Spirit Dental Resources

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/

Did you know that experts recommend cleaning your baby’s mouth even before his or her teeth begin to emerge? It’s the first step in oral care for your infant, and it will help ensure an easier transition to brushing when your child is old enough. If you’re a new parent, don’t worry, as we’ve compiled a list of tips on oral care for babies that will help guide you as your child grows. Start Early… Really Early Oral care for your baby doesn’t start when his or her teeth grow in; instead, you can start wiping his or her gums before the teeth even begin to show signs of making their first appearance. All you have to do is take a soft washcloth or some gauze and wet it during your baby’s bath, before bed, and after feedings (no toothpaste necessary). By wrapping the washcloth or gauze around your finger, you can gently rub it over your child’s gums to remove bacteria that may harm the teeth as they start coming in. Those First Signs of Teeth When your baby’s teeth have erupted, you can graduate to a baby toothbrush with soft bristles, a wide handle, and a small head. You can start gently and lightly brushing those tiny teeth twice daily, in the morning and before bed. At first, you can just use a wet toothbrush. At around age 2, you can use a tiny bit of toothpaste that’s fluoride-free and designed for infants and toddlers. Think the size of a grain of rice—super tiny amount. Your baby should learn how to avoid swallowing the toothpaste. Then ask your dentist when you should switch to a fluoride formula.   If the teeth are spaced far apart, you won’t need to worry about flossing just yet. Flossing will be necessary, though, once the teeth are side by side.   Easy Strategies to Keep Baby’s Mouth Clean In addition to brushing, there are other easy steps you can take daily to help maintain the health of your baby’s teeth and gums: Look for minor pitting or discoloration in your baby’s teeth. These are the first symptoms of cavities, which are commonly caused by leaving your child with a bottle of juice or milk for longer than is necessary for feeding. Once your baby is eating solid foods, let him or her drink water during and after meals, as that will help rinse the mouth clean. Foods that include dried fruit, fresh fruit, juice, peanut butter and jelly, pasta, pretzels, crackers, and bread can contribute to the development of cavities. Serving them at mealtime instead of as a snack, and giving your child water to drink, will help remove food particles from the mouth. Time to Meet the Dentist! Your baby should meet the dentist for the first time by his or her first birthday. Another rule you can follow is to take your baby to the dentist within six months of the first tooth emerging. Whichever happens first is the recommended route to take. Having the right dental plan will ensure your child’s care will be covered and his or her teeth and gums can remain healthy and strong. Sources: https://www.babycenter.com/health/teething-and-tooth-care/how-to-care-for-your-babys-gums-and-emerging-teeth_126 https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/caring-babies-teeth#1 https://www.parenting.com/baby/ https://www.parents.com/baby/health/baby-teeth/baby-tooth-care-tips1/?slide=26867 https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/brushing-and-flossing/babys-first-teeth-should-you-use-toothpaste https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/kids-oral-care/brushing-babys-teeth-how-to-get-started https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/kids-oral-care

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/

The thing about dental insurance plans is that you have to actually use the benefits they provide within the year; otherwise, you’ll lose those benefits that you paid for every month. No one likes to see their money wasted, so this year, plan to make the most of your dental plan by setting aside time to see your dentist. Take Advantage of Those Preventive Services! When it comes to health, including oral health, prevention is key. Rather than having to deal with symptoms that worsen over time, you might be able to prevent problems before they even take hold. In other words, there’s no need to wait until you have a toothache or bleeding gums to see your dentist. Professional cleanings can keep your gums healthy and your teeth strong and free of cavities. Dental care is also about timing. If symptoms have already started, the dentist is probably the last person that you want to see, and you might even be scared to find out what’s wrong. But the sooner you see your dentist, the better, as you might go through less pain and you might be able to receive more affordable care. Your dental plan probably covers diagnostic and preventive, or D&P, services. These include routine oral health checkups, teeth cleanings, cancer screenings, and x-rays to check for cavities and other ailments. So if you want to nip a problem in the bud and avoid that dreaded root canal, consider setting an appointment to see your dentist on a regular basis, such as every six months or once a year. Get in with an In-Network Dentist Don’t have a dentist yet? Don’t worry. You can use your dental plan this year to find a talented medical professional by searching through your insurer’s list of in-network dentists and dental specialists. Sticking with an in-network dentist could be another way to really make the most of your plan. That’s because in-network providers will typically be able to give you the care that you need, from diagnostic tests to advanced dental procedures, at a more affordable price. On the other hand, out-of-network dentists may involve higher out-of-pocket costs or they might not be able to provide you with the same level of covered care. Use Strategy to Save More Money on Dental Care Investing in the right dental insurance could help you save money in the long run because it gives you access to the care you need to prevent problems, or at least halt them before they get worse. So why wouldn’t you want to take the time to actually use your plan this year? Beyond that, by using your dental plan, you can also start working your way towards paying your deductible. Spirit offers a one-time $100 deductible. Once it’s reached, you’ll never have to pay it again, and your plan will kick into second gear to give you even more coverage. That means you can access even more deals. For example, you might be able to receive the costly dental procedures that you need—or the ones that you may have been putting off—while paying less out of pocket. Ultimately, with the right dental plan to cover your needs, you could take advantage of the many services that are offered by your dentist to keep your smile looking radiant. It’s a good idea to take a few minutes to look through your policy so you can get to know exactly what’s covered and what isn’t. Then all you have to do is book your appointment to have the peace of mind of knowing that your mouth is healthy. Sources: https://www.deltadentalil.com/dental-benefits-new-year/ https://www.chooseoralhealth.com/dental-insurance-benefits/# https://www.deltadentalins.com/administrators https://www.mooreandpascarella.com/dental-insurance-benefits/