Spirit Dental Resources

Think you know all there is to know about gum disease? Well, there are quite a few little known facts that you should be aware of so you can take the right steps towards keeping those gums clean and healthy.Want to know just how important gum health really is, and how scary gum disease could be? Read on!Gum Disease Could Cause Tooth LossIf you thought that gum disease only affected the gums, you might be surprised to learn that it could actually result in the loss of your teeth as well.Adults of all ages should be aware of the fact that they could lose their teeth because of periodontitis, a.k.a. gum disease. Taking steps to ensure your gums are strong from a young age is important when it comes to maintaining the strength of your teeth as you get older.You could help reduce the odds of gum disease wreaking havoc on your pearly whites by brushing and flossing every day, and seeing your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. Your dental hygienist and dentist will be equipped to look out for signs of gum disease that could make your teeth loose enough to fall out.Basically, once gum disease has been diagnosed, it’s important to receive the appropriate treatments, as leaving it untreated might result in losing your teeth—and nobody wants that!It Could Affect Your Unborn BabyStudies have found that there may be a link between a pregnant woman’s oral health and the health of her unborn baby. Whoa!Pregnant women who have been diagnosed with gum disease, in particular, might have an increased risk of delivering premature babies. On top of that, a pregnant woman suffering from gum disease might give birth to baby with a lower than normal weight. Both premature birth and low birth weight are factors that may result in other health problems for your child. Scary stuff!Seeing your dentist while you’re pregnant is recommended. You could have all of your questions answered, and the earliest signs of gingivitis could be caught before gum ailments cause other problems.Genetics Might Play a RoleYour oral hygiene routine plays a role in whether or not you end up with gum disease, but genetics is also considered a risk factor.Researchers have found that, for some people, brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings might not be enough if they’re susceptible to periodontitis thanks to their genes. So, ask around. If your family has a history of gum disease, be on the lookout, and consider following a strict oral hygiene routine that, combined with support from your dentist, might help boost your defenses.  Note:In addition to genes and home care, other factors that may play a role in the development of gum disease include smoking, medications, and diet.  Symptoms Aren’t Always ObviousHere’s another unsettling tidbit about periodontitis that you may not know: it could be a silent disease that doesn’t cause obvious symptoms, at least early on. It’s believed that many people have gum disease without even realizing it, especially if you aren’t seeing your dentist often enough (another reason to keep those appointments!).So here’s what you should know:Gum disease is considered an inflammatory ailment. Catching it sooner rather than later may help ensure that treatment will be easier.Gum disease could affect both the hard and soft structures that provide necessary support to your chompers.Gingivitis is the name given to the early stage of gum disease. This is when you might notice that your gums are red and swollen as a result of bacteria.When gingivitis goes unchecked and unresolved, you may end up with periodontitis. At this point, you might notice your gums separating from your teeth. Gum tissue and bone could become damaged and, ultimately, lost, resulting in teeth that become loose and—gasp!—fall out.It Could Lead to Embarrassing Bad BreathDo you have trouble keeping bad breath at bay? Your gum health might be to blame. It’s true!If you notice that your bad breath won’t go away, no matter how hard you try, and you can’t blame your bad breath on the foods that you ate recently, consider seeing your dentist ASAP to find out if gum disease is the problem.  Here are some tips to help you combat stinky breath.It May Be Associated with Other Health ProblemsGum disease is terrible enough on its own, but did you know that researchers have found that it might also be linked to a range of other diseases?Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and even heart disease have been associated with periodontal disease, perhaps because of damaging inflammation. So, by keeping your gums clean and free of disease, you may also be taking an additional step in helping other parts of your body stay healthy. Who knew?!The More You Know, the Better!Knowing as much as possible about how to keep your teeth and gums clean could give you more confidence. After all, you’ll be aware of risks, as well as what steps you can take to reduce those risks.Now that you’ve discovered a few lesser-known facts about periodontitis, you could impress your dentist at your next appointment, and maybe even feel empowered by the fact that you can do something to protect your gums as you get older, so you can keep your lovely smile for years to come. Sources:https://www.deltadental.com/us/en/protect-my-smile.html22,DD110https://fightgumdisease.com/10-astonishing-facts-gum-disease-can-change-life/https://www.nassaucountyperiodontist.com/10-facts-about-periodontitis

TMJ: it’s painful, uncomfortable, and possibly related to the fact that you wear dentures. Wait, what? That’s right; dentures and temporomandibular joint disorder (also known as TMJ or TMD) could be related. But, before you get too upset, the good news is that there are also dentures that could actually help relieve TMJ symptoms. Dive into the facts on dentures/TMJ below to learn all about how one could affect the other.The Lowdown on How Dentures Can Cause TMJOne of the potential causes of TMJ is a misaligned bite. When teeth are damaged or lost, your bite could be adversely affected, leading to teeth that no longer fit together correctly. And, when that happens, the jaw joint, along with the muscles around it, might become sore, misaligned, and fatigued. Pain could occur when the jaw joint is imbalanced as a result of TMJ, and the teeth might begin showing signs of excessive wear and tear, too. It’s a vicious cycle.So, when you’re given dentures that aren’t properly fitted and aren’t able to maintain your bite, it should come as no surprise that your risk of developing TMJ may increase. Symptoms like headaches, popping in the jaw, difficulty moving the jaw, pain in the jaw, and neck pain could occur. Ouch! And, in severe cases, you might even end up experiencing dizziness, pain in the ears, or ringing in your ears. If these symptoms occur, talking to your dentist about being refitted for dentures is definitely recommended.Keep in mind, too, that you might not notice a problem with your dentures right away. But, if you have complete (AKA full) dentures, just be aware that a displaced jaw disc may be possible, so having your dentist check your dentures regularly might be helpful in preventing problems before they occur.Tip: If your dentures become damaged in any way, it’s best to head for a replacement right away in order to prevent and correct imbalances within the mouth that could lead to TMJ.Got TMJ? Time to Get the Right Dentures…from the Right Dentist!Do you think you might be experiencing the symptoms of TMJ? Then it’s time to see your dentist, who could help you get to the root of the problem. If your dentures are indeed to blame, it’s likely time to replace them, even if they aren’t worn out or broken. With dentures that fit perfectly and allow you to get your bite back, you might just be well on your way towards resolving those painful TMJ symptoms that get in the way of enjoying your life and your favorite foods!Choosing the right professional for your dentures is a key step in ensuring that they’ll fit perfectly in your mouth and maintain your optimal bite. While some dentists, unfortunately, employ old-school methods when fitting dentures for their patients, modern pros know how to ensure your dentures will fit just right.Thankfully, you could easily find a dentist who accepts senior dental insurance and who specializes in dentures that won’t only restore your smile but also keep your bite aligned to prevent complications that could include painful TMJ.Hold On—What About Neuromuscular Dentures?Consider talking to your dentist about neuromuscular dentures, which are designed to help the jaw maintain its ideal alignment so that the joints and the muscles could function as they were meant to—without pain. These particular dentures might be able to provide an improved fit so that you can talk, chew, and bite more easily, especially if you’ve dealt with uncomfortable dentures in the past.Overall, dentures are a wonderful tool that could be used when you’ve lost teeth, but it’s all about the fit. With properly fitted dentures that support your natural bite, you can have a pain-free mouth and jaw so you’ll be able to eat comfortably and smile bright.Sources:https://www.westsidedentistry.com.au/dentures-and-tmjhttps://comprehensivedmd.com/can-dentures-help-tmj-disorder/https://www.foydentures.com/new-dentures-can-relieve-tmj-symptoms/https://www.phillydentures.com/neuromuscular-dentures-better/

Updated Oct 2025First-time parents are often focused on caring for their baby’s first teeth, but what about when that baby becomes a busy, opinionated toddler? Toddler oral care is just as important as baby oral care. This is when lifelong habits begin to form, and a few simple daily routines can make a big difference in your child’s oral health for years to come.Teething: What to expectAround six months old, your baby’s first teeth begin to poke through. By age three, most toddlers have a full set of 20 primary teeth. That adorable smile comes with a few challenges: sore gums, drooling, irritability and the occasional sleepless night.To ease discomfort:Offer a chilled (not frozen) teething ring.Gently massage your child’s gums with a clean finger.If needed, ask your pediatrician about teething gels or remedies.Once those teeth appear, cleaning them becomes essential, even if they’ll eventually fall out. Healthy baby teeth help your child chew, speak, and smile confidently.1. Set the foundation for brushing twice dailyTooth decay can begin as soon as the first tooth erupts, so start brushing right away.Use a child-sized, soft-bristled toothbrush and just a grain-of-rice-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste. Once your child turns three, you can increase to a pea-sized amount. Brush together every morning and night. Toddlers love imitation. Seeing you brush encourages them to join in.*See our Tiny Teeth, Big Habits guide below for a few playful tips to make brushing your toddler easier and even a little fun.2. Flossing is always a great ideaOnce two teeth touch, it’s time to floss! Start with floss picks or child-friendly tools to make it easier. You can help at first and then supervise as your toddler learns. Turning flossing into part of the nightly “tooth adventure” helps it stick.3. Kick the thumb-sucking habit earlyYour toddler might continue finding comfort in sucking his or her thumb or a pacifier, but this isn’t a habit that you should condone. Sucking could lead to problems that impact the jaw and the mouth, and it could even ruin the position of your toddler’s teeth, resulting in the need for braces. Therefore, the sooner you teach your toddler that thumb sucking is a big no-no, the better.How can you gently teach your child that thumb sucking, despite being comforting, isn’t such a good idea? Well, experts recommend using positive reinforcement by praising your toddler when he or she isn’t sucking on a pacifier or a finger.You could also try applying a yucky tasting remedy to your child’s finger (your pediatrician could direct you towards the right product for your toddler). And it’s also a good idea to figure out what’s causing your child’s anxiety so that you can target the problem and eliminate the thumb sucking behavior.4. Make seeing the dentist a positive experienceYour toddler’s first dental visit should happen by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting.Keep it upbeat:Read storybooks about visiting the dentist.Schedule a morning appointment when your child is well-rested.Reward them afterward with a special activity or sticker.The dentist will check tooth development and answer your questions about brushing, fluoride, or pacifier use, helping you feel confident in your child’s care routine.A few extra tipsHere are a few extra tips that you can keep in mind to keep your toddler’s mouth clean and healthy:Baby bottle decay is a term used for the tooth decay that occurs when a toddler is allowed to take a nap while holding a bottle of milk, formula, or juice in his or her mouth. These sugary beverages will feed bacteria and spur the development of decay. Yikes! So, if your child really wants a bottle before bed, fill it with water instead.A sippy cup is a convenient tool that you can use to always have a beverage handy for your toddler when you’re out and about, as well as when you’re at home. Unfortunately, letting your child drink from a sippy cup throughout the day could also contribute to tooth decay, particularly if you’re filling the cup with a sugary beverage.Speaking of sugary drinks, toddlers often like to drink juice, but too much of it could lead to tooth decay. Simply limiting your toddler’s intake to 4 ounces or less per day is a good first step, and making sure you only serve 100% fruit juice is another smart move.  Healthy habits start youngTaking care of toddler teeth isn’t as hard as it seems. With playful routines, positive reinforcement—and a good dental plan—you can help your child grow up with strong, healthy teeth, and a love for brushing.At Spirit Dental, we believe preventive care is the foundation for a lifetime of smiles. Our dental plans cover cleanings, exams and preventive visits right away with no waiting periods.Because building good habits early doesn’t just protect your child’s teeth today, it shapes a confident, healthy smile for tomorrow.Sources:https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/kids-oral-care/how-do-i-care-for-my-toddlers-teethhttps://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-health-for-kids#1https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids/kids-quick-tips?source=promospots&content=topstories&medium=kids_quick_tips

You already know that brushing your teeth is key when it comes to keeping your pearly whites clean and sparkling. But what about tongue cleaning? Is it something that you really need to worry about? As it turns out, yes, you should be taking just a few moments every day to clean your tongue, and the info below will explain why.What’s the Point of Cleaning Your Tongue?Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash should be enough to get rid of all of the nasty bacteria in your mouth, right? Wrong! Your tongue is host to a lot of food particles and bacteria that you can only effectively get rid of by cleaning it. That’s because there are spots all over your tongue that could harbor bacteria until it’s removed with the appropriate tool.If your tongue isn’t cleaned, all of the bacteria on it could grow, and that could lead to bad breath. Ew! On top of that, the bacteria might even end up contributing to tooth decay or gum problems, and your tongue might even appear discolored. Yikes!Why Do You Need to Brush or Scrape Your Tongue?The bacteria that builds up on your tongue ends up forming what’s known as a biofilm. In basic terms, this is a bunch of unwanted microorganisms, and they like to come together (are you suddenly singing that Beatles song like we are?) and stay that way on your tongue.When you just swish some water in your mouth, or when you use a mouthwash, you aren’t really doing much to get rid of this biofilm. Instead, what you’re merely doing is only killing off the biofilm’s outer cells. All of the cells underneath that outer layer end up staying alive (now we have that Bee Gees song in our heads!).What Are the Best Ways to Clean Your Tongue?Okay, all of this talk about bacteria on your tongue is gross, we know, but bear with us.Here’s how to clean your tongue and get rid of the biofilm of bacteria that could lead to oral problems:Every time that you brush your teeth, take some time to brush your tongue, rather than only doing this once in a while. After all, bacteria will once again accumulate on the tongue rather quickly after you brush, so a daily routine could help keep the nasties at bay as much as possible.To get the job done right, you can use your toothbrush once you’re done brushing your teeth. Another option would be to purchase a tongue scraper that you can glide easily on the tongue to remove the biofilm. Or you can even buy a tongue brush, such as one that you can attach to your electric toothbrush. Neat!It is best to brush the tongue in multiple directions, so you should brush side to side and then front to back to hit every area where bacteria could be hiding, and you could also use circular motions.   After you brush or scrape your tongue, rinsing your mouth with some water will finish the job and help your entire mouth feel even more refreshed.Extra Tips:Don’t be too aggressive, as your tongue is sensitive and you don’t want to do more harm than good. If your tongue hurts while you’re cleaning it, you’re probably being too rough. Gentle is the keyword here. You don’t need to use a lot of pressure, and you don’t need to scrape or brush your tongue quickly either.Remember: the delicate skin of your tongue could become irritated and inflamed surprisingly easily. If you do damage, it might be best to skip cleaning your tongue for a couple of days until the skin has healed so the problem doesn’t get worse.If you have a sore or a wound on your tongue, cleaning it might only end up irritating it more, so consider skipping the brushing or scraping until everything is nicely healed. But if the problem doesn’t resolve on its own, be sure to see your dentist for a proper diagnosis.Your Dentist Is Always There to Help!Whether you have questions about chronic bad breath, a tongue that feels sore, or the best tools for thoroughly cleaning your tongue, the only way to get personalized advice is by seeing your dentist.Once all of your questions are answered, and once you have the right tongue cleaning technique down, you might notice that your breath smells fresher and your teeth and gums are healthier, too, because you’ll be getting rid of bacteria that could wreak havoc on your oral health. So, if you haven’t done it yet, consider adding tongue cleaning to your daily regimen.Sources:https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-oral-health/brushing-your-tongue#rinsinghttps://www.123dentist.com/cleaning-your-tongue/https://www.icpahealth.com/blog/tongue-cleaning-important-how-to-do/

Smokers who are looking for a safer alternative to tobacco cigarettes, and individuals who are hoping to wean themselves off of their nicotine addiction, have been turning to electronic cigarettes. But could e-cigarettes be linked with gum disease? Before you start vaping, check out the information below to discover more about this important oral health topic.E-Cigs Might Affect Your Body on the Cellular LevelA study from the University of Rochester Medical Center found that e-cigarettes might be just as bad for your teeth and gums as tobacco cigarettes. And the negative effects could be seen on the cellular level.  Basically, the researchers discovered that the vapors from e-cigarettes could result in cells releasing inflammatory proteins that also increase stress in the cells. All of that leads to damage, and that could lead to oral health problems.On top of that, the chemicals that are used to flavor e-liquids might also cause adverse effects within the cells of your mouth, and certain flavors might be worse than others.Nicotine’s Attack on Your Gums: What You Should KnowIt is possible to vape with e-liquids that don’t contain any nicotine, but for those who are addicted, nicotine-containing e-liquids are their go-to choice. Unfortunately, nicotine itself might also contribute to the development of gum disease.So, in addition to the flavoring and the vapor from e-cigs, the nicotine that you expose your mouth to when you smoke an electronic cigarette could also cause damage to your gums. Not good!But wait, how does nicotine damage gum tissue? Well, by reducing blood flow to the tissues in your mouth, nicotine reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients that need to reach your gums. As a result, your gums might end up receding, and your saliva production might decrease, making you more prone to dry mouth, tooth decay, and bad breath.But the scary part is that you might not even know that the nicotine is having these effects because the symptoms might not be obvious, thanks to the reduction in blood flow (after all, one of the main symptoms of gum disease is swollen, irritated, and bleeding gums).On top of hiding symptoms of gum disease, a reduction in blood flow might even reduce your body’s defenses against harmful bacteria in your mouth. This means that the rate of tooth decay may increase, and the odds of infection may become higher. And the longer you vape and the more nicotine that your mouth is exposed to, the greater the risk of other problems, such as tooth loss, as well.Vaping: Not as Healthy as You Might’ve ThoughtEven though a lot of people switch to electronic cigarettes, thinking that they’re better for you compared to regular cigarettes, the truth is that vaping could be detrimental to your health in its own ways.The amount of damage that your mouth incurs will depend upon how much you vape. Researchers are planning on conducting additional studies in order to find out even more about e-cigs and their short-term and long-term effects on human health.Do You Vape? Don’t Forget Your Dental Appointments!Now that you know about some of the risks involved with vaping, you can decide whether or not you’d like to use electronic cigarettes. If you do choose to smoke e-cigs, though, seeing your dentist regularly could be a smart step in ensuring your teeth and gums remain strong and clean. And with the right dental insurance, you could save money on checkups and cleanings that will help you keep your oral health on track, whether or not e-cigarettes are a part of your lifestyle.Sources:https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/first-ever-study-shows-e-cigarettes-cause-damage-to-gum-tissue  https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/threats-to-dental-healthhttps://www.webmd.com/oral-health/news/20161118/e-cigarettes-not-good-to-gums-study-findshttps://askthedentist.com/e-cigarettes-oral-health/https://www.ingeniousdentistry.com/how-vaping-affects-your-teeth/

Updated July 2021 Root canals and extractions: neither of these is pleasant, but sometimes, you gotta do what you gotta do, right? Both of these treatments are available when a tooth has suffered from an extensive amount of damage that can’t be remedied by a simple drill and fill procedure. But what are the differences between these two options, and what can you expect when you undergo each one? We’ve compiled some information below to help you understand what a root canal entails, as well as when a tooth extraction might be necessary. Root Canals: Saving Teeth from Extraction If your dentist checks a tooth and realizes that the pulp (the deepest layer of the tooth) is severely damaged or diseased, or perhaps even totally dead, a root canal might be the next appropriate step. However, the rest of the tooth will still need to be in good enough condition to remain in your mouth. During a root canal procedure, your dentist will numb the area so that he or she could create an opening in the tooth. Using special instruments, the pulp will be removed completely, and the area where the pulp used to be will be cleaned out. This will help ensure that no bacteria remains. But that’s not the end of the root canal.   Once the pulp chamber of the tooth is cleaned out, your dentist will fill it with a material referred to as gutta-percha. This material will serve to replace the pulp that was removed so that your tooth could function just like it used to when it was healthy. If necessary, a crown could also be placed on your tooth in order to give it more strength and to fix its appearance. What about the pain after the root canal is complete? Well, patients might experience a bit of pain for a few days, and it could range from dull to sharp. You might need to take some over-the-counter pain relievers, but if you find that the pain is too much to bear, it’s recommended that you contact your doctor to get some advice. Tooth Extractions: The Last Resort When your dentist determines that there is nothing that can be done to salvage a tooth, he or she might recommend a full extraction of that tooth. Your dentist will start by numbing the area so that you could get through the procedure with little, if any, pain. Using special tools, he or she will then work on loosening the tooth before pulling it out. We know, this sounds vicious, but you will likely only feel some pressure during the procedure. Because there will be bleeding after a tooth extraction, your dentist will probably tell you to bite down on some gauze in order to help the blood clot. You might have to bite down for upwards of 45 minutes, and you may also experience light bleeding from the extraction site for the next day or so as well. After a tooth extraction, facial swelling might occur, but applying an ice pack could be helpful to reduce inflammation. Also, when you eat, it’s best to choose foods that are cool and soft so that you can avoid irritating the area where your tooth used to be. But don’t worry, as you’ll be back to your regular diet before long. Just be aware that it could take two or more weeks for your mouth to totally heal, so it’s a good idea to brush very gently until you’re all better. Dental Implants After a Tooth Extraction: Something to Consider According to experts, the gap that is left behind after a tooth is extracted could become problematic over time. That’s because the teeth around that space could end up shifting out of place, or you might end up experiencing difficulty speaking or chewing because you won’t have all of your teeth. And the scariest part of all: bone loss in the jaw could occur as well. Yikes! To avoid all of those problems, consider talking to your dentist about getting a dental implant to replace the tooth that needed to be removed. Dental implants look and function just like real teeth, and they help prevent bone loss in the jaw. But, because they could be quite pricey, getting the right dental insurance could help put your mind at ease when it comes to affording this modern treatment option. Final Verdict: Root Canals Are Preferred, but Not Always Possible Between a root canal and a tooth extraction, a root canal is often the preferred choice because it works on fixing your natural tooth so that it could remain in place. However, a root canal may not always be an option, depending upon the damage that a tooth has incurred. If a tooth is far too compromised, your dentist might recommend an extraction, followed by a dental implant to replace what was lost. Work with Your Dentist to Decide Which Procedure Is Right for You! Root canals don’t sound as bad when they’re put side-by-side with tooth extractions, huh? Understanding the pros and cons of a root canal, along with the pros and cons of a tooth extraction, will help you decide which procedure would be best for you. Your knowledge, combined with advice from your dentist, could help you make the right choice that will restore your smile and ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy for a long time to come. If you have concerns about the cost of a root canal or extraction get a quote from Spirit Dental & Vision and see your options. Sources: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/root-canals/root-canal-vs-extraction https://www.stahlyfamilydentistry.com/extraction_root_canal.html