Spirit Dental Resources

Cavities: the word strikes fear in all who hear it. Put simply, when your teeth are frequently exposed to acid, sugars, starches, and bacteria, they can become permanently damaged with cavities. These tiny holes could also be the result of improper oral hygiene, and they can only be treated by your dentist. Left untreated, the holes will grow bigger and begin decaying deeper layers of your teeth, causing more problems, like a toothache, infection, and tooth loss.The best way to avoid having to go through the pain associated with cavities—and the uncomfortable root canals, fillings, crowns, and extractions that come along with them—is to prevent them. That’s why we’ve compiled a four easy tips that you can follow in your daily life to keep your teeth cavity-free.1. Brush more often than twice a dayBrushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day is a good place to start, but experts also recommend brushing after every meal, particularly when you have indulged in something starchy or sugary.Sweets increase your risk of plaque buildup, and plaque loves a carb-rich environment. If you snack throughout the day or you know that you’re exposing your teeth to a lot of starches and sugars, consider packing a travel toothbrush so you can brush on the go and at work.Not keen on the idea of carrying a toothbrush and toothpaste everywhere you go? Then at least rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after eating. Other options include rinsing with mouthwash or chewing sugar-free gum. So simple, right?2. Give your toothbrush an upgradeYour toothbrush is an important tool in your arsenal to keep your teeth healthy and clean, so don’t skimp and buy a dollar-store option. Choose one that has a diamond-shaped head and triple-action bristles. A higher-quality toothbrush will do a much better job when it comes to cleaning all of the nooks and crannies that can be difficult to reach and can harbor bacteria.An electric toothbrush is a great choice for those who want to rest assured that they’re brushing correctly. These rechargeable toothbrushes often come with helpful features, such as timers to let you know when you’ve brushed enough, as well as various brush heads and tongue cleaners to get the job done right. Hello, clean teeth and fresh breath!3. Your diet, your dental healthWhat you eat, and how often you eat, will affect more than just your waistline. If you find yourself frequently snacking throughout the day, you could be making yourself more prone to cavities as a result of the acids left behind.You can keep yourself energized throughout the day without compromising your oral health. For example, you could reduce your risk of cavities by ditching sugary drinks and hydrating with water instead. And rather than having candy, chips, and other unhealthy snacks, you can fuel your body with veggies and fruits that have a fibrous texture and can help keep your teeth clean.4. See your dentist RegularlyAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 20% of adults in the U.S. have cavities that have been left untreated. These could worsen over time, but seeing your dentist regularly could catch cavities in their early stages when they require less intense treatment.Make use of your dental insurance by seeing your dentist at least once a year and having your teeth cleaned professionally. Your dentist can take x-rays, thoroughly examine your mouth, and provide options like fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and antibacterial treatments designed to fight cavities. Plus, you can receive valuable advice about home care, including how to brush and floss properly.With the right dental plan, you won’t have to worry about waiting periods, especially when you’re dealing with cavities when time is of the essence. But what you do in your everyday life also has a big impact on how healthy your teeth will be, so take care of your mouth with a consistent oral hygiene routine and a healthy diet.Sources:https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cavities/symptoms-causes/syc-20352892https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tooth-decayhttps://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cavities/what-causes-cavitites-formation-and-preventionhttps://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/dental.htm?_ga=1.236214209.1710427178.1456827074

Updated June 2021 A dental implant can be a great option when you need to replace a missing tooth. But when are dental implants recommended most? What situations would warrant the use of implants over other options that can restore your smile?  Of course, every patient is unique, and dental implants aren’t appropriate for everyone. Your dentist will help you decide if an implant is the right way to go. But, to give you an idea of when dental implants are needed, we’ve compiled the information below.   When One or More Teeth Are Severely Damaged or Missing Let’s say that one of your teeth is extremely damaged because of an accident, infection, gum disease, or decay. In the case of a tooth that is beyond repair, your dentist may recommend an extraction. Then, to replace the missing tooth, you might consider an implant.  Along the same lines, if a tooth has already been lost because of severe gum disease or an accident, your dentist might give you the option of replacing it with an implant.  The great thing about dental implants is they look and function just like real teeth, and they’re long-lasting and durable. They blend in with the rest of your pearly whites, and you can take care of them by brushing and flossing like you normally do. Plus, when you have all of your chompers, you can avoid problems with speaking and chewing that might arise from having gaps in your teeth.  When Dentures and Bridges Aren’t Right for You  These days, you have multiple options when it comes to restoring your smile. So if you don’t like dentures or bridges, or they just aren’t the right solution for any reason, dental implants might come to the rescue.  Want to avoid the potential hassle of ill-fitting dentures or bridges? Are you worried about damaging your bridge, or breaking or losing your dentures? And are you concerned about how a dental appliance might impact your other teeth?  As mentioned above, unlike dentures that you take out of your mouth to clean, implants can be brushed and flossed like natural teeth. They don’t come out of your mouth because they’re implanted in your jaw.   Also, with a bridge, you need to make sure food doesn’t get stuck underneath it, and you might need to restrict yourself from eating certain foods that could damage the bridge. Dental implants may give you more freedom to eat the foods you love without worrying so much about the effects.  Your Dentist Will Check That You’re Healthy Enough for Implants Dental implants aren’t for everyone, so your dentist will evaluate your overall health and your oral health to figure out if it would be safe to proceed. For example, if your jaw and gums aren’t healthy and strong enough for an implant, you might need treatments before getting the implant, or you might need to turn to other options.  Tip: Be sure to tell your dentist if you’ve been diagnosed with a medical condition and if you smoke, as these may play a role in whether or not you’re a candidate for implants.  Be Aware of the Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth Replacing missing teeth is about much more than just restoring the beauty of your smile. When you don’t have all of your teeth, you may not be able to chew like you used to, and that means you might not be able to eat certain foods. Plus, missing teeth can cause nearby teeth to shift out of position, and your jaw may also be affected as well, thus changing your appearance. As you can see, there are so many solid reasons to seriously consider implants!    If you’re thinking about dental implants, your dentist can discuss the pros and cons with you, as well as go over the process of getting them. And, if you’re concerned about affording expensive implants, rest assured that the right dental insurance can be there to help.  Sources: https://www.dentistryiq.com/dentistry/implantology/article/14180546/5-signs-your-patient-might-need-dental-implants https://www.implantdentistirvine.com/blog/when-are-dental-implants-necessary https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-implants https://vipcaredental.com/blog/common-dental-bridge-problems-you-should-not-overlook/

Ahh! Nothing beats a warm cup of coffee. It’s energizing and likely an integral part of your routine to get ready for the day. You might even reach for a second cup when you’re feeling that afternoon slump. But how is all of that coffee affecting your dental health, and what can you do to reduce its negative effects on your pearly whites? Coffee Stains More Than Your Clothes There are microscopic ridges and pits within the enamel of every tooth, and when you eat and drink, they can hold onto particles. That means that a dark drink like coffee could actually embed itself into your enamel, causing unsightly yellowing of the teeth. The top way to prevent those stains is by avoiding coffee, but we know that the need for a caffeine fix is strong, so you probably won’t be giving up your cup of joe just because your teeth might be yellowed by it. Instead, you can incorporate the following strategies into your coffee drinking routine: Don’t sip your coffee throughout the day. Enjoy it at certain times, such as with breakfast and during an afternoon break. When you’re finished, rinse your mouth with water and/or brush your teeth. Avoid getting coffee directly on your teeth by drinking it through a straw. Eat some raw veggies and fruits throughout the day. They have natural fiber that can help keep your teeth sparkling. Follow a dental hygiene routine at home that involves brushing at least twice a day, and switch to a whitening toothpaste so you can remove stains and maintain a brilliant smile. Try an over-the-counter teeth whitening product, or talk to your dentist about professional whitening options. Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings. Beware of Bad Breath In addition to staining your teeth, coffee might even lead to the development of bad breath. This is because the beverage sticks to your tongue. Yuck! Thankfully, you can prevent offensive coffee breath by brushing your teeth and using a tongue scraper after you’re done drinking. To help prevent bad breath, you can also try eating some food before you drink your coffee. Coffee Can Dry Out Your Mouth It might sound counterintuitive because coffee is a drink, after all, but it could have drying effects on your mouth by inhibiting saliva production. Without enough saliva, it becomes harder for your body to keep your mouth clean and balanced naturally. Coffee Can Weaken Your Teeth More bad news: coffee is an acidic beverage. This means that it could actually help bacteria within your mouth make acids that lead to enamel erosion. Over time, your teeth might become brittle and thin. And when teeth are weakened, they become more susceptible to a host of other problems, including sensitivity, cavities, and decay. Plus, if you are adding a lot of sugar and cream to your coffee, you could be doing even more harm to your chompers.   But, Wait, There’s Good News! Coffee lovers, rejoice! When it comes to drinking java, it isn’t all doom and gloom for your dental health after all. Coffee contains polyphenols that could help keep your teeth healthy and strong by breaking down the bacteria that lead to plaque. Varieties that are high in caffeine will be highest in polyphenols. But you do need to drink the coffee black, without any sweeteners, milk, or creamers that would offset any of the benefits provided by the polyphenols. So if you enjoy a strong cup, you’re in luck.    Everything in Moderation Is the Key To prevent the damage that coffee could potentially cause to your teeth, enjoy it in moderation. Experts recommend that you limit your intake to just two cups per day. Also, brush and floss your teeth daily and see your dentist for cleanings to remove stains. With a Spirit dental plan, you can rest assured that your smile will always be white and bright, regardless of how much you love coffee, because you’ll gain access to three teeth cleanings per year. So go ahead and indulge, whether you need a caffeine fix or you enjoy coffee as part of a relaxing ritual.

February is American Heart Month, and February 3rd is National Wear Red Day, so there’s no better time to learn more about how to keep your ticker strong. But did you know that, beyond diet and lifestyle, a clean mouth might also help you maintain a healthy heart? The Keyword: Inflammation Inflammation is a common factor in diseases of the heart and mouth. For example, when it comes to heart problems like atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of the arteries, inflammation is involved. And in terms of gum disease, including gingivitis, inflammation also plays a role. Plus, individuals who have moderate to severe gum disease often show higher levels of C-reactive protein, indicating inflammation throughout the whole body, and that inflammation may boost the risk of having a heart attack. For these reasons, experts warn that, if there’s inflammation in your mouth, there might be inflammation in your cardiovascular system as well. Researchers also believe that the bacteria within your mouth could end up spreading throughout your body, causing inflammatory problems elsewhere. For example, bacteria in your mouth could move to your heart via your bloodstream and then attach to damaged areas, resulting in inflammation that could eventually lead to conditions like endocarditis, atherosclerosis, and stroke. Your Gums and Your Heart: More Related Than You Might Think There is still some debate regarding the connection between oral health and heart health, but many experts agree that there is enough evidence to prove that taking care of your mouth might be a solid step towards taking care of your heart.    A consensus report published in the American Journal of Cardiology and the Journal of Periodontology stated that gum disease could play a role as a risk factor for coronary artery disease. Some evidence has shown that gum disease might also be a risk factor for ailments of the arteries and vessels that bring oxygen and blood to the brain. Individuals who have gum disease and have fewer teeth may even be at an increased risk of having a stroke. Yikes! Researchers have found that the bacteria prevalent within atherosclerosis and gum disease are similar. A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine in 2014 stated that patients who already have coronary artery disease might reduce the impact of their condition by having their gum disease treated. Heart Health: Yet Another Great Reason to See Your Dentist Seeing your dentist on a regular basis, in addition to brushing and flossing daily at home, will help you catch the earliest signs of gum disease. And while your dentist is examining your mouth, he or she may even be able to notice other symptoms that could indicate illness in various parts of the body. You may not notice the subtle signs of inflammation within your gums, but your dentist knows what to look for. If you do notice symptoms, such as sore, swollen, and red gums, bleeding gums, signs of infection within the mouth, or your gums pulling away from your teeth, be sure to see your dentist ASAP. Other signs that you might have gum disease include bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth, as well as loose or shifting teeth—all indications that you should book your appointment right away.   Also, if you suffer from chronic gum problems like advanced periodontal disease or gingivitis, you might be at a greater risk of developing heart disease, so having these conditions treated and managed will help you regain control. And oral hygiene can even reduce plaque that may lead to inflammation and heart troubles. Your Dentist, Your Hero Heart disease causes 1 in 4 deaths annually, and it is the leading cause of death in the US. On top of that, almost 1 in 2 Americans over 30 develop periodontitis. Thankfully, there’s no reason to stop smiling, as both of these conditions may be prevented by making the right lifestyle choices and following a healthy diet, as well as by seeing your doctor and your dentist for regular checkups. With the right dental insurance plan, you can gain access to affordable care, including three cleanings annually. That means you can rest assured that your dentist will notice problems in their earliest stages and treat them before they can do any harm to other organs. So in addition to being able to show off a gorgeous smile, your trip to the dentist could be more valuable than you thought: it might even help you maintain the health of your heart. Sources: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/healthy-teeth-healthy-heart#1 https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/heart.html?_ga=1.164394751.1710427178.1456827074 https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/heart-disease-prevention/faq-20057986 https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/heart-disease/how-oral-health-and-heart-disease-are-connected https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/NHO/PDFs/FebruaryNHOToolkit.pdf

You thought that getting your teeth cleaned regularly was just to take care of your oral health, but the truth is your dentist could be the first one to notice that something is amiss in another part of your body. What goes on in your mouth can be very telling when it comes to the state of your overall health, as there are several dental issues that can alert you to other problems, including those listed below. When Mouth Troubles Lead to Heart Problems When your dentist looks at your gums and notices inflammation or loose teeth, he may ask you if there’s a history of cardiovascular disease in your family or if you have any heart problems. That’s because gum disease might increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. The inflammation within your mouth might cause inflammation to increase in other areas of your body, such as your arteries. Also, if you’re diagnosed with gum disease, the bacteria that are within your mouth might travel to your heart and lead to disease within the cardiovascular system. Your dentist can start treating your gum disease, and you can take steps at home to keep your gums as clean as possible, to reduce your risk. A Surprising Link Between Blood Sugar and Gum Disease There are several symptoms that your dentist can pick up on during a routine exam, such as dry mouth, loose teeth, and gums that are dry, receding, bleeding, or infected and healing slowly. Because these symptoms can be associated with diabetes—a condition that could increase your risk of gum disease—your dentist might recommend getting a blood test to check for it. In the event that you are diagnosed with diabetes, you can work with your primary care physician to get your condition under control. At the same time, experts recommend working with your dentist to treat the gum disease, especially since infections within your gums can make your diabetes more severe and increase the risk of heart disease. Individuals with a history of gum disease and diabetes might also need to see their dentist more often, such as every three months. Bone Health Beyond the Mouth Osteoporosis, commonly seen in postmenopausal women, causes your bones to become weaker. Believe it or not, your mouth can alert a dentist to thinning bones in other parts of your body, even though this condition typically won’t result in changes to your teeth. When osteoporosis takes hold, it causes changes within the bone that gives support to your teeth. So if your dentist notices that you have loose teeth or a receding gum line, he may recommend talking to your doctor to see if osteoporosis is to blame and to receive the appropriate treatment. It All Starts in the Gut The inflammation that’s associated with Crohn’s disease could affect your mouth, leading to raised bumps along the gums surrounding the teeth. You may not know that you have Crohn’s disease because mouth lesions might develop before you even experience abdominal symptoms and digestive upset. And because those oral bumps don’t result in pain, you may not notice them either. Inflammatory bowel conditions, including Crohn’s disease, can also lead to recurring canker sores that you can ask your dentist about. Catching symptoms early will help you get relief as you bring your digestive system back into balance. Because the health of your mouth can provide clues to your overall state of wellness, finding a dentist you can trust can give you peace of mind. With the right oral hygiene routine at home and at the dentist’s office, you can rest assured that your teeth and gums will be clean and strong and that you’ll be able to tackle early symptoms of disease. Sources: https://www.everydayhealth.com/dental-health-pictures/health-problems-your-dentist-can-spot.aspx#03 https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/what-dentist-knows-about-your-health#1 https://www.menshealth.com/health/a19535126/health-problems-your-dentist-can-spot   https://www.thehealthy.com/dental/diseases-dentists-find-first/

Updated Nov 2022 If you have a broken or chipped tooth, you are probably wondering what to do for a broken tooth. Hopefully, you’re only reading this to help prepare yourself in case the situation ever arises. Broken, chipped, cracked, or a fully removed tooth - all not-so-great situations, but they can get much worse if not taken care of properly. In this article, we will take a look at what to do with a broken tooth, how to deal with chipped or lost teeth and the ways Spirit Dental's low-cost dental insurance can help. What to do if you crack a tooth A tooth with a minor crack or chip can wait for medical attention, but you will want to be cautious about eating foods that are tough to bite or chew. You’ll also want to be attentive to foods with extreme temperatures. Use over-the-counter pain meds as needed. Most chips don’t need immediate attention, but it is recommended that you give your dentist a call and make an appointment as soon as possible. If it’s just a small chip, the dentist may smooth and polish it out. If it needs more than that, the dentist may suggest a filling to help prevent the issues from getting worse. A crack usually involves the whole tooth, so you should call and make an appointment as soon as possible. It can either be a small crack that might involve a filling as a fix or, if it is bad enough, it may require a crown or a root canal. The dentist will assess the situation and provide the best solution. Tip: Wearing a mouthguard is key anywhere you could be hit. It will help protect your teeth from injury or trauma. What to do about a broken tooth Whether your broken tooth results from a cavity or external event, you will want to call a dentist immediately. In the meantime, these steps should be taken: Rinse your mouth with warm water or saltwater. Apply a cold compress to the cheek near the broken tooth. Apply gauze to the broken tooth to help soak up the bleeding. If gauze isn’t readily available, a wet tea bag can be used as a substitute. Note, bleeding should subside after 10 minutes. If you experience a severe break, you should see a dentist within 24 hours. If you cannot make it to a dentist immediately, head to a local drugstore for dental cement. It can be used as a quick fix until you seek medical attention. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to help with the discomfort. A broken tooth will be extremely sensitive, and you’ll want to see a dentist or endodontist immediately. The suggestion will most likely result in the dentist wanting to cover the tooth with a crown. These days, porcelain or resin crowns can look just as natural as a real tooth. If the tooth is completely broken, but the root is still intact, you may need root canal surgery. The dentist will build enough of a structure to place a pin or post so that a crown can be placed later. What to do about a tooth avulsion (completely removed) Completely losing a tooth is a dental emergency and will need immediate attention. If the tooth was fully removed, make sure to handle the removed tooth by the crown. DO NOT grab the tooth by the root. A tooth that was completely knocked out could cause severe nerve damage. Don’t worry, replacing the tooth in the socket is possible, but treatment is most successful if done right away. Tips to avoid breaking or chipping teeth Now that you know what to do if a tooth breaks, you may wonder how to avoid these problems. A broken, chipped or cracked tooth can be caused by quite a laundry list of items. To help prevent any of these things from happening to you or your child, it’s important to take precautionary measures, including: Don't bite down on hard candy or ice Avoid opening items with your teeth Wear protective mouth gear when taking part in physical activities Eat a proper diet and take care of your teeth Frequently asked questions about chipped and broken teeth If you're wondering what to do when your tooth breaks or is chipped, we have answers for you. We've gathered some of the most common questions we get about chipped and broken teeth and answered them for you below. If you have further questions, please read our FAQ page for more information. Does dental insurance cover broken teeth? Yes, Spirit Dental can help you find dental insurance if you have a broken tooth. And we know you can't always wait for coverage, especially in an emergency dental situation, so we offer dental insurance with no waiting period. As soon as your application is approved, your coverage begins. Can a dentist fix a chipped tooth? Yes, various options are available, depending on the level of damage to your tooth, including bonding, filling, crowns and veneers. How much does it cost to fix a chipped tooth? You probably already assumed that the cost of fixing a chipped tooth will really depend on how much damage your tooth has incurred, and what treatment will be needed to repair it. You’re right. But, beyond that, costs can also vary widely from one dentist to another. Generally, you might expect to pay the following prices for the different treatments that can fix chipped teeth: Bonding a tooth might cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000, and the total cost might depend on how much work needs to be done on a tooth. A filling might cost anywhere from $90 to $500. A dental veneer might set you back $500 to $1,500. A crown might cost as low as $250 or as high as $3,200, and the price might depend on the type of crown that you get and the location in the mouth where it’s placed. A root canal might be priced anywhere from $500 to $1,000, and it might also depend on the extent of the damage and the location in the mouth where the tooth is located. Your dentist can let you know which treatments would work to fix your chipped tooth, and he or she can also discuss pricing with you to help you make the best decision for your oral health and your wallet. Spirit Dental can help you find affordable dental insurance to make these services more affordable. Trust Spirit Dental for all your dental insurance needs For the times that there is a tooth or mouth emergency, make sure you have your dentist’s number readily available. After all, we think they might even be speed-dial-worthy! Another important contact to have ready is Spirit Dental. We offer major services dental insurance so you can rest easy knowing we have you covered. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help.