Spirit Dental Resources

Updated July 2021 When confronted with the option of getting a dental implant, you might wonder if it’s worth going through with this procedure. After all, getting an implant will take time, and it could be expensive if you don’t have the right insurance plan in place. To help you make the right choice, we’ve compiled some information on the benefits, as well as the risks, that are associated with dental implants. Here’s Why You Should Go for a Dental Implant The biggest reason why you should get a dental implant: everything that could happen if you don’t get one. Basically, after you lose a tooth, bone loss within the jaw where the tooth once was could develop in as little as one year. The longer you wait to get an implant, the more bone loss could occur, and you might even need to get a bone graft to replace the missing bone if you do decide to finally get an implant later on. So if you are missing a tooth, getting a dental implant sooner rather than later is recommended. Plus, if you thought a dental implant was bad, a bone graft is more expensive and more painful.   Failing to replace a tooth that’s missing could even cause the adjacent teeth to become damaged or move out of alignment. The more time that passes, the more you increase your risk of the teeth shifting so much that there may not be enough space for the implant. Or you might end up experiencing problems with your bite as the adjacent teeth shift, and you might develop temporomandibular joint pain, also known as TMD. What a difference one tooth can make! But it doesn’t even end there. You might also need to get orthodontics, such as braces, to realign your teeth. And who wants braces as an adult? Especially if you don't have orthodontic dental insurance! Ultimately, the more you postpone getting a dental implant to replace a missing tooth, the greater the odds will be of additional problems and the need for costly, painful, and time-consuming procedures to fix those problems. A Few of the Benefits Associated with Dental Implants Still not sure whether or not a dental implant is the way to go for the health of your teeth and gums? Here are a few of the main benefits that an implant could provide: Dental implants look, feel, and act just like your natural teeth, giving you a complete and beautiful smile, and making chewing easy. You won’t even know the implant is there! Unlike dentures, which could be uncomfortable and inconvenient, a dental implant becomes a permanent fixture in your mouth. A dental implant replaces the tooth above and below the gum line, protecting the jaw. Unlike dental bridges, your other teeth don’t need to be altered when a dental implant is set into place. You can take care of a dental implant just like the rest of your teeth: brush, floss, rinse, and see your dentist for checkups and cleanings. Easy! Generally, there is a 98% success rate associated with dental implants, according to WebMD. Pretty great, right? But Here Are Some Risks to Consider As is the case with any other dental surgery, there are some risks involved with getting an implant, even though complications are rare. Also, if problems arise from a dental implant, they are typically easy to treat and minor in severity. Some of the potential risks of getting a dental implant include: Infection at the site of the implant Nerve damage Sinus problems Damage to nearby structures, such as blood vessels or other teeth Working with a dental professional who is experienced in placing implants will help reduce these risks. The Verdict? Oral health professionals highly recommend dental implants for one or more missing teeth. And if you are concerned about the cost, you can rest assured that, with the right dental plan from Spirit, your implant will be covered.* Want to learn more about your dental implant insurance? Get a quote from Spirit Dental & Vision. So if your dentist has suggested getting an implant, consider the benefits that this one procedure can provide for the long-term health of your smile. *Missing teeth prior to coverage are not covered by Spirit plans. Sources: https://riversideoralfacialsurgery.com/2016/04/2543/   https://www.midpendental.com/what-happens-if-i-dont-get-a-dental-implant/ https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-implants#1 https://www.aaid-implant.org/dental-implants/types-of-implants-and-techniques/

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.

Updated October 2023We all know that emotional stress can wreak havoc on your body and undo all of the hard work that you’ve put into being strong and healthy. But does the mind-body connection extend to your teeth? Could the stress of your deadlines, relationships, and other daily struggles be causing your oral health problems? The answer is yes!All that tension goes to your jawHave you ever noticed that, when you’re feeling frazzled, you tend to tighten your jaw muscles and clench your teeth? This is a common side effect of stress, but it isn’t good for the health of your mouth, so being aware of this problem and getting the appropriate treatment could help prevent complications.Bruxism refers to the clenching and grinding of your teeth, and when you are stressed, you might be doing it in your sleep without even being conscious of it. When you are frustrated, angry, or tense, you might start waking up with soreness in your jaw, or you might even have other symptoms of this condition. A few of those symptoms include the tips of your teeth looking flatter than usual, indentations on your tongue, or sensitive teeth as a result of your enamel being rubbed off.In addition to bruxism, too much stress might cause temporomandibular disorders, also known as TMJ. When you’re tense, all that grinding and clenching could really put a strain on your jaw muscles and the temporomandibular joint (your jaw joint). Signs of TMJ also include flat teeth and a reduction in enamel, but you might also have pain in your jaw, or your jaw might make a clicking sound when you move it. Not fun!Stress could lead to unsightly soresCanker sores and cold sores might occur more often if you find yourself stressed all the time.Feeling emotionally drained could lower your immune system’s ability to defend your body against pathogens, and canker sores—those small grayish or white spots that can pop up out of nowhere in your mouth—might be triggered by emotional distress. On top of that, cold sores, which are a symptom of the herpes simplex virus, might also appear on your lips when you are upset. How embarrassing!If you suffer from these sores, try to take note of when an outbreak occurs. Were you feeling stressed or going through a difficult time when the sores appeared? If so, they might be the result of your body’s defenses taking a hit. Consider slowing down and taking extra care of yourself so your immune system will be able to power up again.Even your gums could sufferStudies have shown that when you are emotionally unwell, you have an increased risk of developing periodontal disease (that’s the fancy term for gum disease). And the more stressed you are, the more severe the gum disease could be. Who knew?!Experts believe that, because bacteria cause gum disease, if your body is under a lot of stress and your immune system is weaker than it should be, the bacteria will be able to thrive and cause damage to your gums.But wait, there’s more!Other dental problems that may arise as a result of a lack of emotional well-being include:Acid reflux, which could damage tooth enamelDry mouth, which is uncomfortable and could boost the risk of tooth decay, oral infections, and gum diseaseStress could also cause you to neglect your oral hygiene routine. When you aren’t brushing and flossing every day, the risk of bacteria multiplying and causing a variety of ailments, from tooth decay to gum disease, increases.Those who are under a lot of stress might even find it difficult to eat the right foods or eat on a healthy schedule. This could potentially lead to nutritional imbalances that might adversely affect oral health.Save yourself from the effects of stressThe bad news is that poor emotional health can indeed adversely affect your dental health. The good news is that your dentist can provide solutions if you develop any of these problems. So in addition to taking small steps every day to minimize your stress as much as possible, whether that means taking up meditation or carving out time for yourself to do something you enjoy, it’s important to see your dentist at least once a year. And having the right dental insurance plan will ensure you can book your appointment as soon as you need it.Your dentist has the right expertise and tools to thoroughly examine your mouth and search for signs that stress is taking a toll on your oral health. Once your dentist diagnoses the problem, whether it’s bruxism or gum disease, she can provide you with the appropriate treatments to ensure your smile will be bright and your mouth will be pain-free.The link between your feelings and your body is strong, even when it comes to your teeth and gums. So in addition to tackling oral problems from a physical angle, consider taking steps to sustain your mental and emotional health as well. Here’s to being happier, stressing less, and smiling more!Sources:https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/stress-teeth?page=2th%2Fgallery%2F0%2C%2C20642595_8%2C00.htmlhttps://www.malminortho.co.uk/emotional-health-affect-teeth/https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/teeth-grinding-bruxism#1https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/temporomandibular-disorders-tmd#1

Few things are more embarrassing than having bad breath. But combating those offensive odors in your mouth can be more of a challenge than you first anticipate. So how can you be sure your breath will always smell fresh and clean, and won’t cause people to take a step back when they’re talking to you? Check out the easy bad breath fighting tips below to get started. The Foundation: Brushing and Flossing Every Day Okay, we know this first tip is pretty obvious, but one of the main ways to stop bad breath in its tracks is by simply brushing and flossing every day. Experts recommend that you brush at least twice a day and for about two minutes each time. Also, floss at least once a day, but you can get even better results if you floss after each meal. The American Dental Association (ADA) has stated that neglecting this basic cleaning routine will result in food particles staying in your mouth, leading to offensive breath. Yuck! But the good news is that just brushing and flossing can cut down on bacteria, food particles, and plaque, while also fighting a periodontal disease that causes bad breath. Don’t Forget to Clean Your Tongue! Bad breath doesn’t just come from your teeth and gums; it can also originate from compounds that are basically a combination of amino acids and bacteria. These compounds can be found on your tongue, and they smell nasty. So in addition to brushing and flossing, you can use your toothbrush or a tongue cleaner to gently scrape your tongue and freshen it right up.   Rinse and Repeat A therapeutic mouthwash could be really helpful when it comes to overcoming bad breath that you can’t seem to get rid of with just brushing and flossing. Rinsing your mouth before or after your brushing routine, or even after each meal, is a good way to inhibit plaque and help prevent problems like gingivitis and dry mouth. Plus, that minty freshness will help make your mouth feel clean in between brushings. Want to go au naturel? Try rinsing your mouth with a few drops of natural peppermint oil mixed in water. Or rinse your mouth with tea. A study found that rinsing the mouth with green tea or black tea might help to inhibit bacterial growth that leads to bad breath. Who knew? Rinsing to no avail? Then your bad breath might be caused by something more serious, so you should see your dentist to figure out whether there’s tooth decay, gum disease, or even tonsil stones to blame. Plus, when there are other problems causing halitosis, a mouthwash might only end up irritating oral tissues and causing your breath to worsen. Eating and Drinking for Fresher Breath Did you know that staying hydrated and eating right can help prevent bad breath? Drink water throughout the day to keep bad breath away by essentially moisturizing your mouth and rinsing away debris. If you suffer from dry mouth, drinking plenty of water is even more important. But even if you don’t have dry mouth, drinking water after you exercise, during and after meals, and when you wake up will help keep your breath fresh. Here are a few of the foods that you should avoid if you want to prevent bad breath: garlic, raw onions, high-sugar foods like cereals, and acidic foods like vinegar. After all, sugars and acids will boost the bacteria count in your mouth, and that bacteria will stink. Foods that can help to naturally reduce the occurrence of bad breath include whole grains, orange veggies, dark green veggies, fruits, seeds, nuts, and beans. That’s because these foods can enhance saliva flow in the mouth, preventing dryness and helping to keep the mouth free of food debris. Fresh veggies and fruits, particularly those that are crispy, can help to boost saliva production and flow, inhibiting bad breath by naturally cleansing the mouth. So if you want to have a snack, consider munching on some carrots or apples, as a couple of examples. Here’s another interesting fact: fasting, along with hunger, can also cause bad breath. Rather than originating in your mouth, bad breath that’s associated with not eating is actually caused by acids building up in your stomach. Okay, gross. So go ahead and use that as an excuse to enjoy some snacks in between meals. But keep them healthy, like the crispy veggies and fruits mentioned above. Chewing on some sugarless gum (keyword: sugarless) or indulging in some sugarless candy can—you guessed it—also spur on the production and flow of saliva in the mouth. Think of saliva as your body’s tool for washing away bacteria and debris that could lead to bad breath, so popping a sugar-free mint in your mouth can not only mask the odor but also actually help get rid of it.   Smoking and Bad Breath Go Hand in Hand Do you still smoke? If so, here’s another great reason to ditch this unhealthy habit: your bad breath could be caused by your cigarettes. Tobacco can dry out the mouth, and the smoke you inhale has an offensive odor of its own. This combination could cause bad breath to hang around even if you brush and floss daily. So the best way to freshen your breath—and reduce the odds that you will develop other oral health issues that can arise from smoking—is to seek help so you can quit for good. Make a Date with Your Dentist Because there are dental and gum ailments that could lead to chronic bad breath, and because there are also systemic issues that could be causing your halitosis, seeing your dentist on a regular basis is really important. In addition to cleaning your teeth and gums, your dentist will be able to thoroughly examine your mouth to find the cause of your halitosis and prescribe the appropriate solutions so you won’t have to be embarrassed by bad breath anymore. So there you have it. By following a few simple steps in your everyday routine, you can prevent bad breath and have the confidence to not only show off your smile but also speak your mind, however, close you are to the person next to you. Sources: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cavities/five-ways-to-reverse-tooth-decay   https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/fighting-bad-breath.html https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/get-rid-bad-breath?page=1