Spirit Dental Resources

Dry eye is surprisingly common. Basically, it can develop if the quantity or quality of your tears falls short, so your eyes aren’t as lubricated as they should be. Symptoms include discomfort, soreness, burning, stinging, redness, blurry vision, and itchiness, to name a few. So you can imagine how important it is to have this condition properly diagnosed and treated ASAP. While the risk of this condition increases with age, there are several other causes that lead to dry eyes, and we’ve outlined them below. If you have any symptoms or you’ve been diagnosed with dry eye but your treatment isn’t working, be sure to consult with your eye doctor to get the help that you need to feel relief. Cause #1: When Your Eyes Don’t Produce Enough Tears Tears aren’t only around when you cry; they help keep your eyes moist and comfortable all the time. Therefore, your eyes might become dry if your body stops producing an adequate amount of tears. What could cause that to happen? Well, a variety of factors might be at play. Getting older is one, but various medical problems (such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, thyroid disorders, diabetes, a deficiency in vitamin A, and lupus) might also be to blame. Even damage to the tear gland could be another reason why tear production is lacking. Also, if you’re taking medications for other conditions, such as a decongestant, antidepressant, antihistamine, or hormone replacement therapy, dry eye might be a side effect. Note: Women might be more prone to developing this condition, and it might come about as a result of hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or menopause. Cause #2: A Problem with the Composition of Your Tears Your eyes’ tear film has multiple layers consisting of mucus, water, and oil, and they all work together. Because every layer helps keep your eyes moist, an issue with any of the layers might cause the eyes to become dry. Makes sense, right? For example, the oils help provide lubrication, while also preventing excessive evaporation of tears. On the other hand, the mucus layer helps ensure the tears that are produced are spread nicely across the eye. These layers are produced by various glands, including the lacrimal glands and meibomian glands, as well as the goblet cells that are within the conjunctiva. So if there’s a problem in these areas, it may affect the tear film and result in the symptoms of dry eye. Cause #3: Problems with Your Eyelids If you have a condition, such as entropion or ectropion, that doesn’t allow your eyelids to close properly, dry eye might occur. Another condition, known as blepharitis, which is inflammation of the eyelids, might also be to blame. Receiving the appropriate treatment for your eyelids might be all you need to get relief from the dryness that makes your eyes feel uncomfortable, so be sure to consult with a physician for help. Cause #4: Too Much Tear Evaporation An increase in the evaporation of tears is yet another cause of dry eye. This might be the result of the environment that you’re in, particularly if the air is dry, if there’s a lot of smoke, or if it’s windy. Even being on an airplane might cause your eyes to feel dry (fun fact: frequent fliers might be at a greater risk of developing dry eye). Also, if you’re indoors with the ceiling fan on, if you’re using forced air heat, or if the air conditioner is on, you might notice that your eyes feel dry because the lower humidity may lead to increased tear evaporation. It doesn’t stop there: certain activities might even cause you to blink less often, resulting in drier than normal eyes. This can happen when you’re really focused on something, like when you’re reading a book or when you’re working on a mobile device or computer. Just be sure to take breaks to rest your eyes regularly, as doing so might help prevent problems before they start. Talk to Your Doctor to Get to the Bottom of Your Eye Discomfort If your eyes feel dry and uncomfortable, it’s best to talk to your eye doctor, who can figure out what the culprit is. And with the right vision insurance, you don’t have to hesitate to get the advice and treatment that you need right away, so definitely consider checking out the plans that are available. In the end, the solution to this common problem might be something as simple as a lifestyle change, such as using the computer for shorter spans of time, reducing the number of hours that you wear contact lenses, or quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke. Or, if your dry eyes are a side effect of a medication, you might need to switch to a different option. Once you find the right remedy, you’ll feel loads of relief and your eyes will thank you for it. Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-eyes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371863 https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/dryeye-syndrome.htm https://www.nei.nih.gov/health/dryeye/dryeye https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/dry-eye https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-dry-eye https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/eye-health-dry-eyes#1

Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, can develop in any area of your mouth, such as the inside of your cheeks, the roof or floor of your mouth, your tongue or gums, and even your lips. Having an understanding of what may cause mouth cancer is helpful, as you can then take steps to reduce your risk as much as possible. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of some of the main risk factors for this type of cancer. Things You Can Control: Using Tobacco Products and Drinking Alcohol Did you know that the majority of cases of oral cancer are caused by the use of tobacco products like cigarettes, chewing tobacco, pipes, and cigars? Plus, the longer you use these products, the higher the risk becomes. So, if you’ve been unconvinced that you need to quit, maybe this fact will help you make that positive change. Another reason to quit smoking: it’s believed that even secondhand smoke might boost the risk of cancer, including cancers of the head and neck. So, for the sake of your loved ones, it’s best to ditch this unhealthy habit for good. Drinking a lot of alcohol may also boost your risk. Like smoking, the more alcohol you consume, and the more often that you drink, the higher the risk becomes. And if you’re a smoker and a heavy drinker, the risk of oral cancer is even greater. Other Habits That Might Affect Risk: Excessive Sun Exposure and Poor Nutrition Getting too much sun isn’t only bad for your skin; it may even increase your risk of lip cancer. If you have fair skin, or if you work in the great outdoors, you might be even more susceptible, so take extra precautions, such as wearing a lip balm that contains sunscreen, to protect the delicate skin on your lips. Tip: To avoid excessive exposure to UV rays like those from the sun, it’s also a good idea to avoid the use of tanning beds. Eating right might help reduce the odds of developing cancer of the mouth, so go ahead and up your intake of fruits and veggies. Why fruits and vegetables, in particular? Well, there are loads of nutrients in these foods, such as vitamin A and carotenoids, that may help keep oral cancer at bay. Things You Can’t Always Control: Viruses and Other Health Problems Although you might immediately associate the HPV virus with cervical cancer, the truth is that it might boost the risk of cancer in the oral cavity too. More specifically, HPV-16 and HPV-18 could increase your risk. Plus, this virus is often the culprit behind this cancer when it isn’t caused by alcohol or tobacco use. Also, if you’ve been diagnosed with certain health conditions, your risk of oral cancer might be higher. Those conditions include: Lichen planus with ulcers Dyskeratosis congenita Fanconi anemia A weakened immune system Previous cancer diagnosis, such as cancer of the lung, larynx, esophagus, cervix, or oral cavity Side note: Those who are older might be at a greater risk of developing oral cancer (the majority of patients are over the age of 55). Also, it appears that men are more likely than women to develop this cancer. And individuals with a family history of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck might be at risk as well. Yes, Oral Health Plays a Role! You were waiting to see if poor oral health would be on this list, weren’t you? Well, it turns out that those who have poor oral health might indeed be at a greater risk of mouth cancer. Yikes! Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine that includes brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings can help you keep your mouth healthy in more ways than one. In addition to keeping your gums strong and your teeth clean, these simple steps might even help you avoid an oral cancer diagnosis. Whether or not you’re experiencing symptoms like tooth pain or bleeding gums, make appointments to see your dentist. He or she will thoroughly examine your mouth, looking for the earliest signs that something is amiss. In fact, a trip to the dentist might be what detects oral cancer sooner rather than later. Pro tip: Get yourself a high-quality dental insurance, like a Spirit dental plan, that will help cover the cost of those important trips to the dentist. That way, you can receive the care that you need without having to worry about breaking the bank in the process. Oral Cancer: Some Risk Factors Can Be Controlled Although there are certain factors that you can’t control when it comes to oral cancer risk, there are others, such as oral hygiene, diet, and whether or not you smoke and drink, that are within your control. So, consider taking steps daily to maintain the health of your mouth for many years to come. Sources: https://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/oral/risks/?region=on https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mouth-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20350997 https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/oral-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/risk-factors-and-prevention https://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-types/oral-cancer/risk-factors https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/oral-cancer-slideshow

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

Updated 1.11.2021 Consuming apple cider vinegar might be a good idea, as it could help support your health in myriad ways. Some of the benefits that are associated with apple cider vinegar include its ability to fight bacteria, lower blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes, support cardiovascular health, and aid in weight loss. Those are some impressive benefits, right? But think twice before you start taking apple cider vinegar shots. Why shouldn’t you take apple cider vinegar shots? Continue reading for the answer. Beware: It Can Damage the Enamel of Your Teeth! You do your best to keep your teeth and gums healthy by brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly. But if you are taking apple cider vinegar shots because you think that you’re doing something great for your body, what you need to know is that you’re doing some damage to your teeth. Oh no! How could apple cider vinegar be good for so many aspects of your health, but bad for your dental health? Well, it boils down to the acetic acid in it. When your teeth are exposed to acidic apple cider vinegar, damage to the enamel occurs. And you definitely don’t want that! Just how acidic is apple cider vinegar? Well, it has a pH of 2.5 to 3. So, just as it’s best to avoid dousing your teeth with other acidic beverages, like soda, sparkling water, and lemon juice, you should use caution if you plan on drinking this vinegar. The more your chompers are exposed to acidic substances, like vinegar, the more likely it will be that you’ll end up with erosion of the strong enamel that covers the teeth. Over time, the damage might increase your risk of decay and sensitivity. Plus, when your enamel is compromised, your teeth won’t look as white either. Note: Taking apple cider vinegar shots isn’t a good idea because doing so will expose your teeth to the damaging acid. So it goes without saying that you also shouldn’t be using this vinegar as a mouthwash. How to Consume Apple Cider Vinegar While Protecting Your Teeth Good news! You don’t have to miss out on the benefits that apple cider vinegar might provide. To take it safely, consider: Diluting it with water (for example, 2 tablespoons of vinegar can be added to an 8-ounce glass of water) Consuming only small amounts Using it as an ingredient in meals, such as in salad dressings Drinking it through a straw Rinsing your mouth with some water right after drinking it Waiting about 30 minutes or more before brushing your teeth after drinking it Taking apple cider vinegar pills Let Your Dentist Keep a Close Eye on Your Teeth If you choose to consume apple cider vinegar, it’s important to take care of your teeth at home, as well as see your dentist for checkups and cleanings. Your dentist can let you know if the vinegar is doing more harm to your teeth than you realize. Plus, a dental pro can also offer tips on how to protect your enamel, and provide treatments to combat sensitivity. In the end, it is all about balance and strategy when it comes to using apple cider vinegar for your health. You can certainly have your apple cider vinegar without damaging your chompers, provided that you take it correctly. But if you want to be absolutely sure that the vinegar isn’t harming your pearly whites, consider signing up for a dental insurance plan that will make it easy and affordable to see your dentist on a regular basis. Sources: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-proven-health-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/apple-cider-vinegar-side-effects https://whatsgood.vitaminshoppe.com/apple-cider-vinegar-shots/ https://pittsforddentist.com/pde-news/will-apple-cider-vinegar-harm-teeth/ https://www.thehealthy.com/home-remedies/apple-cider-vinegar-erodes-tooth-enamel/ https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/beauty-style/apple-cider-vinegar-ruining-your-teeth

Updated December 2022Chipping your tooth can be traumatic, but you can get it fixed so it looks like it never happened. Just be sure to see your dentist as soon as possible to help reduce the risk of infection and further damage to the tooth. If you're worried about chipped tooth repair costs, Spirit Dental can help.What are some of the procedures that can restore a chipped tooth to its former glory? How much does it cost to fix a chipped tooth? We will answer those questions below and show you how Spirit Dental's low-cost dental insurance plans can keep your out-of-pocket expenses down.Four Treatments for Chipped TeethThere are four main treatments most often used to fix a chipped tooth. The severity and location of the chip will determine the proper course of treatment.1. Bonding or FillingHave a pretty minor chip? Then the good news is that you might be able to have it fixed with some filling, just like a cavity would be fixed. Easy enough! Bonding is also an option in this case. Using a composite resin that’s colored to match your teeth, your dentist can repair a tooth that’s more visible when you smile, such as one of your front teeth.2. VeneersAnother option for a front tooth that’s chipped is covering it with a veneer. This is basically an ultra-strong material that is placed on the surface of the tooth to make it look natural like the chip never happened.3. A CrownIn the event that your chip isn’t so minor, such as if a larger portion of your tooth is broken off, a crown might be necessary. Your dentist would start by filing or grinding the tooth down before adding a permanent crown that will look a lot like a natural tooth.4. Root CanalWhen a chip is so bad that it exposes the inner portion of your tooth, known as the pulp, your chomper becomes especially vulnerable. In this case, your dentist might recommend a root canal, and a crown might also be necessary.How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Chipped Tooth?The cost to fix a chipped tooth will really depend on how much damage your tooth has incurred, and what treatment will be needed to repair it. But, beyond that, costs can also vary widely from one dentist to another.How much will chipped tooth repair cost without insurance? Generally, you might expect to pay the following prices for the various treatments that can fix chipped teeth: Bonding a tooth might cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000, and the total cost might depend on how much work needs to be done on a tooth.A filling might cost anywhere from $90 to $500.A dental veneer might set you back $500 to $1,500.A crown might cost as low as $250 or as high as $3,200, and the price might depend on the type of crown that you get and the location in the mouth where it’s placed.A root canal might be priced anywhere from $500 to $1,000, and it might also depend on the extent of the damage and the location in the mouth where the tooth is located.Your dentist can let you know which treatment would work best to fix your chipped tooth, and he or she can also discuss pricing with you to help you make the best decision for your oral health and your wallet. Of course, a chipped tooth repair cost with insurance will be much less out of pocket.Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost to Fix a Chipped ToothIf you're wondering about the cost to fix a chipped tooth, we have answers for you. We've gathered some of the most common questions we get about chipped tooth cost and answered them for you below. If you have further questions, please read our FAQ page for more information.Does Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of a Chipped Tooth?Yes, Spirit Dental can help you find dental insurance that covers the cost of a chipped tooth. And we understand that if you have an emergency dental situation like a chipped tooth, you can't always wait for coverage. That's why Spirit offers dental insurance with no waiting period. As soon as your application is approved, your dental coverage begins.Can You Sign Up for Dental Insurance Anytime?Yes, you can! You don’t have to wait for Open Enrollment to sign up, so you can sign up  at any time of the year. If you are self-employed, between jobs or retired, you can get affordable dental insurance now.Dental Insurance Can Help Cover Chipped Tooth Repair CostIf the price tag associated with fixing a damaged tooth scares you, consider signing up for one of the many surprisingly affordable dental insurance plans that are available. Our major services dental insurance can help cover the chipped tooth repair cost so that it doesn’t fall completely on your shoulders. What a relief! Get a quote today!The bottom line is this: if you’ve chipped a tooth, it’s wise to call your dentist right away to let him or her know what happened. From there, a thorough examination to assess the extent of the damage will give your dentist a better idea of what the best treatment would be to restore the look and function of your chomper. And when you have the right insurance to back you up, you won’t have to delay in getting the care that you need to keep your smile looking great. Contact us today. Sources:https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/repairing-a-chipped-or-broken-tooth#1https://health.costhelper.com/dental-bonding.htmlhttps://www.dmsmiles.com/blog/broken-tooth-repair-costhttps://www.mykoolsmiles.com/content/how-much-does-it-cost-to-fix-chipped-tooth/

Having a beer every now and then is fine, but what if you end up drinking it more regularly? Is beer bad for your teeth? And how does alcohol affect your oral health? These are all valid questions, and getting the answers is necessary if you’re hoping to improve your diet to better support the strength of your teeth and gums. How Alcohol Affects Your Oral Health Drinking alcohol doesn’t only affect your liver; it can also have a negative impact on the health of your mouth. Here are some of the main ways that alcohol adversely impacts your oral health: It may make you more susceptible to gum disease, or make existing gum disease worse. And the more you drink, the greater the odds of suffering from periodontitis. Because alcohol has a dehydrating effect in the mouth (it causes a slowdown in saliva production), drinking too much of it might also boost the formation of plaque, which can then further irritate the gums. The acid in alcohol can erode the enamel of your teeth, weakening them and making them appear yellow. Beyond that, the alcohol itself can stain your teeth as well, especially if it has a darker color, such as red wine. Drinking too much alcohol may increase your risk of losing your teeth. What’s even scarier than that, though, is that alcohol abuse may even boost your risk of developing oral cancer. Beer: Just Another Alcoholic Beverage That Could Do Damage Drinking even a moderate amount of alcohol may have damaging effects on the teeth and gums. And that includes beer. So, if you thought that beer isn’t as bad as, say, hard liquor or wine, think again. Enamel loss: You want to keep your enamel as strong as possible as you age. This is the tough outer layer of your teeth that forms a protective shield. When your enamel is worn away by acidic foods and drinks, including beer, you might begin noticing that your teeth are more sensitive than they used to be, and your teeth might even become more susceptible to decay. Darker beers, as well as sour beers, tend to be more acidic than lighter beers. Side note: Do you like adding some citrus to your beer, like a bit of orange or lemon? Well, you might want to reconsider. By adding citrus, you’re making the beer even more acidic and, therefore, more damaging to your precious enamel. Teeth stains: If you thought that drinking a beer instead of red wine might get you off the hook when it comes to teeth stains, you might be disappointed to learn that this isn’t true. Remember, beer is acidic, so it can wear away your enamel, and that may make your teeth look more yellow. Also, darker beers, artificially colored beers, and beers that are made with fruit can lead to some serious staining of your teeth. And the more often you drink beer, the more likely it’ll be that you’ll start to notice unsightly brown or yellow stains on your once pearly whites. Good News: You Don’t Have to Give Up Beer Completely! Just because beer, like alcoholic beverages in general, can be damaging to the teeth and gums doesn’t mean you have to give it up entirely. Instead, reducing the amount of beer that you drink can be a good place to start. And when you do drink, take some smart steps to help undo the damage: Alternate between drinking the beer and drinking some water. The water will help rehydrate your mouth, and it may help wash away some of the acid that the beer is exposing your mouth to. In addition to drinking water, you can also try having a mint or some sugar-free gum to help boost the flow of saliva in your mouth when you’re done drinking your beer. Be sure to brush and floss after you drink beer. You might be tempted to hit the sack after unwinding at night with a cold beer, but do your best to stick to your oral hygiene routine to keep your teeth and gums clean. Finally, make it a point to see your dentist on a regular basis for a thorough checkup and professional cleaning. And if you have been drinking a lot, let your dentist know so that he or she can look for signs of damage caused by alcohol. Pro tip: With the right dental insurance, like the plans available from Spirit, you can rest assured that you won’t have to break the bank just to see your dentist throughout the year. Like all things in life, it’s about moderation when it comes to drinking beer. Too much can do quite a bit of damage to your oral health, but being aware of the risks and taking steps to protect your chompers will allow you to enjoy your brew guilt-free. Sources: https://www.perio.org https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-oral-care/alcohol-and-teeth-three-things-to-consider-before-you-drink https://www.cigna.com/individuals-families/health-wellness/alcohol-teeth https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/what-does-alcohol-do-to-your-teeth#teeth https://www.guardiandirect.com/resources/articles/how-does-beer-affect-your-teeth https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/5-myths-about-alcohol-consumption-and-your-oral-health.html https://www.carefreedental.com/resources/24-your-teeth/18-how-does-beer-affect-your-teeth