Spirit Dental Resources

If one part of the body gets ill, it’s likely to spread to the rest of the body. Therefore, it’s quite misguided to assume that there is no link between oral health and overall health of the body. Dental care involves brushing and flossing the teeth regularly as well as visiting a dentist for checkups or treatments to cure or prevent any oral diseases. Researchers in different universities have been trying to identify the links between oral health and other ailments as outlined below. Pregnancy And Oral Health Many pregnant women are likely to suffer from gum disease especially because of the fluctuating hormonal levels in the body. There are a few who neglect oral care when they are pregnant because they are completely preoccupied. This is completely wrong. Scientists have discovered that gum disease or inflammations in the mouth might result in the production of prostaglandin. This compound has been tasked with inducing early labor. Of course, this theory has not yet been confirmed completely. However, a study conducted in 2001 identified that women in the second trimester who suffer from gum disease are likely to get early labor (as early as 37 weeks). Also, gum disease might also contribute to low birth weight for the new baby as evidence reveals. Is Their A Link Between Pneumonia And Oral Health? Although the research conducted in respect to oral health and pneumonia was done so in high risk populations, there has been established a link between oral diseases and pneumonia. A study in 2008 identified that elderly patients with pneumonia also had gum disease especially because the lungs are quite close to the mouth. Note that, regardless of whether a person keeps their mouth completely clean, there is always a bacterium roaming around. However, if a person completely neglects oral care, the bacteria spread to the lungs and causes respiratory disorders such as pneumonia. Understanding The Relation Between Pancreatic Cancer And Gum Disease In 2007, a study was conducted that identified that men suffering from pancreatic cancer also suffered from gum disease. Besides, the patients who had a smoking habit, those with a history of gum disease also had a high likelihood of getting pancreatic cancer. An infected mouth naturally produces carcinogenic compounds. Therefore, these compounds are likely to cause inflammation resulting in pancreatic cancer. Also, gum disease has been linked to people suffering from Type 2 Diabetes. Therefore, if the production of insulin and absorption of glucose is severely affected by gum disease, an individual is likely to suffer from pancreatic cancer. How To Prevent Any Of These Diseases As mentioned, although the studies are still underway, it’s important to beware about the impending health complications as a result of poor oral health. On that note, always make routine appointments to the doctor for check-ups to prevent any oral diseases. Also, brushing after every meal and drinking lots of water removes any debris or food particles in the mouth that might cause complications in your oral health. It’s important to keep yourself updated regarding any new studies in these areas to prevent further health complications as a result of poor oral health.

Plaque is one of the leading causes of oral decay for most people in the world. It is caused by leftover food particles in the teeth that rot and cause discoloring in the teeth. Even worse, it’s the start of many dental issues that might develop later on. Brushing and flossing after every meal are two ways you can keep your teeth healthy. This way, you can get rid of all the food particles or sugars that combine with other bacteria in your mouth to form plaque. Besides these two, consuming foods that are healthy for your teeth is yet another good way to delay progression of gum disease, tooth decay, cavities and much more. There have been numerous studies done by researchers set to identify the best foods for this fete and the results have concluded the following foods. 1. Tea Black or green tea contains compounds, referred to as polyphenols that can reduce the growth rate of bacteria that contribute to plaque. A recent study in Chicago identified that rinsing your mouth with black tea just for a minute at least 10 times every day will reduce plaque buildup even better than doing it with water. Even better, black tea contains compounds that fights halitosis (bad breath) since it suppresses the formation of bacteria responsible for creating smell in the mouth. 2. Cheese A recent study identified that preteens who consumed cheddar cheese regularly reported lower levels of acid in their mouth compared to those who consumed milk regularly or sugar-free yogurt. After eating cheese, rinsing your mouth with water basically reduces the acid levels in the mouth that are responsible for tooth decay among other oral health issues. Besides that, cheese also improves production of saliva which is responsible to reducing the acid levels in the mouth. 3. Raisins Raisins contain natural sugar not processed types like sucrose which is bad for your teeth. Plaque is mostly produced if a person fails to rinse the mouth after consuming sugary products that stick to the surface. Raisins also contain phytochemicals which are responsible for obliterating bacteria in the mouth. Also, raisins contain compounds that slow down the growth of bacteria responsible for periodontal disease. 4. Crunchy Foods Eating crunchy natural foods such as cucumbers, carrots or apples might take some serious effort to break down completely. It might seem in vain, but the chewing is responsible for disturbing dental plaque thereby cleansing the teeth from any related bacteria. Of course, it’s important to rinse your mouth of eating such foods to remove any debris that might cause plaque or cavities. 5. Foods Rich In Vitamins Cheese, leafy greens and almonds contain calcium, phosphorous and vitamins that are responsible for keeping oral decay at bay. This keeps the enamel strong and healthy. On the other hand, it also helps clear out any bacteria responsible for causing plaque or other oral diseases. Fruits and vegetables also fall under this category and adding them in your diet will keep your teeth healthy. Try out all these types of foods and keep your teeth healthy!

When it comes to maintaining your oral health, it’s very important to see the same dentist regularly. This medical professional will be familiar with your history, the results of past checkups and the oral health problems you experience most frequently. Though choosing a good dentist is incredibly important, many people have no idea how to get started. The American Dental Association (ADA) has created its own guidelines, which are very simple to follow and will guarantee the selection of the best possible dentist. What Kind of Dentist are You Looking for? Are you in need of a general dentist or do you have slightly more specialized oral health needs? Look for the right professional, in order to make the most of the interactions. A general dentist is the oral healthcare practitioner that most people need. This dentist does the regular checkups and helps patients with the most common problems (like cavities and plaque buildup). An endodontist specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental pulp conditions. The endodontist does all kinds of root canal treatments. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a healthcare professional that has highly specialized knowledge and skills. This surgeon treats face, mouth and jaw issues that require a surgical intervention. Accident victims that have suffered head trauma, individuals in need of reconstructive or dental implant surgery will all be looking for an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Pediatric dentists specialize in the treatment of children. A periodontist treats gum and soft tissue problems. Finally, a cosmetic dentist is the one that can give you an ideal smile through teeth whitening, bonding and veneers, among many others. Important Questions to Ask When Choosing a Dentist Do a bit of preliminary research. Internet can give you a lot of information about reputable dental clinics that are located conveniently. You can also ask friends and relatives for recommendations. Use this information to narrow it down to just a few options. After you’ve chosen several dental clinics that you’re interested in, you’ll need to pay these facilities a visit. Get ready for this meeting in advance. Pay attention to some important aspects and ask the staff of the clinic certain questions. For a start, make sure that the clinic utilizes modern equipment and it adheres to the highest safety and hygiene standards. Inquire about the work hours and the availability of emergency dental services. Next, you should meet the dentist. Ask about their education and training. Where was it obtained? How long has the particular oral health practitioner been working with patients? Inquire about their take on preventative dentistry, about the fees and the available treatment plans. What kinds of diagnostic processes will be used to identify problems? Does the clinic posses new and safe X-ray equipment (like a digital X-ray machine)? Getting the answers and assessing the communication style of the staff at the same time will both be important. The best oral health professionals should make you feel comfortable and they should answer all of your questions thoroughly. If you’re still missing some important information, chances are that the clinic isn’t the right one for you. Online research and personal evaluation are both needed to find the right dentist. Take your time and don’t rush the decision. The cost of dental services is relatively high, which is why you shouldn’t accept a quality compromise. Ask questions and if necessary, call again to do follow-ups. The more information you get, the easier it’s going to be to make up your mind.

Maybe you’re new in town. Maybe someone in your family is experiencing new issues with their dental health and you’re wondering if your current dentist is up to the challenge. Whatever your reasons for seeking out a new dentist, now is NOT the time to rush into a new relationship. A great dentist should be a long-term partner in your overall health, comfort and appearance. Finding the dentist that best for you can be a daunting task. But don’t worry. We’ve taken the guesswork out of the process. Simply follow these important steps and make the choice that’s right for you and your family. 1. Ask Your Friends: Get Recommendations Ask the people you trust the following four questions: Who is their Dentist? Would they strongly recommend them? What kinds of work have they had done? Anything they don’t like about their dentist? 2. Research Online: Learn the Basic Facts about the Dentists on Your List: How many years has the dentist been practicing? How do they stay abreast of the newest developments in dental health and treatment? Are they affiliated with a teaching institution? Don’t bother calling an 800 number. The dentists “recommended” by those services have paid to be listed there. You won’t be getting an objective referral. 3. Call the Dentist’s Office. Ask these questions: Do not be afraid to talk about money. Do they take your insurance? What do they charge for basic and major procedures? Do they refer to a team of local specialists? If so, get names and research those specialists, too. If not, strongly consider passing on this dentist. You want a dentist who isn’t trying to be the best at everything. Who does the cleaning? You’re looking for a dentist who has invested in highly trained professional hygienists, not a dentist who does the cleaning him or herself. Do their location and office hours fit your busy schedule? 4. If Steps 1-4 Check Out, Make an Initial Consultation Your best friend’s dentist might be perfect for them but the only way to know if they’re right for you is to visit them in their office and ask the right questions. Was it easy to make that appointment? Was the receptionist friendly and professional? Is the office clean and welcoming? Treat the consultation like an interview, asking the dentist the following questions: How much experience do they have treating any of your or your family member’s special conditions? Ask to see before and after pictures of patients treated for those conditions. Do you feel comfortable with this dentist’s recommended course of action for your teeth? Finally, trust your gut reaction. Do you feel at ease with this dentist? Are they someone in whom you’re willing to invest your trust? 5. Talk to your Insurance Company: Be sure you understand what your – and who – your insurance plan covers. Are you required to choose a dentist in their network? Unfortunately, many insurance plans cover only their networks of dentists. If your preferred dentist is in that network, great! But if they’re not, it may be time to start looking for an insurance carrier who lets you go to the dentist you want. Will treatments and services be fully covered -- or will you be expected to pay the difference yourself? If you have an indemnity plan, review your dentist’s fees with your insurance company and be sure you know what is covered 100%. Are you fully covered right now? Or are you in a waiting period for certain procedures? Most dental insurance plans require waiting periods for major procedures. What are the annual maximums? Today, many insurance companies have annual maximums as low as $1,000. Often, families feel forced to delay much-needed treatments simply because they reach their annual maximum before year-end and cannot afford to pay out of pocket. If your current dental insurance doesn’t cover the dentist you believe is best for you and your family, maybe it’s time to find better dental insurance. At Spirit Dental, you can find the affordable dental insurance that 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 15-second quote and find out how easy and cost effective it can be to get YOUR preferred dentist covered, effective immediately.

When shopping for dental insurance, you may encounter a number of terms that are unfamiliar to you. Understanding what these terms mean and how they affect your coverage is important if you want to make sure that you get the most for your money. Annual Maximum This is the maximum amount in dollars that an insurance plan will pay towards dental care for an individual or family enrolled in a plan during a calendar year. Co-Payment This is the portion of the fee for care that you are obliged to pay, either before or after your insurance company has paid its agreed-upon portion. Coinsurance This is your responsibility, expressed as a fixed percentage, of the cost of care. For example, a 20 percent coinsurance rate means that your insurance company covers 80 percent and you pay for the remaining 20 percent. This applies after your deductible has been reached. Covered Services These are the services performed by a dentist that your insurance company has agreed to cover as a part of your policy. Deductible This is the amount in dollars that you are responsible for paying for dental care before the insurance company will begin to pay benefits. For example, if your policy has a $1000 deductible, you will only receive benefits from your insurer after you have paid for $1000 of care. This amount is reset at the beginning of the year. Diagnostic and Preventive Services These are basic dental services that include such procedures as cleanings, examinations, and X-rays. Most insurance plans cover all or almost all of the cost of such services. Explanation of Benefits This document explains which services were covered and how much coverage was applied to an individual claim. Lifetime Maximum This is a maximum amount of benefits that will be paid for certain services during the life of the enrollee. This most commonly applies to orthodontic treatment. Limitations and Exclusions Most dental insurance does not cover every possible form of dental treatment. A particular policy will limit the amount of coverage it provides and list procedures that are excluded from coverage. These may be based on the frequency of care or the type of procedure that is performed. Network This is a group of providers who participate in a certain dental insurance plan. Seeing an in-network dentist means that the plan will cover more of the cost of care. If you see an out-of-network dentist, your insurance company may pay less of the cost of treatment, or you may have to pay for the entire cost out of your own pocket. Out-of-pocket Costs These are costs that you must pay on your own, such as co-payments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Once you have reached your annual maximum, for instance, you will have to pay any further costs out of your own pocket. Waiting Period This is the length of time that you have to wait after you enroll in a plan before you can begin to receive benefits.

Updated June 2023 When it comes to dental insurance, there are several types of plans available to consumers. Two common options are PPO and indemnity plans. Understanding the differences between PPO vs indemnity plans is crucial to making an informed decision about which one is right for you. Many people are confused about their dental insurance options and end up choosing no dental insurance. The common notion is that dental health is expensive, and it is better to pay for dental fees upfront, whenever they need it, rather than pay for something that they feel they won’t be able to make use of. The truth is, it's the other way around. With the right dental insurance plan, you can bring more value to your money and be able to have bigger savings at the same time. In this article, we'll compare and contrast the features of a dental indemnity plan vs PPO and help you make an informed decision about which one is best suited for your dental insurance needs. Whether you're seeking coverage for yourself or your family, understanding the advantages and disadvantages of these plans and comparing dental insurance can help you get the most out of your dental insurance. What is PPO dental insurance? PPO dental insurance is a type of dental insurance plan that operates on a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) network. Some of the benefits of a PPO vs indemnity include: Lower out-of-pocket costs: Patients who choose an in-network dentist typically receive a discounted rate on services provided by that dentist, resulting in lower out-of-pocket costs for the patient. Higher level of coverage for preventive care: PPO plans often offer a higher level of coverage for preventive care services like routine cleanings and checkups, making it easier and more affordable for patients to maintain good oral health. No need to submit claims: Patients who choose an in-network dentist typically do not need to submit claims for reimbursement, as the dentist will bill the insurance company directly for covered services. Coverage for a wide range of dental services: PPO plans typically offer coverage for a wide range of dental services, including basic and major restorative services like fillings, root canals, and crowns, as well as orthodontic services. What is a dental indemnity plan? Indemnity plans, on the other hand, do not have network provisions at all. Indemnity plans are known as fee-for-service plans, which means that the policyholder will pay for their dental services upfront and then submit a claim to the insurance company for reimbursement. When you’re comparing an indemnity plan vs. a PPO plan, there are many advantages to an indemnity plan, including: More flexibility in choosing a dentist: With an indemnity plan, patients can see any licensed dentist of their choice, without being restricted to a network of preferred providers. No restrictions on out-of-network care: Patients who choose an indemnity plan are not limited to in-network dentists, and can receive care from any licensed dentist, with the plan covering a percentage of the cost based on a fee-for-service model. No referral requirements: Indemnity plans do not require referrals from a primary care dentist to see a specialist, providing greater freedom of choice and easier access to specialized care. Greater predictability of costs: Indemnity plans often have a fixed fee schedule for covered services, which can make it easier to predict and budget for out-of-pocket expenses. Indemnity plans generally offer greater flexibility, but they may require patients to pay a greater portion of the cost of their dental care upfront and may have higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs than other types of dental insurance plans. Trust Spirit Dental to help you understand PPO vs indemnity and find the right plan for you Understanding what your needs are and comparing indemnity vs PPO dental insurance will help you determine which plan works well for you, and not just for your budget, but for your expectations and requirements overall. If you’re curious about your insurance options and what Spirit Dental & Vision can offer you, contact us and get a dental insurance quote today.