Spirit Dental Resources

Like other medical fields, the world of dentistry has changed dramatically through the ages. To discover just how much a trip to the dentist has evolved, check out the timeline below. Ancient Dentistry: Baby Steps to Oral Health Care According to the American Dental Association, a Sumerian text that dates all the way back to 5000 BC described what was known as “tooth worms” and the tooth decay that they caused. In 2600 BC, an Egyptian scribe known as Hesy-Re passed away. He’s often referred to as the first dentist, as the earliest reference to a dentist is within the inscription that’s found on his tomb: “the greatest of those who deal with teeth.” Between 1700 BC and 100 BC, more ancient texts that referred to dental diseases, as well as remedies for toothaches, were created. Even Aristotle and Hippocrates wrote about everything from how to treat gum disease and tooth decay, to how to extract teeth using forceps and how to use wires to stabilize loose teeth. And by 201 AD, Etruscans were applying fixed bridgework and gold crowns as forms of dental prosthetics. The Middle Ages: Getting Dentistry Going It took hundreds of years for dentistry to develop into an actual profession, little by little. For example, it was not until 700 AD that a Chinese medical text referred to a type of amalgam known as silver paste. Much later, around 1210 in France, a Guild of Barbers was started. It would evolve into a group of surgeons who would be able to complete operations, along with a group of lay barber-surgeons who were focused on basic services that included extractions. Curious when the first book on dentistry was published? Well, that would be in 1530. That’s the year that The Little Medicinal Book for All Kinds of Diseases and Infirmities of the Teeth (wow, that’s a mouthful!) was written for both surgeons and barbers who were responsible for treating the mouth. The book, written by Artzney Buchlein and released in Germany, delved into everything from drilling teeth and tooth extraction, to dental hygiene and fillings made of gold.   A bit later, in 1575, Complete Works was published by the Father of Surgery, Ambrose Pare, in France. This text contained information about dentistry as well, including how to treat jaw fractures and tooth decay, as well as how to extract teeth. The 1700s: The Birth of Modern Dentistry In 1723, a French surgeon named Pierre Fauchard, who’s also referred to as the Father of Modern Dentistry, published The Surgeon Dentist, a Treatise on Teeth. This is the first publication that described a total system for dentistry as a practice. It included information on oral function and anatomy, restorative techniques, operative techniques, and even the construction of dentures. A few other professionals helped to advance dentistry in the years to come. For example, Claude Mouton stated that a gold crown and post could be retained in a patient’s root canal, and he also suggested using white enameling to make gold crowns look more natural. In 1760, John Baker, an immigrant from England, became the earliest dentist to be medically trained and able to practice in America. And between 1760 and 1780, Isaac Greenwood started practicing as the first American dentist who was born in the country. More advancements took place throughout the latter part of the 1700s, including the development of post-mortem dental forensics, porcelain teeth, a dental foot engine, and the first dental chair. The 1800s: Advancements on Past Achievements It took until 1801 for the first dentistry related book to be published in America. It was titled the Treatise on the Human Teeth and it was written by Richard C. Skinner. But this century saw even more advancements, such as the start of the commercial manufacture of porcelain teeth and the invention of a reclining dental chair. Dentists also began using vulcanite as a base to create false teeth and dentures.    The very first dental journal, the American Journal of Dental Science, was published in 1839, further proof of the spread of education and science related to dentistry. And in 1840, the first dental school in the world, the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, was founded by Chapin Harris and Horace Hayden. They established the Doctor of Dental Surgery, or DDS, degree as well. And in the same year, the American Society of Dental Surgeons, which was the first national dental organization in the world, was also founded. With the rise in dentists and the spread of dentistry came the requirement for regulation. So, in 1841, Alabama enacted the first dental practice act that would regulate dentistry in the country. 1846 was the year that the first demonstration of ether anesthesia for dental surgery was presented by William Morton. Phew, no more extreme pain during procedures! In 1859, the American Dental Association was formed, and the National Association of Dental Examiners was created in 1883. While toothpaste had only been available in powder and liquid forms, tube toothpaste was developed in the 1880s, allowing the product to be mass-produced and sold across the nation. Other advancements throughout the century included the cohesive gold foil method to get gold into a cavity with less pressure (that’s a relief!), the creation of the rubber dam, the foot-treadle dental engine, the electric dental engine, the hydraulic dental chair, and the commercial dental laboratory. Regular flossing and brushing were promoted in 1890 after the connection between bacteria and tooth decay was established by Willoughby Miller in his book titled Micro-Organisms of the Human Mouth. The first dental x-ray was taken in 1895, and orthodontics became a specialty in 1899. Whew, a lot happened in the 19th century! The 20th Century: Modern Dentistry in Full Force The start of the 20th century already saw new inventions and advancements in dentistry. These included the development of the porcelain jacket crown, the formulation of a local anesthetic (which would later become known as Novocain), and the creation of a new casting machine for cast fillings.   Greene Vardiman Black did a lot to advance dentistry. He was credited with developing methods for filling teeth, and he was also responsible for standardizing dental operative instrumentation and procedures. He even developed a better amalgam and established using visual aids to teach dentistry. In 1913, the first school for oral hygiene, the Fones Clinic for Dental Hygienists, was founded by Alfred C. Fones. It’s no wonder that he’s referred to as the Father of Dental Hygiene. More inventions continued to hit the scene, including the Vitallium dental screw implant, the nylon toothbrush, a method for bonding acrylic resin with dentin, fluoride toothpaste, the acid etch technique, the high-speed contra-angle handpiece, the fully reclining chair, and the electric toothbrush. By 1960, four-handed dentistry shortened treatment time and improved productivity, and lasers were developed for conditions like periodontal disease. Later, more advancements in composite resin and dental implants were made, and consumers got their first home bleaching kit in 1989. Woohoo, whiter teeth! Aesthetic dentistry became even more popular throughout the ‘90s when tooth-colored materials to restore damaged teeth, and the use of veneers became increasingly accessible. The 21st Century: So Many Options! The 21st century continues to prove that dentistry will keep evolving. Orthodontics is just one area where things have already improved, with the development of Invisalign and a process known as micro-osteoperforation to fix malocclusion more quickly. By now, we’re assuming that you’re pretty relieved to be living in the 21st century and to be able to reap the benefits of modern dentistry (no more gold fillings!). With the right protocol at home and regular trips to the dentist for cleanings and checkups, you can maintain a beautiful smile. And if you do run into dental problems, modern tools and procedures will ensure an experience that’s as pain-free as possible. Sources:  https://www.ada.org/member-center/ada-library/dental-history

Are you thinking about getting dental insurance for yourself and/or family. If so, you are going to want to familiarize yourself with different essential dental insurance terms to be sure that you know what you are getting into. In this article, we will go over some of the most common and essential insurance terms that you should familiarize yourself with. Different Dental Insurance Terms: 1.  Agent. An agent is someone that is licensed to sell insurance products like dental insurance. He/she may be a captive agent that is only authorized to sell a single carriers policies. Whereas, an independent agent is going to be able to sell you many different carriers' products. Tip: If you are looking for the best coverage and price, you will want to go to an independent insurance agent because you are likely going to get the best deal. A captive agent is only going to be able to sell you on a single carriers policies and this will limit your options. 2. Allowable Charges. This is the maximum amount of money on which the benefit payment is based for each dental procedure. Tip: This means that you are only going to be able to receive this much payment for each dental procedure. 3. Annual Maximum Benefits. This is the maximum amount of money that is to be paid out by the dental plan in a single calendar year. Tip: If you go over this amount, you are not going to receive the payout from your insurance policy. 4. Basic Care. Basic care coverage includes different procedures and dental care in your plan including; dental procedures used to restore and repair individual teeth caused by decay, infection, trauma, attrition, erosion, and/or abrasion. Basic services typically include; amalgam restorations, fillings, composite restorations, extractions, and other kinds of dental repair. Tip: This type of care is typically sufficient for those with good oral health and hygiene. 5. Benefit. A benefit is the amount that is payable by a third party towards the cost of different dental services that are covered by the plan. 6. Broker. A broker is someone that is both; licensed and authorized to sell insurance products for various different carriers. 7. Claim. A claim is the charges for dental products and services that are always submitted by either the provider and/or policy holder to the insurance company in order for them to be reviewed. 8. Coinsurance. Coinsurance is actually an arrangement between the carrier and the insured person in which the insurance company will pay a certain percentage for a different set of services and the remaining percentage is to be owed by the insured party. 9. Copay. The copay is an arrangement set forth in which the insured pays a specific amount at the time of dental service. An common example would be the insured paying $20 for a dentist visit. Dental copay actually is different than those applied to medical office visits because a copay on dental services is typically added onto the cost of the insurance that must be paid at the time of the service. These dental insurance terms should get you going. Be sure to do your research when trying to find the best dental insurance coverage for you and your family.

Below are just a few of the things that you should know if you’re a man and you want to keep your mouth in tiptop shape, your smile bright, and your teeth strong as you age. A Bad Habit of Skipping Visits to the Dentist Compared to women, men are not as likely to see their dentist at least twice a year, according to the Academy of General Dentistry. Instead, they are more likely to make an appointment only when they are experiencing symptoms of a problem. As you probably guessed, failing to see the dentist for preventative care means that men are also more likely to need more expensive and invasive treatments because ailments will be more advanced when they’re diagnosed. We’re talking root canals, dental crowns, teeth that need to be extracted, dental bridges, implants, and dentures. An Oral Hygiene Routine at Home That Doesn’t Cut It The American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry conducted research that determined another interesting fact about men, but this time it has to do with how well they take care of their mouths at home. It turns out that more women will make it a point to brush their teeth twice daily, while men tend to be more lax when it comes to brushing on a schedule. And men are less likely to brush after each meal. To put things in perspective, 28.7% of women will brush after each meal, and 56.8% of them will brush twice a day, while 20.5% of men will brush after meals and 49% will brush twice daily. Poor oral hygiene habits, combined with the lack of dental appointments, could increase the risk of problems developing. So it really is no surprise that men are also more likely to exhibit decay that has been left untreated (29% of men compared to 25% of women between the ages of 35 and 44). A Higher Chance of Developing Gum Disease and Oral Cancer Here is another interesting stat from the Academy of General Dentistry: men are more prone to developing gum disease. More specifically, research has found that 34% of adult men between 30-54 years of age already have gum disease. That’s compared to 23% of women in that age group. And it gets worse as men get older, as 56% of men between 55-90 years of age have periodontal disease, compared to 44% of women. The scary thing about gum disease is that it could create problems beyond the mouth. Experts have stated that gum disease could result in respiratory problems, heart disease, and even cancer. A great way to help prevent gum disease is by having your mouth checked regularly, so making it a point to see the dentist at least twice a year is definitely a step in the right direction for men who tend to avoid those appointments.    In addition to gum disease, however, men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer. Risk increases in individuals who smoke, chew tobacco and drink alcohol. And it is also worth noting that the risk of contracting oral HPV (human papillomavirus) increases with poor oral health, and the virus then increases the risk of oral cancer too. Catching cancer in its early stages will boost the odds of successful treatment, further proving the importance of preventative care. A Greater Potential for Dry Mouth Men are more likely to take medications related to cardiovascular conditions, such as high blood pressure, and they are also more prone to suffering from a heart attack. Unfortunately, the medications that are meant to protect your heart could inhibit the flow of saliva in the mouth, and that could boost the risk of developing cavities. If you are taking medication, consider checking the side effects to see if they include dry mouth, and take the appropriate measures to undo the damage before it can wreak havoc on your teeth. Changing Your Habits for the Better! Completely avoiding costly dental visits isn’t always possible, but you could reduce the odds of needing expensive treatments by taking care of your mouth. Plus, you can save money and reap the benefits of dental cleanings with the right dental insurance plan. For men, it’s important to ditch bad habits when it comes to oral hygiene and dental visits. Simply setting appointments with your dentist and taking care of your teeth by brushing and flossing twice a day may help reduce your risk of a variety of problems, from gum disease to oral cancer. And, of course, eating right and leading a healthy lifestyle can also help aid in maintaining that sexy smile for all to love.  Sources: https://www.masellafamilydental.com/prevention/4-facts-mens-oral-health/ https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-oral-care/eight-oral-health-facts-for-men https://www.sharonalbrightdds.com/dental_facts/oral-health-for-men/ https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/mensOralHealth.html

Updated July 2021So your dentist has uttered that terrible phrase that you never want to hear: “You need a root canal.” And if this is your first root canal ever, you probably have a ton of questions running through your mind, combined with a lot of fear regarding the pain that you might have to endure. Well, we’re here to put your mind at ease.Below are a few of the things that you should know prior to getting your first root canal. Hopefully, this information will help you prepare for this common dental procedure so it won’t be so scary after all.Taking the Mystery Out of Root CanalsDuring a root canal, your dentist will work on getting rid of all of the infected pulp within your problem tooth by drilling into that tooth. He or she will clean out, as well as shape, the inside of your tooth and then fill it in and seal it in order to prevent further problems.Sometimes a filling is all you need, but other times, that is not enough. Your dentist might recommend a follow-up appointment during which he or she will place a crown on your tooth. This will serve to further protect the tooth so you will be able to chew on it comfortably once again.A Root Canal Takes Time, but You’ll Be Comfortably NumbA root canal could take a few hours, during which you will be seated in a chair with your mouth open. This could become uncomfortable, but it is necessary. If you are allowed to listen to music or a podcast while you are undergoing the procedure, it might help to distract you, as well as help the time pass more quickly.Here is an outline of what you can expect during the root canal:To keep you as comfortable as possible, your dentist will use local anesthesia, so you will be very numb, which is a great thing because you won’t feel anything. Phew!Using a substance that can be described as similar to jelly, your dentist will be able to numb your gums. Then a local anesthetic can be injected into the area that will be treated in order to numb the skin, tongue, gums, and teeth completely.X-rays will likely be taken to help guide your dentist as he or she works on the damaged tooth.Your dentist might also use a rubber dam in order to prevent contamination once the tooth has been opened, as well as to prevent any objects from getting into the mouth and throat.Using a drill, as well as other dental tools, the pulp of the tooth will be removed. Then, the dentist will fill in the interior portion of the tooth with the appropriate filling.If you also need a crown, your dentist will make an impression of your tooth after the decay is removed, and a tech will use that impression to form a crown that will match your tooth. You might get a temporary crown in the meantime.It Isn’t Over When It’s OverYou might think that you can go back to chewing and biting normally once your root canal is complete, but your dentist might advise you to wait until a crown has been placed. This is because chewing on the treated tooth might result in new cracks developing if it is too fragile.You can also expect that your gums and lips might be numb for a few hours after the root canal. After the anesthetic has worn off, you may experience soreness, sensitivity, or pain. This could last for a couple of days, with the pain typically peaking anywhere from 17-24 hours after the procedure. Keeping your head in an elevated position while you sleep may help, but your dentist can also recommend the appropriate medications for any pain you may encounter.If you experience any of the following, it is important to contact your dentist right away:SwellingSigns of infectionRash or other allergic reactionsUneven biteExcessive painBleedingFeverItchingGet a Root Canal Sooner Rather Than LaterWhen your dentist realizes that you need to have a root canal, it is recommended that you get it done sooner rather than later, as the damage could worsen and cause complications. Receiving the appropriate treatment will help you get back to chewing normally and living without mouth pain.If you don’t have dental insurance, you might think that you have to hold off on getting a root canal, but when you sign up for a Spirit dental plan, you won’t have to worry about potentially detrimental waiting periods. This means that you can get the root canal you need when you need it, and you won’t have to break the bank in the process either.Root canals might seem frightening at first, but once you overcome your fear and your dentist is able to treat your tooth, you’ll realize that it was all worth it because your mouth will feel a lot better when you’re all done. If you have concerns about the cost of a root canal, get a quote from Spirit Dental & Vision and see how much you can save. Sources:https://askthedentist.com/root-canals-know-before-you-go/

A toothache is a sign that something is wrong, so seeing your dentist is necessary. But there are some natural remedies that you can try until your appointment. Below are five at-home tricks that might bring you some much-needed relief. Apply Some Clove Oil to the Affected Area Okay, we know that this sounds pretty weird, but clove oil might be able to numb the pain of your toothache. That’s because the main chemical compound that is found in cloves is eugenol, which is a natural anesthetic that numbs nerves. And, believe it or not, clove oil might be just as effective as the numbing ingredient known as benzocaine, which is found in toothache gels sold over-the-counter. Who knew, right? You can find clove oil at a health food store, and all you need is just a few drops. To use this oil, soak a cotton ball with it and gently dab the oil against the tooth that is aching. Use this oil carefully, though, as it might make the pain worse if it ends up on a sensitive area of your gums or on your tongue. You could also dilute it with a bit of olive oil to reduce its intensity, if necessary. Rinse Your Mouth with Salt Water You’ve heard of gargling with salt water when you have a sore throat, but did you know that you can also rinse your mouth with a bit of saltwater to get some pain relief when you have a toothache? It’s true! This homemade mouthwash could help clear away any debris irritating your teeth and gums. Plus, by drawing out excess fluid from the gums, it might also reduce any swelling that you might be experiencing. Use about 8 ounces of warm water and about ½ teaspoon of salt to thoroughly rinse the mouth for roughly 30 seconds before spitting it out. You can do this as often as you need to throughout the day. Use Some Tea for Your Teeth If you already like peppermint tea, this solution will be super easy for you. Thanks to its slight numbing ability, peppermint tea might be able to help soothe your aching tooth. Or you could go with black tea instead because there are astringent tannins within it, and they might help to reduce any pain that is the result of swelling within the mouth. To make your peppermint tea, you can place 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves in a cup of boiling water. Allow the leaves to steep for roughly 20 minutes. Once the tea is cool, you can rinse your mouth with it and then either swallow it or spit it out. If you are planning on using black tea, you can simply apply a wet, warm tea bag against your tooth instead. Place a Cold Compress on Your Cheek Applying a cold compress to your cheek might help alleviate the swelling and pain within superficial nerves. If you don’t have a reusable cold compress that you can purchase at your local pharmacy, you can instead wrap some ice around a towel or put some ice into a plastic bag and then wrap a cloth around it. All you have to do is place the cold compress on the cheek area over your toothache. You definitely don’t want to apply it directly to your teeth (ouch!). Leave the compress on for a few minutes at a time, such as for about 15 minutes. Swish Some Hydrogen Peroxide in Your Mouth Rinsing your mouth with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution might help to reduce your discomfort, as well as eliminate bacteria. Try this remedy if you also have a foul taste in your mouth or a fever that accompanies your toothache, as those symptoms indicate that there is likely an infection. Be careful, as you don’t want to swallow the hydrogen peroxide. Instead, dilute it with some water, swish it around in your mouth, and spit it out. Then clean your mouth by rinsing it a few times with water. Time to See Your Dentist! Just remember that these natural home remedies might give you some short-term pain relief, but your dentist will be able to get to the root of the problem and provide you with the appropriate treatment to make you all better. To prevent your condition from worsening, book your appointment as soon as you start feeling a toothache (with a Spirit dental plan, there aren’t any waiting periods). Experts also recommend that you keep seeing your dentist regularly for checkups to catch signs of cavities or gum disease as soon as possible. Sources: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/home-remedies-toothache#1 https://www.thehealthy.com/dental/home-remedies-for-toothache/ https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/selecting-dental-products/natural-toothache-relief

It’s easy to get lazy when it comes to following an at-home dental hygiene routine, or when it comes to avoiding foods and drinks that you know are bad for your teeth and gums. But, over time, these tendencies could ruin your smile. Which habits are most liable to put your oral health at risk? Not Brushing Enough…Or Brushing Too Hard Do you ever find yourself too tired at night to brush your teeth before bed? Or maybe you don’t think that brushing your teeth twice a day is actually necessary. The truth, though, is that experts recommend brushing at least twice a day for two minutes at a time. This is one of the most important habits to prevent problems. But brushing incorrectly could also wreck your teeth. If you think that brushing harder will get the job done better, think again. Brushing too aggressively or with a toothbrush that’s too hard could not only irritate your gums but also damage your teeth. What to do instead: Brush your teeth and gums gently using a soft toothbrush or an electric toothbrush that will do most of the work for you. Chewing on Non-Food Items Chewing on non-food items, like your pen cap or pencil, or even your fingernails could lead to cracked or chipped teeth. You might chew on items without even realizing it while you’re deeply focused on studying or working, but if you find yourself doing it, it’s best to switch to a healthy alternative. What to do instead: Experts recommend reaching for some sugar-free gum when you want to chew on something. Bonus: chewing on gum will increase saliva flow, helping to clean your mouth while protecting your enamel against acid. Using Your Teeth as Tools If you’re using your teeth for anything other than chewing food, you might be doing damage to your pearly whites. According to experts, it’s best to avoid doing things like opening plastic packaging or bottle caps with your mouth. Otherwise, your teeth might chip or crack in the process. What to do instead: Keep helpful tools, such as bottle openers and a small pair of scissors, in a handy location so you won’t be tempted to use your teeth to get things open. Indulging Too Much in Damaging Foods and Drinks There are a few foods that could do damage to your teeth, but some of the worst culprits include: Ice: A pretty shocking fact about ice is that you could end up cracking or chipping your teeth by chewing on it. Frozen water might appear harmless, but experts recommend thinking twice before grabbing a cube to munch on. Cough Drops: If you need to have a cough drop because you aren’t feeling well, that’s totally fine. Just keep in mind that most contain a lot of sugar, so brushing afterwards is recommended. Candy: Like sugary cough drops, hard candies and gummies contain sugar that will react with any plaque on your teeth. The sugar can then be converted into acid that destroys enamel and leads to cavities. Potato Chips: We’re sure you can’t eat just one (we can’t either), but potato chips are actually quite bad for your teeth. Blame the bacteria found in plaque, as it will break starchy foods down into acid, which will then wreak havoc on your teeth. Flossing after indulging in starchy foods like chips could help remove any particles that got stuck in between your teeth before they can do more harm. Lemons: The acidity of lemons could corrode tooth enamel. So if you repeatedly chew on lemons or suck on them to get their juice, the texture of your teeth could become rough over time. In addition to these foods, there are also several beverages that, when consumed too often, could damage your teeth. These include: Soda: Like candy, soda could expose your teeth to way too much sugar. But soda also has citric acid and phosphoric acid, which both damage enamel. And if you think you’re safe with diet soda because they don’t contain sugar, the bad news is that these sodas might contain greater amounts of acid, thanks to their artificial sweeteners. Wow! Fruit Juice: Sure, fruit juice is natural and packed with nutrients, but consider checking the label for sugar content first, as your favorite juice might be just as bad as soda. Stick with juices that don’t have any added sugar, or try diluting your juice by adding a bit of water to it. Sports Drinks: After working out, you might like reaching for a sports drink to rehydrate your body, but these are often high in sugar, allowing acid to attack the teeth and cause decay over time. Sticking with pure water is the preferred way to keep your body hydrated. Wine: There are acids in red and white wine that could damage enamel, as well as lead to rough areas on your teeth that could make them more susceptible to unsightly stains. To counter stains, you can try using a whitening toothpaste. Or you can even try rinsing your mouth with water right after having wine in an effort to prevent stains. Grinding, Smoking, and Sports, Oh My! Grinding and clenching your teeth: You might not realize that you’re doing it, but grinding or clenching your teeth could wear them down. Your dentist will be able to tell if you’re grinding your teeth, and she’ll also be able to provide solutions that will help you stop the damage. Smoking: In addition to staining your teeth, smoking might even cause them to fall out! Ditching those cigarettes will help reduce your risk of gum disease, cancer, and other serious oral health issues. Playing sports without protecting your mouth: Contact sports, such as hockey and football, could put your teeth at risk, particularly when you play without protecting your mouth. Simply wearing a mouthguard every time you play will help defend your chompers from getting chipped or—even worse—getting knocked out! The Worst Habit: Not Seeing Your Dentist It’s tough to avoid all of the habits above all the time, but seeing your dentist at least once a year could help you keep your teeth in tiptop shape. Your dentist has the tools necessary to thoroughly clean your teeth, as well as look for any signs of damage that requires treatment to halt its progression. So be sure to book your appointments, and make your visits more affordable with the help of the right Spirit dental plan.