Spirit Dental Resources

While seniors often make it a point to get the medical coverage that they need, they sometimes neglect getting the right dental insurance. This could be a problem, as dental care can become more expensive as you get older and your teeth and gums become increasingly susceptible to a range of conditions. Thankfully, there are a lot of options for seniors who are in search of the ideal dental plan to help cover expenses when they see their dentist. Do You Really Need Dental Insurance in Your Golden Years? Yes! Even if you had fabulous teeth and gums in your younger years, there is no guarantee that you won’t develop dental health problems in your golden years. After all, as your body ages, things change. Sad but true. What are some of the common ailments that seniors face when it comes to their oral health? Well, they could include everything from cavities and root decay, to dry mouth and gum disease. But more serious concerns might include tissue inflammation that results from the use of dentures, as well as jawbone problems and an uneven bite. On top of that, seniors could have a greater risk of developing fungal infections, such as thrush, their risk of oral cancer might be higher, and the risk of losing teeth might increase. But what’s especially scary is that, when there are problems in the mouth, they could even lead to other health issues in other parts of the body, too. Yikes! For these reasons, seeing your dentist on a regular basis is really important. Your dentist has the skills to thoroughly examine your mouth and look for signs of decay and disease. And if problems arise, your dentist can provide you with the prompt treatment necessary to restore the health of your mouth, so you’ll be able to continue showing off your smile and chewing your favorite foods without pain or difficulty. Here’s the thing, though: even if you know that seeing your dentist is important, you might not be able to afford checkups, cleanings, and treatments if you’re on a fixed budget after you retire. And that’s where dental insurance could come in really handy! Beware: Medicare Alone Might Not Cut It If you’re thinking, “No big deal, I have Medicare,” think again. Medicare doesn’t actually give you routine dental care coverage. Instead, it will only step in and help when your medical needs and your dental care needs are connected, such as when you need to stay in the hospital. But there’s hope! While Medicare Part A and Part B won’t provide coverage for dental cleanings, exams, and treatments like dentures, bridges, crowns, extractions, plates, and fillings, you could sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan. This type of plan will give you routine dental care benefits, and there are a few of these types of plans that you can choose from, so you could find the one that fits your budget and needs best. This is a good option for some seniors. Many seniors choose to invest in a stand-alone dental insurance option, such as the plans that are offered by Spirit Dental. In this case, you’re purchasing insurance specifically for your dental care needs, so you’ll need to pay a monthly premium in order to enjoy the perks of lower out-of-pocket costs when you visit the dentist. At Spirit, you can choose from affordable plans with or without networks, you can receive coverage for major services like implants, and you can also receive three cleanings per year, all without a waiting period when you sign up. For these reasons, a stand-alone plan might provide you with more of what you need when compared to a Medicare Advantage plan. What About Medicaid or the ACA Marketplace? If you receive Medicaid, which is available to low-income seniors, you still may not be eligible for dental benefits. That’s because those benefits are optional, so states could choose whether or not to include them. And, in the states where dental benefits for seniors are included in Medicaid, the benefits might be different from one year to the next and from one state to the next. What a headache! You might be able to find a medical insurance package that includes dental benefits when you visit the ACA Marketplace at healthcare.gov, but those will likely be few and far between. Beyond that, you might also find stand-alone dental insurance plans on the ACA Marketplace. But, before you get excited, bear in mind that you might only be able to sign up for those plans if you’ve already purchased a medical policy from the Marketplace. Plus, the federal subsidies that you might qualify for when signing up for medical insurance won’t be available for stand-alone dental insurance. So your only hope is if you can access a state-run marketplace that lets you buy a dental plan on its own, without having to get a health insurance plan as well. Frustrating, we know. Achieve Peace of Mind with Stand-Alone Dental Insurance for Seniors! Although the process of getting dental insurance might seem tedious, it isn’t so bad when you’re able to work with a provider like Spirit Dental. A reputable dental insurance provider will give you plenty of affordable choices, so you can find the plan that will fit your budget and give you the assurance that you’ll be able to keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape as you get older.  Sources: https://www.dentalplans.com/affordable-care-act/senior-dentalcare https://www.humana.com/dental-insurance/ways-seniors-medicare-dental-coverage https://medicare.com/coverage/medicare-dental-coverage-for-seniors/ https://www.healthmarkets.com/resources/medicare/dental-coverage-for-seniors-over-65/

Updated August 2021When acting as a caregiver, it’s necessary to recognize the importance of good oral hygiene for overall dental health. Here is a brief guide to the steps you can take to help someone keep their teeth and gums as strong as possible. Brushing and flossing daily Is a mustAs a caregiver, one of the most important things you can do every day is help with brushing and flossing, especially if you are taking care of a senior or a disabled individual who can’t do it all on their own. Before brushing or flossing someone else’s teeth, wash your hands thoroughly and put on a pair of disposable gloves. Always be gentle, let them know what you’re going to do before you do it so they’re prepared, and create a routine so they’ll know what to expect. Brushing tips:You can certainly brush someone’s teeth in the bathroom, but it might be easier to do it in the kitchen or dining room. Having them sit down while you brush their teeth might also make things easier for both of you. No matter what, make sure there’s enough light for you to see into their mouth. And have everything you need within reach (toothbrush and flosser, along with a bowl and glass of water for rinsing).Apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to a soft-bristled toothbrush. Even if you’re using an electric toothbrush, make sure the bristles are soft to ensure it will be gentle on the teeth and gums. Then, use short strokes to clean every surface of each tooth, as well as the tongue.If you’re assisting someone with brushing their teeth on their own, you can help them hold the toothbrush more comfortably by wrapping a Velcro strap around their hand. Or, you can give them a toothbrush with a larger handle that’s easier to hold.If you’re caring for someone who has trouble swallowing, it might be best to brush their teeth without toothpaste, using plain water instead. And if they have trouble rinsing, you can wet some gauze to gently wipe the mouth clean. Flossing tips:Using string floss can be a good way to floss someone’s teeth after brushing. Cut a piece that’s roughly 18” long to ensure you have enough to clean between all of the teeth.If you don’t want to hold the string floss with your fingers, a floss holder might make things easier. Or, you might opt for a water flosser or floss pick. Note: Every brushing and flossing session is an opportunity for you to carefully examine the mouth. Check for sores and growths, signs of tooth decay or gum disease, and other indicators that a trip to the dentist or doctor is needed. What about dentures?If you’re caring for someone who wears dentures, it’s important to take them out of the mouth daily for a thorough cleaning, including brushing and soaking them in a denture cleaning solution. It’s also a great idea to rinse them after meals to keep them as hygienic as possible. And if you ever notice that the dentures are damaged, let the dentist know right away.Be sure to brush and rinse the individual’s palate, gums, tongue, and any natural teeth that remain after the dentures are taken out. If you want to be sure you’re doing everything right, you can certainly talk to a dentist to learn about the best ways to keep dentures and the mouth clean. As a caregiver, be sure to make dental appointments  In addition to brushing and flossing daily, the person you’re caring for should see the dentist on a regular basis, and you can go with them.At each visit, you can talk to the dentist about symptoms that need to be addressed. And you can take care of things like filling out paperwork and submitting insurance information or payments on behalf of the person you’re looking after. Don’t neglect oral hygiene when taking care of someone Some people might need just a little bit of help with keeping their teeth and gums clean at home, while others might need you to do it all for them. Either way, the care you provide is extremely important and appreciated. The key is to make sure the individual is brushing and flossing every day, as well as seeing the dentist often. And, remember, you can always ask a dentist for tips when you aren’t certain about how to get the best results.   Sources:https://www.fairview.org/~/media/D180BD7345CC49AC967D0576E2D379FF.ashxhttps://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(19)30210-7/fulltexthttps://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/adults-over-60/caregivers-guide

When you aren’t feeling well and you want nothing more than to just sleep until you’re all better, the last thing that you’re probably thinking about is getting out of bed and brushing your teeth. Unfortunately, that could mean that your oral health takes an unexpected hit. So, to keep yourself on track, especially if you’ve been working hard to keep your teeth and gums strong, check out the tips below for keeping your teeth and mouth clean while you’re sick. Brush Whenever You Can It might be challenging, especially when you’re really sick with the flu, but brushing your teeth every day will help keep your mouth clean, and it might even help you feel a bit more refreshed. Even if you can’t manage to brush your teeth twice a day, aim to brush at least once a day. Or you might try to just brush after you eat so that you can remove food particles that would otherwise remain in your mouth while you get some extra rest. To remain on course with your flossing routine, consider keeping some floss on your nightstand so that you can reach over and clean in between your teeth even if you’re too tired to get out of bed. Hey, we know it sounds a little weird, but it’s better than not flossing at all, right? If you are way too fatigued to brush your teeth and/or floss, try to at least use an antibacterial mouthwash a few times a day. This could help kill germs and keep your teeth and gums cleaner when you aren’t brushing as often as you normally would. Vomiting? Be Sure to Rinse Your Mouth! A range of illnesses could cause nausea and vomiting, and that means that damaging stomach acid will end up in your mouth and on your teeth. Ugh! You might assume that brushing your teeth right away is a good idea, but think again. It’s actually better to just swish with water and spit after you vomit. That’s because brushing right away could cause you to get all of that nasty acid all over your enamel. And you certainly don’t want that! Want something more refreshing than plain water? You could also swish and spit with diluted mouthwash, or you could mix a teaspoon of baking soda in some water. Either way, the goal is to rinse the acid off your teeth and down the drain where it belongs. Then, wait about 30 minutes before brushing your teeth if you’re feeling up for it. Stick with Sugar-Free Cough Drops and Beverages Cough drops can help you feel better by suppressing your cough or soothing your sore throat when you’re sick, and they could also help increase saliva production to reduce dry mouth. But if you’re going to use cough drops, it’s a great idea to avoid those that contain sugar, so check the label to make sure the ingredients don’t include sugar, corn syrup, or fructose. Otherwise, you might end up using cough drops that could actually contribute to the formation of cavities. Not cool! The same goes for what you drink. Sure, it might be wise to consume sports drinks, which are often recommended to replace lost electrolytes when you’re sick, but have them in moderation if they contain sugar. And if you opt to drink some soothing tea, consider skipping the acidic lemon or cavity-causing sugar that you might be tempted to add to it.   Hydrate Your Body and Combat Dry Mouth with Pure Water Dehydration is a scary side effect that might occur when you’re under the weather, and drinking plenty of pure water could be an ideal solution. Plus, keeping your body hydrated might also reduce the occurrence of dry mouth, which could even be a side effect of medications that you’re taking to get better. Why is it so important to combat dry mouth? Well, it could increase the risk of developing cavities, on top of being really uncomfortable. But, again, it’s a good idea to avoid sugary beverages when you’re working on staying hydrated. So when your doctor tells you to drink fluids, it’s probably best to stick with plain ol’ water. Do You Need to Replace Your Toothbrush? Many people like to disinfect their toothbrush routinely, and you can certainly continue doing that while you’re sick and even after you’ve recovered, as it might help kill off any bacteria that may still be present on the brush. Another option is to just replace your toothbrush, especially if it’s about three or four months old and it’s time for a change anyway. But, according to experts, the odds of reinfection are slim, so you actually don’t have to replace a toothbrush after you overcome a cold or the flu, unless you have a severely compromised immune system. Get Well Soon! After taking some medicine and getting plenty of rest, you’ll be back on your feet in no time. And with the tips above, your mouth could be just as healthy and clean as it was before you got sick. To be absolutely sure that your teeth and gums are in tip-top shape, though, consider making an appointment with your dentist for a professional cleaning and a checkup once you’re all better.   Sources: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/c/cold-and-flu-season   https://dg-dentistry.com/5-tips-help-maintain-oral-hygiene-youre-sick/

Updated Jan. 2023 You use your toothbrush every day to thoroughly clean your mouth, but should you be making it a point to routinely disinfect your toothbrush? Will disinfecting your toothbrush help prevent the spread of colds or the flu? Is disinfection even really necessary, or is simply rinsing your brush enough? A breeding ground for germs? Yikes! It’s a little unnerving, but the tool that you use twice a day to clean your mouth of bacteria might actually serve as a breeding ground for bacteria as well. That’s because some of the germs that you remove from your mouth through brushing might remain on the brush even after you’ve rinsed it off with water. Bacteria and viruses that could lead to the colds and the flu may make their home on your toothbrush, which is why some experts recommend disinfecting your brush just once a week as a precaution. However, the American Dental Association (ADA) has determined that there really isn’t enough clinical evidence to prove that the bacteria that could grow on your toothbrush will result in systemic health problems or oral health problems. So, according to the ADA, it isn’t necessary to spend the time sanitizing your toothbrush (hooray!), and there aren’t any commercial products on the market that could completely sterilize your toothbrush either.   First steps to reducing bacteria on your toothbrush Despite what the ADA has to stay about disinfecting toothbrushes, you might be wondering how using the same brush for an extended period of time without cleaning it stays clean. Like a lot of people, you might want to take steps to at least reduce the bacterial load on your brush, and there are some really easy ways to do just that. It all starts with understanding how the bacteria on your toothbrush grow in the first place. How can germs survive on your toothbrush? Well, bacteria prefer environments that are moist, dark, and warm, so if you store your brush in a closed container or you keep the brush covered, it’s more likely to have more bacteria on it. As an alternative, you could set your toothbrush upright in a holder where the bristles will be allowed to air dry completely. Ensuring that the bristles aren’t in contact with other toothbrushes could also help. Disinfecting your toothbrush in a few easy steps Now that you know how to store your toothbrush properly, here are some other steps that you can take to clean your brush in between replacements (it’s a good idea to replace your toothbrush every three to four months): Rinse the brush thoroughly under warm or hot water before and after every brushing. Don’t rush this step; otherwise, food particles could remain in the bristles and lead to bacterial growth. Gross! In fact, you could even use your finger to move the bristles around and let the water really get in there to rinse debris and excess toothpaste away. Place some antibacterial mouthwash into a small cup so you can soak your toothbrush in it for about 15 minutes (any longer and you risk damaging the bristles). If you don’t want to use mouthwash, you could also try hydrogen peroxide. Discard (don’t reuse) the cleaning solution when your brush is done soaking. Place your toothbrush in boiling water for about three minutes. Just be aware that, even though the hot water could help kill germs, it might also do some damage to the brush itself.   Tip: You might have heard that you could disinfect your toothbrush by putting it in the microwave, in your dishwasher, or in a special device that will shine UV light on the bristles. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) doesn’t recommend these tactics, as they could cause too much damage to the brush. Extra tip: If you’re sick with an infection, or if you have a compromised immune system, you might opt to disinfect your toothbrush, as well as replace it, more often than usual.   Toothbrush cleanings + professional cleanings = Healthy mouth! So there you have it: disinfecting your toothbrush could be a good idea, but you don’t have to go overboard with it. A few simple and affordable tricks will help you keep those bristles cleaner, whether you use a regular toothbrush or an electric toothbrush. And when you disinfect your toothbrush weekly and see your dentist every six months to have your teeth cleaned and examined, you could rest assured that you’re doing what you can to keep your oral health intact. If you're currently shopping for a stand alone dental plan, Spirit offers up to three cleanings per year to keep your mouth even healthier. Find your Spirit dental plan today! Sources: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/brushing-and-flossing/do-i-need-a-toothbrush-sanitizer https://www.dynamicdentalinc.com/blog/bid/79338/Cold-and-Flu-Season-5-Ways-to-Disinfect-Your-Toothbrush   https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/oral-care/products/how-to-disinfect-toothbrush.htm https://www.breathmd.com/how-to-clean-and-store-a-toothbrush.php

Did you know that how much you weigh could have an impact on your teeth and gums, and that following the wrong diet might adversely affect your oral health? That’s right, there’s a connection between your weight and your dental health. Who knew?! Healthy Weight Management Might Boost Your Oral Health! This is really interesting: losing those extra pounds might not only improve your waistline; it might also positively impact your oral health. In a study involving obese patients, researchers found that those who opted for weight loss surgery and professional dental treatments had less gum inflammation than patients who only received the dental treatments. In other words, weight loss led to improved oral health. Researchers concluded that individuals who see their dentist regularly and make an effort to lose excess weight are more likely to note a marked improvement in their oral conditions, particularly when it comes to their gums. Just another reason to get down to your healthiest weight! Going on a Diet? Keep an Eye on Your Teeth Various diets that can be used to lose weight could have a surprising effect on the health of your teeth and gums. Here are a few examples: If you’re embarking on a low-calorie diet, you certainly aren’t alone, as it’s one of the go-to ways to melt some extra pounds away. But here’s the thing you need to watch out for: cutting out too much food could end up depleting your body of vital vitamins and minerals. And once you become malnourished, you might become more susceptible to soft enamel and cavities. On top of that, your gums might become more vulnerable to disease, and your jawbone might become so weak that your teeth start to move or maybe even fall out. Oh no! Tip: To help keep your body properly nourished while you’re in the process of cutting excess calories, fill your plate with natural foods that are packed with a wide range of vitamins and minerals. Consider ditching unhealthy high-calorie foods, such as processed foods, and replacing them with fruits, veggies, whole grains, and other low-calorie options that are filling and nutritious. Diet pills that you could buy over-the-counter or with a prescription might be appealing because they claim to help you lose weight with greater speed and ease. But did you know that some diet pills might lead to dry mouth? With a lack of saliva in your mouth, your teeth might become more prone to decay, and gum disease might also develop. Tip: If you’re thinking about using a diet pill to help you lose weight, talk to your doctor about the potential side effects. If they include dry mouth, there are some steps that you could take to relieve it, or you might opt to try a different diet pill that’s less likely to cause dry mouth in the first place. In order for your body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, you need to consume foods that contain enough fat. So if you go on a low-fat diet and severely restrict your fat intake, you might risk becoming deficient in these important nutrients. And if your body doesn’t have enough vitamin D, in particular, it might become increasingly difficult to absorb the calcium necessary to support your teeth. Plus, low-fat foods often contain added sugars to improve taste, and too much sugar could increase your risk of developing cavities. And when you go on a low-fat diet, your mood might be adversely affected too, so you might become more susceptible to bruxism and TMJ as a result of anxiety and stress. Wow, that’s a lot of scary stuff that could happen! Tip: To help ensure that you’re getting enough fat in your diet without undoing your weight loss progress, try to incorporate foods that are high in beneficial fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids. These could help support your overall health and make it easier for your body to absorb those all-important fat-soluble vitamins. Foods like avocados, nuts, olive oil, and, yes, dark chocolate, are a few examples of yummy options that are high in the good fats that your body really needs. A detox diet that severely restricts what you eat for an extended period of time might seem like a good way to cleanse your body, but those diets aren’t without controversy. Take a fruit detox or juice detox as a couple of examples. Even though fruits are good for you, when you’re bathing your mouth in their juice or eating them beyond the point of moderation, you could end up exposing your teeth to way too much acid and sugar that might damage enamel, cause tooth decay, and lead to gum problems. Tip: Rather than limiting yourself to eating just one or two food groups in an effort to detox, try to eliminate foods that are unnatural and unhealthy, such as those that contain artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Read nutrition labels when shopping for groceries, and follow recipes that incorporate whole food ingredients that are naturally high in antioxidants that could help your body cleanse itself without having to go to extremes. Taking Care of Your Weight = Taking Care of Your Teeth So there you have it: weight loss and dental health are surprisingly connected. By taking actions to get to a healthy weight, you might be able to improve the status of your mouth. Just be sure to shed the pounds in a smart and gentle way so that you don’t risk aggravating your teeth and gums. And keep in mind that seeing your dentist throughout your weight loss journey could also help keep your teeth and gums sparkling clean and free of inflammation until you reach the ideal number of the scale. Sources: https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/diets.html   https://www.1800dentist.com/diet-and-nutrition/dental-health-improves-with-weight-loss/

Updated Jan. 2023 Do you grind your teeth at night? If your loved one has heard you grinding your teeth, or if you experience symptoms like jaw soreness or headaches, you might be clenching your teeth or grinding them while you’re fast asleep. And if that’s the case, it’s important to tackle this problem, which is referred to as bruxism. Otherwise, it could result in damage to your teeth over time. What can you do if you find out that you’re a nighttime teeth grinder? Well, there are a few steps that you can take, so consider trying the following tips to get some relief. Protect your chompers with a customized mouth guard Your dentist could take a look at your teeth and talk to you about your symptoms to determine if you’re definitely a teeth grinder. If he or she figures out that bruxism is indeed the cause of your symptoms, you might be given a custom mouth guard that you could wear overnight while you asleep. This appliance could help protect your teeth if you grind them, and because it’s customized to fit your unique mouth, it might be a better option than a one-size-fits-all store-bought mouthguard. Another reason to talk to your dentist: If you have misaligned teeth, missing teeth, or a bite that isn’t properly aligned, those mouth problems might increase your odds of grinding your teeth at night. Not good! Thankfully, your dentist could help by providing you with the appropriate treatments that will give you the perfect smile and reduce your odds of dealing with bruxism. Become more aware of your daytime tension If you’re grinding your teeth at night, you might also be clenching your jaw during the day, particularly during times of anxiety or stress. So it’s a good idea to become more mindful of the fact that you might be tightening up your jaw throughout the day and then carrying that into your sleep. If you notice tension in your jaw and in your face, just take a moment and try to relax all of those muscles. You might open your jaw wide to see how that feels and to see if it helps release some tension. Or you could try to create a space between your top and bottom teeth. Perhaps try resting your tongue at the roof of your mouth or in between your teeth, and just take a few deep breaths in an effort to center yourself and release whatever was causing your muscles to become tighter than they should be. Ahh, that’s better! Other things that you could do to give the muscles of your jaw a little break include avoiding tough foods that require a lot of chewing, and avoiding chewing gum. Try eating a diet containing softer foods for a few days to see if it might help make a positive difference in your clenching habits at night. Unwind before you head to bed Stress and anxiety may cause you to unconsciously clench your jaw and grind your teeth while you’re getting some shuteye. Simply making time to unwind before going to bed might help you release at least some of that stress and promote a grind-free sleep. Consider setting up a nighttime ritual that works for you, whether that involves avoiding electronic devices, meditating, lighting candles, taking a bath, listening to music, reading a book, or just spending time with your family. You could even help your muscles relax by placing a warm washcloth on the cheeks before bed. And, as you close your eyes to get ready to drift off to sleep, try to relax your jaw just as you did throughout the day. Ditch habits that could contribute to teeth grinding Here are some common habits that might make you more prone to bruxism: If you tend to chew on pens while you work, you might be clenching the muscles of your jaw more than you should, and that might cause clenching while you’re catching some z’s as well. Did you know that alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco might also be associated with bruxism? Therefore, changing your lifestyle by avoiding these substances might help. If you aren’t physically active, starting a workout routine might help you reduce or prevent bruxism, especially if you use it as a means to decrease your physical and mental stress. Your sleeping position might have an impact on whether or not you grind your teeth. According to experts, the best position for sleep is on your back, as it could reduce pressure on your jaw. So if you tend to sleep on your stomach or on your side, try to get into the habit of sleeping on your back instead. You don’t have to live with bruxism! If you grind your teeth at night, rest assured that you aren’t alone. And it’s also important to know that there are several things that you can do to reduce or prevent bruxism and its effects. Do you have a dental insurance plan or wondering if dental insurance is worth it? Spirit Dental helps you get the dental care you need when you need it with no waiting periods on all dental services.  Don't hesitate to make an appointment with your dentist to discuss potential bruxism, and don't forget these helpful tips above to help your entire body, including your jaw, get a good night's sleep.   Sources: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/bruxism/teeth-grinding-how-to-stop-grinding-your-teeth-at-night https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/teeth-grinding-bruxism#1 https://www.deltadentalia.com/a-healthy-life/dental-health/tips-for-nighttime-teeth-grinders-/ https://www.medcentertmj.com/healthy-living/best-sleeping-positions-tmj-patients/ https://mouthguardsforteethgrinding.com/4-sleeping-tips-to-reduce-bruxism-and-teeth-grinding/