Spirit Dental Resources

It might be hard to believe that the year is coming to a close, but that means Open Enrollment is back again and it’s time to start shopping for insurance while you can. What is Open Enrollment?At the end of every year, a period known as Open Enrollment begins. This year, it will run from November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024. But if you want to be sure that you’ll have health insurance coverage on January 1, you’ll need to be enrolled in a plan by December 15. If you live in a state that has its own health insurance exchange, it’s important to confirm when Open Enrollment will take place, as the dates might be different. For example, you might live in a state where the deadline to sign up is in December or you might have until the end of January. Planning ahead for Open Enrollment can help ensure you won’t be caught by surprise by any deadlines—the last thing you’d want is for this period to pass you by before you have a chance to get insurance or switch to a plan that suits your needs better. What can you do during Open Enrollment?Whether you’re working off the federal exchange or a state exchange, Open Enrollment is a time when you can focus on making sure your health insurance needs and preferences are met. During the year, if you’re uninsured and don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you may need to wait until Open Enrollment to search for a plan that works for you. So, rather than risking going without health insurance this coming year, it’s a good idea to enroll in a plan while you can.On the other hand, if you’re currently insured, this period is your chance to look for another plan and make a switch if you haven’t been satisfied with your existing plan. Or, you can simply use this time to renew your plan if you’re happy with it. What if you receive financial help through a subsidy? Open Enrollment is the period during which you’ll need to update and confirm your personal and financial information. Doing so will determine if you still qualify for the same amount, if you can get more or less, or if you no longer qualify for the assistance.What if you’re already covered?Because plans may be added and removed each year, you might want to shop around to see what’s available from the insurers in your state. Who knows, you might find something that’s better than what you currently have!If you’re insured and you like your existing plan, confirm that the same policy will be available next year. Also, details about coverage and out-of-pocket costs might change from one year to the next, so see if the plan will still suit your needs and budget. If everything looks good, you might be able to just let it renew automatically.Open Enrollment for dental and vision insuranceIn addition to shopping for medical insurance, you can look for dental plans on the Marketplace during Open Enrollment. You might come across medical insurance plans that provide some dental coverage for both children and adults, rather than just for kids. Or, you might be able to find stand-alone dental plans, but you might have to purchase a health plan at the same time. What about vision insurance? Like dental coverage, health plans on the Marketplace might include vision benefits for children, but it might be harder to find plans that also provide those benefits for adults. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to find stand-alone vision plans on Healthcare.gov. With dental and vision, you don’t have to limit yourself to Open Enrollment!If you’re finding it hard to get the right dental or vision plan, and you don’t want to feel rushed by the Open Enrollment period, don’t worry. You can enroll in, change, or cancel dental and vision insurance all year long.  Let’s say you want to look into dental or vision insurance that will cover your whole family. Well, you can do that by using online comparison tools that give you details about multiple providers at once, or you can go directly to a provider’s website. Here at Spirit, we offer a variety of plans to suit everyone’s needs and budget, and you can enroll whenever you’re ready.   Shopping for insurance doesn’t have to be complicatedOnce you know how Open Enrollment works, and once you realize that you have more flexibility when it comes to buying dental and vision insurance, the stress of signing up for the ideal plans may decrease. Start browsing the options available in your area so you can make the right choice for the coming year.  Sources:https://www.healthcare.gov/quick-guide/dates-and-deadlines/https://www.healthmarkets.com/resources/health-insurance/open-enrollment/https://www.healthinsurance.org/open-enrollment/https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage/dental-coverage/https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/vision-or-vision-coverage/ 

COVID-19 has led to a lot of shutdowns, and that includes dental offices. For a lot of people, the option to go to the dentist for a regular checkup or cleaning is off-limits, and they might only be able to see their dentist for emergency treatments.  If you’re in an area where you don’t have full access to professional dental care because of the coronavirus outbreak, what can you do to maintain your oral health as best as possible until things open up again?  It’s All About What You Can Do Every Day Right at Home This isn’t the time to slack off when it comes to your at-home oral hygiene routine. If you haven’t been brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time, and flossing at least once a day, it’s best to implement this strategy into your daily life now.  Brushing Tips Brush when you wake up in the morning, and again before going to sleep at night. If necessary, you can even brush your teeth after meals throughout the day to remove food particles and freshen breath.  Experts recommend using toothpaste that contains fluoride to help protect your teeth from decay. And using an electric toothbrush might help you clean your teeth, gums, and tongue (yes, it’s recommended that you brush your tongue too!) more effectively as well. If you’re concerned about bacteria on your toothbrush, you can disinfect it easily on a regular basis.  Flossing Tips To clean between your chompers, flossing is a must. Do it at least once a day, or you can do it every time you brush. This simple task takes just a couple of minutes, but it’s a smart step towards reducing the risk of cavities. You can select the flosser that you like most, whether that’s string floss or a Waterpik. The key is to floss consistently so bacteria and plaque aren’t able to accumulate and cause damage in between the teeth.    Other things to consider when taking steps to care for your teeth at home: What you eat can have an impact on the health of your teeth and gums, so focus on consuming plenty of nutritious, natural foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, while reducing your intake of high-sugar foods and drinks. Mouthwash may be optional, unless your dentist has told you that it should be a part of your daily hygiene plan. There are different types of mouthwashes, so select the one that meets your needs best.    Contact Your Dentist’s Office If You Start Experiencing Symptoms If you start to notice signs that something is wrong (e.g. your gums are swollen or bleeding, or you have a toothache), don’t wait to contact your dentist’s office. They might be open for emergency treatments, so there’s no need to ignore the symptoms or force yourself to deal with any discomfort.  Remember: getting treatment sooner rather than later can help ensure oral health problems won’t progress and cause extensive damage. While you might not be able to see your dentist for routine care, he or she might advise you to make an appointment if you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease or tooth decay.  What Are Dentists Doing to Ensure Their Patients’ Safety? Dental professionals might follow guidelines set forth by organizations like the ADA and CDC in order to open their offices to patients in a safe manner.  You may notice that your dentist takes extra steps to help keep patients, as well as staff, safe. Those steps might include: Implementing extra disinfection of tools and surfaces Requiring that you arrive alone and wait to be called in from the parking lot Utilizing protective gear and requiring that you wear a mask Checking your temperature upon arrival Using a rubber dental dam to cover your mouth Requiring social distancing Asking you additional questions about your health and any symptoms you’ve been experiencing Removing things like magazines from the waiting room Your Oral Health Doesn’t Have to Suffer Because of COVID-19 Restrictions! It’s more important than ever to take great care of your mouth at home, but even if your dentist is taking fewer appointments than usual or only working with patients who need urgent care, don’t hesitate to call for advice if you start to feel symptoms of a cavity or gum problems.  Also, with the right dental insurance to provide coverage during this difficult time when you might not be working and earning as much, you’ll be able to rest assured you won’t break the bank to get the care you need.  Have no fear: until things go back to normal, your dentist will still be there to ensure you can keep your smile healthy and bright.      Sources: https://www.webmd.com/lung/coronavirus-dental-care#1

Every baby is unique, even when it comes to teething. Generally, you can expect that your child will start teething around the age of 6 months, but it might happen earlier, such as around 4 months. And, as more teeth grow in, your baby might experience teething symptoms until the age of 2.   How can you tell if your baby is teething? Symptoms vary, but they typically include crankiness and irritability, along with drooling. Your child might also cry more, and might want to chew on things in an effort to get relief from sore, swollen gums. Also, you might notice that your baby’s appetite decreases, and his or her temperature might rise slightly, but not enough to be considered a fever.  When your precious son or daughter is uncomfortable because of teething, you want nothing more than to eliminate that discomfort. With the tips below, you can do just that, and before you know it, you’ll see those adorable little chompers whenever your little one smiles.  How to Soothe a Baby That’s Teething There are a variety of ways to soothe your teething baby, and they include: Wash your hands, and then gently massage your little one’s gums using circular motions with your finger. Alternatively, you can try using wet gauze instead of your finger. Gently apply a clean, cold washcloth to the gums, or let your baby chew or suck on it while you supervise. Start by soaking the washcloth in water. Then, wring it out and let it sit in the refrigerator until it’s nice and cool before giving it to your child. Put a metal teaspoon in the refrigerator until it’s cool to the touch. Then, you can gently place it on your baby’s gums to massage them. Purchase a teething ring or teething toy that’s designed for babies, and be diligent about keeping it clean so your child can chew on it for relief. You might also be able to place it in the refrigerator to provide cooling relief but read the label carefully to be sure it’s safe to do so. As an alternative to a cold washcloth or spoon, you can try giving your child some fruit that has been chilled in the refrigerator, as long as he or she is already used to eating solid food. You can use a mesh feeder, placing the fruit inside, so your little one can chew on it.  Note: You might be wondering if teething bracelets and necklaces are a good option for teething relief. The answer: not really. Experts recommend steering clear of these products, which are a choking hazard.   What About Medications for Teething Babies? Should you give your baby medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to provide relief from teething discomfort? Well, it’s best to consult your child’s pediatrician for the answer to this question because some remedies are not recommended.  For example, it isn’t a good idea to give your baby a medicine that contains lidocaine or benzocaine, and even herbal and homeopathic remedies might not be appropriate. Your baby’s doctor can direct you to the best and safest remedy so you can rest assured you’re making the ideal choice.    It’s Time for Your Baby to Meet the Dentist! Once you see your baby’s first tooth erupt, it’s time to make an appointment with a dentist. That way, your child’s mouth can be examined by a pro, and you can get advice on oral care for babies so you can help ensure every tooth grows in perfectly.    Thankfully, It’s Temporary! It might be a difficult time for you and your baby, but teething symptoms often decrease and resolve after a few days, particularly when the tooth starts erupting from the gums. By being patient, and by comforting your child with the suggestions above, you can make teething a less intense experience. But if you’re noticing that your strategies aren’t working, consult your baby’s dentist or physician for personalized guidance.        Sources: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/teething-101-4-pediatrician-approved-ways-to-soothe-a-teething-baby/ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/teething/art-20046378 https://www.pampers.com/en-us/baby/teething/videos/how-to-soothe-a-teething-baby  

Your vision is so very important, so taking care of your eyes as you get older should definitely be part of your wellness routine. But what steps can you take to keep your eyes healthy?  It Starts with Seeing an Eye Doctor on a Regular Basis Whether or not you’re experiencing symptoms or having issues with your vision, it’s a great idea to see an eye doctor on a regular basis, such as annually. He or she will have special tools and instruments that can look at the interior structures of your eyes, such as your retinas, to be sure everything is healthy. These exams can also spot eye problems in their earliest stages so you can treat them right away.   Take Steps Daily to Protect Your Peepers In addition to being examined by a pro, there are steps you can take every day to maintain the health of your eyes, such as: Eat right and take supplements – Foods that are high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats are considered beneficial to the eyes. Consider decreasing your intake of unhealthy foods, such as those that are high in saturated fat, and reduce your consumption of alcohol as well. You can also talk to your eye doctor about taking a high-quality supplement that contains nutrients known for supporting the eyes (such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which help protect the eyes from blue light). Get plenty of exercise – Leading an active lifestyle that includes exercise isn’t only important for your overall health, it’s also great for your eye health. That’s because working out can help improve circulation that delivers oxygen to the eyes and helps eliminate toxins. Wear sunglasses and other protective eyewear – You don’t have to stare directly at the sun to damage your eyes. The sun’s UV rays are capable of doing harm. In fact, your risk of conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts might increase if you don’t protect your peepers with high-quality sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. And don’t forget to wear safety glasses when you’re playing sports or working in an environment where you’ll be exposed to materials that can get into your eyes.  Protect your eyes from blue light – Devices like your smartphone and computer give off blue light that can be harmful to the eyes, and staring at screens for too long can cause eyestrain. Consider taking frequent breaks to look at something in the distance for a bit (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds). You can also try minimizing glare, wearing glasses that filter blue light, and blinking frequently. Plus, it’s wise to keep the top of your computer screen slightly below eye level, and at least 20-24” away from your face. Ditch the cigarettes – Here’s yet another solid reason to finally quit smoking: this unhealthy habit can raise the risk of eye problems like optic nerve damage, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Yikes! Get enough rest – A lack of good quality sleep can take its toll on your eyes. Who knew?! If you’ve developed symptoms like dry eye or eyestrain, it might be because they aren’t getting the rest they need. By simply getting more hours of sleep, you might notice that your eyes feel better during the day.  Take care of your eyes if you wear contacts – If you wear contacts, talk to your eye doctor about the best ways to take care of them so you can avoid complications. For example, taking them out before going to sleep is wise, as is making sure you store them in a clean case.   Worried About the Cost of Eye Care? Spirit Can Help! In addition to dental insurance, you can also get vision insurance from Spirit. That way, you can rest assured that you’ll be covered when you need to see the eye doctor for an exam or a new prescription for glasses and contacts. With the right plan, you won’t have to worry about missing out on the care you need to keep your eyes healthy, no matter your age.     Sources: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/healthy-vision/keep-your-eyes-healthy https://www.bausch.com/vision-and-age/20s-and-30s-eyes/healthy-eyes https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/good-eyesight#1 https://visionsource.com/blog/sleep-and-eye-health/    

Taking care of your teeth and gums at home is the first step in maintaining your oral health. Of course, you’ll need to see your dentist for checkups and professional cleanings too, but if you have the right tools at home, your dentist is sure to be impressed with how great your pearly whites look. What goes into an oral health toolkit? We break it all down for you below. For Brushing: A Toothbrush and Toothpaste You know that you need to brush at least twice a day, right? But did you know that using the right toothbrush makes a huge difference? Experts recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush that will effectively remove plaque while being gentle on the gums. An electric toothbrush can make it easier to thoroughly clean your teeth and along the gumline. And it’s a good option for those who have conditions like arthritis that make it difficult to use a manual toothbrush. It’s a great idea to replace your toothbrush every three months, or even sooner if the bristles become worn more quickly. When it comes to toothpaste: It’s best to get one that contains fluoride to help keep your enamel strong and keep cavities at bay. There are also toothpastes that are made for individuals with sensitive teeth, so you can look into those as well if you want to reduce sensitivity. When it comes to whitening toothpastes, choose wisely, as some might be too abrasive and do more harm than good to your enamel. For Cleaning Between Teeth: Flossers Food particles can easily get stuck between teeth, and brushing can miss plaque that’s between your chompers. That’s why flossing at least once every day is so important. If you’re under the impression that string floss is your only option when it comes to cleaning between teeth, think again! You can choose from string floss that’s unwaxed or waxed. And if your teeth have tighter spaces between them, you can opt for thinner string floss or flossing tape. Flossettes have convenient handles so you don’t need to hold the string between your fingers. These can also make it easier to reach back teeth. Dental picks and interdental brushes are another option for getting between the teeth effectively. Electronic water flossers, like the well-known products by Waterpik, can help clean between your teeth without needing to use traditional flossing products. For Extra Protection and to Freshen Breath: Mouthwash Rinsing your mouth with some mouthwash is another step you can take at home to clean your entire mouth, kill bacteria, and prevent problems like tooth decay and gum disease. There are different types of mouthwash available, so you can choose the one that’s ideal for your needs. Here are some examples: Mouthwash that contains fluoride may help protect against cavities. Therapeutic mouthwashes may help if you suffer from conditions like dry mouth or canker sores. Some also contain ingredients to support gum health. You can find cosmetic mouthwashes that help whiten teeth, as well as those that help freshen your breath. For Getting Rid of Even More Bacteria: A Tongue Scraper When you brush your teeth, it’s also a great idea to scrape your tongue to get rid of bacteria that linger there, and to help tackle bad breath too. Sure, you can use your toothbrush to clean your tongue, but a tongue scraper is specifically designed to clean this area of your mouth, so it will be able to do a better job. For Keeping Your Smile Bright: Teeth Whiteners To keep your teeth as white as possible, you can use whitening products at home that help remove stains. Whitening strips are a classic example, but there are also gels and trays that you can find in stores as well. Although these won’t be as powerful as a professional whitening treatment, they can certainly be helpful. Your Dentist Will Take Care of the Rest! Practicing good oral hygiene every day at home is necessary. Thankfully, there are a variety of products available, from electric toothbrushes to water flossers, that can help make the task as simple as possible. Just remember that, even if you’re using top quality dental care products, they can’t replace what your dentist and dental hygienist can do, so consider signing up for an insurance that can help you save money when it’s time to receive professional care. Sources: https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/dental-health-guide/tools-for-better-smile/ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20045536 https://ormondperio.com/blog/5-top-dental-hygiene-tools-to-use-at-home https://kirklandteeth.com/general-dentistry/at-home-dental-care-tools/ https://www.pchsweb.org/5-important-tools-for-good-dental-care/ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/does-tongue-scraping-actually-work-and-should-i-be-doing-it/

You know that medications can come with side effects, but a lot of people don’t realize that there are some medications that can affect your oral health, in particular. Here’s a brief look at how the medicine you take to combat one condition might end up causing another problem involving your teeth and gums. The Potential Oral Side Effects of Medications Dry mouth Certain over-the-counter and prescription medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, painkillers, decongestants, muscle relaxants, and blood pressure medications, may cause dry mouth by reducing the amount of saliva that your body produces. And, once dry mouth takes hold, it isn’t just uncomfortable; it can also lead to other problems, such as infection, tooth decay, and inflammation of soft tissues within your mouth. Tooth Decay Beware of medications that contain sugar, such as those that come in the form of a liquid, as they might boost the risk of tooth decay. When you take medicine that’s sweet and sticky, such as cough syrup, it’s wise to rinse your mouth with water after taking your dose. But keep in mind, too, that sugar might also be an ingredient in antacid tablets and cough drops, so it’s wise to opt for sugar-free options when they’re available. Overgrowth of gum tissue Gingival hyperplasia, or gum tissue that becomes enlarged or overgrown, may be caused by medications like calcium channel blockers, immunosuppressant drugs, and antiseizure medicine. Because keeping your gums healthy is a necessary step in keeping your teeth healthy, if you experience this side effect, talk to your doctor and your dentist about how to relieve it. Soft tissue ailments Various soft tissue problems, such as discoloration, inflammation, or sores, might occur when you’re taking certain medications, such as those that are immunosuppressive or those that are used to control your blood pressure. Even oral contraceptives might cause this uncomfortable side effect. Changes in taste If you start experiencing a metallic or bitter taste in your mouth, it might be the result of a medication that you’re taking. And some medicines might even impact your ability to taste the foods and drinks that you enjoy. Culprits include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (also known as NSAIDs), central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, cardiovascular agents, and respiratory inhalants. Abnormal bleeding If you are taking anticoagulants, such as warfarin, or you take aspirin, you might be susceptible to abnormal bleeding in the mouth, particularly during periodontal treatment or oral surgery. That’s because these medicines can reduce blood clotting. Letting your dentist know that you take these products prior to undergoing a procedure is important to avoid potential complications. Your Dentist Should Know About the Medications You Take The good news is that these types of side effects will typically go away if you stop taking the medicine that’s causing them, so consider talking to your doctor to find out if there are alternative treatment options that won’t result in the same oral health issues. Also, whether you take over-the-counter medications, prescriptions, or supplements of any kind, it’s always a good idea to let your dentist know about them. And if you are going to be receiving treatment for a serious condition, such as cancer, be sure to share that information as well. That way, your dentist will know what procedures are safe to perform on you, and he or she can give you tips on how to preserve your oral health, as well as prevent or reduce the occurrence of side effects. Sources: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/dry-mouth/prescription-medications-and-dry-mouth https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/m/medications-and-oral-health https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/patient_51.pdf?la=en