Spirit Dental Resources

Root canals can be scary, but they might be the only way to salvage a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted—so they can’t be that bad, right? To learn more about what a root canal is, and to discover some of the steps you can take to limit your odds of ever needing to undergo this procedure, check out the information below. What Are Root Canals? Let’s say that one of your teeth has a severe amount of decay. Or, as another example, your dentist finds that one of your teeth is infected. In serious cases like these, a simple filling might not cut it. So, rather than pull the tooth, your dentist may recommend a root canal to prevent the decay or infection from spreading. What can you expect during this procedure? Well, it’s actually pretty straightforward. And don’t worry, you’ll be numb just like when you get a filling, so you shouldn’t feel much, if anything at all. Put simply, the dentist will work on removing the pulp and nerve in the tooth, thoroughly cleaning out the inner area of your chomper before sealing it. And a crown might be placed on top to make the tooth good as new. You get to keep your natural tooth, no extraction needed. How neat is that?! But, wait, don’t you need the nerve of the tooth? Nope! Your tooth will be fine even though it no longer has a nerve. That’s because, after your pearly white breaks through the gums, the nerve only serves to help you sense temperature when you eat or drink something. You’ll still be able to chew your favorite foods without a problem. And, as far as the pulp goes, it plays an important role while your tooth is developing and growing. After that, a mature tooth can certainly remain in place and do its job if it doesn’t have a pulp. Interesting, right? How to Avoid Root Canals Now that you have a better idea of what a root canal involves, and when it might be necessary, it’s time to cover a few of the ways to prevent the problems that would require this procedure. After all, even though this treatment has its benefits, it isn’t something that anyone wants to have to go through if they can avoid it! Brush, floss, and see your dentist for checkups and cleanings: Of course, a strict oral hygiene routine is the first, and easiest, step to take to prevent needing a root canal. The right strategy can help you keep your teeth and gums clean and strong, and it may help keep decay away. Another reason to take really good care of your pearly whites: needing to receive several treatments on the same tooth, or needing to get a large filling in a tooth, might increase the odds of someday needing a root canal. So, if you want to avoid root canals, it’s a great idea to take steps to avoid dental decay altogether. Wear a mouthguard to prevent tooth injuries: If a tooth is damaged because of an injury, such as while playing sports, a root canal might be necessary, depending on the extent of the damage. So it’s wise to wear a protective mouthguard whenever you’re participating in any activities that could put your teeth at risk of being chipped or cracked. A mouthguard might also be helpful if your dentist has told you that your teeth are showing signs of bruxism (clenching and grinding), which may also lead to damage so severe that a root canal would be recommended. Limit foods and drinks that could damage teeth: What you eat and drink daily can affect the health and strength of your teeth. Hard foods, including hard candy, may increase the risk of accidentally cracking your chompers. Chewing on ice isn’t the best idea either, as it might boost the odds of cracking a tooth or damaging a filling. And if teeth are already weak, even healthy foods like crunchy veggies and fruits might lead to damage. Then, when breaks and cracks occur, bacteria can more easily make their way into a tooth to wreak havoc. In terms of beverages, anything sugary and acidic may increase the odds of decay. Citrus juice or soda, for example, might be detrimental because they could harm enamel, and the sugar they contain can help bacteria in the mouth thrive as well. Root Canals - Avoidable with the Right Strategy The bottom line is this: if you want to avoid needing a root canal, diligently caring for your teeth can make a difference. Beyond at-home care, though, having the right dental insurance will allow you to affordably see your dentist for preventive care to keep those pearly whites clean and bright. And, if you do ever end up needing a root canal, the right dental plan will also help you afford it. What’s a good place to start? Look into Spirit plans to discover what your options are when it comes to coverage for treatments like root canals. Sources: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-root-canals#1 https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/root-canals https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/what-is-a-root-canal/root-canal-explained/ https://www.belchertown-dentist.com/blog/stress-can-lead-root-canal/ https://www.ads-endo.com/blog/avoidance-tactics-top-10-tips-to-avoid-root-canal-treatment/ https://drbrei.com/are-crunchy-foods-good-for-your-teeth/

Whether you’ve been lucky enough to never have been diagnosed with them, or you have had to get multiple fillings throughout the years, everyone dreads being told that they have cavities. But what are cavities, exactly? What causes them, and what can be done to prevent them? We cover the basics below so you can take extra steps towards avoiding the problems that result from extensive tooth decay. What Are Cavities? A cavity, or hole in a tooth, is the result of decay that has eaten away at the outer layer, and potentially the inner layer, of a tooth. How does decay occur? Put simply, when you eat food that contains sugar or carbs, the bacteria that are already in your mouth end up creating acids. And if you eat or drink something that makes your mouth more acidic, that might also cause enamel erosion that may contribute to the development of a cavity. Also, the combination of acid, bacteria, leftover food, and saliva create plaque on your teeth, and the acids in that plaque end up eroding your enamel. If the plaque isn’t brushed away, the damage becomes greater, especially because plaque can harden into tartar that can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning. Are There Symptoms? Symptoms of cavities might include: Pain that ranges from mild to sharp when you eat or drink Pain when biting Sensitivity Spontaneous toothache  that seems to happen for no reason Visible stains  , pits, or holes in a tooth Another unnerving thing about cavities: they don’t always cause symptoms! You could be completely unaware of the decay that’s going on in a tooth until you visit your dentist for a checkup and he or she takes x-rays that reveal the extent of the damage. When you do feel sensitivity or a toothache, such as after you drink or eat something that’s cold, hot, or sweet, it likely means that the decay has made its way deeper into the tooth, to the point that the nerve is being affected. Ouch! How Can Cavities Be Prevented and Treated? With cavities, it’s all about prevention. Although you might be able to slow, or perhaps even halt, the progression of enamel loss on a tooth’s surface if you’re really diligent with brushing, flossing, rinsing with mouthwash, and seeing your dentist, it’ll be too late if the bacteria get into your tooth. At that point, you won’t be able to brush away the bacteria and the decay it’s causing. So, once you’ve been diagnosed with a cavity, you’ll need to go to the dentist to fix it, or it will keep getting worse. Bummer. Thankfully, there are several treatment options available to fix cavities: If the damage isn’t extensive, you might just need a filling  , during which the dentist removes the decayed parts of the tooth and fills in the gap with a special amalgam or composite filling. When the damage goes deeper into the tooth, such as when you feel a toothache and you head to the dentist for answers, a simple filling might not be enough. Instead, a root canal  might be required. This involves removing the pulp and nerve, and then cleaning and sealing the inside of the tooth before adding a crown to the top. In really extreme cases of a cavity getting so bad that there aren’t any viable treatment options, only an extraction will be able to fix the problem and prevent complications. Now, that’s intense! Want to prevent cavities? There are plenty of steps that you can take, such as those below, and you can also ask your dentist for personalized advice: Avoid snacking frequently, and avoid sipping on sugary or acidic beverages throughout the day Use a mouthwash  after eating, or at least rinse your mouth with water to help clear away leftover food particles Avoid sticky, starchy, and sugary foods, and eat plenty of healthy options  like fresh fruits and veggies Brush twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste, and floss at least once a day See your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings A Final Cavity Prevention Tip: With the right dental insurance plan, you never have to skip a beat, especially if you have a Spirit plan  that offers perks like three cleanings per year  to keep your teeth sparkling, strong, and cavity-free! Be Aware of the Risk of Cavities, but Put Yourself in Control Sure, cavities are scary, but the sooner you find out about them and get them fixed, the better. That’s why it’s so important to not only take great care of your teeth at home, but also visit your dentist on a regular basis. Sources: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-cavities#1 https://askthedentist.com/cavities/ https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/cavities-myths#1 https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cavities https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-root-canals#1 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cavities/symptoms-causes/syc-20352892

You already know that when the check engine light in your car comes on, something is amiss. But did you know that swollen gums are basically your mouth’s own “check engine” light? It’s true! Check out the information below to see what we mean. Swollen Gums = Gingivitis? Swollen gums, and gums that bleed or are irritated or red, might be the first sign that you have developed gingivitis. This condition is one of the most common causes of swelling in the gums. Wait, what’s gingivitis, you ask? Well, it’s basically the first stage of gum disease, characterized by inflamed gums. That inflammation is caused by the accumulation of bacteria in plaque. The key is to recognize that this is a problem, and get treatment right away so that it doesn’t progress into severe gum disease, known as periodontitis. What’s the big deal about gum disease? Well, if you don’t treat it, your teeth might fall out. Yikes! Keep in mind that the symptoms associated with gingivitis might be mild at first. But if you notice that your gums are even just a little bit swollen, and brushing and flossing at home don’t seem to be helping, it’s time to see your dentist for a checkup and cleaning. Pro tip: Concerned about affording a trip to the dentist? With Spirit Dental insurance, you get three cleanings per year, and there are a variety of affordable plans to choose from so you can see the dentist of your choice. Other Potential Causes of Swollen Gums Swollen gums are a check engine light for your mouth because they can also indicate that other problems are going on in your body. A viral or fungal infection might cause swelling in your gums. For example, if you have thrush, your gums might swell. And if you have tooth decay that’s going untreated, it could cause an abscess and swelling. Did you know that a deficiency in certain vitamins, such as vitamin C and B vitamins, might result in swollen gums? While malnutrition isn’t really common, it’s something to consider if your diet isn’t as nutritious as it should be. And this is definitely something to think about if you’re a senior, or if you’re taking care of a senior. Take some time to learn about foods that support oral health, and incorporate more of those into your diet to help ensure you get the right balance of vitamins and minerals that support teeth and gums. Are you pregnant? Then the swelling in your mouth might just be the result of pregnancy hormones that cause more blood to flow to the gums. Unfortunately, changes in your hormones might also make you more susceptible to gum infections and gingivitis. So work with your dentist to help ensure your entire mouth remains healthy for the duration of your pregnancy. Another reason why your gums might be swollen: you’re brushing and flossing too aggressively. Consider switching to a gentler toothpaste and mouthwash, as well as a soft-bristled toothbrush. Also, try to use gentle movements to brush your chompers. And when you floss, aim to move the floss in between your teeth carefully so you don’t end up irritating your delicate gums. Swollen Gums? Time to Make an Appointment with Your Dentist! If your gums are swollen but it’s minor, the swelling might go away on its own with the help of a strict oral hygiene routine. However, if you’ve noticed that your gums are swollen for more than a couple of weeks, or if you have additional symptoms, it’s time to make an appointment with your dentist to get things checked out. Your dentist will take a look at your gums and work on figuring out the cause of the swelling. Rest assured that there are treatment options available, so you don’t have to live with swollen, irritated, red, or painful gums. In addition to working with your dentist and following an oral hygiene routine at home, other steps you can take towards maintaining oral health include eating right, drinking plenty of water, and leading an active lifestyle that doesn’t include the use of tobacco products. With the right strategy, you can keep that “check engine” light from turning on. Sources: https://www.healthline.com/health/gums-swollen#causes https://marchwooddental.com/signs-its-time-to-visit-the-dentist/ https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gum-problem-basics-sore-swollen-and-bleeding-gums#1 https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/gum-disease/what-to-do-about-gum-swelling https://crest.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/gums/inflamed-gums-causes-treatments-gum-swelling

Your vision is important, and part of keeping your eyes healthy involves having an understanding of some of the eye problems that may develop over time, as well as some of the problems that are quite common among the population. To help you discover more about your eyes, we’ve compiled a short beginner’s guide to some of the ailments that your peepers might suffer from. Keep in mind that, if you start to notice any changes in your vision or you begin experiencing new symptoms, you should see an eye doctor right away to receive the proper diagnosis and treatment, and to be able to see your best. Now, let’s get started, shall we? Vision Problems: When You Can’t See 20/20 Not everyone can see 20/20. It’s totally normal. Some people develop vision problems as adults, while others have them even when they’re just kids. Here are some of the common reasons why you might not see clearly without the help of glasses or contact lenses: Farsightedness – This is also referred to as hyperopia. Basically, objects that are closer to you look blurry, while objects that are farther away look clearer. Nearsightedness – This is also referred to as myopia. With this condition, you see things more clearly when they’re close to you. The farther away objects are, the blurrier they become. Fun fact: almost 30% of people are nearsighted! Presbyopia – You know how, as people get older, they tend to start needing reading glasses? Presbyopia might be to blame. This is a condition in which things that are really close to you are blurry, while the rest of your vision is normal, with or without corrective lenses. So, while you can’t read the newspaper without your glasses on, you can see other things just fine. Astigmatism – A totally normal eye’s cornea will be shaped much like a basketball; nice and round. When this isn’t the case, like when your cornea is shaped more like a football, you have what’s known as astigmatism. You could have this with farsightedness or nearsightedness. And people can be born with this condition. Note: All of the above are categorized as refractive disorders. They can be corrected with the help of contact lenses and glasses, or you might even be the right candidate for LASIK surgery. Eye Conditions That Might Develop with Age As if getting older wasn’t bad enough already, the risk for certain eye conditions increases with age. Those problems include: Glaucoma – This condition, which is related to diabetes and aging, affects millions of Americans who are 40 and older. Basically, there’s an increase in the amount of pressure that’s in your eye, and symptoms might include blurry vision, red eyes, seeing halos around lights, sudden changes in vision, eye pain, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Left untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness, but treatments are available. Cataracts – Another eye issue that is related to aging is the development of cataracts. What’s a cataract? It’s when the lens of your eye becomes cloudy. Symptoms include double vision, blurry vision, cloudy vision, and poor night vision. You might also notice that your vision isn’t as good as it used to be, even with your glasses, and your vision decreases progressively. There might even be a reduction in color sensitivity. Because this condition can lead to blindness, treating it with surgery might be necessary. Macular Degeneration – This is an eye condition that typically occurs with age, so it’s also referred to as Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). It develops when the macula, which is found in the center of your retina, deteriorates. Symptoms include blind spots or blurred vision, particularly in the center of your field of view. You might also notice that straight lines appear wavy, that you are more sensitive to glare, and that you need more light for reading. The dry form of this disease often causes vision loss to occur more slowly, while the wet form might lead to blindness more quickly. The Best Thing to Do for Your Eyes: See an Eye Doctor Regularly! Sure, you can do things like eat right, exercise, maintain a healthy weight, and lead a healthy lifestyle to keep your vision as sharp as possible, but what would be even better is seeing your eye doctor once a year. He or she will be able to thoroughly examine your eyes and vision, while also checking for signs of conditions like glaucoma and retinal problems. The sooner an eye issue is diagnosed, the better, as it increases the odds that you can treat it successfully. Worried about the cost associated with seeing an eye doctor annually? Don’t worry, as there is a simple solution. Spirit Vision insurance offers an add-on plan that can help you save on eye exams and corrective lenses, so you don’t have to break the bank to see clearly! While the list above is just a brief overview of some of the common conditions that can affect the eyes, there are many more issues that might arise as a result of illness, injury, or even genetics. So don’t neglect seeing your eye specialist, especially if you’re experiencing symptoms. Sources: https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/understanding-vision-problems-basics#1 https://health.usnews.com/conditions/eye-disease

Dry eye is surprisingly common. Basically, it can develop if the quantity or quality of your tears falls short, so your eyes aren’t as lubricated as they should be. Symptoms include discomfort, soreness, burning, stinging, redness, blurry vision, and itchiness, to name a few. So you can imagine how important it is to have this condition properly diagnosed and treated ASAP. While the risk of this condition increases with age, there are several other causes that lead to dry eyes, and we’ve outlined them below. If you have any symptoms or you’ve been diagnosed with dry eye but your treatment isn’t working, be sure to consult with your eye doctor to get the help that you need to feel relief. Cause #1: When Your Eyes Don’t Produce Enough Tears Tears aren’t only around when you cry; they help keep your eyes moist and comfortable all the time. Therefore, your eyes might become dry if your body stops producing an adequate amount of tears. What could cause that to happen? Well, a variety of factors might be at play. Getting older is one, but various medical problems (such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, thyroid disorders, diabetes, a deficiency in vitamin A, and lupus) might also be to blame. Even damage to the tear gland could be another reason why tear production is lacking. Also, if you’re taking medications for other conditions, such as a decongestant, antidepressant, antihistamine, or hormone replacement therapy, dry eye might be a side effect. Note: Women might be more prone to developing this condition, and it might come about as a result of hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or menopause. Cause #2: A Problem with the Composition of Your Tears Your eyes’ tear film has multiple layers consisting of mucus, water, and oil, and they all work together. Because every layer helps keep your eyes moist, an issue with any of the layers might cause the eyes to become dry. Makes sense, right? For example, the oils help provide lubrication, while also preventing excessive evaporation of tears. On the other hand, the mucus layer helps ensure the tears that are produced are spread nicely across the eye. These layers are produced by various glands, including the lacrimal glands and meibomian glands, as well as the goblet cells that are within the conjunctiva. So if there’s a problem in these areas, it may affect the tear film and result in the symptoms of dry eye. Cause #3: Problems with Your Eyelids If you have a condition, such as entropion or ectropion, that doesn’t allow your eyelids to close properly, dry eye might occur. Another condition, known as blepharitis, which is inflammation of the eyelids, might also be to blame. Receiving the appropriate treatment for your eyelids might be all you need to get relief from the dryness that makes your eyes feel uncomfortable, so be sure to consult with a physician for help. Cause #4: Too Much Tear Evaporation An increase in the evaporation of tears is yet another cause of dry eye. This might be the result of the environment that you’re in, particularly if the air is dry, if there’s a lot of smoke, or if it’s windy. Even being on an airplane might cause your eyes to feel dry (fun fact: frequent fliers might be at a greater risk of developing dry eye). Also, if you’re indoors with the ceiling fan on, if you’re using forced air heat, or if the air conditioner is on, you might notice that your eyes feel dry because the lower humidity may lead to increased tear evaporation. It doesn’t stop there: certain activities might even cause you to blink less often, resulting in drier than normal eyes. This can happen when you’re really focused on something, like when you’re reading a book or when you’re working on a mobile device or computer. Just be sure to take breaks to rest your eyes regularly, as doing so might help prevent problems before they start. Talk to Your Doctor to Get to the Bottom of Your Eye Discomfort If your eyes feel dry and uncomfortable, it’s best to talk to your eye doctor, who can figure out what the culprit is. And with the right vision insurance, you don’t have to hesitate to get the advice and treatment that you need right away, so definitely consider checking out the plans that are available. In the end, the solution to this common problem might be something as simple as a lifestyle change, such as using the computer for shorter spans of time, reducing the number of hours that you wear contact lenses, or quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke. Or, if your dry eyes are a side effect of a medication, you might need to switch to a different option. Once you find the right remedy, you’ll feel loads of relief and your eyes will thank you for it. Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-eyes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371863 https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/dryeye-syndrome.htm https://www.nei.nih.gov/health/dryeye/dryeye https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/dry-eye https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-dry-eye https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/eye-health-dry-eyes#1

Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, can develop in any area of your mouth, such as the inside of your cheeks, the roof or floor of your mouth, your tongue or gums, and even your lips. Having an understanding of what may cause mouth cancer is helpful, as you can then take steps to reduce your risk as much as possible. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of some of the main risk factors for this type of cancer. Things You Can Control: Using Tobacco Products and Drinking Alcohol Did you know that the majority of cases of oral cancer are caused by the use of tobacco products like cigarettes, chewing tobacco, pipes, and cigars? Plus, the longer you use these products, the higher the risk becomes. So, if you’ve been unconvinced that you need to quit, maybe this fact will help you make that positive change. Another reason to quit smoking: it’s believed that even secondhand smoke might boost the risk of cancer, including cancers of the head and neck. So, for the sake of your loved ones, it’s best to ditch this unhealthy habit for good. Drinking a lot of alcohol may also boost your risk. Like smoking, the more alcohol you consume, and the more often that you drink, the higher the risk becomes. And if you’re a smoker and a heavy drinker, the risk of oral cancer is even greater. Other Habits That Might Affect Risk: Excessive Sun Exposure and Poor Nutrition Getting too much sun isn’t only bad for your skin; it may even increase your risk of lip cancer. If you have fair skin, or if you work in the great outdoors, you might be even more susceptible, so take extra precautions, such as wearing a lip balm that contains sunscreen, to protect the delicate skin on your lips. Tip: To avoid excessive exposure to UV rays like those from the sun, it’s also a good idea to avoid the use of tanning beds. Eating right might help reduce the odds of developing cancer of the mouth, so go ahead and up your intake of fruits and veggies. Why fruits and vegetables, in particular? Well, there are loads of nutrients in these foods, such as vitamin A and carotenoids, that may help keep oral cancer at bay. Things You Can’t Always Control: Viruses and Other Health Problems Although you might immediately associate the HPV virus with cervical cancer, the truth is that it might boost the risk of cancer in the oral cavity too. More specifically, HPV-16 and HPV-18 could increase your risk. Plus, this virus is often the culprit behind this cancer when it isn’t caused by alcohol or tobacco use. Also, if you’ve been diagnosed with certain health conditions, your risk of oral cancer might be higher. Those conditions include: Lichen planus with ulcers Dyskeratosis congenita Fanconi anemia A weakened immune system Previous cancer diagnosis, such as cancer of the lung, larynx, esophagus, cervix, or oral cavity Side note: Those who are older might be at a greater risk of developing oral cancer (the majority of patients are over the age of 55). Also, it appears that men are more likely than women to develop this cancer. And individuals with a family history of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck might be at risk as well. Yes, Oral Health Plays a Role! You were waiting to see if poor oral health would be on this list, weren’t you? Well, it turns out that those who have poor oral health might indeed be at a greater risk of mouth cancer. Yikes! Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine that includes brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings can help you keep your mouth healthy in more ways than one. In addition to keeping your gums strong and your teeth clean, these simple steps might even help you avoid an oral cancer diagnosis. Whether or not you’re experiencing symptoms like tooth pain or bleeding gums, make appointments to see your dentist. He or she will thoroughly examine your mouth, looking for the earliest signs that something is amiss. In fact, a trip to the dentist might be what detects oral cancer sooner rather than later. Pro tip: Get yourself a high-quality dental insurance, like a Spirit dental plan, that will help cover the cost of those important trips to the dentist. That way, you can receive the care that you need without having to worry about breaking the bank in the process. Oral Cancer: Some Risk Factors Can Be Controlled Although there are certain factors that you can’t control when it comes to oral cancer risk, there are others, such as oral hygiene, diet, and whether or not you smoke and drink, that are within your control. So, consider taking steps daily to maintain the health of your mouth for many years to come. Sources: https://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/oral/risks/?region=on https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mouth-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20350997 https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/oral-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/risk-factors-and-prevention https://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-types/oral-cancer/risk-factors https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/oral-cancer-slideshow