Spirit Dental Resources

Updated June 2021 As you age, your entire body changes—yes, even your teeth and gums! And it should come as no surprise that your risk of dental problems tends to be higher when you’re a senior. But there are steps you can take to reduce the odds that you’ll develop major issues. Below are a few of the things you should know to help ensure those pearly whites will continue looking beautiful for years to come.  A Look at Some of the Dental Problems That Seniors Commonly Face Dental problems can develop at any age, but seniors should realize that they’re more susceptible. According to the CDC, untreated decay, gum disease, and tooth loss are all common problems among seniors. And many people who are 65 years of age and older don’t have any of their natural teeth left!  As a senior, things to look out for include wear and tear on the teeth, erosion of the enamel, cavities, and gum disease that might result in tooth loss if it isn’t treated properly and promptly. Trips to the dentist can help you catch problems in their earliest stages so you can preserve the health of your teeth and gums as best as possible.  Other oral health problems that might arise when you’re older include: Dry mouth Gum recession Root decay Darkened teeth Oral thrush There’s a Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Health As a senior, it’s super important to be aware of the connection between oral health problems and other health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Because of these links, taking care of your teeth and gums is a smart step toward taking care of the rest of your body, and vice versa.  It’s also worth noting that certain medications for chronic conditions might cause side effects that impact your mouth. For example, if you’re taking a medicine that causes dry mouth as a side effect, it might raise your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.  And let’s not forget that seniors should keep an eye out for symptoms of oral cancer because the risk of this disease is also higher when you’re older. Eating right and following a healthy lifestyle are a couple of strategies that may help reduce your risk, but it’s still important to see a dentist regularly for checkups that can catch the early signs that something’s wrong.  Oral Hygiene Is Extremely Important for Seniors Knowing that you’re at a greater risk of developing oral problems as a senior is the first step. Taking action to keep your whole mouth as healthy and strong as possible is the next step.  At home, be sure to brush daily with a toothbrush that’s comfortable to use. Rinsing with a mouthwash can also be helpful when you want to clean areas that you might’ve missed while brushing and flossing.   See your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings. Discuss any symptoms you’re experiencing, from sensitivity and swelling to dry mouth and sores.  If you have a dental bridge or you wear dentures, talk to your dentist about the best ways to keep them clean. And if they don’t fit comfortably, your dentist can adjust them for you, so don’t be afraid to speak up if you experience discomfort.  Finally, don’t forget to let your dentist know about any medications you’re taking and any medical conditions you’ve been diagnosed with. That way, he or she can keep that information in mind when examining your mouth and recommending treatments.  Sign Up for Dental Insurance for Seniors to Save Money! As you can see, seniors have a lot to think about when it comes to their oral health and hygiene, from taking the right steps to prevent problems, to having access to a qualified dentist who can provide prompt treatments. But on top of all of that, there’s also the issue of affording professional care.  The costs associated with keeping your mouth clean and healthy can certainly add up at any age, but the older you get and the more problems you encounter, the more expensive your dental care may become. Therefore, it’s wise to look into the dental insurance plans that are available for seniors. You might be surprised by how much coverage you can get at a budget-friendly price! Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/adult-oral-health/adult_older.htm https://www.aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/senior-dental-care https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-care-seniors https://www.yourdentistryguide.com/seniors/ https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-dry-mouth https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/topics/doctor-visits/regular-checkups/oral-health-older-adults-quick-tips

One of the most important decisions that you will make for your newborn is whether or not you will breastfeed. And you might already know about some of the many benefits that your milk could provide to your baby, such as a boost to his or her immune system. But what about your baby’s dental health? And what about your dental health? Is there a connection between oral health and breastfeeding, for both mom and baby?Breast Milk: More Than Just NutritionHave you heard about baby bottle tooth decay? Basically, when a baby is given a bottle filled with milk, formula, or juice before bed, the teeth are exposed to the sugars in those drinks for a long period of time. And that could end up causing your little one’s teeth to decay prematurely. Oh no! Here’s why: when drinking from a bottle, the milk ends up surrounding the teeth, and the bottle might continue leaking milk even after your baby stops sucking on it. On the other hand, your nipple goes further into your baby’s mouth and needs to be sucked on to release the milk. So breastfeeding might help reduce the risk of baby bottle tooth decay.Research has also suggested that breast milk has protective effects because it contains antibodies that could get in the way of unwanted bacterial growth in your baby’s mouth. Plus, these antibodies might inhibit a bacterium known as Streptococcus mutans, which is associated with tooth decay. Nice!On top of all of that, babies who are breastfed without using a bottle for the first six months of life tend to be less likely to develop dental alignment problems. More specifically, breastfeeding your child might help to reduce the risk of an overbite, a crossbite, or an open bite. Just remember that using a pacifier or sucking on a thumb may adversely affect your baby’s teeth alignment as well. So if you want to help your child avoid braces in the future, keeping these tips in mind could help ensure a beautiful smile.What About Cavities?By now, breastfeeding probably sounds like a great idea, right? But it’s important to note that breastfeeding doesn’t guarantee that your baby won’t develop those dreaded cavities.According to experts, breastfeeding could actually contribute to cavity formation, simply because your own breast milk also has sugar in it. So even if you do decide to breastfeed your tiny bundle of joy, don’t forget to gently wipe the gums with a moistened gauze pad or washcloth daily, even before those first little chompers erupt. And after the first teeth emerge, you can gently brush them twice daily to help keep them clean.When Is It Time to Stop Breastfeeding?Sure, there are a lot of benefits that come with breastfeeding, but could it ever end up being too much of a good thing? According to researchers, yes, it could. Breastfeeding for two years or more might end up increasing your child’s risk of cavities. Whoa!How could this be? Well, experts think it might have something to do with the fact that children over two years of age tend to ask for breast milk often, and they are typically fed on demand. Plus, these children might even be breastfed at night. When these frequent feedings and nighttime feedings aren’t followed up with proper dental cleaning, it might boost the risk of cavities. For these reasons, some experts recommend that you stop breastfeeding your baby at or before 24 months of age.  Don’t Forget to Take Care of Your Teeth, Busy Mom!Even though all of your focus is on your precious baby, try to stay on track when it comes to your own oral health care routine. A lot of moms are, understandably, too tired to brush their teeth twice a day, or they might end up forgetting to floss because they have so many other things on their mind.Failing to keep up with your brushing and flossing regimen could increase your risk of gum disease and cavities. And this is scary for your baby, too, because you could end up transferring bacteria from your mouth to your baby’s mouth if you do something as simple as share a spoon. So keeping your own mouth clean and healthy is always an important first step.Keep Baby’s Teeth Beautiful with Help from Your DentistIn addition to getting your teeth cleaned and having your dentist examine your mouth for the early signs of gum disease and decay, your baby could also start seeing the dentist. With your dentist’s help, you could rest assured that your child’s teeth are erupting perfectly, and you could also gain valuable advice regarding how to care for your baby’s teeth.So it turns out that breastfeeding your baby could not only help promote healthy growth, but also help promote the development of healthy teeth. Wow, breast milk is even more impressive than we thought!Sources:https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/breastfeedinghttps://www.cnn.com/2017/06/30/health/breastfeeding-cavities-dental-health-study/index.htmlhttps://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/breastfeeding-and-tooth-decay

Do you make it a point to read nutrition labels when you’re shopping for your groceries? Smart strategy! Knowing the ingredients in packaged food, as well as other important tidbits like the number of calories and the amount of fat and cholesterol in a serving, will help you make the best choices for your health. But did you know that nutrition labels are set to change? We’ve gathered some info on what you can expect, as well as when you can expect these changes to take effect. Why Bother Changing Nutrition Labels? Back in 2016, the FDA let everyone know that they were planning on changing the Nutrition Facts label on packaged foods. Doing so would make it even easier for individuals to make wiser choices. And the changes to the labeling rules are a long time coming, as the existing Nutrition Facts label is over 20 years old! How Will the New Nutrition Labels Look? If you aren’t a fan of change, you might be annoyed by the idea of the Nutrition Facts label looking different from what you’re used to. But, trust us, this is a good type of change. The new label will be based upon the latest research in the world of science, nutrition, and health. This means that you will be gaining access to more accurate information about what you eat every day. The goal is to provide you with greater insight into serving size and nutrient content, and the design itself will also change a bit to make the most important details stand out. Nice, right? Here are some of the changes that you can anticipate: Serving Size, Servings Per Container, and Calories will be showcased in a font that is larger and bolder. Single serving sizes will be updated to more accurately reflect just how much a person will typically consume in a sitting. Total sugars will still be listed, but there will be an extra line for added sugars. Perfect for those who want to cut back on sugar that could damage teeth! The list of nutrients at the bottom of the label will change to include vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium. Compare this to the old label, which featured vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. However, manufacturers could voluntarily list the amounts of other nutrients as well. The nutrients list will also show you the actual amount of each nutrient, in mcg or mg, in addition to the percent Daily Value. There will be a new footnote regarding the daily value. It will serve to clarity what % Daily Value means. You will still see amounts for Total Fat, Saturated Fat, and Trans Fat, but Calories from Fat will no longer be there. And you will also see values for various nutrients, such as sodium and fiber, but they will be updated to reflect the latest research. What Should You Focus on When Shopping for Food? Overall, the new nutrition label should make it easier for you to follow a wholesome diet, and the serving sizes will be more realistic, so you might even have to do less math. Woohoo! When looking at a foods label, experts recommend honing in on the nutrients that you need to get more of, such as fiber, potassium, vitamin D, and calcium. Foods that are high in these vital nutrients are better for you. At the same time, you can check the label for unwanted fat, cholesterol, and sodium, which you should aim to get less of in your diet because these have the potential to increase your risk of disease. When Can You Expect to See These Changes? Are you excited about these upcoming changes? So are we! Unfortunately, they won’t be implemented in 2018 as originally planned. That’s because the FDA wants to give manufacturers more time to change their labels. According to the FDA website, manufacturers will now have until the start of 2020 to make the changes. And companies with less than $10 million in annual sales will have until 2021. Whether or not more delays will take place along the way is yet to be seen. How Else Can You Be Sure You’re Eating Right? Even though it will be a while before you start to see the new Nutrition Facts label on foods at the grocery store, there are steps that you can take starting today to eat right. After all, what you eat affects every aspect of your well-being, even right down to your oral health. In addition to reading labels before putting items into your cart, try to eat more of the foods that support the strength of your teeth, whether you are preparing a summer get-together or a holiday party. Even reducing your gluten intake might help improve the health of your teeth and gums. It’s a new year, so it’s the perfect time to start eating right and taking extra steps to optimize wellness! With a Spirit dental plan, you could see your dentist for cleanings and checkups throughout the coming year, and with the help of nutrition labels, you can choose foods that are packed with nutrients that support your teeth and gums. A brighter smile and a healthier body for 2018? Let’s get it done! Sources: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/changes-nutrition-facts-label https://www.fda.gov/food/labeling-nutrition/using-nutrition-facts-label-how-guide-older-adults https://www.businessinsider.com/fda-changes-nutrition-labels-delayed-trump-administration-2017-6 https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2017/06/16/whats-behind-the-delay-in-the-new-fda-nutrition-facts-label/#7d79968e528a

Updated May 2023Have you ever wondered how your dental claims are handled after you receive treatment and have insurance? Below is a quick summary of what your dentist does to ensure proper payment for any procedures you have undergone, along with a few tips on submitting a dental claim yourself whenever necessary.How are dental claims processed?If you have never submitted a dental claim, you may be asking, "How are dental claims processed?" Dental insurance claims processing typically involves two steps.Step 1: Submitting a claimAfter you give your dentist all of the information he or she needs regarding your dental insurance, the office might take care of submitting the dental claim on your behalf. Your dentist could submit a claim through regular snail mail or electronic filing. Many dentists will choose the electronic option because it’s easier and more efficient, but the submission type may depend on your insurance provider’s requirements.Sometimes copies of your X-rays and other documents will also need to be submitted along with the claim form for dental claims processing. For example, with a Spirit dental plan, there aren’t any waiting periods, you can receive up to three cleanings annually and you can receive dental insurance for major services.Keep in mind that your dentist might estimate what your out-of-pocket costs will be before submitting the dental claim. So you may need to pay a portion of the bill upfront and let your insurance cover the rest. Your dentist will reimburse you if you end up overpaying, or he or she will come back to you and ask for another payment if the estimate was incorrect and you owe more.Step 2: Waiting for paymentAfter a dental claim has been properly submitted, your dental insurance provider will check it to ensure the treatments you received are covered under your plan. As long as the claim is approved by the insurance company, they will submit the appropriate payment to your dentist for the services that you received. But if you paid the bill upfront, the insurance provider will reimburse you instead.Things could get a bit complicated if a claim is submitted and your insurance provider doesn’t cover part or all of the services within the claim. In this case, your dentist will likely contact you to receive an out-of-pocket payment directly from you. Or you might be contacted by your insurance provider regarding any payment you must make to your dentist because they don’t cover the full cost of treatment.Knowing when you need to submit a dental claimYour insurance provider might prefer receiving a claim that has been submitted by you, the patient. So rather than your dentist submitting the claim, you may need to pay your dentist upfront and then submit a claim for reimbursement. For example, some insurance providers might require this step when you visit a dentist who isn’t in-network. Once the dental claim has been reviewed and approved, you’ll receive the payment directly from your insurance provider, whether they owe you the full payment or they’re only required to cover a portion of what you paid for the treatments you received.Often, when you submit a claim yourself, you’ll be required to include information like your contact info, your dental insurance policy number, the date of service, information on your dentist, a description of the services and diagnoses you received, and the itemized costs of the treatments that you were billed for. You may also be required to submit receipts, X-rays and other information. Basically, everything that your dentist would otherwise do on your behalf, you have to do yourself. But it’s a lot easier than it might seem at first, so don’t worry!Choosing the right plan and dentist is keyBefore signing up with any dental insurance company, it’s best to read through a plan’s details carefully. This way, you’ll know if you’re required to submit your dental insurance claims or if your dentist will be able to do so for you. On top of that, you will know if you are required to pay upfront and then be reimbursed, or if the payment will be submitted directly to your dentist.In addition to knowing what’s covered and what isn’t covered by your insurance plan, it’s also a great idea to find out if there are any limits on the amount of treatment you can receive or if there is a waiting period. This information will help you avoid those dreaded declined dental claims. For example, with a Spirit dental plan, there aren’t any waiting periods, you can receive up to three cleanings annually and you can receive coverage for major services.Frequently asked questions about dental claimsIf you have questions about dental claims, we have answered a few common questions we hear about dental insurance claims processing below. If you have further questions, please contact us; our experienced team will gladly assist you.What is the major difference between medical and dental claims?The major difference between medical and dental claims is the type of services covered and how they are processed. Medical claims typically involve reimbursement for medical services related to illness, injury, or disease, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and prescription medications. Dental claims, on the other hand, involve reimbursement for dental services related to oral health, such as dental exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, orthodontics and other dental treatments. Dental claims are specific to dental care and are processed separately from medical claims.What is a dental claim form called?The dental claim form is typically referred to as a "Dental Claim Form" or "Dental Insurance Claim Form." It is a standardized document used by dental providers to submit a claim for reimbursement to the dental insurance company on behalf of the patient. The dental claim form includes information such as the patient's personal details, policy number, description of services rendered, diagnosis codes and charges for the dental services provided.How do I finalize an open dental claim?To finalize an open dental claim, you will typically need to follow these steps:Complete the dental claim form accurately and provide all the required information, including details about the dental services provided, diagnosis codes, and charges.Attach any supporting documentation, such as dental treatment records, X-rays or invoices, as requested by the dental insurance company.Submit the completed dental claim form and supporting documentation to the dental insurance company by mail, fax or electronically, per their instructions.Follow up with the dental insurance company to ensure they have received and processed your claim. You may need to provide additional information or documentation if requested.Once the dental insurance company has processed the claim, they will typically send you an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) which outlines the coverage, benefits and any patient responsibility, such as deductibles or co-pays.Review the EOB carefully and compare it with the original dental claim to ensure accuracy.If the dental claim is approved, the dental insurance company will issue reimbursement directly to you or your dental provider, depending on the terms of your policy. It's important to note that the specific process for finalizing an open dental claim may vary depending on the dental insurance company's requirements and policies, so it's best to refer to their documentation or contact their customer service for detailed instructions.Trust Spirit Dental for your dental insurance needsNow that you understand more about how dental claims work, you may be ready to shop for low-cost dental insurance. Spirit Dental has a variety of affordable dental plans for you to choose from that will meet your needs. It's easy to get dental insurance quotes online from Spirit Dental. Discover the difference Spirit Dental can make in your oral health.Sources:https://www.apexedi.com/things-you-should-know-about-submitting-dental-claims/https://www.bcbsm.com/index/health-insurance-help/faqs/topics/claims/claims-faq/submit-a-claim.htmlhttps://www.affiliateddentists.com/info/dental-insurance-claims-handled/

Did you know that if you have diabetes, your risk of oral health problems might be higher? But don’t worry; there are some easy steps you can take daily to support the strength of your teeth and gums. With the right strategy, you’ll be able to maintain that lovely smile for years to come, so check out the tips below to get started.First Off, What Can Diabetes Do to Your Mouth?Before tackling what you can do to keep your teeth shiny and strong, it’s important to cover what diabetes could actually do to your mouth. Here are a few of the common symptoms that may arise in diabetic patients:If your diabetes goes untreated, you may notice that you don’t have as much saliva as you should, and that could lead to uncomfortable dry mouth. Once that condition occurs, your teeth might become more susceptible to developing cavities. Yikes!Some diabetics may find that they’re more susceptible to gum disease. For example, you might develop gingivitis, which leads to gums that are inflamed and that bleed easily. And you wouldn’t be alone either, as periodontal disease is actually one of the more common dental ailments amongst diabetics. Why? Well, a lack of control over your blood sugar could boost your risk of gum disease. And having gum disease may also increase your blood sugar too. So it’s a vicious cycle.   You might have noted that, ever since you developed diabetes, infections in your mouth are more common than they were before. Wounds may also heal more slowly. And thrush, which is an infection that’s the result of fungus in the mouth, is yet another oral health problem that’s associated with diabetes. Not fun!Here’s What You Can Do to Take ControlDiabetes might make you more susceptible to a variety of oral health problems, but that doesn’t mean that you’ve lost control. In addition to monitoring your blood sugar and keeping it within a healthy range with the help of diet, exercise, and medications, as well as not smoking, you should also make sure to thoroughly clean your dentures daily if you wear them.Brushing and flossing every day at home is extremely important for everyone, but if you have diabetes, you can take extra steps to ensure you’re getting a thorough clean every time. Here are a few ways to take your brushing and flossing routine to the next level:Brush your teeth at least twice a day, including before going to bed. Each time you brush, do so for a full two minutes.After brushing, spit out the toothpaste but don’t rinse your mouth with water. Instead, allow the fluoride in the toothpaste to remain on your teeth in order to keep working.Use dental floss at least once a day to thoroughly clean anything that your toothbrush missed in between your teeth. This is a really important step if you want to have healthy gums, so even though flossing can be annoying, it’s totally worth it. Trust us.Talk to your dentist about which type of mouthwash would be best for you, as there are some that could help combat dry mouth, and there are even some that are antibacterial.Most Importantly…Everyone could benefit from seeing their dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and professional cleaning. If you have diabetes, however, these visits with your dentist will be even more important. Just be sure to let your dentist know that you have diabetes so you can receive the appropriate treatments. And don’t forget to let him or her know about your medications too!Plus, if you have gum disease, seeing your dentist regularly will help ensure it is detected in its earliest stages when it will be easiest to treat. Plus, getting the right treatment for gum disease might even improve your blood sugar control. Remember, diabetes and oral health problems are connected, so treating one could help improve the other as well. It’s a win-win!Pro tip: with a Spirit dental plan, you gain access to three dental cleanings per year!It’s Pretty Basic!Overall, maintaining the health of your teeth and gums when you have diabetes is really similar to the strategies that would be used by anyone who doesn’t have diabetes. Brushing and flossing at home and seeing your dentist twice a year are basic steps that you can take to keep your mouth free of infections and cavities. But if you are diabetic, just be aware that your risk might be higher for conditions like gum disease, so being a little extra diligent with your oral hygiene certainly won’t hurt. And once you fall into a solid routine of keeping your entire mouth clean, you’ll be smiling more than usual to show off those beautiful teeth!Sources:https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/treatment-carehttps://www.diabetes.co.uk/features/diabetes-and-oral-health.htmlhttps://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/diabetes  https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/diabetes-and-other-endocrine-disorders/diabetes-and-dental-treatment-what-you-should-knowhttps://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/For_the_Dental_Patient_July_2010.pdf

Updated August 2021 Your genes can play a role in how you look and behave, and they can also have an impact on various aspects of your health. You’re probably already familiar with the fact that certain problems can be inherited from your parents, but can genes affect your teeth and gums, in particular? The simple answer is yes! There are certain oral health conditions that might be linked to genetics, but there’s also no reason to feel helpless even if you are predisposed to those ailments. Continue reading to learn about some of the ways that your teeth and gums may be impacted by genetics, and to uncover some of the things you can do to reduce the risk of oral problems. A link between genetics and oral health To try to figure out if genes can play a role in someone’s oral health, researchers conducted a study that looked at the genetic and oral health data of over 500,000 individuals. They wanted to see if there were genes that were associated with periodontitis and cavities.  After analyzing the data, experts found that there are genes associated with increased odds of developing cavities. They even found that genes might have an impact on the quality of a person’s saliva. So, the simple answer is that genetics may affect the health, appearance, and strength of your teeth and gums.  Ask your family if they’ve experienced and treated any oral health problems. What you might discover is that certain ailments do run in your family and, therefore, might be a result of your genes.  What are some oral health problems that might be caused by genetics? Various genetic defects can impact the number of teeth in a person’s mouth, the strength of the enamel, and the shape, color, and size of the teeth.   Some people might be at an increased risk of cavities or gum disease because of their genes. But there are other conditions, such as oral cancer, that might also be related to your genetic makeup.  In addition to health problems, your genes may affect the alignment of your bite, and they might also determine if you’ll end up needing braces to straighten your teeth. Plus, problems like gaps between teeth or overcrowding might be the result of genetics as well.  Pro tip: As a parent, taking your child to the dentist at an early age can help you find and treat issues like malocclusion as soon as possible.  Remember that you do have control! Put simply, some health problems, including those that affect your mouth, might be linked to your genes. But, whether or not you have a genetic predisposition to problems like cavities and gum disease, it’s important to keep in mind that your lifestyle also plays a role in how healthy your mouth is. In other words, try to control what you can to help increase the odds that your teeth and gums will remain healthy.  Remember, unhealthy habits like following a poor quality diet or smoking may boost your risk of oral health issues. And, of course, if you don’t brush and floss daily, your risk of developing dental decay or gum problems will also increase. Seeing the dentist should be on your agenda Another way to be sure you can keep your pearly whites bright and your gums nice and strong: see the dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings!  Your dentist will be able to examine your mouth for the earliest signs of disease so you can receive treatment promptly, and they can also talk to you about genetic factors that may put you at a greater risk of oral problems.   Reluctant to go to the dentist because you can’t afford it? Spirit is here to help! Shop for affordable dental insurance that covers everything from fillings to orthodontics so you don’t have to break the bank to have a perfect smile.        Sources: https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/are-oral-health-issues-genetic.html https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/news-events/nidcr-news/2019/genes-are-key-oral-health-beyond https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/developmental-disabilities/are-oral-health-issues-genetic-10-conditions-to-know