings and root canals to extractions and implant surgery, that can cause bleeding.  If you do need to change anything about the way you take your blood thinner, your dentist and doctor might recommend: Not taking the medicine before the procedure Changing the type of blood thinner you’re taking Changing the dose that you’re taking Changing the time of day that you take your dose Don’t Stop Using a Medication Unless You’re Told to Do So The good news is that you may not need to change a thing if you’re taking blood thinners and need a dental treatment. In fact, stopping use of the medication might be far more risky, especially since your dentist can use various strategies to stop any bleeding that occurs. For example, socket packing, pressure, and stitches might all be used to keep everything under control.  Ultimately, every patient is unique, so your dentist can work with your doctor to figure out the benefits versus the risks of taking blood thinners before an oral health procedure. The key is to be upfront about your health so your dentist has all of the info necessary to give you the right advice on how to proceed.    Sources: https://www.aaom.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp%3Bview=article&amp%3Bid=126:blood-thinners-and-dental-care&amp%3Bcatid=22:patient-condition-information&amp%3BItemid=120 https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/anticoagulant-antiplatelet-medications-and-dental-