Spirit Dental Resources

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/

Do you like to chew gum just about every day? Before you grab that next piece, keep reading for a few sticky truths about chewing gum and whether or not it is actually a good thing for your pearly whites. Chewing and Your Jaw Health TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) is a painful condition that can be brought about by a wide range of factors. Chewing gum happens to be one of them. Basically, when you chew gum, you could be putting stress on your jaw, and that might increase your risk of jaw problems. If you have symptoms like discomfort in your jaw, or you hear clicking or popping sounds when you open and close your mouth, it’s probably best to avoid chewing gum, as it may make the problem worse. Also consider consulting your dentist, who can help you find the cause of your jaw ailments and provide you with treatment options. Gum and Fillings Don’t Always Mix So this one is pretty scary. If you chew gum a lot, and you have dental fillings, you may want to ditch the habit. Researchers have determined that individuals who have amalgam (mercury) fillings and chew gum for hours every day also have greater amounts of mercury in their urine and blood. Whoa! How you ask? Chewing gum could cause mercury vapor from the fillings to be released, allowing it to get into your blood. Considering the toxicity of mercury, you certainly don’t want it coming out of your fillings and getting into the rest of your body. Sugary Gums Are a Big No-No If you are chewing gum that contains sugar, you might be putting the health of your teeth and gums at risk. Why? Because bacteria can thrive on the sugar, and that could lead to the formation of yucky, sticky plaque, which can then harden into damaging tartar. Here’s what else might happen when you chew sugary gum too often: the enamel of your teeth may become damaged, you may develop cavities, and your risk of gum disease may increase as well. In other words, if you are chewing on sugar-loaded gum, you are basically feeding the bacteria that can be detrimental to your overall oral health. Minty Gum to Freshen Breath? Think Again A lot of people reach for a piece of minty gum when they want to freshen their breath. But, again, if the gum contains a lot of sugar, you could actually be doing more harm than good. Plus, because that sugar could feed the bacteria in your mouth, it might cause your bad breath to become even worse! Consider putting the gum down and picking up a sugar-free mint instead. If You Must Chew Gum… Occasionally chewing sugar-free gum may actually be beneficial to your teeth and gums because it could help boost saliva production, which could help remove food particles from throughout the mouth while neutralizing acid. The ADA has recommended chewing sugar-free gum for about 20 minutes after a meal, as studies indicate that doing so might help reduce the risk of tooth decay. Some research has indicated that chewing gum that contains xylitol may help to reduce bacteria that could lead to cavities. But the jury is still out on whether this natural sugar substitute provides any extra benefits compared with your regular sugar-free varieties, so dental experts recommend sticking with sugarless gums instead. You can even find products that have the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance, making shopping for your gum a no-brainer. Now You’re Armed with the Truth! Simply being aware of the potentially harmful effects of gum, as well as how to avoid them, could help you keep your teeth strong and healthy. Knowledge is power! But nothing can replace a trip to the dentist, so be sure to schedule your annual checkups and cleanings (you get three cleanings per year with every Spirit dental plan!) to be sure your entire mouth is in tiptop shape. Sources: https://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/the-sticky-truth-about-chewing-gum/ https://www.doctoroz.com/article/toxic-teeth-are-our-amalgam-fillings-safe https://www.dentistryjust4kids.com/blog/chewing-gum-and-teeth/ https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/plaque-and-tartar https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cavities https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/nutrition-and-oral-health/gum-that-is-good-for-your-teeth-too-good-to-be-true

TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint disorder, which is also referred to as TMD (but what’s in a name, right?). This disorder affects the—you guessed it—temporomandibular joint, which is the hinge that connects the bones of the skull with the jaw. You can locate this joint in the front of each of your ears, as it allows you to move the jaw side to side, forward and backward, and up and down with ease when you open your mouth to speak and chew. Below are a few of the main facts about TMJ syndrome so you can develop a better understanding of it. A Bit of Background: What Happens When You Develop TMJ? If you are diagnosed with TMJ, it means that there is a problem with the hinge that connects your lower and upper jaw together. It can be challenging for your dentist to determine the cause of your TMJ, but it is important to treat the problem. Otherwise, your joint, which involves the use of a system of bones, discs, ligaments, and muscles, will continue causing unwanted symptoms. Signs and Symptoms: What Does TMJ Feel Like? There are quite a few symptoms that can arise when a patient develops TMJ disorder. However, the symptoms could be related to other health concerns, so if you do experience these issues, experts highly recommend talking to your dentist to figure out if TMJ is really to blame. Severe discomfort or pain, on one or both sides of the face, that could be temporary or could persist over a long period of time Popping, grating, or clicking sounds (with or without pain) within the jaw joint whenever you open and close the mouth or when you chew Difficulty opening the mouth wide Pressure and pain felt behind the eyes Earaches, ringing in the ears, or hearing problems Swelling of the side of the face Headaches that can mimic migraines Dizziness, neck aches, and upper shoulder pain Pain when you open your mouth wide, when you chew, or when you yawn Jaw muscle tenderness or jaw joint pain on one or both sides Toothaches Tenderness or pain in the jaw joint area, the shoulders and neck, the face, and around or in the ear whenever you open the mouth wide, speak, or chew A feeling that your jaw locks, goes out of place, or gets stuck, either in a closed or open position Changes in the way the lower and upper teeth align with one another, an uncomfortable bite or difficulty chewing Getting to the Bottom of Things: What Might Cause TMJ? TMJ could arise from a variety of scenarios, and dentists are not always able to figure out the exact cause. For example: Injuries, such as those that can occur from whiplash or an impact, could adversely affect the muscles of the neck and head, the jaw joint, or the jaw. Grinding your teeth, which is referred to as bruxism, could place too much pressure on the joints, leading to discomfort and pain. Arthritis within the jaw joint could damage cartilage and cause TMJ symptoms. Tightening your jaw and facial muscles, as well as clenching your teeth, could be part of a response to stress that could cause jaw problems. If the disc found in the jaw joint moves out of place or erodes, it could inhibit the smooth movement of the jaw. Getting Relief: How Can TMJ Be Treated? Thankfully, you don’t have to live with the pain of TMJ. Seeing your dentist when symptoms occur will give you access to timely treatments that can bring relief. Your dentist may recommend a variety of options, such as: Applying heat packs or cold packs to your face to inhibit the pain Employing relaxation techniques within your daily life in order to reduce tension in the jaw (Yoga class, anyone?) Sticking with softer foods for every meal Avoiding excessive jaw movements (Keep that chewing gum away!) Performing exercises that are designed to strengthen the muscles in the jaw Wearing a night guard or splint to combat bruxism Taking medications, such as anti-inflammatory meds, anti-anxiety prescriptions, muscle relaxants, or pain relievers Fixing a bite that is uneven Using orthodontics Undergoing surgery if the jaw joint has not responded to other treatments You Don’t Have to Live with TMJ: See Your Dentist! TMJ is a painful condition that can get in the way of your daily activities, even when it comes to simple acts like chewing your food. But if you see your dentist, you can narrow down what might be causing your discomfort, and you can get yourself on the road to relief. Sources: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/temporomandibular-disorders-tmd#1 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/symptoms-causes/syc-20350941 https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/tmj https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/temporomandibular-disorder/what-is-temporomandibular-joint-disorder-tmj

Summer has arrived, which means it’s time to indulge in some sweet, cooling recipes. But not all summer treats will be good at maintaining the health of your pearly whites, so we’ve compiled a shortlist of a few summer recipes that are mouth approved. Treat Yourself to the Fresh Fruits of the Season One of the best aspects of summer is the fact that so many delicious fruits are in season. And the right raw fruits can even help to keep your teeth clean in between daily brushings. Pears and apples are great choices because they are fibrous and could help to naturally stimulate the production of saliva in your mouth. And pears also have the ability to neutralize acid on the surface of your teeth! A salad that combines pears and apples, along with other fruits, such as grapes, peaches, berries, and watermelon, is a yummy and simple way to enjoy a refreshing breakfast or snack that will keep your entire mouth happy. Plus, it’s a good way to satisfy your cravings for sweets without having candy or high amounts of sugar. Keep It Healthy on the Grill Grilling is one of the many pleasures of the summer season, but when you head outside to cook this year, consider using ingredients that could help keep your teeth strong and beautiful. Veggie burgers can provide nutrients that could help to protect your teeth. For example, combining black beans and rice in a veggie burger will provide your body with phosphorus and vitamin B3, which support the health of your gums and tooth enamel. Start by cooking up ½ cup of brown rice with about 1 teaspoon of salt for flavor. Then mash up a can of black beans (remove the liquid first) in a mixing bowl. Using a food processor, you can quickly mince a small onion, ½ of green pepper, and 3 cloves of garlic. Add this to your black beans. Then, in another bowl, beat 1 egg before adding in 1 tablespoon each of chili powder, pepper, salt, hot sauce, and cumin. Pour this egg mix, along with your brown rice, into the bowl with your black beans and veggies so that you can mix it all until it’s thick enough to form patties. Cook up the patties and serve however you prefer.1 Yum! Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth Without Damaging It Summer is also the perfect time to try out some new dessert recipes, especially with all of the parties that you’ll likely be attending. But that doesn’t mean that you have to expose your teeth to the sugar that could damage them. Xylitol can be used as a sweetener in place of sugar in your favorite cookie recipes. This ingredient could help prevent decay by reducing the growth of bacteria that could lead to cavities. Try it in homemade almond cookies: Cream 2 cups of coconut oil and 1½ cups of xylitol, and then add in 2 eggs and beat the mixture well. Beat in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons of almond extract, and 1 teaspoon of maple extract. Then combine 4 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar, and 2 teaspoons of baking soda before adding this to your creamed mix. Line a baking sheet with tablespoonfuls set a couple of inches apart, place an almond in the middle of each, and bake for 12 minutes at 350°F.2 What’s summer without ice cream? Making ice cream at home, using natural ingredients without added sugar, is the best way to indulge while keeping the health of your teeth and gums in mind. This recipe is so simple, it might surprise you. All you have to do is take 3 ripe bananas, peel them, cut them into slices, freeze them for about 2 hours, and then put them into a blender under they are creamy. If you want, you can even add in extra flavors like dark chocolate, berries, or peanut butter, but these could add a bit of sugar to the mix, so try using only small amounts.3 Refreshing Drinks That Won’t Contribute to Decay What you drink can impact the health of your teeth, but the right beverages can be refreshing without contributing to the development of cavities. So the next time that you’re entertaining at your backyard barbecue or just enjoying some relaxing time with your friends, try out the following tooth-friendly recipes: Rather than sweetened lemonade or juices, consider sticking with infused water, which you can make right at home. This is an ideal alternative to sugary sports drinks and sodas, and it is also super hydrating—perfect for those hot days that make you sweat. Just avoid using citrus fruits, whose acid can be harsh on your chompers. Try infusing blackberry and kiwi by adding the berries and sliced kiwi to a bottle filled with cool water. Then just let the mix sit in your refrigerator for several hours as the flavors of the fruits make their way into the water (the longer, the better).4 Instead of drinking iced black tea or coffee, opt for green tea this summer. The caffeine could give you a boost of energy, the antioxidants could help protect your overall health, and the light color means it will not stain your teeth as dark drinks can. To make your green tea even more flavorful and invigorating on hot and humid days, add some honey, mint, or lemon to your cup. Enjoy Summer Flavors, but Don’t Forget Your Dentist! Once the summer rolls around, you might realize that it’s also time to see your dentist again. Getting a checkup once or twice a year is highly recommended, regardless of what you eat every day, in order to ensure your teeth and gums are in tiptop shape. And with a Spirit Dental plan, you can even take some time out this summer to get one of your three annual cleanings so you can have a smile that shines like the sun! Sources: https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/almond-cookies.html https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/banana-ice-cream.html https://helloglow.co/infused-water-ideas/ https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/teeth-whitening/does-tea-stain-teeth https://www.newbergcommunitydental.com/best-summer-foods-for-your-teeth/ https://drlordo.com/blog/5-summer-foods-great-oral-health/ https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/summer-entertaining