Spirit Dental Resources

Updated Jan. 22 Dentures are a great option if you need to replace missing teeth. When fitted properly, they’ll be comfortable and allow you to enjoy your favorite foods. But once you get your dentures, it’s up to you to take steps daily to keep them as clean as possible. Doing so can help prevent problems like irritation, infections, and gum disease.   The good news is denture care isn’t complicated. And once you get the hang of things, cleaning your dentures will become a part of your routine. Then, when you see your dentist for a checkup, they’ll be impressed with the awesome job you did keeping your mouth healthy and your dentures in good shape! How to care for dentures: a basic guide If you have partial dentures, you’ll need to take care of your dentures and natural teeth. So, after removing your dentures before heading to bed, you can brush and floss your natural teeth. Then, you can work on cleaning your dentures. Simple enough!     What if you have full dentures? Well, the steps are the same, but you obviously won’t need to brush and floss your teeth. Before heading to bed each night, be sure to remove the dentures and clean them thoroughly.   How to clean partial dentures and full dentures Knowing how to clean dentures properly is ultra-important, and your dentist can help you figure it all out, even if you have no clue where to begin.  To get a general idea of what to expect when it comes to keeping dentures clean, check out the brief guide below on how to care for partial dentures and full dentures.  1.) After removing your dentures, rinse them with cool water. You could fill a sink with water or place a folded towel in the sink, as doing so may help prevent damage to your dentures if you accidentally drop them.  2.) With a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for dentures, brush them gently to remove plaque and food particles that stuck to them. 3.) Soak your dentures in a solution that’s designed to clean them, following the directions closely. Talk to your dentist about which cleaner is ideal for the type of dentures you wear. Alternatively, you might just need to soak them in water. Leave the dentures in the solution overnight to cleanse them and keep them moist until you put them back in your mouth the next morning. 4.) If you wear partial dentures, brush your teeth, gums, tongue, cheeks, and palate, and floss to clean between the teeth. On the other hand, if you wear full dentures, gently brush your gums, tongue, cheeks, and palate. Taking the time to do this twice a day—in the morning and before bed—can help keep your whole mouth fresh and healthy.  5.) To freshen your mouth even more and take an additional step to remove bacteria, you can rinse with salt water or an antiseptic mouthwash. Your dentist can help you select the right mouthwash for your needs if you aren’t sure which one is best. 6.) Every morning, brush your gums, tongue, palate, and teeth again. Then, rinse the dentures carefully and completely after removing them from the cleaning solution so you can safely place them in your mouth for the day ahead.  Tip #1: In addition to giving your dentures a thorough cleaning each night, it’s a good idea to rinse them with water after you eat.  Tip #2: If you use denture adhesive, take care to remove it completely from your dentures and gums each night.  Don’t neglect proper gum care after dentures People with dentures shouldn’t only focus on keeping the dentures themselves clean. You also need to take care of any remaining natural teeth and, of course, your gums. After all, without healthy gums, you can’t have a healthy mouth! You can clean the gums with a soft toothbrush or some gauze. Let them breathe while your dentures are soaking overnight. This helps reduce the risk of problems like irritated, red, or sore gums.   What to avoid after getting dentures We can’t stress this enough: your dentist can give you personalized guidance when you get dentures. Generally, however, there are some things you should avoid.  Be careful about the products you use to clean dentures. Products that are too abrasive are a big no-no because they may cause damage. Using toothpaste, whitening products, or household cleaners isn’t a good idea. Even using water that’s too hot might cause warping. So, stick with cleaning solutions recommended by your dentist and designed for the dentures you wear.   Also, even though you might be tempted to leave your dentures in your mouth overnight, it isn’t wise. Taking them out of your mouth gives your gums a chance to rest after being covered all day.   You still need to see the dentist, even with dentures You might think that, because you have dentures, you no longer need to worry so much about seeing a dentist regularly. But the opposite is true.   Whether you have partial or full dentures, it’s still necessary to see your dentist so they can examine your mouth and look for signs of disease. Plus, your dentist can professionally clean the dentures and check them to be sure they’re still in good condition. If your dentures are no longer fitting comfortably or you need to replace them because they’re old or broken, your dentist will provide the appropriate solution.  With the right dental insurance, you won’t need to worry about expensive appointments to keep your dentures and mouth clean and healthy. Spirit Dental offers plans that can help cover the cost of checkups, cleanings, and dentures so you won’t have to break the bank to restore your smile.       Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/denture-care/expert-answers/faq-20058375 https://familydentistottawa.com/important-dos-donts-denture-care/ https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/oral-health/caring-for-your-mouth-and-gums-with-dentures https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/common-denture-problems https://www.dentureliving.com/en-us/advice-tips/living-with-dentures/pain-irritation/denture-pain-sores 

Updated July 2021 Everyone wants a perfect smile, but not everyone is born with it. Thankfully, modern dentistry offers multiple solutions that can help improve the way your pearly whites look so you can be more confident. Two of those solutions are crowns and veneers.  What are the similarities and differences between porcelain crowns and veneers? Continue reading to learn a bit about these options so you can get a better idea of which one would be best for you.  Dental Crowns and Veneers: What Are They? Both porcelain dental crowns and veneers can be used to restore a smile after an injury or extensive decay. Or, if you simply aren’t happy with the appearance of your teeth as they are naturally, these options might be just what you need.  Although they can be used to restore or improve the look of teeth, there are some notable differences between veneers and crowns.  Crowns are caps that are set over teeth. A crown will look like a real tooth, and once it is set into place, it will completely cover your natural tooth, so it will function just like your other teeth too.  Veneers are ultra-thin and designed to sit on the front of teeth. Like crowns, they can be used to change the way teeth look, and because they are capable of resisting stains, they can help you maintain a beautiful smile for the long run.  Why Do People Get Crowns or Veneers? There are a lot of reasons why your dentist might recommend a porcelain crown or a veneer. By weighing their pros and cons, while considering your needs and the health of your teeth and gums, your dentist can also help you decide which one of these would be the right choice.  Here are some of the reasons why you might opt to get a dental crown: If you need to restore a tooth that’s become too weak because of injury, wear and tear, or decay. If you don’t like the way a tooth looks (e.g. its color or shape). If you needed a root canal or a large filling. If you’re getting a bridge or implant. Here are some of the reasons why you might opt to get dental veneers: If you want to change the way your teeth look (e.g. get rid of a gap between teeth, change the shape of a tooth, cover up damage such as chips, or fix minor alignment issues). If your enamel is worn and you want to strengthen one or more teeth. If you want to hide discoloration, make your teeth appear whiter, and prevent future stains.  Crowns vs. Veneers Cost Comparison: Which Option Is More Affordable? We’re not gonna lie: both crowns and veneers are expensive! So, this is something that you definitely want to consider before taking the plunge.   A dental crown might cost, on average, anywhere from $800 - $3,500. The final cost may depend on several factors, such as the type of material that’s used to make the crown (e.g. porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal), where you’re located, and the dental professional that you use. A veneer might cost, on average, anywhere from $250 - $2,500. Like crowns, different factors, such as where you’re getting a veneer and the material that it’s made of (e.g. porcelain or composite), may influence the final price.   Can Dental Insurance Help You Get a Crown or Veneer? Having the right dental insurance might make a big difference when it comes to affording crowns and veneers, but it’s wise to read the fine print carefully. For example, a plan might only cover a certain percentage of the cost of these procedures. Or, if you’re getting either of these solely for cosmetic reasons, insurance might not help cover the cost at all.  Bottom line: you don’t have to live with an imperfect smile! Veneers and porcelain crowns are two options that are definitely worth exploring.         Sources: https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/veneers-vs-crowns    https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/veneers https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/veneers/dental-veneers-pros-and-cons https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10923-dental-crowns https://www.yourdentistryguide.com/veneer-procedure/  

Whether you play sports or your kids play sports, it’s important to know that there is a risk for dental injuries with these activities. Below we’ve listed out some helpful information so you can have a better understanding of the risks, as well as what you can do to take the appropriate precautions to prevent these injuries. Dental Sports Injuries: A Few Quick Facts and Stats Dental injuries that are related to sports are common. For example, experts have reported that anywhere from 13% to 39% of all dental injuries are the result of patients being involved in sports. On top of that, roughly 80% of the injuries that dentists treat affect the upper front teeth, although damage to the cheeks and tongue are also seen often. Some of the more common dental injuries that are related to sports include tooth fractures. However, fully dislodged teeth, as well as loosened teeth, are also common. Extensive bleeding and pain could occur even in the case of a tooth fracture if the crack extends through the whole tooth. Ouch! Teenagers are prone to suffering from dental injuries that are related to the sports that they play. In fact, preteens and teens tend to exhibit the highest number of these dental injuries. While these stats certainly shouldn’t dissuade you from playing your favorite sports with your friends, they might inspire you to take an extra step to keep your mouth safe. Your Biggest Risk: Contact Sports As you probably already guessed, contact sports will put you at greater risk of suffering from a serious dental injury. If you play any of the following sports, consider using a mouthguard to protect those chompers and keep them where they belong: in your mouth! Boxing Wrestling Martial Arts Hockey Football Baseball Basketball Soccer Rugby Lacrosse Even if a sport doesn’t require that you wear this protection, experts highly recommend wearing one as it can help protect your smile. After all, even a minor mouth injury could be painful and costly. Safety Gear: A Must-Have Accessory Wearing protective gear could help you reap all of the benefits that come with playing sports without risking the health of your teeth. The type of safety gear that you will need will depend upon the sport that you participate in. Generally, helmets can help protect you if you are dealing with impact and speed (think: biking, skating, hockey, and football). They can protect your head, your eyes, and your mouth when they are designed well and fit properly. As mentioned above, mouthguards could help protect your lips, tongue, and teeth, especially when they are custom-fitted. And remember, they could be used for just about every sport, from football and basketball to boxing and hockey. Mouthguards: They Aren’t All Created Equal Not keen on the idea of wearing a mouthguard? You might change your mind once you realize that the simple act of wearing one while you play could dramatically reduce your risk of getting hurt, regardless of the sport you prefer. The key, though, is to wear the right mouthguard, such as one that has been customized to fit your mouth perfectly. Here is a basic breakdown of the most common types of mouthguards available: A ready-made mouthguard, also known as a stock mouthguard, is one that you can purchase already formed and ready to wear. While these products may be convenient, they typically are not the ideal choice. Oftentimes, one size does not fit all, so you will notice that the guard fits your mouth poorly. This translates to inadequate protection for your teeth. Ultimately, the mouthguard will not really do much to reduce your risk of injury. A boil-and-bite mouthguard is a step up from a stock mouthguard, and it could be your best option if you can’t get a customized guard. These are easy to find in sporting goods stores. All you have to do is put the product in some boiling water to soften the plastic. Once you bite down, the plastic will form a mold around your teeth. And if you don’t get the fit right the first time, you can do it again. Because this guard will fit your teeth more accurately, it could provide better protection. The best (but most expensive) option would be a custom mouthguard, as it will offer the highest level of defense. Your dentist can make this mouthguard for you, and he or she can ensure optimal protection and comfort, thanks to a perfect fit. Got Hurt? See Your Dentist Right Away!

Your body goes through a lot of changes while you’re pregnant. Could these changes affect your oral health? Or can your oral health affect the health of your baby? Get all of the answers you need below. Your Oral Health Is More Important Than You Think If you thought that keeping your teeth and gums clean was only important for maintaining a bright and beautiful smile, think again. Failing to brush and floss daily or neglecting to see your dentist for cleanings regularly could result in frightening problems during your pregnancy. These could include intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and premature delivery. Wow! Gum Disease Might Become a Problem There is evidence that suggests that there’s a link between premature or underweight birth and a mother’s gum disease. In other words, if you have gum disease while you are pregnant, you might increase your odds of delivering a baby who is too small or you might go into labor too soon. Both issues stress the importance of getting your teeth and gums cleaned and treated as usual during your pregnancy. Even if you have never had gingivitis before, you might experience it during your pregnancy. This is actually referred to as pregnancy gingivitis because pregnancy hormones might cause the gums to overreact to irritants that are found in plaque. Basically, the plaque will end up building up and irritating your gums, leading to gums that are inflamed, red, and prone to bleeding. Ouch! Morning Sickness Is Bad News for Your Teeth Morning sickness isn’t any fun at all, but it can also wreak havoc on your pearly whites. To ensure the stomach acid that comes up with your vomit doesn’t eat away at your enamel and increase your risk of cavities, simply rinse your mouth thoroughly before brushing your teeth. Swish and spit some water, a mix of water and baking soda (1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup of water), or a diluted mouthwash. Then brush a half-hour later to refresh your entire mouth. So easy! Your Teeth Might Feel Loose This is pretty scary: during pregnancy, high levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones might cause the bones and the ligaments that hold your teeth in place to loosen. This could occur even if you are not experiencing the symptoms associated with gum disease. Usually, this will just go away after you deliver your baby (phew!), but if you are at all concerned, asking your dentist could help put your mind at ease. And don’t worry, as your teeth won’t fall out just because you’re pregnant. There Are Also These Things Called Pregnancy Tumors While you’re expecting, you might develop what is referred to as a “pregnancy tumor.” But don’t freak out, as these tumors are the result of hormonal changes, and they are benign. These growths will look a lot like raspberries in between your teeth, and they’ll typically pop up within the second trimester. If you want, you can have your dentist remove pregnancy tumors, especially if they’re uncomfortable or really grossing you out. If you choose to leave them alone, though, they will likely go away once your bundle of joy is born. What About Radiation from Dental X-Rays? Should you be concerned about the radiation that you’re exposed to when getting dental x-rays? According to experts, not at all. Just be sure that your dental hygienist or your dentist covers your torso and neck with a protective apron. Keep Your Entire Mouth Healthy and Clean During pregnancy, it’s important to keep your entire mouth clean, so focus on brushing twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Flossing once a day will also help to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Beyond following a dental care routine at home every day, it is also important to eat right while you are pregnant. This will not only help ensure the health of your baby but will also help reduce the risk of tooth decay. So focus on limiting your intake of sugary foods and drinks, and try consuming a diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, high-fiber foods, and foods that are high in calcium. Also, if you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s best to contact your dentist as soon as possible to figure out what’s going on: Painful or bleeding gums, or gums that are swollen, sore, shiny, or red Pain anywhere in your mouth, including a toothache Growths, such as lumps or sores, within the mouth Bad breath Loose teeth A Dentist Can Provide the Best Advice During Your Pregnancy! Do you have any questions about your dental care routine while you’re pregnant? Are you worried that you might not be doing everything that you can to maintain strong teeth and gums? Your dentist could steer you in the right direction for a safe and healthy pregnancy. And even if you don’t have any specific questions but you’re scheduled to see your dentist for a standard cleaning and checkup, it’s a good idea to tell him or her that you’re pregnant. In this way, the appropriate steps can be taken to care for your mouth and your baby. Sources: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/pregnancy-slideshow https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/oral-care-during-pregnancy/why-you-need-a-prenatal-dental-care-checkup https://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/life-stages/oral-care-during-pregnancy

It’s totally natural for your infant to suck on his or her thumb or cry for a pacifier, but this is a habit that could adversely affect the health and appearance of your child’s teeth. Check out the information below to learn about when thumb sucking stops being soothing and starts being a problem. Here’s Why Infants Suck Their Thumbs Sucking on a thumb or a pacifier is just part of a child’s instincts. Did you know that tiny babies begin sucking on their fingers while still in their mother’s womb? How adorable is that?! Once out of the womb, babies and young kids exhibit the same behavior, so you’ll see them sucking on their thumbs or their other fingers, as well as on objects like pacifiers. When they do this, they feel content, relaxed, and secure, and it could even help them fall soundly asleep. Here’s Why Thumb Sucking Could Be Bad If your little one sucks on his or her thumb for too long, the once harmless habit could end up causing unwanted changes in the way your child’s mouth grows. For example, it might lead to changes in the roof of the mouth, it may cause skeletal changes that will ruin the alignment of the permanent teeth, and it might also cause an overbite. Your son or daughter might even have a hard time pronouncing words correctly, and the lower and upper jaws might move out of alignment. The front teeth, in particular, might end up jutting outward, or the bite may become open, causing the lower and upper front teeth to become unable to touch. Overall, the more aggressively your child sucks on his or her thumb, and the longer the habit continues, the more damage that could be done, including to the baby teeth. When It’s Time to Discourage Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use To prevent dental problems and help ensure that your child’s permanent teeth will grow beautifully straight, experts recommend discouraging this behavior by the age of four. At this age, your child’s entire mouth, including the teeth and jaw, could be affected by excessive sucking, so stopping the sucking is important. Plus, the longer your child goes on exhibiting this habit, the more difficult it will become for you to break it before mouth problems occur. Note: When a kid continues sucking on a pacifier or thumb past five years of age, the permanent teeth are much more likely to be affected. Rest assured that, just because your child sucks his or her thumb does not mean that it will turn into behavior that will be really hard to break. A lot of kids actually end up stopping on their own, usually between the ages of two and four. You will start to notice that the sucking occurs less often until it gradually stops completely. That’s good news! Ditching the Thumb (or the Pacifier) Encouraging your kid to stop sucking on a thumb or pacifier is recommended if your child doesn’t stop on his or her own. Your goal could be to get your child to make up his or her own mind to stop the sucking, as that might help break the habit with greater ease. Experts suggest that you keep things positive by rewarding good behavior, and avoid scolding your kid. After all, if your child’s thumb sucking is the result of anxiety or stress, scolding will only create more stress and more thumb sucking. And if the behavior does arise from anxiety, try to find and resolve the cause(s) of the anxiety so that your child won’t have to rely upon sucking on a pacifier or finger to find comfort. Other tactics that you can try include: Placing a sock over your child’s hands at night or applying a bandage to the thumbs. Taking your child’s finger out of the mouth after he or she falls asleep. Offering your child a pacifier, as getting your kid to stop using a pacifier might be easier than stopping thumb sucking. Like thumb sucking, pacifier use could be gradually stopped, and some experts recommend starting when your baby is just one year old. Recognizing how long your child can go without thumb or pacifier sucking and offering a reward. Gradually increase the time required until the next reward is earned. You Could Ask Your Dentist for Help! When your child won’t listen to you, he or she might be more likely to listen to a dentist, who can explain the effects of thumb sucking, such as crooked teeth and a need for braces later on. On top of that, your dentist could also provide other helpful tools, such as mouth appliances or medications that coat the thumb in order to prevent sucking. And if you are noticing any changes in your baby’s primary teeth that may be caused by thumb sucking, a dentist can shed light on what is happening and how you could prevent further damage. Overall, thumb sucking is considered normal behavior, and it may not be any cause for concern. However, if your child does not stop on his or her own, particularly as the permanent teeth start to come through, there are several strategies that you can try to successfully discourage the behavior and ensure your child’s mouth will develop perfectly.        Sources: https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/patient_77.pdf?la=en   https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/kids-oral-care/thumb-sucking-the-good-the-bad-and-the-normal https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/thumbsucking https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/oral-health-problems-children#1 https://www.besthealthmag.ca/article/thumb-sucking-pacifiers-and-your-childs-oral-health/

Calcium: you know you need it for strong bones, but do you also need it to keep your teeth strong and clean? It turns out that, yes, you do! Here’s some information on why your teeth crave calcium, and how this vital nutrient can help you maintain that beautiful smile. Calcium Supplementation: Part of a Stellar Dental Care Routine According to the National Institutes of Health, your bones and teeth are responsible for storing a whopping 99% of the total calcium within your body. And calcium may be able to help your teeth remain resistant to disease and decay, so getting enough of it through diet and supplementation is an important step on the road to strengthening and repairing your pearly whites.   Other nutrients, such as magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, could also support calcium’s job of protecting your teeth, reinforcing your enamel, and warding off cavities. Thankfully, these nutrients are easy to come by, not only through supplementation but also through a diet focused on natural, whole-food ingredients like veggies and fruits. Quick Tip: Some of the top food sources of calcium include leafy greens, dairy products, and calcium-fortified treats like cereals and juices. Yum! The Perfect Pair: Calcium and Vitamin D Research has shown that supplementing with both calcium and vitamin D may help to prevent bone loss, as well as help prevent tooth loss. The combination of at-home dental hygiene, routine dental exams, and cleanings, and supplementation might be just what you need to hold onto your chompers as you get older. Here’s what one study proved: older individuals who took 700 IU of vitamin D with 500 mg of calcium every day for three years were 40% less likely to lose one or more of their teeth compared to those who took a placebo. What’s vitamin D got to do with it? It enhances the absorption of calcium by your body. So when you take calcium and vitamin D together, you can help all of your bones, including your jawbone, stay strong, and that could help your teeth remain strong too! Calcium, Osteoporosis, and Tooth Loss: Oh My! Here is another stunning fact: osteoporosis might cause your jawbone to become weak. Once your jawbone, which serves as an anchor for your teeth, becomes too weak, the risk of your teeth becoming loose and falling out increases. And women who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis could be three times more likely to lose their teeth. Scary! No need to feel helpless, though! Once again, it is all about the calcium. A diet deficient in this mineral could boost your risk of getting osteoporosis, so making it a point to get enough calcium might help to prevent problems before they even take hold. Calcium for the win! Pregnant? Help Your Baby Develop Strong Teeth and Bones Even though your baby’s first tooth will wait a few months before making its first appearance, your child’s teeth will actually start to form while still in the womb. So if you are pregnant, you can help ensure your little one gets plenty of nutrients, including calcium, to develop strong bones and teeth. Experts generally recommend a daily intake of 1,000-1,300 mg of calcium, but it is a great idea to speak with your doctor to determine the specific amount that you should be getting (everyone is unique, after all). Then, after your baby is born, you can continue feeding him or her a calcium-rich diet that will keep supporting proper growth and development. So How Much Calcium Should You Aim to Get? Studies have shown that individuals who get more than 800 mg of calcium daily have a reduced risk of developing gum disease, while individuals who consume under 500 mg daily are 54% more likely to end up with gum disease. Wow! Getting enough calcium every day isn’t too hard to achieve with the right combo of diet and supplementation. However, the amount of calcium that your body needs will depend upon your age, as well as any conditions that you have. That’s why talking to your doctor will give you the personalized advice that you need regarding how many milligrams of calcium will be optimal for your overall health, including your dental health. General guidelines when it comes to calcium intake: Older adults will need at least 1,200 mg per day Adults, as well as mothers who are nursing, should aim for 1,000 mg per day Older kids and teens up to the age of 18 will need 1,300 mg per day Kids aged 1 to 8 should get 500-800 mg per day Maintaining Healthy Teeth: More Than Just Brushing and Flossing In the end, brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist for exams and cleanings are just part of the equation for a shiny, strong smile. Eating a balanced diet and taking high-quality calcium supplements are additional steps that you can take to help support the health of your teeth as you age. Sources: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/news/20000927/keep-that-smile-calcium-vitamin-d-prevent-tooth-loss#1   https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/nutrition-and-oral-health/is-milk-good-for-your-teeth https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/pdf/MLP_Winter_2011.pdf https://www.renfrodental.com/how-much-calcium-do-we-actually-need