Spirit Dental Resources

Depression can negatively affect so many aspects of your health, but did you know that it could even adversely impact your teeth and gums? And did you know that, on the flipside, poor oral health might also have an adverse effect on your emotional state as well? Don’t worry, we’ll explain it all below. There’s a Connection Between the Health of Your Mouth and Your Mind Researchers from Deakin University released information that shows there might be a connection between depression and oral health. Put simply, when you’re experiencing problems with your teeth and gums, your odds of feeling depressed might go up. And here’s another interesting point: the worse your dental health, the more severe your depression could be. Who knew?! How does this work, you ask? Well, according to experts, depression falls into the category of inflammatory disorders. This means that inflammation in the body may lead to mental health problems like depression. And it turns out that, yes, poor oral health could actually be a source of inflammation within the body. When the researchers set out to see if there’s a connection between the health of your teeth and the well-being of your mind, they realized that the topic hadn’t yet been investigated very much, so they looked at helpful data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey instead. What they realized was that many participants in the survey who reported feeling depressed also stated that the health of their teeth was merely fair or poor. So it appears that there may be a link between depression and oral health, but experts aren’t yet sure of the exact reason why. Additional research needs to be conducted to discover more and to figure out if it’s possible to prevent or manage depression with the help of good dental care. Feeling Down? Then You Might Be Neglecting Your Oral Care Routine If you’ve ever suffered from depression, you know that it can make you feel extremely unmotivated. You might find yourself no longer focusing on the things that you used to care about, and that includes your own health. So it isn’t really surprising to learn that experts have found a link between depression and a lack of good oral care at home. In other words, individuals who are depressed might be inclined to ignore self-care habits, like daily brushing and flossing, and that could adversely impact the health of teeth and gums. Beyond that, if you’re depressed, you might not feel the need to schedule those necessary appointments with your dentist for checkups and cleanings. This lack of professional dental care can also take its toll.   Here are some other bad habits that may result from depression and put your pearly whites at risk: Poor dietary choices Smoking Alcohol abuse Drug abuse Let’s Not Forget the Effects of Stress! Something else to think about when considering the connection between mental health and oral health: depression can cause stress, along with a rise in the release of a stress hormone known as cortisol. As a result, the immune system could take a hit, possibly boosting the risk of oral problems like gum disease. Stress isn’t pretty; we all know that. But a lot of people aren’t aware of the many ways that it can affect the mouth. As an example, when you’re feeling really frazzled because of anxiety or depression, you might find yourself clenching and grinding your teeth (this is known as bruxism). On top of that, stress and depression may also result in dry mouth, which is associated with a greater risk of tooth decay, mouth infections, and gum disease. Yikes! Side note: Some prescriptions for treating depression may include dry mouth and/or bruxism as a side effect—yet another way that depression and poor oral health might be linked.   Your Dentist Might Be Able to Help! Bottom line: your emotional well-being might have an impact on your oral health, and problems that originate in the mouth may be associated with mental disorders like depression. Fascinating, right? If you’re feeling depressed, don’t be ashamed to talk to your doctor to get some much-needed care. It’s also wise to let your dentist know about it, too. Talk about your symptoms, and tell your dentist if you’re taking any antidepressants so he or she can offer the best tips and treatments to help your mouth be as healthy as possible. And, to make all of this easier on your wallet and reduce the stress that can come with paying for dental visits, consider signing up for an affordable dental insurance plan that suits your needs. Tackling your mental health and oral health might help restore balance and wellness, so it’s important to take care of both body and mind. Here’s to feeling happy on the inside and smiling brightly on the outside! Sources: https://www.deakin.edu.au/about-deakin/media-releases/articles/link-found-between-poor-dental-health-and-depression https://www.dentistryiq.com/dental-hygiene/clinical-hygiene/article/16352136/how-depression-threatens-oral-health-and-other-oralsystemic-links https://bondidental.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Six-Links-Between-Depression-and-Oral-Health@2x.png https://www.deltadental.com/grinmag/us/en/ddins/2017/winter/oral-and-mental-health-connection.html https://www.deltadentalwa.com/blog/entry/2017/10/how-depression-affects-oral-health https://www.healthcommunities.com/index.html https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/overcoming-pain/201001/getting-the-crux-bruxism

Have you noticed that your gums bleed, especially when you brush or floss? If you’ve ever wondered why this happens, you aren’t alone.Although this is a common problem, it’s important to know that the reason for it may be serious, so keep reading to learn about a few of the main causes of bleeding gums, along with what you can do to remedy this oral health issue.Gingivitis: A Big Reason for the Blood on Your ToothbrushThe first stage of gum disease is gingivitis. It leads to inflamed, tender, red, and irritated gums that bleed easily, such as when you brush your teeth.What causes gingivitis? Well, it’s the result of plaque and bacteria building up along the gumline, causing irritation and swelling. Even though you might not have painful or obvious symptoms, if your gums bleed every time brush or floss, it’s time to take action.  The good news is that this is considered mild gum disease, and it’s preventable, treatable, and reversible. Brushing at least twice a day, and flossing at least once a day, is a smart and easy way to remove plaque before it can adversely affect the gums.What you can do:Improving your oral hygiene routine at home and seeing your dentist more often for cleanings can help you stop gingivitis and the bleeding that comes along with it.Interesting fact: Did you know that “pregnancy gingivitis” is a thing? Yep, if you’re pregnant, you might end up with gingivitis even if you’ve never had it before.When Gingivitis Isn’t Treated, It Turns into Terrifying PeriodontitisNot feeling motivated enough to see your dentist to treat gingivitis? Are you assuming it’s a minor problem that you can just deal with? Think again.Left untreated, gingivitis can worsen, leading to periodontitis (a.k.a. periodontal disease). This is a serious problem that ends up damaging more than your gums—it can attack the bone and tissue keeping your teeth in place. Translation: periodontal disease could cause you to lose your teeth. Yikes!Symptoms of periodontitis include gums that are infected, inflamed, and bleed easily. You might also notice that your gums are tender and swollen, and they’re moving away from your teeth. Plus, your teeth might even separate or become loose. Other symptoms include a bad taste in your mouth and halitosis. Scary stuff, indeed.What you can do: It’s time to see your dentist. Treatments for periodontitis include root planing, scaling, and antibiotics. If advanced, dental surgery might be recommended. For these reasons, experts recommend taking steps to prevent this problem before it occurs.Interesting fact: If you smoke, you might be at a greater risk of developing periodontal disease, thanks to the toxins in the smoke. Just one more reason to quit!Another Health Problem Might Be to BlameThere are several health conditions that could make you more susceptible to bleeding gums. These include diabetes, leukemia, Von Willebrand disease, hemophilia, scurvy, and thrombocytopenia.Certain nutritional deficiencies could also lead to oral health problems. If you aren’t getting enough vitamin K or vitamin C, for example, you might notice that your gums bleed easily.What you can do: If your gums bleed and your dentist has difficulty pinpointing the cause, it’s a great idea to talk to your physician to determine if another condition is the culprit. If you’ve been diagnosed with a health problem that may lead to bleeding gums, letting your dentist know is a smart move. To avoid nutritional deficiencies, experts recommend eating a varied diet full of natural foods, and you can also consider taking supplements, if necessary.Interesting fact:Some medications cause your gums to bleed as a side effect. Blood thinners are one example. Other potential offenders include anticonvulsants, immunosuppressants, blood pressure medications, and medicines that cause dry mouth. So be sure to let your dentist know about any medications that you’re taking.When Is It Time to Worry?Sure, bleeding gums might indicate that there’s a more serious problem that needs to be addressed by your dentist or doctor. But there are instances when gums bleed for totally benign reasons, such as:Brushing too aggressivelyUsing a toothbrush that has stiff or abrasive bristlesEstablishing a new flossing routine that your gums aren’t used to yetWearing improperly fitted denturesEating foods that scratch the gumsIn all of these instances, the bleeding should be temporary, so you don’t need to stress—but if you have any doubts, talking to your dentist is your best bet, of course.On the other hand, if you notice that your gums bleed regularly, and there’s always some blood on your floss and/or toothbrush, no matter how gentle you are or how soft the bristles are, you might have one of the conditions discussed above. Making an appointment with your dentist will help you get all of the answers and treatments that you need to heal those delicate gums.Work with Your Dentist to Keep Your Gums Healthy!One of the simplest ways to avoid bleeding gums is by following a strict oral hygiene routine that includes brushing, flossing, rinsing with mouthwash, and seeing your dentist for checkups. And if you have the right dental insurance, you’ll never have to miss an appointment or a professional cleaning ever again, so you can take the right steps to keep those gums clean and strong for many years to come.Sources:https://www.thehealthy.com/dental/bleeding-gums-causes/https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/gum-disease/5-causes-of-bleeding-gums-you-should-knowhttps://www.webmd.com/oral-health/bleeding-gums-other-conditions#1https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354479https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003062.htm

Stained teeth are unattractive, so it’s no surprise that there are so many whitening products and techniques available today. Whether you want to take a DIY approach at home or you prefer to leave it up to the pros at your dentist’s office, whitening your teeth to the perfect shade is possible. To help you discover more about what your options are, we’ve compiled a list of the latest teeth whitening trends. Check them out below. Let’s Start with Some Stats Before we dive into all of the whitening methods out there, let’s take a look at a few interesting stats about this area of dentistry: The teeth whitening industry is a big one. Annual sales of whitening toothpastes around the world add up to around $3.2 billion. Plus, people spend a whopping $11 billion annually on whitening procedures and products. And the whitening market is expected to continue growing. Wow! In case you were wondering, professional whitening delivers better results. While 82.5% of patients stated that they saw a noticeable improvement in the color of their teeth after a professional treatment, 63.8% of people noticed improvements when they used an at-home whitening product. There are several reasons to take white teeth pretty seriously. You could be around 58% more likely to land a job after you’ve had your teeth brightened. Really! And nearly 100% of people (99.7%, to be exact) feel that an attractive smile is a social asset. Popular At-Home Whitening Trends Want to get a whiter smile in the comfort of home? You aren’t alone. Some people just don’t like being in the dentist’s chair, even if it’s for a cosmetic procedure, while others may want to try a more affordable option first. Whatever your reasoning is, there are a few trends that you can consider. Not all of these are created equal, though. Sticking with Whitening Strips, Gels, Trays, and Toothpastes When it comes to whitening products that you can use safely at home, you can choose from strips, gels, trays, and various toothpastes. Because so many of these types of products are readily available in stores and online, and because they’re affordable, you can try more than one to see which option will give you the results that you’re after. Toothpastes designed to whiten your teeth are easiest because you can take steps to brighten your chompers while brushing twice a day, so you don’t need to put any extra effort in. Basically, these toothpastes are designed to help reduce and remove stains on the surface of teeth. The polishing action doesn’t involve harsh bleaching agents, and toothpastes that are approved by the ADA are gentle enough to use daily. With trays, strips, and gels that you can purchase over-the-counter, you get even more brightening power in a shorter amount of time because you’re applying a whitening product right onto your teeth and allowing it to work over the course of several minutes. Using these too often, however, might lead to side effects like sensitivity and irritation, so it’s best to carefully read the label and follow the directions closely for optimal results.   Trying the Au Naturel Route For those interested in whitening their teeth at home without the use of synthetic ingredients, there are some natural tricks that have become trendy. These tactics might require more patience, and you may never really get the same impressive results that you could get from other whitening products. You can try brushing with some baking soda to help your teeth get to a brighter shade. Baking soda is safe to use (in fact, it might already be an ingredient in the toothpaste that you use daily). To create a paste, just mix some water with pure baking soda and then brush your teeth with it. The mild abrasion may help reduce surface stains caused by what you eat and drink daily. Another natural ingredient is hydrogen peroxide. A lot of whitening toothpastes use it to help brighten smiles, so some people like to dilute hydrogen peroxide with water before using it like a mouthwash—just be sure you don’t swallow it! A word of caution: doing this too much and too often may result in sensitivity. Taking an Unconventional Approach Beyond the usual products that you can purchase in stores, there are other whitening trends that have become quite popular lately. Oil pulling, which is an Ayurvedic treatment that claims to be a natural way to detoxify the body and whiten teeth, has become well-known, so a lot of people are giving it a try. Basically, you take a bit of oil, such as coconut oil, and swish it around in your mouth for several minutes. The problem is that there’s no scientific evidence to show that this tactic does anything to whiten your smile. Charcoal products have become a super trend in the world of teeth whitening, claiming that they can help you achieve a brighter smile in no time, and in a natural way. Unfortunately, like oil pulling, there isn’t enough science to prove that using charcoal on your teeth is safe or effective. Experts advise against using such abrasive products because they may cause long-term damage to the enamel—and that could actually make your teeth yellow! So, even though you might see some whitening effects after using charcoal, the short-term boost in brightness isn’t worth the potential damage it’s doing. Using LED Light Kits at Home Dentists use special lights during some professional whitening treatments in order to boost the effectiveness of the whitening gel that they’re using. So, if you come across an LED whitening kit that you can purchase for use at home, you might be tempted to give it a try.   Only using an LED light on your teeth won’t help remove stains; instead, you need a combination of a whitening agent and the light for this strategy to work. However, before trying one of these trendy products, consider that experts have warned that they might discolor fillings and cause discolorations between the teeth. The bleaching agent may even lead to damage from overuse, as well as sensitivity in the teeth and irritation in the gums. Want to Stick with the Pros? Some people don’t even want to waste their time with at-home products, especially when they want to dramatically whiten their teeth. This is where your dentist can help! Professional teeth whitening services use higher concentrations of ingredients that can brighten your smile quickly and safely. In addition to seeing your dentist for whitening treatments, though, you can help keep stains at bay simply by making regular appointments for checkups and cleanings.   Achieving and Maintaining a White Smile Is Easier Than Ever! Whether you opt to whiten your teeth at home or at the dentist’s office is entirely up to you. If you’re going to take the DIY approach, however, experts highly recommend sticking with products that are ADA approved for safety and effectiveness. Other than using at-home products or making an appointment for a professional whitening treatment, brushing and flossing twice a day is a wise way to keep your chompers sparkling and healthy, so don’t neglect your oral hygiene routine. Sources: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/blogs/trends-teeth-whitening/# https://benefitsbridge.unitedconcordia.com/which-teeth-whitening-trends-are-actually-worth-considering/ https://www.wsls.com/news/virginia/roanoke/new-teeth-whitening-trend-may-cause-long-term-damage/ https://www.smilebrilliant.com/articles/does-led-teeth-whitening-work https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/teeth-whitening/led-teeth-whitening-right-for-you https://www.healthline.com/health/hydrogen-peroxide-teeth-whitening#3

To use a water flosser or string floss: that is the question. And it’s an important question because you want to take the right steps daily to keep as much plaque off of your teeth as possible. The right flossing technique can help keep tooth and gum problems at bay, but there are pros and cons associated with using a water flosser vs. string floss. That’s why we’ve broken it all down for you below. String Floss: The Pros As the name implies, string flossing involves the use of a thin string that you gently pass in between all of your teeth. Using a semi-circular motion helps you target the sides of each tooth, as well as the gums, so that you can effectively scrape away damaging plaque, as well as remove small particles of food that you might’ve missed while brushing. Simple enough, right? Another reason why string floss is so popular is because it’s inexpensive. Simply purchase some string floss while you’re grocery shopping! A single package could last quite a while, too, which is definitely a plus. You could purchase floss picks, so you don’t have to worry about cutting enough string and wrapping it around your fingers as you make your way throughout your mouth. Plus, with a floss pick, which consists of a small amount of string on a plastic handle, you might even find it easier to reach your back teeth. There are different types of string floss that you can choose from. For example, waxed floss might be easier to use if regular floss tends to get stuck in between your teeth. Or, you could look for floss that’s specially designed for those with tight teeth. Now, that’s a relief! With some string floss handy, you can floss anytime and anywhere! String Floss: The Cons Flossing with a string might cause bleeding, especially if you’re too aggressive or fast. The more you floss, though, and the gentler that you are, the less likely it might be that your gums bleed. In the event that your gums continue to bleed, or you experience gum sensitivity, despite a consistent brushing and flossing routine, it’s best to consult with your dentist to rule out conditions like gingivitis. Some people find it really difficult to floss in between their back teeth, whether they use regular string floss or a floss pick. That’s a problem! Using the same string between multiple sets of teeth (as would be the case when using a floss pick) might actually lead to the distribution of bacteria or food particles. You definitely don’t want that. It could be difficult to figure out how to hold string floss properly, and that can make flossing more time-consuming or frustrating than it needs to be. Some people never really get the hang of it, and that might even discourage them from flossing at all. Not good! Water Flosser Pros When most people think of flossing, they think of string floss, but there is another option to get the same job done. Also referred to as water picking, water flossing uses an electronic, handheld device that shoots a stream of water with the right amount of pressure. Directing this stream into the areas between your teeth can help remove plaque and food particles just like string floss would. The massaging action of a water flosser might help boost the health of your gums, provided that you use the product correctly and avoid causing irritation. You might find it easier to reach every area of your mouth when you use a water flosser. It may even be a better choice for those have braces, as well as those who have bridgework.   You might discover that you’re able to spend less time water flossing than string flossing. There’s no need to fumble with wrapping string around your fingers while ensuring that you use the right motions to scrape the surfaces of the teeth and gums. Plus, water flossers could be a better choice if you have arthritis. Here’s a big one: when researchers compared water flossing to string flossing, they found that water flossing was more effective at reducing plaque. Experts also determined that water flossing could be more effective at reducing gum bleeding and gingivitis. Wow! Water Flosser Cons Unlike string floss, which is easy to find and inexpensive, water flossers can be pricey. Plus, because there are so many different types of water flossers to choose from, the buying process could become daunting or confusing.    Water flossers come in a range of models, some of which are larger than others and require more storage space in your bathroom. Also, water flossers need to be plugged in or charged up for use. If your flosser uses a rechargeable battery and you forget to charge it, you won’t be able to floss. Yikes! And packing your water flosser when you have to travel might be a hassle as well. You may feel as though you don’t have as much control when using a water flosser, as opposed to string floss, particularly if you’re trying to target a specific area. When using a water flosser, you’ll need to lean over the sink and move the flosser along your teeth, ensuring the stream gets in between them, while allowing the water to flow out of your mouth. It might take a bit of time for you to get used to how the pressure feels, and it might get messy as you learn how to avoid splashing water everywhere. Daily Flossing: You Have Options! Brushing your teeth twice a day is a good start when it comes to removing plaque, but your brush will really only work on the surfaces of your chompers. To get to the areas in between your pearly whites, flossing is a must. Your dentist or dental hygienist can teach you how to do it right. And the best part is that it only takes a couple of minutes to floss your whole mouth, so you can easily do it once or twice a day as part of your oral hygiene routine. Hopefully, this guide has given you some insight into the advantages and disadvantages of the types of flossing tools available. You might decide to try string flossing before purchasing a more expensive water flosser to see if you like it better. Ultimately, though, your dentist will be able to tell you whether or not your flossing is on point, and he or she can also help you choose the right tool for your particular oral health needs. So don’t forget to schedule those dental checkups! Sources: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315992 https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml https://www.deltadentalwa.com/blog/entry/2018/06/floss-vs-water-flosser https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/dental-floss/faq-20058112 https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/waterpik-vs-flossing#takeaway https://www.oglf.org/waterpik-vs-flossing/

If you’re pregnant, you might wonder if it’s safe to receive oral health care from your dental hygienist and dentist. Should you stick to your appointments for checkups and cleanings? Is there an increased risk of developing certain oral health problems while pregnant? And is it a good idea to receive more advanced dental treatments while you’re expecting? These are all valid questions, so we’ve compiled a few dental care during pregnancy guidelines to outline what steps you can take to keep your mouth, and your growing baby, healthy until your due date. Don’t Neglect Dental Care While Pregnant! According to the American Dental Association, pregnant women can safely receive oral health care. That includes dental x-rays and local anesthesia. Hooray! Plus, you can even receive emergency dental treatments (think: root canals, restorations, and extractions) while pregnant. Tip: Have your dentist and obstetrician work together to help ensure any treatments that you receive will be safe. Note: Some women make it a point to see the dentist during their second trimester, as it might be uncomfortable to be on your back for an extended period of time during the third trimester. Your dentist might even recommend postponing non-emergency procedures until you’ve reached your second trimester, or until after you’ve given birth, depending on where you are in your pregnancy when the oral health problems are diagnosed.   Pregnancy Means Your Risk for Certain Conditions Might Increase While pregnant, your body is going through a lot of changes—you are growing a baby inside of your belly, after all! Unfortunately, those changes may come with an increased risk of certain oral health problems, which include: Gingivitis – hormonal changes throughout pregnancy may actually boost your risk of gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). Left untreated, it could progress to periodontitis (gum disease), which may increase your odds of having a premature baby or an underweight baby. Yikes! Tip: if you develop gum disease while pregnant, your dentist can safely perform scaling and root planing, so you can treat it right away. That’s a relief! Enamel erosion – morning sickness, and the vomiting that comes along with it, may lead to erosion. Tip: if you vomit, it’s best to wait before brushing your teeth. In the meantime, simply mix a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water. Use this mixture as a mouth rinse to neutralize damaging stomach acid. Pregnancy tumors – the term sounds frightening, no doubt, but pregnancy tumors are caused by hormonal changes that lead to the development of a benign growth on your gums. No need to worry! Cavities – your risk of developing a cavity while pregnant may increase if you’re snacking more often because of cravings, if you aren’t following your usual oral hygiene routine, or if you have dry mouth, as a few examples. Steps You Can Take to Keep Your Mouth Healthy Before and During Pregnancy Are you planning on getting pregnant? Well, there are some steps that you can take right away to maintain your oral health until your baby is born. First off, set an appointment so that your dental hygienist can clean your teeth. Then, your dentist can check your teeth and gums. If there are any problems that need to be treated, no matter how minimal or advanced they might be, you can get it all done before you become pregnant so you won’t have to worry later on. After getting pregnant, let your dentist know. Even though routine and urgent care can be provided during any month of your pregnancy, your dentist might advise postponing elective procedures (cosmetic procedures or teeth whitening, for example) until after you’ve had your baby. Letting your dentist know about any medications and supplements that you’re taking is also a wise move. Beyond seeing your dentist as you normally would, maintaining your oral hygiene routine at home is important while pregnant, even though you might feel really tired. Tip: if you’re experiencing morning sickness that’s making it hard for you to brush your teeth, try a bland-tasting toothpaste.    Finally, focus on your diet. Sure, you might have cravings for sugary treats, but it’s best to stick with healthy options, like fresh fruit. Eating too many sweets may increase your odds of developing cavities. And did you know that a baby’s teeth start forming roughly three months into your pregnancy? Consuming nutrient-rich foods may help support your little one’s bones, gums, and teeth. Just another reason to eat right! Happy Mouth, Happy Baby! Taking care of yourself while pregnant can help ensure that you’ll deliver a healthy, happy baby. Experts recommend staying on track with your dental appointments, while also brushing, flossing, and eating a nutritious diet daily. With the right dental insurance plan, you won’t have to skip a beat when it comes to keeping your teeth and gums clean and strong before, during, and after pregnancy. And that’s good news because, once your baby is in your arms, you’ll want to take loads of pictures while sporting the biggest smile! Sources: https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/pregnancy https://www.healthline.com/health/pyogenic-granuloma#location https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gingivitis-periodontal-disease https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-care-pregnancy#1 https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/is-it-safe/dental-work-and-pregnancy-1185/

Dental fillings are super common, yet a lot of people aren’t entirely clear on what fillings are made of, how fillings are placed in the teeth, and when they can be used to fix a tooth. Want to learn more about dental fillings so that you can be better prepared the next time you see your dentist to have your cavities filled? We’ve outlined the ins and outs of fillings below. When Are Dental Fillings Recommended? When you head to the dentist for a checkup, he or she will examine your teeth and take x-rays to look for signs of decay and damage. If you’re diagnosed with a cavity, if a tooth is cracked or broken, or if there are indications that your teeth are worn down, a dental filling can be used to salvage the tooth and restore its strength. What Are the Different Types of Dental Fillings? There are several different materials that can be used to successfully fill in any areas of decay within a tooth. Your dentist can discuss the pros and cons of each option with you so that you can choose the one you’d prefer. Composite fillings are popular because they can match the natural color of the rest of a tooth, allowing them to blend in without being noticeable. These fillings will bond to the structure of your tooth, and they can be used on worn teeth, as well as teeth that are broken or chipped. Despite these advantages, however, composite fillings might degrade more quickly than amalgam fillings would. They might also be pricier than amalgam fillings. Amalgam fillings have been around longer than composite fillings. These are strong and durable, so they’re typically longer lasting, and they might be more affordable than composite fillings as well. Also known as silver fillings, these won’t be as aesthetically pleasing, though, because they won’t match the color of your teeth. They may also be more prone to fractures and cracks, and because they contain mercury, they can release low amounts of mercury vapor as well, so that’s definitely something to think about. Ceramic fillings are typically made of porcelain that can match the color of natural teeth. This material can be more resistant to getting stained over time, too, when compared to composite fillings. Nice! The main disadvantage is the price, as these fillings can be expensive. Glass ionomer fillings are a mix of glass and acrylic and are often chosen when fillings need to be placed below the gum line. What’s interesting about these fillings is that they release fluoride to further help protect a tooth from decay. How neat is that?! It’s important to note, however, that glass ionomer fillings can be more vulnerable to wearing down and fracturing, as the material is weaker than other options. Gold fillings are a type of metal filling, and they’re more expensive than silver amalgam fillings. Also, they’ll be obvious when placed in your teeth (but some people like the look of gold in their chompers). A major perk is that they’ll be more durable and stronger than other materials, such as composite fillings. How Are Dental Fillings Placed? You might be nervous about having your teeth filled, especially if it’s your first time going through it, but rest assured that this is a very common procedure that dentists perform every day. In fact, once you’re finished, you might realize that it wasn’t as bad as you had imagined it would be. Note: if you’re too stressed and anxious and you can’t seem to calm yourself down no matter how hard you try, talk to your dentist about sedation options that can help you relax while you're getting your cavities filled. Ahh, that’s better.   To help you prepare for what’s ahead, we’ve outlined the basic steps that are involved when a dentist places a filling in a tooth: You’ll receive a local anesthetic to thoroughly numb the area that will be worked on so you won’t feel anything. Using a special drill, your dentist will remove all of the decay within the tooth so that only healthy tooth is left behind. Fun fact: other tools, such as air abrasion instruments and lasers, can now be used in place of a traditional drill to get the job done. After all of the decay is gone, your dentist will start to create the ideal shape for the filling, and this shaping procedure will depend upon the type of filling that you’re going to get. If necessary, your dentist might also apply a liner or base in order to protect the pulp of the tooth. Some filling materials need to be hardened using a special light, so your dentist might apply a layer of the filling, stop, use the light to harden it, and then continue on with this process in order to ensure that the filling is nice and strong. After the filling is in place, your dentist will ensure that your bite is correct, and will polish the filling to remove sharp edges. Once everything is perfect, you’ll be free to go! What Can You Expect After You’ve Gotten Fillings? Shortly after your filling is complete, you can expect that the anesthetic will wear off and you’ll regain sensation in your mouth. Your dentist will give you instructions regarding how long you should wait before chewing on the side of your mouth where a filling was placed. Something to be aware of: sensitivity may occur after a tooth is filled. You might find that cold or sweet foods and drinks, pressure, or air cause sensitivity, and this tends to be more common with composite fillings. If you experience sensitivity, tell your dentist. You might be advised to wait it out, as the sensitivity could hang around for a couple of weeks. If it doesn’t go away, though, it might be caused by a filling that’s too high and needs to be adjusted, or there might be another problem that needs to be addressed to bring you relief. Unfortunately, dental fillings won’t last forever. Depending upon the material that was used, a filling could last for many years without causing any problems, but be aware that it might fall out, crack, leak, or simply become worn out over time. On top of that, fillings might even be damaged by clenching and grinding your teeth. By simply visiting your dentist regularly for checkups, you’ll be able to stay on top of your fillings and have them replaced as soon as they need to be.   Are Dental Fillings Expensive? The price of dental fillings will depend on several factors, such as the material that's used. Thankfully, dental insurance can help bring out-of-pocket costs down so you don’t have to break the bank to fix your teeth. Plus, with the right policy, such as those offered by Spirit, you can get three cleanings per year so you can take an additional step towards keeping those pearly whites cavity-free. See? Dental fillings are pretty straightforward and nothing to fear! Your dentist will guide you through the entire process so you can make the best decisions for your teeth, and you can rest easy knowing that fillings are a great way to restore—and, therefore, save—a tooth that’s showing signs of decay. Sources: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/fillings   https://crest.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/cavities-tooth-decay/cavity-fillings-what-to-expect-types-problems https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-fillings#1