Spirit Dental Resources

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/

Dental implants: modern dentistry’s tool for restoring a beautiful smile when your natural teeth have been irreparably damaged or lost. This procedure is a wonderful alternative to other restoration options, such as bridgework, and the end result is teeth that look, feel, and function just like real teeth. What more could you ask for, right? Want to know more about dental implants and why they’re so fantastic? We’ve compiled a few quick facts below to give you the ins and outs of implants and to help you become a more informed patient. Are Dental Implants Right for You? Here’s How to Tell Whether you’re missing one tooth or several teeth, dental implants might be the best way to get your smile back. But only your dentist will be able to determine if you’re the right candidate for dental implants. After thoroughly examining your mouth and your jaw, and taking some x-rays, your dentist will know if you’re ready to undergo an implant procedure. Both young and old patients could get a dental implant. For example, an athlete in his 20s who lost a tooth during a competition could have an implant installed that will look and function just like a natural tooth. And a senior in her 60s who lost a tooth because of decay or gum disease could also have an implant installed in order to replace the tooth. Here are a few scenarios in which dental implants might be the right choice: You’re missing one or more teeth but your mouth is healthy and your jawbone is fully grown and healthy too You either have enough bone to secure an implant or the dentist will be able to perform a bone graft You’re generally healthy and you don’t have any health problems that would affect the ability of your bones to heal You aren’t keen on the idea of wearing dentures, or you simply can’t wear dentures for any reason Bonus tip: choose a dentist who has years of experience with implants. This will give you peace of mind when it comes to finding out if implants are right for you and whether or not you’re the right candidate for this treatment. Getting an Implant: A Quick Breakdown of the Steps Involved Okay, so what can you expect when you get a dental implant? Well, you need to be patient because this procedure could require multiple visits with your dentist, along with time to heal in between. Your dentist will be able to tell you exactly what you should expect if you opt to get one or more implants, but here’s a general, brief breakdown of the usual steps involved: The implant is installed by drilling a hole into the jaw. An abutment is screwed into the implant. A permanent crown is added to achieve the look of a real tooth. But, Wait, Will It Hurt? It might be invasive and it might be a time-consuming process, but dental implant surgery typically isn’t all that painful. Dentists will usually use an anesthetic during the procedure. After it wears off, the discomfort that you could feel after the procedure might be similar to what you’d feel after you have a tooth extracted. Your dentist will give you personalized advice on what pain medications to take to reduce your discomfort, and you might also choose to use an ice pack to reduce any swelling that you experience. Plus, you might be given antibiotics or oral rinses to help your mouth heal efficiently. Tips for Taking Care of Your Dental Implants After your implants are in your mouth, the good news is that they’re quite easy to take care of. Practicing good oral hygiene, just as you would with natural teeth, will help keep the implants and your gums clean. A standard brushing and flossing routine, along with regular dental checkups, are recommended. To help prevent damage to your dental implants, avoid chewing on hard foods, such as hard candies and ice. It’s also a good idea to seek treatment if you tend to grind your teeth, as the pressure isn’t good for your natural teeth or your implants. To help keep your dental implants looking like new, experts recommend avoiding tobacco products that could cause stains. Just another reason to quit smoking! Are Dental Implants Really Worth the Cost? Are you thinking about getting dental implants yet? If so, we just want you to be aware of the fact that this advanced dental procedure might be pricey. But here’s the thing: dental implants are considered the next best thing to natural teeth! They’re stable and strong, and they fit, feel, function, and look like real teeth, so no one will know that you have implants in your mouth. That alone could make them worth the cost. Also, unlike other treatment options for replacing lost or severely damaged teeth, implants could provide you with a long-term, durable solution. While dental implants might last the rest of your life, especially if they’re placed properly and you take great care of them, dental bridges may only last a few years before they might have to be replaced. This actually makes implants one of the more cost-effective options that could restore your smile. Beyond that, here are a few of the other major benefits that come with getting dental implants: You don’t need to deal with removing dentures and going through the process of cleaning them. If putting your teeth in a cup filled with a cleaning solution every night isn’t your idea of a good time, dental implants will help you avoid all of that because the implants will stay in your mouth permanently. Plus, you don’t have to worry about your dentures falling out or slipping out of place—now that would be embarrassing!   If you leave spaces in your mouth where your teeth used to be, you might end up suffering with other problems in the long run. You may, for example, experience bone loss in your jawbone, and your adjacent teeth might shift out of alignment. Not good! Thankfully, dental implants could fill those gaps just like natural teeth would, helping to keep everything in place. Dental implants allow you to eat and speak with greater ease than dentures. Because they function and fit like your natural teeth, you don’t need to adjust to implants like you would to wearing dentures, and you’ll be able to bite and chew naturally so you can enjoy all of the flavors of your favorite foods.   When you get a tooth-supported dental bridge, your dentist will need to grind away some of the nearby teeth (in other words, damage otherwise healthy teeth). But with dental implants, none of that is necessary because the implant goes right into the space where your natural tooth used to be. Here’s one benefit that you’re sure to really like: with dental implants, you won’t be at risk of developing cavities. But you’ll still need to see your dentist regularly to check that your mouth is healthy and to get cleanings to keep the rest of your teeth strong. Bonus tip: If you really want to get dental implants but the cost is scaring you, consider enrolling in Spirit Dental insurance. With no waiting period dental insurance, you could gain access to a plan that will help cover the costs of major services when you need them.    The Next Best Thing to Natural Teeth As you get to know the benefits of dental implants, it becomes clear why this procedure is so popular. So if you have to replace one or more of your natural teeth, consider having a chat with your dentist to find out if you’re the right candidate for implants. Sources: https://www.bostonmagazine.com/sponsor-content/qa-with-dr-ted-the-ins-and-outs-of-dental-implants/ https://www.medicinenet.com/dental_implants/article.htm#what_is_the_procedure_for_getting_a_dental_implant https://www.aaid-implant.org/dental-implants/types-of-implants-and-techniques/   https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-2038462

Updated May 2022 You have a lot to think about when it comes to the many types of insurance policies you need (health, auto, home, etc.). But what about dental insurance? Sure, you might shudder at the thought of taking on yet another expense, but you may be pleasantly surprised when you see just how affordable these plans can be and how much they can provide.  Dental insurance helps you save money when receiving care for your teeth and gums, but it can also do a lot more than that. What are the benefits of having dental insurance? A lot of people ask themselves, “do I need dental insurance?” Well, there are several great reasons why you should consider getting it:  1. It can help cover the cost of all types of dental care If you’ve ever been to the dentist and had to pay the bill on your own, you know how expensive a routine exam can be. Add on the cost of X-rays and a professional cleaning and you’re potentially spending hundreds.  In addition to preventive care, consider the costs of restorative treatments like fillings and root canals. And if you ever need to have a tooth extracted (such as a wisdom tooth) or you end up needing a dental implant, you might be shocked by the cost of those treatments.  Dental insurance can help you pay for multiple categories of care, and you can find plans that cover orthodontics too. Different plans will provide varying levels of coverage. Here’s an example of what’s possible: Preventive care (e.g., exams, cleanings, X-rays) might be covered at 100% Basic services (e.g., fillings, root canals, extractions) might be covered at 80% Major services (e.g., implants, dentures, bridges) might be covered at 50% 2. Sometimes, you need dental care unexpectedly You might prepare yourself financially for anticipated trips to the dentist. But what if you need care unexpectedly or end up needing emergency dental care? Your budget could take quite a hit, and you might find it hard to pay out of pocket.  Consider these examples: With the right dental plan, you can rest assured that you’ll receive support if your teeth are damaged as a result of an injury or accident. And if a tooth chips or cracks, or you start to feel an intense toothache that makes you realize you have severe decay, insurance can help cover the cost of treating those problems as well. 3. You won’t need to sacrifice high-quality dental care Skipping trips to the dentist is a bad idea, especially if you’re experiencing symptoms. Problems that are minor could quickly worsen. An issue that might’ve been easy and inexpensive to treat may end up being expensive and require more extensive treatment. So, it’s best to be proactive when it comes to your oral health.  If you’re like a lot of people who don’t have dental insurance, you might avoid making an appointment because of the cost. Again, dental insurance can help in this area. Whether you need routine or emergency care, you won’t need to hesitate to see a dentist.  Plus, if you want to see a particular dentist but you can’t afford them, you may be able to save a substantial amount if you choose a plan they accept. 4. There are various dental plans you can choose from Once you start searching for dental plans offered in your area, you’ll see just how low the premiums can be. And you’ll also have a few options when it comes to the type of policy you can enroll in.  There are a few differences between DHMO and DPPO plans. For example, while DHMO plans tend to have lower premiums, they’ll likely require that you use in-network dentists, while DPPO plans usually provide greater flexibility when choosing a dentist. Plus, there are indemnity plans that can help cover a percentage of the cost of care.   But, does dental insurance really make a difference?  Still asking, “why do I need dental insurance?” Consider that there is a connection between your oral health and your overall health.  That’s right: problems that take hold in your mouth, such as gum disease, might end up affecting other areas of your body, such as your heart. Also, if you’ve been diagnosed with certain conditions, such as diabetes, they might have an impact on your oral health. And, while examining your mouth, your dentist might notice signs that something is wrong, so this might even alert you to a health problem.  It’s worth seeing the dentist often so you can stay on top of what’s going on with your teeth and gums. Discovering and resolving a problem in its earliest stages may help prevent other problems from arising.  So, is dental insurance worth it? Definitely! Now that we’ve covered some of the top dental insurance benefits, you might be wondering where to begin.  Spirit Dental is a great place to start because you can find affordable, comprehensive plans that give you perks like three cleanings per year, no waiting periods, and a high annual maximum. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or your family, the right policy can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Contact us if you need help picking the ideal plan for your needs.    Sources: https://www.moneyunder30.com/is-dental-insurance-worth-it https://www.dentalplans.com/dental-information/dental-insurance/is-dental-insurance-worth-it