Spirit Dental Resources

Millennials are now the largest generation, so you’d think that there would be a lot of dental patients to take care of. But experts are finding that the opposite is true. Are you a millennial who has been putting off seeing your dentist? Well, you certainly aren’t alone. Keep reading to learn more about millennials and dental care, including why they need it and how they can take the first steps towards a cleaner, healthier, and more beautiful smile. Millennials Are Likely to Have Tooth Decay, and Not Even Know It! According to a study by the American Dental Association (ADA), just 30% of millennials visit their dentist annually. As a result, over 30% of millennials have tooth decay that’s gone untreated. That is the highest percentage for any age group.1 Whoa! On top of that, 35% of millennials have trouble chewing and biting, while 38% of them have oral problems that make life less satisfying. And tooth pain is the most common complaint amongst individuals in this age group.1 Why are millennials reluctant to go to the dentist regularly? It could be because: Millennials who have dealt with a difficult economy may not be able to find employment and get the income that they need to afford dental care. Of those who are employed and who have health insurance, many do not have a separate individual dental insurance plan. Therefore, financial concerns are part of the reason why millennials avoid dental appointments. Millennials might be under the impression that, if you don’t feel any mouth pain, you don’t have any oral health issues. However, this is not always the case, as dental problems could advance without causing pain. Regular checkups would pick up on problems in their early stages so that less expensive and less invasive treatments can be provided. Tech-savvy millennials are more likely to look up health issues online and self-diagnose. They may think that they don’t have any oral problems to worry about, even though this may not be the case because those problems could exist without symptoms. The Millennial Generation is more likely to consume beverages that are bad for oral health, such as energy drinks, citrus drinks, and sugary sodas. The acids in these drinks could weaken tooth enamel, while the sugars could lead to cavities. Millennials may not have a clear understanding of the link between overall health and oral health, so they put off taking care of their mouths. Millennials: You’re Getting Older… During your 20s and 30s, oral health problems may begin to arise, even if you never had to deal with those issues before. These ailments could include sensitivity to foods and drinks, teeth grinding as a result of stress, TMD (also known as TMJ) that could be the result of teeth grinding, and gum disease. We know you don’t want to hear it, millennials, but you’re getting older and your body is changing with age, so stepping up your dental care game could help ensure you retain that lovely smile for many years to come. A Millennial’s First Steps Towards Better Oral Health Here are some more interesting stats: According to the American Dental Association, one in every three adults between the ages of 18 and 34 are actually reluctant to smile. And one in five millennials has even reduced the amount of time that they spend socializing with others. Why? Because they are already experiencing symptoms, such as tooth pain or inflamed gums, and they are self-conscious. But it gets more serious: 28% of these adults have stated that the way their mouth and teeth look has actually adversely affected their ability to go on job interviews!1 That’s not cool.   What can you do? Well, in addition to brushing and flossing at home, simply seeing a dentist every six months or at least every year, will allow you to get the x-rays and exams that you need to pick up on problems and resolve them sooner rather than later. And millennials who don’t have dental insurance can purchase affordable plans to get the care and cleanings that they need to keep their teeth strong and their gums free of disease. Once millennials realize just how important dental exams are, and once they access the affordable dental insurance that they need, they’ll be on their way to having a pain-free smile that they’ll be ready to show off while socializing with friends or while landing their dream job. Sources: https://www.forbes.com/sites/dianahembree/2017/03/28/why-some-millennials-arent-smiling-bad-teeth-hinder-28-in-job-search/#4fe9ab4a59c6 https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-oral-care  

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

It’s totally normal to feel anxious when you need to see the dentist. In fact, anxiety in the dentist’s chair is so common that experts have come up with a solution that may be just what you need to feel more at ease, and it’s referred to as sedation dentistry. Below is some information on what sedation dentistry is and who it’s designed for. Perhaps you could benefit from it too! Wanna Be Sedated? Sedation dentistry is also known as “sleep dentistry” because patients are given medications that are designed to put them into a deep state of relaxation. Although patients typically won’t be totally asleep (unless they’re given general anesthesia) and they’ll be able to respond to commands and questions from the dentist, they probably won’t remember the experience. Your level of sedation is also an option, so you and your dentist can decide which would be best for you. Minimal sedation will keep you awake but you will feel relaxed, while moderate sedation might cause you to slur your words and forget the majority of what happened in the dental chair. Deep sedation means you would be slightly conscious, while general anesthesia would put you into a totally unconscious state. It’s important to note that sedation doesn’t negate the need for a local anesthetic that will numb the area of your mouth that the dentist will be working on. Those who have a phobia of needles and shots, however, can rest assured that, under sedation, they likely won’t even remember getting the shots in the first place. Phew! What Is Used to Sedate You? Your dentist has a few tools available to help you relax during your procedure: For minimal sedation, you might be given nitrous oxide, AKA “laughing gas,” to breathe in. This will combine with oxygen and will be delivered to your nose via a mask so that you can relax as your dentist controls the level of sedation. Oral sedation has become a popular option because, depending upon how much medication you take, you can be anywhere from minimally to moderately sedated. You might be given a sedative pill like Halcion to take an hour before your appointment in order to become relaxed and drowsy. If your dentist thinks that you might need more, he may give you another dose. Your dentist can also provide you with a moderate level of sedation through an IV. As the sedative moves into your vein, it’ll get to work quickly, but your dentist will still be able to adjust the amount of sedation that you’re under. For those who get the most anxious at the dentist, or for those receiving intense treatments, general anesthesia will provide deep sedation that can leave you completely asleep throughout the procedure. Who Are the Best Candidates for Sedation Dentistry? Ask yourself these questions to help determine if sedation dentistry would be a good option for you: Do you tremble in fear at the thought of visiting the dentist, especially to undergo a procedure like a filling or a root canal? Have you avoided going to the dentist, and maybe even postponed your appointment, even though your teeth and gums have needed treatment? Do you have a low tolerance for pain, a strong gag reflex, or really sensitive teeth? Do you find it really difficult to sit still while you’re in the dentist’s chair? In the past, have you had a hard time getting numb even after your dentist administered a local anesthetic? Stick with a Dentist Experienced in Sedation Sedation dentistry may come with risks that experts recommend discussing with your dentist. They also recommend only opting for sedation from a dentist who has plenty of experience in this area—especially if you’re going to receive oral sedatives, as your dentist will need to know how much to give you while avoiding an overdose. A trip to the dentist isn’t most people’s idea of a good time. If you get super nervous about dental cleanings, checkups, and treatments, talk to your dentist to find out if he or she provides sedation dentistry. It could be just what you need to overcome your fear and receive the care that your teeth and gums need to stay healthy. Sources: https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna5446489#.WXu2Sa2ZNE4 https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/sedation-dentistry-can-you-really-relax-in-the-dentists-chair#1 https://www.yourdentistryguide.com/sedation/ https://smilemagicdentistry.com/sedation-dentistry/frequently-asked-questions-about-sedation-dentistry/

Updated 1.11.2021 Wisdom teeth: they’re hard to keep clean, they can grow in at an improper angle and require removal, and they aren’t really necessary. What else should you know about these particular teeth? A few quick facts are waiting for you below. Why Are They Called “Wisdom” Teeth? Your wisdom teeth are nothing more than the third molars found on both the upper and lower jaws. They grow in all the way at the back of your mouth and they look like your other molars. So why are they referred to as “wisdom” teeth? Well, it’s for no other reason than the fact that they will typically grow in between the ages of 17 and 21 when you’re supposed to be older and wiser. Would you say that you were wise at that age? What Can You Expect When Your Wisdom Teeth Grow In? Growing up, you lost all of your baby teeth and you watched your permanent teeth grow in. Most of the time, you probably didn’t have any discomfort. But this might not be the case with your wisdom teeth, which could end up causing discomfort as they break through the gum line. Why Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems? Wisdom teeth have certainly earned their bad reputation. For many individuals, the wisdom teeth could be impacted to varying degrees, and they could end up causing pain and other complications. But not everyone will experience problems with their wisdom teeth. For some people, these molars will grow in perfectly fine and straight, and they will serve as an extra set of teeth for chewing. Hold on, though, don’t get too excited. Even individuals who have straight wisdom teeth could experience problems associated with getting to the back of the mouth and keeping those teeth clean, and that might increase the risk of tooth decay. Not good! So what’s the point of wisdom teeth if they have such a high potential of causing problems? Experts believe that these extra teeth were more useful to our ancestors, who had larger jaws that could accommodate the teeth more comfortably, and who could use the extra teeth for chewing foods that were tough and raw. Others believe that the wisdom teeth might have also come in handy when our ancestors’ other teeth would decay and fall out. Thankfully, we have modern dental care to take care of our chompers today! Fun fact: some people will never develop any wisdom teeth, while others may have fewer than four. Perhaps evolution is working on slowly removing them so humans eventually won’t have to deal with them at all anymore? Only time will tell. What Happens When Wisdom Teeth Don’t Grow in Straight? If wisdom teeth don’t grow in straight, there is a higher risk of complications, as these molars might end up adversely affecting nearby teeth. Some of the problems that may occur include nerve damage, jaw damage, damage to the adjacent teeth, and crowding of the teeth. A dental x-ray will be able to tell your dentist how your wisdom teeth could be affecting your other teeth, and whether or not removing the wisdom teeth would be the best choice. What Does It Mean When Wisdom Teeth Are Impacted? Impacted wisdom teeth aren’t able to completely erupt through your gum line. They could be blocked by other teeth, there might not be enough room for them, or they might be stuck in the jawbone. Symptoms that may result from impacted wisdom teeth include severe pain and discomfort, as well as infection and inflammation. Impactions might also increase the risk of damage to nearby teeth, as well as damage to the gums and jaw. Wisdom teeth could push your other teeth out of alignment (so much for the braces you endured for years!), and cysts could form around impacted teeth, damaging the nerves within the jaw and causing sinus congestion, pressure, and pain. Yikes! Here’s a breakdown of the different types of wisdom tooth impactions: Mesioangular Impaction: A mesioangular impaction means that the wisdom tooth is angled forward, facing the front of the mouth. This tooth could potentially end up pushing other teeth out of alignment. Distoangular Impaction: This type of impaction will cause the wisdom tooth to be angled away from the second molar, so it will be tilted towards the back of the mouth. Horizontal Impaction: A horizontal impaction will have the wisdom tooth lying on its side at a 90° angle. Vertical Impaction: When a wisdom tooth is angled correctly but it has not erupted through the gum line appropriately, it is considered a vertical impaction.   What Are Your Wisdom Teeth Up To? The best way to know what your wisdom teeth look like, whether they have erupted completely or they haven’t shown up at all, is by seeing your dentist. He or she will be able to take dental x-rays that will reveal everything you need to know about these molars and whether or not you need to have surgery to remove them. If your wisdom tooth, or teeth, need to be removed, it is highly recommended that you consult with an experienced oral surgeon. The level of difficulty and the risks associated with the surgery will depend upon the type of impaction and the problems that it is causing. There’s no doubt that wisdom teeth can be a pain—literally—but seeing your dentist regularly and keeping an eye on those molars will help ensure you tackle problems at their earliest stages. And, who knows, you might be one of the lucky people who never have any problems with their wisdom teeth! Sources: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/wisdom-teeth-adult#1   https://www.123dentist.com/what-you-should-know-about-wisdom-teeth/   https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/evolution/no-wisdom-teeth.htm https://www.beavertonoralsurgeons.com/blog/general/problem-wisdom-teeth/ https://www.accessdental.com/news/5-facts-you-need-to-know-about-your-wisdom-teeth/ https://www.wisdomdentalemergency.com.au/blog/blogsection/wisdom-teeth-removal/understanding-the-different-types-of-wisdom-tooth-impaction https://www.drchetan.com/types-of-wisdom-teeth-impactions-angulations.html

Have you ever had dreams involving your teeth breaking or falling out? They’re pretty terrifying, right? But what if that happened to you in real life? Would you know what to do? Being prepared for a dental emergency will help you maintain a clear head throughout the ordeal. You’ll know what steps to take to salvage your tooth (or teeth), and you can act quickly without wasting precious time. So keep reading to learn a few tips on how to be ready if a dental emergency were ever to occur. Keep a Dental First Aid Kit Handy, Just in Case During a dental emergency, the last thing that you want to do is scramble for the first aid materials that you need. A first aid kit will come in really handy because it will have everything you need in one place. Packing a small kit for travel is also a great idea, as you never know if an emergency might occur when you’re far from home. What should your dental first aid kit contain? It’s actually surprisingly minimal. Experts recommend: A small container with a lid (for storing your tooth en route to the dentist) Some gauze (to help stop bleeding) Acetaminophen (you don’t want to take ibuprofen or aspirin for pain, as those could act as blood thinners and cause even more bleeding) Your dentist’s contact information Keep Calm and Call Your Dentist! There are a variety of scenarios that would be deemed dental emergencies. If your tooth is knocked out, act fast so it can be reinserted: Don’t touch the root of the tooth; instead, pick it up by the crown. Then rinse it gently with water until it’s as clean as you can get it. The goal is to keep it moist, so don’t dry it off.    Once the tooth is clean, you could try placing it gently back into its socket. Hold it there and bite down. But if this isn’t possible, use the small container from your dental first aid kit to soak your tooth in milk. If you don’t have milk, you can put it in some saliva or water instead, or you could keep the tooth in your mouth between your gums and your cheek or under your tongue. Call the dentist right away and head over there as soon as possible. Time really is of the essence here if you want your tooth to be placed back into the socket, so try to see your dentist within 30-60 minutes after the accident. If your tooth is fractured or cracked, contact your dentist for an emergency appointment: Before heading to the dentist, clean out your mouth by rinsing gently with some warm water. If you find teeth fragments, place them in milk or water so you can take them to the dentist. If there is facial trauma involved, you could apply a cold compress so you can reduce swelling. Grab some acetaminophen from your dental first aid kit to reduce pain. Experts don’t recommend applying painkillers, such as Orajel, to your gums, as they could burn the tissue. Ouch! If your tooth is loose and/or it’s no longer in proper alignment, try not to panic: Attempt putting your tooth back into its correct position. Just use your finger to apply a tiny bit of pressure, as you don’t want to force it. As an alternative to using your finger, you could also try biting down to try to keep your tooth from moving. Call your dentist to make an emergency appointment and head over there ASAP. Always Have a Dentist to Turn To Having your dentist on speed dial and seeing him or her immediately is necessary if you are dealing with a dental emergency. Plus, when you get your dentist on the phone, you could also receive real-time instructions on what to do. Then, during your emergency appointment, your dentist will take the appropriate steps to save your tooth, prevent infection, and eliminate the need for intense treatments to restore your smile. So the sooner you act, the better. Finding a dentist you can trust is actually the very first step that you can take when it comes to preparing for a dental emergency. Knowing who to turn to at a moment’s notice could be the difference between saving a tooth and losing it for good. Keep in mind that your regular dentist may not be available for emergency appointments, so you might need to find a backup dentist just in case you ever need one in a pinch. Staying Calm, Cool, and Collected Hopefully, this information could help you remain composed during a dental emergency so that you can take action right away, whether you’re the victim or you’re helping a friend or family member. Remember, there’s no time to waste, and taking the appropriate steps will make it easier for the

You already know that what you eat can affect the health of your teeth and gums. But when it comes to gluten, in particular, is there anything that you should worry about? Should you be eliminating gluten from your diet for the sake of your teeth, even if you aren’t sensitive to it or you haven’t been diagnosed with celiac disease? We’ve got the answer to this important question below. Gluten: A Threat to More Than Just Your Gut When most people think of gluten and its effects on the body, they tend to focus on the digestive tract, but researchers have found that gluten sensitivity might also have an effect on the mouth. Who knew?! According to a study that was published by the European Journal of Internal Medicine, around 85% of individuals suffering from celiac disease have tooth abnormalities or damaged enamel. Other research has found that kids who have celiac disease also tend to have greater amounts of bacteria and plaque that might contribute to gum disease and tooth decay, and the disease could affect their primary teeth and their permanent teeth. Those who have an intolerance to gluten may end up having to deal with a variety of oral health problems if they don’t cut out (or at least reduce) foods that contain gluten, such as wheat and grains. Oral problems could include those that affect tooth enamel because gluten may disrupt your body’s ability to effectively absorb or produce certain minerals and vitamins, such as vitamin D and vitamin K, which are necessary for strong teeth and healthy gums. In addition to damaged or rough enamel, other symptoms could develop as a result of gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. These include inflammatory gum disease, canker sores, tooth discoloration in the form of brown or yellow spots, and bad breath. There might also be structural defects like large pits or deep horizontal grooves. What’s also interesting is that celiac disease may cause defects that will often affect the first molars and incisors, and the damage will appear in a sequential or symmetrical form, rather than in an asymmetrical or random pattern. Test Things Out by Ditching Gluten If you already think that you might be sensitive to gluten because you are experiencing some symptoms, but you aren’t entirely sure, you can always experiment with cutting it out of your diet and seeing if your health, including your oral health, improves. If you have already been diagnosed with gluten intolerance or celiac disease and you have not yet eliminated all gluten from your diet, you may find that your symptoms improve once you do, so it is worth taking that extra step. Whether or not you are sensitive to gluten, reducing gluten in your daily diet might be beneficial to the health of your teeth and gums. In fact, for some people, dental problems may be the first sign that they are gluten intolerant, so going on a test diet might be really insightful. Keep Seeing Your Dentist to Keep Your Teeth Strong! On top of watching what you eat, seeing your dentist at least twice a year—especially if you have gluten sensitivity—could help you stay on track when it comes to maintaining your smile. A combination of checkups and cleanings will help remove debris from the gums and teeth, and your dentist can keep a close eye on the strength of your enamel as well. It’s amazing how diet can affect so many different aspects of your health. If you think that you might be sensitive to gluten, it’s best to talk to your doctor so you will know what extra steps you’ll need to take to protect those pearly whites. Sources: https://www.jeffersondentalclinics.com/blog/gluten-tooth-decay-what-you-need-to-know https://sunrisefamilydentistry.com/ https://www.glutenfreetherapeutics.com/living-gluten-free/medicine-research/maintain-good-dental-health-with-celiac-disease/ https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health/conditions/tooth-damage-may-be-a-sign-of-celiac-disease-dental-professionals-told/article12346685/ https://celiac.org/about-celiac-disease/related-conditions/oral-health/