Spirit Dental Resources

Walk down the aisle of your local supermarket or drugstore and you’ll find an array of toothpaste options. Not only are there so many brands to choose from, but each brand also has several formulations to meet your dental health needs. There’s whitening toothpaste, fluoride and non-fluoride products, and toothpaste for sensitive teeth and gums, as a few examples. But which toothpaste should you be using? After all, having so many choices can make things even more confusing, so we’ve compiled some information below to help you make the right decision. Need to Stop Cavities from Popping Up? Do you find yourself dealing with cavities far too often? Does just about every trip to the dentist result in him telling you that yet another cavity has been found? Then it might be time to switch your toothpaste, in addition to following a stricter dental hygiene protocol at home. Fluoride toothpaste is a great choice for those who want to prevent cavities. Fluoride is a mineral that will coat your teeth and protect them from the acids that can cause decay. Just be sure to purchase a product that features the American Dental Association (ADA) seal, and check the label to see if it contains an anti-cavity formulation. Also, when plaque on your teeth hardens, it turns into tartar, which only your dentist can remove through professional cleaning. Therefore, if you want to prevent cavities and other problems from developing, you can opt for a fluoride-containing toothpaste that boasts ingredients that will help fight tartar too. Check the label for ingredients like zinc citrate or pyrophosphates. If over-the-counter fluoride toothpaste isn’t enough, you can ask your dentist about a prescription cavity-fighting toothpaste that has even more power to keep decay at bay. Need to Get Rid of Embarrassing Stains? Many of the foods and drinks, such as coffee, that you indulge in on a regular basis could be causing your teeth to look stained and yellow. While you can use over-the-counter whitening treatments and talk to your dentist about professional whitening procedures, you can also use a whitening toothpaste to keep stains off your teeth as best as possible every day. A standard whitening formula will have mildly abrasive ingredients that will work with your toothbrush to polish your teeth. Every time you brush, you could be working towards preventing the buildup of new stains, but you might find it harder to get rid of older stains. If you need more whitening power, opt for a toothpaste that has modified silicone abrasives in its formula. Advanced whitening products can help you get a whiter smile in about a month, so if you are still unsatisfied with the results, it’s best to consult with your dentist or try a tougher whitening product, such as whitening strips or trays. Need to Reduce Sensitivity? Has your dentist diagnosed you with sensitive teeth or gums? Then simply choose a toothpaste that contains ingredients like potassium nitrate and strontium chloride, as these will help desensitize your mouth and reduce pain. Also, be sure to use a toothbrush that isn’t too stiff, and brush your teeth more gently to help reduce irritation. A Few Final Tips: When shopping for the toothpaste that will suit your needs, be sure it has the ADA seal on its packaging. This will prove that the product has been evaluated for effectiveness and safety. There are many brands that produce herbal toothpaste, as well as those that are made using natural ingredients, and they can clean and whiten your teeth like conventional options. Avoid toothpaste that is made in China, as they may contain harmful ingredients like diethylene glycol, which was found in some imported products in 2007. The Expert You Can Always Turn To: Your Dentist! In addition to using the right toothpaste at home, having your teeth cleaned and your entire mouth examined by your dentist regularly is crucial when it comes to maintaining your oral health. If in doubt, talk to your dentist about what toothpaste you should be using. He or she will be able to advise you on the specific formula that you should look for, especially if you’re suffering from gum disease or cavities. Sources: https://www.prevention.com/health/g20507482/the-best-toothpaste-for-your-teeth   https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tartar-dental-calculus-overview#1 https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/weighing-your-toothpaste-options#1  

Bruxism, which is the grinding and clenching of teeth, is a common condition. Ignoring it and failing to combat it could result in damaged enamel, broken teeth, malocclusion, tooth loss, and temporomandibular joint disorder. Thankfully, there are several ways that you can stop grinding your teeth, and some of them are listed below so you can tackle this problem before it causes severe damage.   Hone in on the Cause of Your Bruxism There are a few different reasons why you might be grinding your teeth by night, or even clenching your jaw by day. Honing in on the cause of your bruxism will help you figure out the best ways to get relief. Believe it or not, drinking a lot of alcohol or caffeine could lead to teeth grinding at night while you sleep. This isn’t the best news if you like to have coffee during the day and end your evening with a nightcap.   If you smoke or if you have a sleep disorder like obstructive sleep apnea or snoring, you could be at a greater risk of developing bruxism. Depression, anxiety, and general stress can also cause your jaw to tighten and your teeth to grind. As if it doesn’t cause enough problems, stress could even be the reason that you clench your jaw during the day. If you have crooked teeth, are missing a tooth, or you have an abnormal bite, you might find that you wake with signs of teeth grinding, which include a sore jaw or a dull headache. Ouch! Guard Your Teeth at Night To stop grinding your teeth at night, experts recommend talking to your dentist, who can provide you with a mouthguard. He or she may suggest a mandibular advancement device, as an example. This could protect the teeth from damage because it will be custom fitted to your unique mouth, and it can bring the bottom jaw forward to help you manage sleep apnea and snoring as well.   Another option might be an occlusal appliance (also known as an occlusal bite guard, bite plate, night guard, bruxism appliance, or occlusal splint). This will also be custom made for your mouth so it will fit perfectly over the bottom or top teeth to reduce jaw pain while protecting your temporomandibular joint and your teeth. Swap Stress for Relaxation Is stress, depression, or anxiety causing you to grind your teeth at night? Then behavioral management might be the ideal solution. Making time during the day for meditation and relaxation may help you release the tension that you take to bed with you at night. Or you can go a step further and get help through hypnosis and psychoanalysis. Of course, you can combine these efforts with the right nighttime mouthguard to tackle the problem from multiple angles. Try Some Easy, Everyday Ways to Reduce Tension In addition to speaking with your dentist, you can also incorporate the following approaches to combating teeth grinding in your everyday life. Keep in mind that taking steps during the day could help prevent problems at night while you sleep. Perform some awareness exercises. You can, for example, become more aware of how tense your jaw muscles feel, and then relax them whenever you feel those muscles tensing up. Experts also suggest focusing your attention on where your tongue is resting in your mouth. Simply placing it at the top of your mouth and against the back of the top teeth, or between the teeth, could help prevent grinding, while also helping to relax the jaw.   Stretch your jaw throughout the day, and massage your jaw, shoulders, and neck to release tension. On top of that, you can even see a physical therapist, who could give you a tailored plan for stretches you can do to normalize your jaw joints and muscles. Or you can see a massage therapist to work on the muscles that affect your jaw, as well as get some much-needed relaxation. Hold a warm washcloth to your cheeks at night before bed. This could help to relax the muscles of the jaw, particularly if you place the warmth in front of the earlobes. Avoid chewing gum. While chewing sugar-free gum might be good at relieving conditions like dry mouth and helping to keep your mouth clean by increasing saliva production, if you suffer from teeth grinding, you might want to avoid it. When you chew gum, your jaw muscles could become more accustomed to clenching, potentially boosting the risk of bruxism at night. So stick to mints instead. Attempt cutting down on your consumption of caffeine and alcohol. It might be tough but it might work, so it’s worth a shot, right? Keep Those Dental Appointments! Seeing your dentist regularly is another important step in combating bruxism, as he or she might recognize signs of teeth grinding even if you aren’t aware that you’re clenching your jaw at night. And once bruxism has been diagnosed, your dentist will help you figure out what’s causing it, as well as provide you with a list of treatment options that will work best for you. Because bruxism can cause so much damage to your teeth and jaw over time, it’s best to consult with your dentist and start the appropriate treatment plan right away. Whether you need to focus on changing your lifestyle or solving a sleep disorder, there are a host of options available to get you relief and keep your smile looking fabulous. Sources: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/bruxism/bruxism-exercises-to-reduce-teeth-grinding https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/bruxism/teeth-grinding-how-to-stop-grinding-your-teeth-at-night https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/teeth-grinding-bruxism#1 https://www.bruxism.org.uk/how-can-i-stop-grinding-my-teeth.php https://sleepfoundation.org/articles/teeth-grinding

Updated July 2021 Losing a tooth in an accident or to decay can definitely be traumatizing. Thankfully, your dentist has the tools necessary to restore your smile, as well as prevent other oral problems that could result from missing teeth. Whether you’ve lost just a single tooth or several teeth, you can choose to have dental implants set in place or you can go for fixed bridgework. When you’re choosing between implants and bridgework, there are a few things to consider, but your final decision might very well come down to cost. That’s why we’ve compiled some helpful information regarding the cost of both of these options so you can make the right choice for your smile and your budget. Dental Implants: Aesthetically Pleasing but Pricier A dental implant is expected to last 15 years or longer, and it will look just like a real tooth once it is properly set into place. You can also expect that cleaning your implant will be just like cleaning your other teeth: brush, floss, rinse and see your dentist at least twice a year. If you are planning on getting a dental implant, you should expect to visit your dentist multiple times (perhaps up to six appointments) over the course of three to six months, as the procedure will need to be completed in stages. Dental implants could actually be more affordable in the long run, even though they will initially be more expensive than fixed bridgework. This is simply because they are expected to last longer. One dental implant might cost $4,000 or more, but a problem that many patients encounter is that implants are rarely covered by insurance providers. However, a Spirit dental plan is different, as every plan offers coverage for implants, and we offer immediate dental insurance so you don't have to wait. This means that, despite the initial high cost, you might be able to afford high-quality implants after all. Woo-hoo! Fixed Bridgework: Less Expensive but Requires Replacement Fixed bridgework can also restore your smile, but it might only last up to seven years. Although natural looking just like dental implants, you can’t clean bridges in the same way that you clean all of your other teeth. Instead, dental bridges need to be cleaned using a special brush and floss. Here’s a perk of getting bridgework: it will typically only require up to three visits with your dentist over the course of a few weeks, so you will complete this procedure sooner than you would a dental implant. Although bridgework will likely need to be replaced years sooner than implants, the initial cost might be more affordable. Plus, more dental insurance plans, including Spirit plans, will typically be willing to cover this service. The total cost will depend upon the type of bridge that you get. For example, a resin-bonded bridge might cost up to $2,300, while a cantilever bridge might cost over $4,000. Don’t forget to also factor in the costs of having the bridgework replaced every decade or so. It adds up! Having the Right Dental Insurance Is Key! Your dentist will be the first person you turn to when you need to have one or more teeth replaced. He or she will help you choose between dental implants and bridgework by going over the pros and cons of each, as well as discussing your oral health to figure out which option would really be best for the long run. Regardless of which of these two options you choose to go with, having the right insurance will come in handy and eliminate the worry that comes with paying for these expensive procedures. With a Spirit plan*, you can rest easy knowing that you can receive coverage for both bridgework and implants.** So the good news is that modern dentistry has provided patients with products that will replace missing teeth and make your smile as natural looking as possible. Now it’s up to you to decide whether you’d prefer implants or bridges to get the job done. Not sure if an implant or bridge procedure is covered under your insurance? Get a quote from Spirit Dental & Vision to see what you’re covered for.  Disclaimer:* If an insured has lost one or more teeth prior to their policy effective date, Spirit will not pay for a prosthetic device that replaces such teeth unless the device also replaces one or more natural teeth lost or extracted while covered under this policy. **Coverage varies by plan.  Sources: https://www.dentalimplantcostguide.com/bridges-vs-implants/ https://www.deardoctor.com/articles/dental-implant-options/page4.php https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/bridges-and-crowns/dental-bridge-vs-implant-which-is-right-for-you

The answer may surprise you: No, not unless you’re a kid. While the Affordable Care Act does require pediatric dental and vision coverage, we adults have been left to fend for ourselves. It’s true that the goal of ObamaCare is to ensure that more Americans have access to quality health care through affordable health insurance. And it’s true that, since its inception, it has succeeded on many levels. Yet, the ugly (and often, surprising) fact is that, somehow, our dental health got left behind. Here’s another ugly truth: As some employers struggle with how to pay for the insurance options required under ObamaCare (otherwise known as ACA, or the Affordable Care Act), many are opting to drop dental insurance from their benefits offerings. Already, many of us are feeling the double whammy effect of rising dental costs, coupled with the loss of employer sponsored dental coverage. During a 2015 online survey of 1,000 American adults, conducted by Wakefield Research, more than one third of respondents said they had delayed seeing a dentist because of the out-of-pocket expenses they would have to pay. Delaying Dental Check-ups Puts your Overall Health at Risk. The links between oral care and overall, physical health are proven. In fact, your dentist is often your first line of defense against cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening diseases. So, what can you do? First, talk to your employer or insurance provider. Ask if your oral health is covered – and be sure you get answers. Unfortunately, unless you’re already purchasing your own stand-alone dental insurance, you’re likely to learn that your dental needs are not covered. Second, do your research. You’ll be surprised to discover that there are dramatic disparities between insurance plans. More surprising: some of the best known names in dental insurance provide some of the least cost effective, least comprehensive coverage. Third, we wouldn’t be writing this if we didn’t think we had an answer for you: compare those plans with Spirit Dental! At Spirit Dental, you’ll find affordable dental insurance that best fits your needs. We have $3,500 annual maximums, next day coverage, and no waiting periods – even for major work! Even better, you can go to the dentist you choose. Click here to get a free 30-second quote and find out how easy and cost effective it can be to truly take care of your health, well-being, and your smile. Smile! We’ve got you covered!

The fancy word for “dry mouth” is xerostomia, and this is a condition that’s characterized by a lack of saliva throughout the mouth. Basically, the salivary glands stop producing the normal amount of saliva, leaving the mouth dry and uncomfortable. On top of the discomfort it causes, dry mouth could also increase your risk of developing gum disease, tooth decay, and oral infections, so it’s important to address this problem with your dentist. Having an understanding of the cause of your dry mouth is the first step in figuring out what treatment options will work best to relieve it and prevent other ailments. What Could Cause Your Mouth to Go Dry? Medications: Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications list dry mouth as a side effect. Remedies for everything from anxiety, depression, pain, acne, hypertension, nausea, and diarrhea, to urinary incontinence, psychotic disorders, asthma, obesity, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease could cause dry mouth. Wow, that’s a lot! But it doesn’t end there. Even antihistamines and decongestants designed to treat allergies and colds could cause saliva production in your mouth to decrease. And dry mouth could also be caused by sedatives and muscle relaxants. So if you need to take any type of medication, search through the list of side effects and, if dry mouth is one of them, you can take steps to prevent it or at least relieve it if it occurs. Medical Treatments: Certain medical treatments could cause damage to your salivary glands, restricting the amount of saliva that they can produce. Yikes! Aside from the surgical removal of the glands, chemotherapy, and radiation are a couple of examples of treatments that can harm them. Infections, Diseases, and Other Medical Conditions: There are many medical conditions that could include dry mouth as a symptom. A few examples include stroke, hypertension, Parkinson’s disease, mumps, rheumatoid arthritis, anemia, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, HIV/AIDS, Sjögren's syndrome, and Alzheimer’s disease. And if you suffer from nerve damage in the area of your neck or head, you could also develop dry mouth. Dehydration: If you are dehydrated for any reason, whether you sweat excessively, are experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, have lost blood or been burned, or you have a fever, dry mouth could be a side effect. Just another reason to drink plenty of water every day. Unhealthy Habits: Your daily lifestyle and habits could have an impact on your salivary glands and the moisture within your mouth. If you chew tobacco or smoke, the risk of dry mouth increases, or you could aggravate the condition if it is already present. So go ahead and kick those bad habits for good! Breathing Troubles: If you have ongoing sinus problems, it’s best to have them addressed by your doctor promptly, especially if you find yourself breathing through your mouth. Inhaling and exhaling through the mouth will dry out your saliva, so focus on breathing through your nose. Aging: Getting older isn’t any fun (at least for most people), and you can add dry mouth to the list of problems that you might encounter as you age. This is simply because your salivary glands may not work as well as they did when you were younger, and that could leave your mouth feeling parched. Tackling Dry Mouth from Three Angles When it comes to treating dry mouth, experts recommend taking a multi-angle approach. First, the goal is to figure out what underlying conditions might be causing your dry mouth. With the appropriate treatments, the causes can effectively be managed or cured. On top of managing the underlying causes, your dentist can also work with you to prevent tooth decay. He or she might recommend taking extra steps, such as brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste more often than twice a day. It might be necessary, for example, to brush after each meal. You might also need to floss your teeth daily if you aren’t doing that already, as well as use a fluoride gel or rinse daily. Remember, when you have dry mouth, fluoride is your friend. Finally, you can work on taking steps to increase the flow of saliva to get much-needed relief. You might have to use an over-the-counter spray or rinse that acts as an artificial saliva to moisten the mouth. Or your dentist might give you a prescription for a product like Salagen, which is able to increase your body’s natural saliva production. Surprisingly Simple Ways to Relieve Dry Mouth at Home In addition to consulting with your dentist to find the cause and access the ideal treatment for your dry mouth, you can also take a few simple steps every day to restore moisture: Say no to caffeine and alcohol. Okay, we know this one’s tough for a lot of people, but ditching caffeine, or at least limiting your intake, could help your mouth feel better. The same goes for alcohol like red wine, which can remove moisture from the mouth. Chew on sugar-free candy or sugar-free gum. When you chew gum or suck on candy, you could improve saliva flow and relieve dry mouth. Sugar-free is the way to go to prevent cavities. Use the right mouthwash. Not all mouthwashes are created equal. Stick with those that contain ingredients, such as xylitol, that will help combat dry mouth, and avoid those that contain alcohol. Invest in a room humidifier. Is your mouth dry and your throat sore in the morning? Boosting the moisture in the air within your home, especially in your bedroom at night, might help your mouth retain the moisture it needs to feel comfortable.   Talk to Your Doctor, but Also See Your Dentist If your dry mouth is a side effect of a medication or treatment that your doctor has prescribed, talk to him or her about your options, as you might be able to switch to something that won’t decrease your saliva production. And if that’s not possible, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription remedies that you can try. Beyond consulting with your doctor, experts recommend seeing your dentist at least two times a year. You can have a complete checkup and cleaning that will help prevent a variety of gum and dental problems, especially if you suffer from dry mouth. So be sure to book those appointments so your mouth can be happy!    Sources: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/dry-mouth/dry-mouth-home-remedies https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-mouth/expert-answers/dry-mouth/faq-20058424   https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dry-mouth-treatments#1 https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-dry-mouth#1

Going to the dentist can be scary even for adults. So when it’s time to bring your child to their first dental appointment, use the following tips to make the experience as anxiety-free as possible. Do Bring Your Baby to the Dentist Sooner Rather Than Later You don’t have to wait for all of your baby’s primary teeth to erupt before heading to the dentist. According to the American Dental Association, your child’s first trip to the dentist should actually take place within six months after the first tooth appears, or before their first birthday. Yep, that soon. After that, regular exams of the primary teeth will help ensure your child’s mouth will remain healthy. This gentle and consistent exposure to the dentist, particularly during a time when no invasive treatments are required, will help your child become acquainted with the experience so there can be less fear. The dentist will become a friend, not a foe, thanks to this early exposure. Don’t Have a Negative Attitude Kids are really good at picking up on the energy and feelings of their parents, so if you’re anxious about your child’s first visit with the dentist, it’s possible that your son or daughter will become nervous too. Try to be happy and relaxed, and talk about how the experience will be a positive one. Discuss the simple steps that the dentist will take to make sure your child’s mouth is clean and healthy. Do Choose a Dentist Who Specializes in Working with Kids A dentist who has plenty of experience working with kids will be a great choice, as they’ll know how to keep a child calm and comfortable, and they will also provide a clean, secure, and friendly environment that won’t intimidate your son or daughter. Plus, if your little one does become upset at all during the exam, a dentist with this expertise will know how to work with you to calm your child down in no time. Don’t Just Pick Any Old Appointment Time Avoid scheduling your child’s first dental appointment during a time of day when they would normally be napping, or when they are typically difficult to work with. You know your child best, so book the appointment for a time of day when they will be cooperative, rested, well-fed, and ready for an adventure. Do Spend Time Prepping Diving into discussions about the dentist with your child is a fantastic way to get them ready for their first appointment. You can talk about how much you enjoy going to the dentist and having a beautiful smile to show off as a result. Getting other people involved, such as your spouse or your older children, can also help to reinforce that going to the dentist can be a positive experience. Taking the mystery out of the dental exam will help your kid feel confident and comfortable too. You can pick up some children’s books or watch kid-friendly videos online with your child to teach them all about the dentist. And you can even have a pretend dental visit at home to show your son or daughter how the dentist will examine the mouth in a way that won’t be scary or painful. The key is to present the experience as something that’s worth looking forward to, rather than dreading. The last thing you want to do is create unnecessary panic by talking about how frightening and painful going to the dentist can be. Avoid using words like “pain,” “hurt,” or even “shot.” This certainly isn’t the time to share your own “war stories” of root canals and extractions either. Don’t Use the Visit as a Punishment Teaching your child about the dentist, and getting them used to going to the dentist on a regular basis, will help create a solid foundation for their future oral health. So it isn’t a good idea to use the trip to the dentist as a punishment, nor is it a good idea to bribe your child or give a reward for enduring the exam. Instead, use praise and encouragement, and let your child know how proud and impressed you are with their behavior. Your dentist will teach your kid a lot about dental care but take steps at home to reinforce good oral hygiene practices. With the right dental plan for kids and the appropriate home care, you can help boost the odds that your child will avoid a variety of dental and gum problems. And every time your youngster laughs, they’ll show off that lovely smile that you can’t get enough of. Sources: https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/ADA_PatientSmart_First_Dental_Visit.ashx https://blog.1stfamilydental.com/your-childs-first-dental-visit/   https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids/first-dental-visit http://www.middlebury.edu/system/files/media/ChildsFirstDentalVisit.pdf https://parenting.kars4kids.org/good-first-visit-to-the-dentist/ https://www.parents.com/health/dental/kids-overcome-fear-dentists/?slide=52134