Spirit Dental Resources

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

Kids who enjoy playing sports are definitely doing something positive by staying active and growing strong. But did you know that they’re also putting themselves at risk of mouth injuries? It’s a bit scary, but it’s the truth. As a parent, being aware of the most common kids sports injuries that could affect their smile is important. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be able to take steps to hopefully prevent injuries before they happen—or at least know what swift action to take in the event your little one does get hurt. Below is a list of a few sports injuries that would require a dentist’s attention. A Cracked, Chipped, or Fractured Tooth If you’re like a lot of people, when you think of sports injuries that affect the look of your smile, you probably see the image of cracked teeth in your mind. And you’d be right to think that, as cracked, chipped, and fractured teeth are common injuries in the world of sports. These could occur when a player falls and hits their mouth, or when a player receives a blow to the face. Ouch! Symptoms might include: Cracks or splits in the tooth A loss of a part of the enamel (this could expose the inner parts of the tooth) Pain that comes and goes Pain while drinking and eating cold or hot beverages and foods Pain when biting down   *Note #1: You may not notice a crack with the naked eye, and there may not be any pain, but a dentist will be able to pick up on the signs of a broken tooth. *Note #2: A fracture could also occur in the root of a tooth, and you wouldn’t be able to see it. However, the crack might progress into the crown, or infection of the pulp might occur. Root canal treatment is often recommended. In terms of treatment, your dentist will assess the damage of a cracked tooth in order to determine if it needs to be removed and replaced with a dental implant. Yep, the damage could be that extreme. Also, some teeth might require a root canal, while others might be repaired more easily with a bonding procedure, so the degree of damage could vary quite a bit. No matter what, getting treatment is imperative to restoring the health of your child’s tooth, so it’s best to head to the dentist ASAP. A Tooth That’s Been Knocked Out One of the most traumatizing sports injuries that a kid (or an adult) could endure is having a tooth completely knocked out. The good news, though, is that a tooth could be salvaged and placed back into its socket with immediate dental care. Phew! A dentist could help put the tooth back in place, and it might function just like it used to. The key is to get to the dentist’s office immediately, as the sooner the tooth could be put into the socket, the better. The longer you wait to deliver first aid and get your child to a dentist, the lower the odds of success will be, so take action right away. Tooth Intrusion vs. Tooth Extrusion A couple of other injuries that might occur when your kid plays sports are tooth intrusion and tooth extrusion. Tooth Intrusion: a tooth is pushed back into the socket, towards the jawbone, making this a serious injury. The tooth might be damaged, the pulp may be destroyed, and root resorption might occur. Treatment options include repositioning, splinting, surgery, and orthodontic procedures.   Tooth Extrusion: a tooth ends up erupting partially from the socket, and it moves in the direction of the palate. A dentist may reposition the tooth and use a splint to move it into alignment. Because endodontic treatment might be required as well, monitoring the pulp is also a good idea. Don’t Worry, There Are Ways to Protect Your Athletic Kids! Wearing a mouthguard while playing sports is highly recommended because it could help protect against a variety of dental injuries. According to experts, if you don’t have a mouthguard in place, you’re a whopping 60 times more likely to suffer from serious dental damage. Whoa! So, even if your child fights you on it because they don’t like wearing a mouthguard, making it a rule that they have to wear it to play sports might put your mind at ease. Mouth Injuries? Prompt Dental Care Is a Must! All of these sports injuries should be treated promptly, so it’s best to take your son or daughter to the dentist as soon as possible. In addition to providing quick relief, the right care at the right time could also help prevent long-term issues and restore your kid’s beautiful smile. Sources: https://www.afdc-naperville.com/blog/post/treating-chipped-teeth-a-common-sports-injury-among-kids.html https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/dental-emergencies-and-sports-safety/three-kinds-of-tooth-injury-that-occur-in-sports https://www.emergencydentistsusa.com/keeping-your-kids-teeth-safe-in-sports/ https://www.pacificdentalaesthetics.com/blog-/sports-related-tooth-and-mouth-injuries/

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/