Spirit Dental Resources

Updated April 2023 When you think of orthodontics, if you’re like most people, images of braces and modern invisible aligners, like Invisalign, come to mind. But beyond straightening your teeth to give you a beautiful, perfect smile, orthodontics can also provide a host of health benefits.   Teeth that are aligned are easier to keep clean and healthy Did you know that, when your teeth are aligned, they are easier to clean with brushing and flossing? It’s true!    How’s that possible? Well, plaque can have more places to hide when your teeth aren’t straight. And because of misalignment, your toothbrush may not be able to reach the surfaces of all of your chompers to clean them thoroughly.    So, if you hope to reduce your risk of developing cavities and gum disease, and your teeth aren’t as straight as they should be, it’s worth having a consultation with an orthodontist.    Side note: Reducing the odds of developing tooth decay and gum problems can help you also reduce the amount of money that you’d need to spend at the dentist. Fewer cavities means fewer fillings, which can certainly add up!     A properly aligned bite and jaw makes a big difference   If the upper and lower teeth are not aligned properly when you close your jaw, you likely have what’s known as malocclusion. And there are different forms of malocclusion, such as an overbite or an underbite.    When the jaw and the bite aren’t aligned, a variety of problems may develop, such as: Excessive wear and tear of the teeth, along with a greater risk of chipping or injuring a tooth Deterioration of the bones supporting your pearly whites Teeth grinding  Temporomandibular joint disorder (known as TMD or TMJ) Difficulty biting and chewing food Difficulty speaking properly Headaches, migraines, sinus problems, and sleep problems like sleep apnea Increased strain on the muscles and joints of the jaw, which might even lead to neck and shoulder tension That’s a lot. Who knew an improperly aligned jaw could have such an impact on your health?!   Extra perk: If you have too much space between your teeth, an orthodontist might recommend using braces or aligners to close those gaps. This might help eliminate the need for other remedies, such as dental implants or bridges, to get rid of the gaps.    A straight smile gives you more confidence   In addition to all of the various physical benefits that come with orthodontics, there are also plenty of ways that a straight smile can help you mentally and emotionally as well.    For a lot of people, having a perfect smile provides a huge boost to their self-esteem. If you are the type of person who is reluctant to smile wide when taking photos, or you are embarrassed when you open your mouth to laugh, braces might be exactly what you need to overcome these difficulties and gain the confidence that you want.    Worried about affording orthodontics? Insurance can help!   As you can see, orthodontic care is about much more than just giving you a smile you’ll be proud to show off. But even if you are ready to take advantage of the many health benefits of orthodontics, you might start to feel a little reluctant when you realize how much this treatment can cost.    There’s no denying that orthodontics can be expensive. High-quality braces and invisible aligners typically need to be used over a long stretch of time, and the longer you need braces to work on straightening your teeth and fixing your bite, the pricier the overall treatment can become. But there’s a simple solution.    To make orthodontics more affordable for yourself or your kids, enroll in an orthodontic insurance plan, such as one offered by Spirit Dental, that will provide this particular type of coverage. Remember, not all dental policies will cover orthodontics, so you do need to shop with care and read the fine print before signing up to be sure you know what you’re getting. The time and effort will be worth it, though. Once you have this type of insurance, you won’t need to worry about paying for everything out-of-pocket, and that’s a massive help!   Sources: https://www.drbibby.com/lasting-benefits-of-orthodontics https://starorthopedo.com/health-benefits-of-orthodontic-treatment/ https://www.aaoinfo.org/_/why-you-should-get-orthodontic-treatment/ https://www.aaoinfo.org/blog/why-do-straight-teeth-matter/ https://www.orthodonticslimited.com/orthodontists/9-ways-orthodontist-can-improve-health/

Back-to-school season is here again! In addition to buying your kids’ school supplies, you’re probably already busy setting up your family’s schedule as you transition back into the school year. But are you also thinking about healthy lunch ideas for your kids? After all, the right foods can help protect their teeth and gums, no matter their age, so this is a wise step to take in addition to ensuring your kids see the dentist regularly. What are some of the healthiest lunch ideas that your kids are sure to love? The list below can help you give your children the nutrition they need to concentrate in class and keep their smiles bright for those school pictures. A Few Suggestions for Lunchtime and Snack Time Certain foods help scrub the teeth clean, so they’re definitely a smart choice when you’re packing lunch and snacks. Other foods contain vital nutrients that support oral health from the inside, so they’re also fabulous choices. The following foods can be healthy additions to your child’s diet, as they all promote strong teeth and gums. Fruits and Vegetables Fresh fruits and veggies that are crunchy (think: apples, carrots, and celery) require quite a bit of chewing, so they could scrub your child’s teeth, thus helping to keep them cleaner. Celery, in particular, even has a texture that can mimic floss. These foods also contain a lot of fiber, along with high amounts of water, to further help cleanse the teeth. Pretty neat, right? Another reason to feed your kids more fruits and vegetables, whether raw or cooked: they’re high in nutrients that can help maintain oral health. Take green leafy vegetables (like kale and spinach) and broccoli, for example. Rich in vitamins and minerals, such as folic acid and calcium, these foods may naturally help your family keep their teeth and gums nice and strong. How can you add more fruits and vegetables to your kids’ school lunches? In addition to giving your kids some fruit, like pears and melons, to enjoy as a snack or as a side to their lunch, you can also add veggies and fruits like tomatoes, bell peppers, green beans, avocado, cucumbers, and leafy greens to sandwiches, wraps, pasta, chili, soup, and rice. Seeds and Nuts Seeds and nuts might be small, but they pack a powerful nutritional punch that can promote health, including oral health, in a variety of ways. For example, cashews, almonds, and peanuts are high in calcium and phosphorus, which support the enamel, particularly after it’s attacked by acidic foods and drinks. Need more reasons to add these ingredients to your child’s lunch? Seeds and nuts are also a great source of nutrients, like good fats, that may help protect teeth against harmful bacteria. Plus, seeds like sunflower seeds provide nutrients like folic acid that may help keep the gums healthy. Wow, that’s a lot of benefits! How can you add more nuts and seeds to your kids’ school lunches? There are a lot of nut butters and seed butters that you can add to tasty sandwiches. You can also create yummy snacks, like celery sticks that are coated in a nut butter and sunflower seeds. Or you can simply make a trail mix using various nuts and seeds, along with coconut flakes for extra flavor. Dairy Products If your children eat dairy, there are a variety of foods that you can add to their lunch menu. For example, cheese, milk, and yogurt are good sources of calcium and phosphorus, which can help support your child’s enamel. And yogurt boasts probiotics that might help combat harmful bacteria that would lead to tooth and gum problems (it’s best to stick with yogurt that’s low in sugar or sugar-free). What’s interesting about cheese is that certain types, such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, and Swiss, may help the mouth produce more saliva, which can then wash away food particles that would otherwise sit on the teeth. Plus, cheese and milk may also help reduce the level of acidity in the mouth, further protecting the teeth. How can you add some dairy to your kids’ school lunches? Consider giving your child some yogurt with fresh fruit, or add some cheese to a wrap or sandwich. You can also pack some milk, along with water, that your child can drink with their lunch. And you can even combine cheese and fruit, such as cheddar and apples, so your child can reap the many benefits of these different foods. What if your child doesn’t eat dairy? No worries! The same nutrients that are found in dairy can be derived from a wide range of other delicious foods instead. Combining Ingredients into Irresistible Lunches! Using the tips above, you can create nutritious lunches that are packed with flavor and will support your kids’ oral health. Plus, these are foods that can fill your child’s belly so hunger won’t get in the way of learning. Need more tips on how to feed your children for optimal oral health? Talk to a dentist! He or she can examine their teeth and gums, as well as discuss what you can do at home to keep their pearly whites strong and beautiful. Sources: https://www.unitypoint.org/livewell/article.aspx?id=1bbcf46c-2d97-4195-8e7c-c2c6a42662c8 https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/nutrition-childs-teeth#1 https://www.parents.com/health/dental/smile-savers/ https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/nutrition-and-oral-health/smart-snacks-for-healthy-teeth

Watching your baby’s first teeth come in is really exciting—and totally adorable. But what order should you expect them to erupt in? And when should you expect to see those small pearly whites show up, anyway? Oh, and how will you know if your little one’s teeth are growing on time? These are all common questions asked by parents, so we’ve created a handy baby teething timeline below that you can use to prepare yourself for what’s ahead. A quick note: Before we dive in, just keep in mind that this is a general timeline, so your baby’s teeth might come in a little earlier or a little later than what we’ve listed. If you have any questions about your child’s dental health, it’s always best to consult with your pediatrician or your child’s dentist. Child’s Dental Timeline 6-10 Months The first two teeth to emerge are the lower central incisors, a.k.a. the two front teeth on the bottom. You might notice that these teeth start to emerge around the same time as one another, so your baby might have a cute little pair of chompers before his or her first birthday. 8-12 Months When your baby is anywhere from 8 months to a year old, the upper central incisors will show themselves. These are the two top teeth in the front of your baby’s mouth, so they will perfectly complement the two on the bottom. 9-13 Months Next up are the two teeth on either side of the two front teeth on the top. These are known as the lateral incisors. So your baby will now have four lovely little teeth on the top and two on the bottom. 10-16 Months The lower lateral incisors, the ones opposite to those that just emerged on top, will now begin emerging, giving your child four teeth on top and four on the bottom. Looking cuter than ever! 13-19 Months Did you think the upper or lower canines were next? Think again! It’s the upper first molars that will appear anywhere from 13 to 19 months of age. They’re basically the molars that are next to the canines on the top row of teeth. 14-18 Months Before long, your baby will be sporting those lower first molars, making it easier than ever to chew! 16-22 Months Those canines we mentioned above might show up as early as 16 months, or later, around 22 months. So that little gap that was there will be filled in nicely, first on the top. 17-23 Months Now it’s time for those lower canines to make themselves known, filling in that gap on the bottom row of teeth and creating an even more beautiful smile every time your baby giggles. 23-31 Months You might think that more upper teeth are next, but the lower second molars actually come in around 23 months to 31 months of age. They’ll be in the back of your baby’s mouth. 25-33 Months Finally, the second molars on the top come in, completing your baby’s 20 chompers. Usually, by the time children are three years old, they will have all of their teeth. Is Your Baby Teething? Remember, your baby’s teeth might come in on a slightly different schedule than the one discussed above. In fact, you might notice the first tooth emerging as early as four months, or it might be closer to a year before your baby’s first teeth break through the gums. Totally fine, and totally normal, so no need to worry! Before you actually see a tooth breaking through, however, your child might begin exhibiting teething symptoms, and this could start around the time that your baby is just three to four months old. What are some of the symptoms of teething that would alert you to the fact that those pearly whites are getting ready to come out? Your baby might start putting various things into his or her mouth to chew on them. That’s because the chewing might help relieve the discomfort. This may be an appropriate time to introduce a teething ring. Your baby might start drooling a lot. This might even lead to a rash around his or her mouth. Your baby may end up with a low fever (under 101°F) associated with teething. Your baby might be fussier than usual because of the pain that comes with teething. You could try gently rubbing your baby’s gums with your finger, or introduce a cold teething ring to provide relief. Those Tiny Teeth Require Diligent Care! Your child’s teeth might be small, and temporary, but they do require good care to keep them strong, healthy, and cavity-free. Plus, as your toddler grows, you’ll want to teach him or her about the importance of brushing and flushing, so starting early is highly recommended. And, by the time your baby is one year old, you can even take a trip to the dentist to have your child’s mouth checked by a pro. All of these smart steps will add up to help your baby’s chompers grow in perfectly. Sources: https://www.babycenter.com/health/teething-and-tooth-care/baby-teething-timeline_10355502 https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/e/eruption-charts https://www.orajel.com/en/Resource-Center/Teething-Relief/Teething-Chart-See-When-Your-Babys-Teeth-Will-Come-In https://www.tylenol.com/children-infants/teething/teething-timeline https://www.pampers.com/en-us/baby/teething/article/teething-symptoms-for-babies https://www.parents.com/baby/health/baby-teeth/baby-teething-timeline/

Good habits start early, so teaching your kids how to properly care for their teeth and gums will help ensure they’ll be able to maintain a healthy smile long into adulthood. Because February is National Children's Dental Health Month, it’s the perfect opportunity to spend some time showing your kids how important oral hygiene really is.Baby Teeth Need Brushing Too!Did you know that kids who end up getting cavities in their baby teeth could be more susceptible to getting cavities in their adult teeth? That’s why it’s a great idea to get your kids used to seeing the dentist for checkups while they’re still young and still have their baby teeth. In fact, you can start taking your child to the dentist by his or her first birthday.Also, because baby teeth could become damaged in all of the same ways that adult teeth can, you can teach your kids the same oral hygiene habits that you implement for your own teeth daily. This includes not only brushing and flossing every morning and night but also eating right. Your kids’ health will benefit in more ways than one when they reduce their consumption of starchy foods and sugary beverages.The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing a baby’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste as soon as the teeth emerge. It’s best to just use a dab of toothpaste that’s roughly the size of a grain of rice. Yep, that tiny amount is all you really need for your small son or daughter, as you don’t want your child swallowing any of the toothpaste.Once your child is at least three years old and has learned how to brush without swallowing the toothpaste, you can start using a pea-sized amount. And when your child has enough teeth, you can start a flossing routine to get him or her acquainted with what it feels like to remove debris from between the teeth.A lot of kids won’t be ready to brush their own teeth well enough until they’re around eight years old. Up to that point, you can let your child brush his or her teeth, but be there to give a second brushing to ensure the job was done right.When Brushing Is Boring, It’s Time to Make It Fun!It’s one thing to brush and floss your child’s teeth, but it’s another thing to get kids to follow a daily routine on their own. Here are a few tips to help you motivate your children to take their oral hygiene seriously:Go shopping with your child, and let him or her choose a kid-friendly toothpaste and toothbrush. You might be surprised by how excited your child becomes when he or she is able to use a toothbrush with a fun design that showcases a favorite cartoon character, along with toothpaste that comes in a yummy flavor (a lot of kids won’t be fond of strong flavors like mint). Your child can also pick out handheld flossers, as these will be easier to use and they also come in fun designs.Download kid-friendly apps onto your child’s tablet. Choose apps that are amusing, engaging, and geared towards teaching kids how much fun it can be to brush and floss your teeth every day.    Motivate your children with rewards by keeping a chart handy to track every time they brush and floss. Add a sticker to each task that’s completed, and set up goals that your kids can meet in order to win a special treat or prize.Because kids like to emulate their parents, you can also make brushing a family routine every morning and night. Set a time each night that isn’t too late, as the last thing you want is for your child to be too tired to brush.Checkups and Cleanings = Happy TeethHaving the right dental insurance will allow your child to see the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. A family insurance plan from Spirit automatically covers your kids, so you can rest easy, knowing that everything from basic services to orthodontics are covered, and you even get dental insurance for major services!Young children develop routines that they’ll continue following as they grow, so take advantage of every chance to teach them how to maintain a clean and healthy mouth. They’ll thank you once they get older and have a sparkling smile to show off. *See plan for coverage details. Varies by plan.Sources:https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/kids-oral-carehttps://www.ada.org/en/press-room/news-releases/2014-archive/february/ada-uses-fluoride-toothpastehttps://www.kidsdentalonline.com/dental-topics/tips-safety/motivating-child-brush-teeth/https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/kids-oral-care/how-to-encourage-oral-health-care-for-kidshttps://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-health-for-kids?page=2

Baby teeth: they serve a much more important role than you think. Sure, they’ll all fall out or have to be pulled out at one point, but there is a need. Baby teeth start growing before birth and serve a huge role in our lives as we get older. Regardless of age, baby or adult, teeth help us chew and talk. Those little chompers can have quite an impact, so we’ve provided you with a list of ten facts, stats, and tips that might even amaze mothers with grown children! Typically, all 20 baby teeth will arrive within the first three years. Teeth help with speech when learning to talk. The first tooth can push through the gums as early as six months of age. Baby teeth provide spacing for permanent teeth as well as act as a location guide for when they grow in. When do they lose their baby teeth? Molars and canines aren’t usually lost until ages nine through thirteen while incisors are the first to go between ages six and eight. Toddlers and infants can get tooth decay from being exposed to liquids that contain sugar. It’s called, “Baby Bottle Tooth Decay.” Parents should start cleaning their babies’ teeth within the first few weeks. Use a moist washcloth or gauze to rub the gums. teeth help babies/small children chew which also has an effect on digestion. The first dentist visit should come after the first tooth starts to show or right before the first birthday. “Babies that were exclusively breastfed for six months were 72% less likely to have crooked teeth.“ - A June 2015 study from Pediatrics.* If you’re looking for a family dental insurance plan to help provide yearly cleanings and coverage on major events, you can request a quote here. Resources: *https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/Breastfeeding https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids

Updated July 2021 Although a lot of people think of bacteria or sugary food as causes of cavities in children, there’s something else to consider: stress. That’s right, stress might contribute to the development of tooth decay in kids.  Keep reading to learn more so you can be armed with important information that could help you reduce your child’s odds of needing fillings.  Stress, Cortisol, and Tooth Decay: Oh No! After tracking more than 100 children for two years, researchers found that almost half of them had developed tooth decay that was linked to high amounts of cortisol (a.k.a. the stress hormone) and high amounts of bacteria that lead to decay. But it didn’t stop there—household income below the poverty line was a third factor that the experts felt contributed to tooth decay. The more decay a child had, the more bacteria was found in their mouth, and the more cortisol was detected in their saliva. The researchers concluded that children living in poverty and experiencing higher amounts of stress might be more susceptible to cavities.  Stress Might Also Affect a Child’s Enamel When experts examined the baby teeth that children lost as they grew, they discovered another interesting connection between stress and oral health: kids who have more cortisol in their saliva appear to be at a greater risk of having enamel that’s softer and thinner than it should be.  Enamel is the outer, protective layer of teeth. Once it’s worn away, you can’t get it back, so it’s best to take steps to prevent the loss of enamel in the first place. But how does this relate to kids? Well, the enamel forms before the teeth erupt. So, if a child is experiencing high amounts of stress, or a chronic level of stress, cortisol will likely be high. As a result, the enamel that should be nice and hard could end up being thin and vulnerable to damage and decay.    Other Ways That Stress Can Take Its Toll on Oral Health Tooth decay and thin enamel aren’t the only problems that are possible when a child experiences a lot of stress.  Sometimes, stress can cause a child to clench or grind their teeth. This might occur during the day or at night while they’re sleeping. And when this happens, a kid’s chompers might experience wear and tear, and their jaw might even be affected too. Not good! Thankfully, just talking to a dentist is a great way to work on tackling this problem before it creates even bigger issues.  When stressed, a child’s mouth might produce less saliva, and this may put the teeth and gums at risk of problems like decay and infections. Dry mouth is a condition that needs to be addressed because saliva helps protect the teeth and gums by doing things like lubricating tissues, washing away food particles, and fighting bacteria and acid. Once again, a dentist can help! Finally, children who are stressed might neglect their at-home oral hygiene routine, and they might turn to eating a lot of comfort foods, such as sugary treats, to try to make themselves feel better. Both of these habits can lead to a higher risk of decay and gum disease.  Parents: Consider Your Child’s Stress Level As a parent, you want to do your very best to ensure your little one will grow up strong and healthy, and this includes having a healthy mouth. Now that you know more about some of the adverse effects of stress on a child, you can go beyond basic oral hygiene by taking steps to help your son or daughter feel more at ease and less frazzled.  Are you concerned about being able to afford costly trips to the dentist to help your whole family maintain a beautiful smile? Don’t be! There are many affordable dental insurance plans that you can take advantage of, and they can help you save money when your children need checkups, cleanings, and treatments. Browse the options offered by Spirit to get started today!        Sources: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/kids-oral-care/stress-in-children-and-the-oral-health-affects https://completesmiledental.com.au/childhood-stress-found-to-cause-thinner-tooth-enamel-formation/ https://www.nature.com/articles/bdjteam2015123 https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/saliva https://www.deltadental.com/us/en/protect-my-smile/basics/oral-anatomy/the-importance-of-saliva.html