Spirit Dental Resources

It’s time for your baby’s first trip to the dentist! This can be both exciting and a little scary, especially since it will be a totally new experience for your little one, who might feel uneasy about being in a strange place with a dentist he or she has never met. However, there are steps you can take to prepare and to ensure everything will go smoothly. To see what we mean, check out our tips below. When Should Your Baby See the Dentist for the First Time? A commonly asked question is: when should I take my baby to the dentist for the first time? Well, experts recommend that you make an appointment within six months when you notice your little one’s first tooth grow in, or at least before your child’s first birthday rolls around. That’s because even those tiny little teeth can develop cavities! Is your child over a year old but hasn’t seen the dentist yet? No worries! Just make an appointment ASAP to gain some valuable insight into keeping your baby’s teeth and gums clean and strong, and to get your child accustomed to being in the dentist’s chair. Start by Choosing the Right Dentist for Your Baby Should you take your baby to your regular dentist, or should you look for a pediatric dentist? It’s really up to you and how you feel about your family dentist. However, it might be a great idea to research pediatric dentists in your area who are known for being gentle, patient, and compassionate towards children. A pediatric dentist will have more training and experience in examining and treating children, which is definitely a plus. Also, the office and exam room will be decorated and set up in a more kid-friendly way than a regular practice, making it more welcoming and less intimidating to a little boy or girl. And the entire staff will know how to interact with children of all ages to make them feel relaxed and comfortable. Tip: Once you’ve found some options, ask them if you can come by for a tour, during which you and your baby can see the exam room and meet some of the staff. This can help you decide if it’s really the right fit. New Experiences: Preparing for Your Baby’s Trip to the Dentist Going to the dentist for the very first time might cause some anxiety and fear. Again, visiting the dentist for a tour of the office before the actual appointment might be helpful, but you can also take other steps to help your baby feel at ease from start to finish. Maintain a positive attitude throughout the process of getting your child ready for the appointment so your baby can feel as relaxed and content as possible. You can even bring your baby’s favorite toy or blanket to provide extra comfort. And, if your child gets frustrated during the exam, simply work with the dentist to calm your son or daughter down without getting impatient. It’s a good idea to avoid scheduling an appointment when your baby would normally be napping. And it’s also smart to make sure your baby has eaten prior to the appointment. The last thing you want is to take a tired, hungry, and cranky child to the dentist! Another way to make it easier on yourself is by asking the office for all of the patient forms in advance. Fill them out at home and then simply hand them in when you arrive. You might even be able to fill them out online and email them back, which could help make things even simpler. Have questions for your dentist about your baby’s teeth and gums, teething, or the use of a pacifier? Maybe you want to know how to prevent bottle rot, or you need some pointers on how to properly brush your baby’s chompers. You might forget some of these important questions while you’re at the appointment, so consider writing everything down beforehand. What Can You Expect at the Appointment? The good news is that, oftentimes, a baby’s first trip to the dentist will be a short and easy one. It can serve as an opportunity to have the dentist meet you and your baby, and to give you guidance and tips. In addition to getting to know one another in a friendly and calm atmosphere, the dentist will also take some time to check your baby’s mouth. You might be able to hold your child during the entire examination so your baby can feel safe while the dentist checks the jaw, gums, teeth, and bite for any problems that need to be addressed. Save Money with the Right Dental Insurance for Kids! Overall, your baby’s first dental appointment doesn’t have to be a terrifying and stressful experience for anyone. With proper planning, and with the right dental insurance for kids, you can take all of the steps necessary to keep your little one’s teeth and gums in tip-top shape as he or she grows. Sources: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids/first-dental-visit https://www.sbsmiles.com/5-tips-your-childs-first-dental-visit/ https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/childs-first-dental-visit#1 https://www.wcdentalarts.com/how-to-prepare-for-your-childs-first-trip-to-the-dentist/

Medicare: it can provide great health insurance, but it can also be confusing to figure it all out, especially if you’re turning 65 and you’ll be applying for it for the first time. To help clear things up, here’s some information on what Medicare coverage provides, along with some info on the extra coverage options that are available, and why they are available. With a better understanding of what you’re actually going to be getting through Medicare, you can make a smarter decision when it comes to purchasing supplemental plans that you think you’ll need. Medicare Coverage: The Basics When you start getting to know Medicare better, you’ll notice that there are different versions, referred to as “parts.” Part A is hospital insurance. This means it will cover inpatient hospital stays, care you receive in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care. Part B is medical insurance. This will cover certain doctors’ services, along with medical supplies, preventive services, and outpatient care. Part D is prescription drug coverage. You can add this coverage to your Medicare plan if you want. But you need to get these plans from insurance companies and private companies that have Medicare approval. But, wait, what about Part C? Part C is referred to as Medicare Advantage. You’ve probably heard of it. This is an alternative option to Original Medicare, as it’s an all-in-one solution that bundles Parts A and B. Part D is usually included as well, so you can get prescription drug coverage too. As you can see, if you don’t have Medicare Part C (even if you have both Parts A and B), you’re going to have some gaps in coverage. Scary when you’re a senior who might need to see the doctor more often! And Dental Coverage? Is It Part of Medicare? One thing you might have observed while reading through the info on Medicare above is that dental and vision aren’t mentioned. Unfortunately, Original Medicare doesn’t cover most dental care, and it doesn’t cover dentures or eye exams related to prescription glasses. Part A might step in and help if you need to receive dental care in a hospital or during an emergency, but the dental care itself might not be covered. Yeah, it’s complicated. To get those extra levels of coverage, you’d need to get a Medicare Advantage Plan. With this type of plan, you would be able to receive coverage for dental, vision, hearing, and prescriptions. But with this extra coverage also comes an extra monthly premium, so that’s something to consider for your budget. And there might be limitations to think about as well. For example, dental benefits may only cover things like exams, cleanings, and bitewing X-rays, leaving you with the financial burden of more expensive treatments. Side note: It’s also worth mentioning that, if a service isn’t deemed medically necessary by Medicare, you’ll likely need to pay for it yourself. And that can get expensive! A Wise Alternative Option for Seniors: Stand-Alone Dental Insurance When Medicare falls short, don’t fret. You still have other options! Signing up for a stand-alone dental or vision insurance plan, like those offered by Spirit, can put you in control and give you more choices. Let’s face it: seniors have a lot to think about when it comes to their oral health. The risk for problems like cavities and gum disease, as well as mouth cancer, increases with age. You might end up needing expensive procedures like root canals or extractions, and you may decide to get dentures, bridges, or implants. This all adds up, but the right insurance can help you rest easy, knowing that the costs are covered and you don’t have to break the bank to maintain a healthy mouth and beautiful smile. Here are a few things you can expect from Spirit’s senior dental insurance: No waiting period dental insurance means you can start getting treatment right away Coverage for dental implants and major services means you can undergo expensive procedures more affordably Three cleanings per year means you can see your dental hygienist more often to keep your teeth and gums sparkling clean A high annual maximum means you can receive more care throughout the year without worrying about having to pay for it yourself Guaranteed acceptance means you don’t have to worry about a thing Don’t Let Medicare Hold You Back! While Medicare has its perks, it can be lacking when it comes to covering important dental care for seniors. Remember, your oral health can impact your overall health, and certain medical conditions can put your teeth and gums at risk as well. So, having a comprehensive dental plan that will allow you to see the dentist you want and receive high-quality treatments is definitely a step that every senior should consider taking. Sources: https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/your-medicare-coverage-choices/whats-medicare https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/whats-not-covered-by-part-a-part-b https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/what-medicare-health-plans-cover/medicare-advantage-plans-cover-all-medicare-services https://www.healthmarkets.com/resources/medicare/dental-coverage-for-seniors-over-65/ https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/dental-services https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/10116-Your-Medicare-Benefits.pdf

Updated July 2021 A commonly asked question is: will Medicare cover vision and dental? After all, the world of medical insurance can be confusing! To help, we’ve compiled some handy information that you can use to be sure every aspect of your health care needs are covered. First Up, Is Dental Care Covered by Medicare? Medicare is a little disappointing when it comes to covering dental care. If you need to see the dentist for anything like a checkup, cleaning, cavity filling, or extraction, or for things like dentures, implants, and bridges, it won’t cover you. What it might cover, however, is certain types of dental care you receive while you’re in a hospital as an inpatient. The problem is that seeing your dentist on a regular basis as you get older becomes increasingly more important. Seniors may be at a greater risk of a wide range of oral health problems, and having your teeth, gums, and mouth checked by a professional can alert you to problems in their earliest stages, when they’re usually easier to treat. What About Vision Care? Is It Covered by Medicare at All? Like dental coverage, vision coverage is lacking under Original Medicare (Parts A and B), but receiving this care is really important, especially when you’re older. If you rely only on Medicare and you need a routine exam for your glasses or contacts, you’ll likely need to pay for it out of pocket unless you get additional coverage. Part B might help with the costs of some tests and treatments related to certain eye and vision disorders. These might include tests to check for conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration. Also, if you need surgery for cataracts, and corrective lenses following the procedure, or if you suffer from an eye injury, Medicare might help in those situations as well. It Needs to Be Medically Necessary Medicare Part A and Part B will typically only step in and help pay for care you receive when it’s deemed “medically necessary.” Because general dental and vision care isn’t considered medically necessary, things like your standard eye exam and dental exam, as well as certain services and treatments, won’t be covered. In other words, Original Medicare usually won’t step in and help cover the cost of routine vision care and dental care. However, if you need to receive care that’s related to an emergency treatment or an underlying health problem, Medicare might step in. Follow-up care, though, may not be covered, so that’s important to keep in mind as well. If you want Medicare to help with dental and vision care, you have the option of looking into Advantage (Part C) plans that may meet your needs. These are provided by private insurers, so coverage and costs will vary from one plan to the next, and it’s important to read the fine print to see just how far your coverage will go beyond routine care. What’s the Solution? To really know what’s covered and what’s not, carefully review the details of your Medicare plan. That way, you’ll know exactly what to expect, and you’ll know whether or not you need to purchase additional insurance. If you want to be sure you’ll have peace of mind when it comes to dental and vision services that you need as a senior, don’t worry! There are standalone dental and vision plans, such as those offered by Spirit Dental and Spirit Vision. These are surprisingly affordable, yet they’re comprehensive and can cover everything from routine exams to corrective lenses for your eyes and a variety of oral health treatments for your teeth and gums. Bottom line: The right standalone insurance plan can help you save a lot of money that you would otherwise be forced to spend out of pocket if you only relied on Medicare. And we all know how expensive dental and vision care can get! If you’re curious about your insurance options and what Spirit Dental & Vision can offer you, get a quote today. Sources: https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/dental-services https://www.aarpmedicareplans.com/medicare-articles/how-to-get-dental-and-vision-care-coverage-when-you-have-medicare https://www.medicareadvantage.com/coverage/medicare-dental-vision-coverage https://www.medicareinteractive.org/get-answers/medicare-covered-services/limited-medicare-coverage-vision-and-dental/medicare-and-dental-care

Do you think you might have a cavity because you have a lot of sensitivity, or maybe even a toothache that won’t go away? Are you avoiding going to the dentist? Or have you been told that you have a cavity, but you’re avoiding getting it drilled and filled? Unfortunately, that’s a really bad idea. What happens when cavities are left untreated? Do they just stay the same, or can they get worse? We cover the basics below so you can better understand why it’s always best to address any cavities that you’re dealing with. Tooth Decay: Here’s How It Progresses Let’s start by covering the stages of tooth decay so you can see how a minor problem can turn into a major one if you don’t take care of it in time. It starts with demineralization, or the weakening of your enamel, which is the hard outer layer of your teeth. At this point, you might be able to get fluoride treatments at your dentist’s office to help give the enamel a boost of strength. You can also eat healthy foods that could help remineralize the teeth, while avoiding foods that are acidic or sugary. And you can step up your oral hygiene game to be even more diligent with brushing and flossing daily at home. If your enamel continues to weaken, decay will result. You might start to feel some tooth sensitivity, and your dentist will notice a small cavity in the outermost layer of the tooth upon taking some X-rays. Treatment at this stage would probably be a small filling, which would stop the progression. If you don’t stop decay with a filling in time, it might move into the next layer of your tooth, which is the dentin. Sensitivity, such as when you chew, may be more obvious, and your dentist will be able to see the cavity on an X-ray. A larger filling will likely be needed, and you might even need a crown. Let’s say you still haven’t taken any action. Well, the decay can then make its way into the inner portion of the tooth, known as the pulp. By now, you might even feel a toothache, and your dentist may tell you that you need a root canal to clean out the decay and infection, along with a crown to restore the look of your tooth. The last and most severe stage of the decay would be when it goes so deep that it causes an abscess at the roots under your gums. You may or may not be in a lot of pain, and there might be swelling. To resolve this serious problem before it escalates further, you might need a root canal, surgery to drain the abscess, or a tooth extraction. Note: At these various stages of decay, you may not feel pain or it may not be intense, so don’t go by how much discomfort you feel. Instead, continue seeing your dentist regularly to catch problems that you might not even be aware of. The Complications That Could Arise from Leaving Cavities Untreated You already know that leaving a cavity untreated will only give it the chance to continue getting worse and worse until you risk developing an infection and losing the tooth. But there are other complications to be aware of as well. Remember, you might not feel any sensitivity until the cavity has reached the dentin layer of the tooth. Then, if left untreated, you’ll likely experience increasing amounts of sensitivity when you consume hot or cold foods and beverages. That’s because, as the decay gets deeper into the tooth, the nerves will become more exposed. More pain, and more frequent pain, even when you chew on soft things, is another complication. The pain might come on quickly, and it might happen again and again. It might also radiate to other parts of your mouth. Keep in mind that, once a cavity reaches the dentin, it can progress even more quickly than it did in the enamel because the inner parts of the tooth are softer. Once bacteria reaches the pulp, where you’ll find blood vessels and nerves, that’s when infection can occur. Complications might include persistent, severe pain, as well as symptoms like fever and a bad taste in your mouth. Left alone, an infection in your tooth might spread to your jawbone, creating even bigger problems. But it doesn’t even stop there because there is the potential that it could enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of your body too. Yikes! As decay progresses, there’s a bigger risk of chipping or breaking the tooth. And as an infection worsens, there may also be pus around the tooth, and it might drain from a swollen and red area of the gums. Ick! That Little Cavity Will Keep Growing If Left Untreated! The bottom line is this: once decay has taken hold, it is difficult to halt it. And leaving even a minor cavity untreated might lead to nasty complications down the road. That’s why it’s best to see your dentist regularly for checkups, as doing so can help you find out if you have a cavity sooner rather than later. Once you know that you have a cavity that needs to be fixed, it’s best to do so ASAP. Worried about being able to afford seeing the dentist often enough, and being able to afford treatments like fillings for cavities? Check out the Spirit dental insurance plans that are surprisingly low-cost yet provide comprehensive coverage that will put your mind, and your wallet, at ease. Sources: https://www.exceptionaldentistryca.com/cavity-left-untreated/ https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/fillings/if-you-need-tooth-decay-treatment-dont-wait https://www.superiordentalhealthne.com/blog/2018/05/what-happens-if-i-leave-a-cavity-untreated https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001055.htm https://www.healthline.com/find-care/articles/dentists/tooth-cavities#complications

Your whole body transforms in dramatic ways as you get older, but did you know that teeth also undergo a lot of changes? Knowing what to expect when it comes to your pearly whites, and having an understanding of aging teeth problems, will help you stay in control so you can keep your gums strong and your smile bright. Below is a short list of some of the main things that can happen to the teeth and gums as you age. Gum Problems, Dry Mouth, and Cavities - Oh My! As your body gets older, cells begin to renew more slowly, bones are no longer as strong or dense as they used to be, the immune system becomes weaker, and the tissues of the body become less elastic and thinner than they were in the past. All of these changes can affect the health of your teeth and gums in various ways. Once you hit your golden years, you might be more prone to the following: Gum problems – Seniors might have higher odds of developing gingivitis and more advanced gum disease. Risk factors include poor oral hygiene, diabetes, a weak immune system, dry mouth, and smoking. You might look in the mirror and start to notice that your gums are swollen or receding, exposing more of the teeth and making it easier for harmful bacteria to wreak havoc. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss, and you might end up needing dentures, bridges, or implants to replace missing teeth. So it’s important to talk to your dentist about what you can do to strengthen the gums again. Dry mouth – If you’re experiencing dry mouth, see your doctor to figure out the cause. For example, there are hundreds of medications that seniors take for a wide range of health problems, and those prescriptions might result in dry mouth as a side effect. Relieving dry mouth is important, as it may lead to the development of cavities if not treated. Plus, it may also increase the risk of gum disease, thrush, mouth sores, and trouble chewing, tasting, and swallowing. What are some of the steps you can take to combat dry mouth? Well, you could try drinking more water, chewing on sugar-free gum, using mouthwash, avoiding any foods and beverages that irritate your mouth, and talking to your doctor about switching to a medication that doesn’t cause dry mouth as a side effect. Cavities – Even if you didn’t get cavities often while you were young, now that you’re older, you might be more susceptible to tooth decay. This increased risk may be the result of no longer taking care of your teeth and gums as well as you used to, or it might be because you have receding gums or dry mouth. Another change that occurs with age: the enamel, which is the tough outer layer of the teeth, begins to wear away more and more. This, in turn, may also increase your susceptibility to decay and cavities. Not fun! Be Aware of the Risk of Developing Oral Cancer It’s scary but true: oral cancer risk increases when you’re a senior. In terms of prevention, one of the best steps you can take immediately is to quit smoking or using tobacco products. Another step you can take is reducing the amount of alcohol that you drink. What else can you do? See your dentist regularly for checkups, and make an appointment right away if you start to experience any strange symptoms. Your dentist will be able to examine your mouth to look for the earliest signs of cancer. Plus, because poor oral hygiene may boost the risk of oral cancer, your dentist can see how well you’re keeping up with your at-home routine and let you know if you need to make any adjustments to it. Dental Insurance for Seniors Can Help You Save Money! There are a lot of problems that can develop in your mouth as you get older, which is why senior dental care is so important. Worried about being able to afford expensive dental treatments, especially if you’re on a fixed income? The solution is simple: having insurance, particularly when you’re older and more susceptible to developing oral health ailments, is wise. Plans for seniors will allow you to save loads of money every time you visit the dentist. And they can help even more if you ever need major services like dental implants. Plus, high-quality policies like those offered by Spirit Dental can give you access to three cleanings per year, which is great because it’s important for seniors to see the dentist more often. Remember, no matter your age, seeing your dentist regularly can help prevent problems before they occur, or at least treat them in their earliest stages. And following a strict oral hygiene routine at home can also help you maintain the health of your mouth for as long as possible. Sources: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/adults-over-60/concerns https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000951.htm https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/mouth-and-dental-disorders/biology-of-the-mouth-and-teeth/effects-of-aging-on-the-mouth-and-teeth https://health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/2018-11-30/how-might-my-oral-and-dental-health-change-as-i-age

Taking care of your teeth and gums by brushing and flossing daily, and by seeing your dentist at least once a year, isn’t only going to help ensure your smile remains bright and beautiful; it can also be a step towards keeping other areas of your body healthy too. That’s because, when it comes to overall health and dental health, there are more connections than you might think. Bacteria in Your Mouth Might Make Their Way into Other Parts of Your Body This might gross you out a bit, but the reality is that your mouth has a lot of bacteria in it. The good news is that most of that bacteria isn’t harmful, and brushing and flossing daily can do a lot to keep everything in balance. However, when there are harmful bacteria in your mouth and you aren’t following a strict oral hygiene routine, they could lead to oral problems like tooth decay, infections, inflammation, and gum disease. Plus, there’s a chance the bacteria might spread to other parts of your body and cause other problems, particularly if you have a compromised or weakened immune system for any reason. Unfortunately, if you have gum disease—and the bacteria that go along with it—the simple act of brushing and flossing might create an entry point for that bacteria to migrate to other parts of your body. And if you have a lot of harmful bacteria in your mouth, they might also end up in your bloodstream if you have to undergo an invasive dental procedure. Yikes! What are some of the medical conditions that might be associated with poor oral health? Cardiovascular disease (inflammation in the mouth might cause blood vessels to become inflamed as well) Endocarditis Pneumonia Stomach ulcers Arthritis Alzheimer’s disease Pregnancy complications Birth problems (such as low birth weight or premature birth) Diabetes (it might become harder to control blood sugar if you have gum disease) Your Mouth Might Help Alert Your Dentist to Other Conditions Sometimes, oral health problems lead to other issues. Other times, the symptoms that show up in your mouth might help your dentist determine if there’s another serious medical problem that you might not know about yet. There are various conditions that might adversely impact the health of your mouth. For example: Diabetes might affect the health of your gums Osteoporosis might lead to tooth loss HIV/AIDS might cause lesions to develop in the mouth Side note: The medications that you use to treat certain diseases might also impact your teeth and gums, so it’s a good idea to let your dentist know about any prescriptions you’re taking. Just Another Reason to Take Care of Your Teeth and Gums Daily! Although it might be unnerving to learn that the bacteria in your mouth may boost your risk of several systemic health problems, you can take control with a basic brushing and flossing routine at home. In addition to that, make it a point to regularly see your dentist for checkups and professional cleanings with the help of a high-quality dental insurance. Let your dentist know about any chronic conditions that you’ve been diagnosed with, as well as the medications you’re using to treat those problems. And if you’re diagnosed with gum or tooth problems, treat them ASAP to help avoid complications. Remember, it’s all connected: by taking the right steps to keep your teeth and gums healthy, you’ll also be taking steps to keep the rest of your body healthy. Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475 https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/oral-health-the-mouth-body-connection#1 https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/gum-disease/what-are-the-stages-of-gum-disease https://dentistry.uic.edu/news-stories/the-surprising-connections-between-oral-health-and-well-being/ https://bigthink.com/surprising-science/oral-health?rebelltitem=4#rebelltitem4