Spirit Dental Resources

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/

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

Are you trying to figure out why family dental insurance is going to be a lifesaver? If you wish to take proper care of your family, you have to make sure their dental issues are able to be cared for. When you go to the dentist for anything, if you don't have insurance it will cost a lot of money. The procedures you need to have done regularly like cleanings can really add up, especially if you have many people in your family. If you just avoid all of these things due to the cost, it can end in even bigger dental problems. Teeth cannot just be made to grow back. When you lose one due to lack of proper care, it is gone if it's not a baby tooth. Considering that it is difficult to keep your teeth in good condition at home, you need to get dental care to be sure you and your family members are in great shape and able to recover from simple problems before they get complicated. A simple issue like a cavity can end up decaying the tooth, getting infected, and then causing you a lot of pain. Some infections can get so bad that it is deadly. If you have children or anyone including yourself that may have a dental issue, it's cheaper and more pleasant to deal with it now rather than waiting. You don't have to get each and every person in your home full coverage with all of the bells and whistles. Usually you can get each member of the family a certain level of coverage. One plan you can get may cover the basics, and then you can add on more coverage for those that may have more issues due to what their habits are.

Unhappy with the alignment of your teeth? No worries; there are a variety of braces that could fix the problem and give you the straight smile that you’ve always wanted! We’ve outlined the main types of braces that are available for both children and adults so that you can get an idea of what your options are. Check out the information below and then talk to your orthodontist to find out which braces would work best on your teeth. 1. Traditional Metal Braces: You Know the Look When you think of braces, your mind might immediately conjure up images of a smile with metal across the teeth. These traditional metal braces are still an option, but modern dentistry has made these lighter than they were in the past. And another neat feature is the modern archwires that are heat-activated and could utilize your own body heat to help shift your teeth more efficiently and with less pain. Nice! These braces are constructed using stainless steel, so they are the most obvious braces available, but they also tend to be the most affordable option. Put simply, metal brackets are attached to the teeth using a special dental cement, and the brackets are then linked together using archwire that applies pressure to move the teeth into alignment.   2. Ceramic Braces: A Less Obvious Option If the idea of having to wear metal braces isn’t appealing, you could opt instead for ceramic braces. These function in the same way as traditional metal braces but because they are constructed using a clear ceramic material, they aren’t as obvious when you smile. Even though ceramic braces could shift your teeth just as quickly as their metal counterparts, these tend to be more expensive. It’s also important to keep in mind that the brackets might stain quite easily, so taking great care of your braces will be really important.   3. Lingual Braces: A Way to Hide Your Braces Would you prefer to totally hide the fact that you are wearing braces? Then lingual braces might be your best bet. These function in the same way that metal braces do, but the wires and the brackets are positioned on the inside of your teeth so that they aren’t visible when you smile. They may sound like a fantastic option, but there are a few drawbacks associated with lingual braces. First off, these tend to be more expensive, and if your case is considered severe, they may not be appropriate for you. On top of that, they could feel more uncomfortable than other braces, particularly at the beginning, and the adjustments might be more difficult and require more time than regular braces. Plus, because they are on the inside of the teeth, they might be harder to keep clean too. 4. Aligners: The Clear Option That’s Removable Now this is what we call a really innovative approach to braces: removable aligners that are clear! If you’ve heard of the product Invisalign, you already have an idea of what these braces are all about. They could be used instead of your traditional ceramic or metal braces, and they function like custom mouth guards that are made to fit your unique mouth. You could put these braces in and take them out when you eat and when you need to clean them, and you usually get a new aligner every couple of weeks to further move your teeth into the ideal position. One of the drawbacks of using a clear aligner, though, is the fact that it tends to work more slowly than ceramic or metal braces, so you might need to have some extra patience. Beyond that, this option is typically more expensive (especially if you lose the aligner and need to replace it), and it might not be an option if your case is severe. Plus, aligners aren’t an option for children, even though teens and adults could use them. 5. Damon Braces: Faster and Gentler Results Are you afraid of the discomfort that could come from having to wear braces? Then Damon braces, which feature a slide mechanism rather than elastics, may be the gentler option that you’re searching for. This newer treatment could produce faster results, and it also allows you to see your orthodontist less often while you’re in the process of straightening your teeth. Your teeth will be able to shift on their own, and the movement becomes less painful because there’s less pressure and less friction involved. Pretty amazing, right? It’s worth noting that Damon braces tend to be pricier, and they might cause irritation at the beginning until you get used to having them in your mouth. Also, these could be visible like traditional braces unless you go with the clear option to make them less obvious. Achieving a Straight and Stunning Smile Is Possible! If you’re ready for braces, it’s best to consult with an orthodontist who could help you choose the braces that will give you the results that you want within your budget. And to make it even easier to afford your child’s braces, you could check out Spirit's dental insurance for braces that include orthodontics coverage. With so many different types of braces to choose from, and a little bit of time and patience, you could finally get the straight smile that you desire. Sources: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-orthodontics/what-are-the-different-types-of-braces-and-which-is-right-for-me   https://oralb.com/en-us/oral-health/life-stages/braces/types-of-braces/ https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-orthodontics/what-are-self-ligating-braces

The world of dental care is filled with its own terms that you might have never heard of before. And that could make things pretty confusing pretty quickly. So knowing a variety of dental terms before your appointment could help ensure that you won’t be caught off guard when your dentist throws a new word at you. Plus, when you’re more informed, you might even have fewer questions to ask your dentist, or you might be ready to ask more in-depth questions about your oral health and treatment options. To help you become a more empowered dental patient, we’ve compiled a list of some of the many dental terms that you ought to know. Just a Few Conditions That Could Affect the Mouth Abrasion – your dentist might mention this term when he or she notices that your tooth is showing wear as a result of actions like brushing your teeth too hard. Abscess – this is a term used to describe inflammation that involves a collection of pus. Symptoms could include destruction of the tissue and swelling. Bruxism – this is the term used to describe unconscious clenching or grinding of the teeth. Calculus – also referred to as tartar, this is the hard deposit that occurs when you’re unable to remove all of the plaque from your teeth. As the tartar builds up on your teeth, it could cause your gums to become inflamed, and you’ll need a professional dental cleaning to remove it and restore your dental health. Caries – this is a term used to describe tooth decay. Cavity – this is the term used by your dentist when you’re missing some tooth structure as a result of erosion, abrasion, or decay. Dry Socket – this refers to inflammation and pain within a tooth’s socket after the tooth has been extracted. Gingivitis – this is an early stage of gum disease, typically the result of plaque buildup. The gums will usually be inflamed and red, as well as bleed easily. Impacted Tooth – this occurs when a tooth is blocked, either by soft tissue, bone, or another tooth, from coming up through your gums. It commonly occurs in wisdom teeth.   Malocclusion – this is the term used when there is misalignment of the teeth or jaws. Periodontitis – also referred to as periodontal disease, this is a serious infection of your gums that could develop if you have gingivitis that isn’t properly treated in time. The bones and gums supporting your teeth could deteriorate, causing the teeth to become loose and fall out. Plaque - this is the sticky film containing bacteria and various other substances that ends up coating your teeth daily. When not properly removed using regular brushing and flossing, it could harden into calculus (tartar) and result in gum disease. Temporomandibular joint disorder – also referred to as TMD, this is a condition that could result in symptoms that include clicking and pain within the temporomandibular joint. So Many Different Branches of Dentistry! Endodontics – this is a branch of dentistry that deals with conditions that affect dental pulp. An endodontist has more training in order to treat your problem if it’s more advanced, such as if you have to undergo a root canal. Oral or Maxillofacial Surgeon – this specialist treats conditions that affect the jaw and teeth. Oral Pathologist – this is a specialist who knows how to examine your mouth for abnormalities that include cancer. Orthodontist – this is a dentist who specializes in correcting the alignment of teeth using tools that include braces. Pediatric Dentist – this is a dentist that only treats children’s teeth. Periodontist – this is a dental specialist who treats the tissues surrounding the teeth. Some of the Treatments Your Dentist Might Recommend Amalgam – this is a type of dental filling that could be used to restore teeth that have cavities. It contains a mix of various metals, such as silver, mercury, and copper. Bridge – this appliance might be recommended if you’re missing one or more teeth. It will be used to attach artificial teeth to your natural teeth, bridging the gap between them and restoring your smile. Composite – this is another type of dental filling that could be used to restore the health of a tooth when a cavity is found. It is colored like the rest of the teeth, allowing for a more natural appearance. Extraction – this is performed when all or part of a tooth is removed by the dentist because other treatments were not possible. Prosthesis – this is an artificial replacement for missing teeth. Root canal – during this treatment, the pulp, or nerve, of a tooth is removed and the space is sealed before a crown is used to cover and protect the tooth. Scaling and root planing – this procedure is used to provide a deep clean below the gumline. Sealant – this is a plastic resin that could be applied to the biting surface of a tooth in order to prevent decay and cavities. Veneers – these are thin covers that could be applied to your teeth in order to improve their appearance. They could be made of various materials, such as ceramic or acrylic resin. Getting to Know Your Dental Anatomy   Buccal – this refers to the areas of your teeth that are near your cheeks. Cementum – this is the thin tissue covering tooth roots.