Spirit Dental Resources

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

Have you heard of dental sealants? If you haven’t, it’s definitely worth becoming familiar with this treatment option, which might help you avoid the dreaded dentist’s drill. What are dental sealants, and how do they work? Who would be a good candidate for a sealant, and are they really effective? We’ve got you covered with some helpful information below. What Is a Dental Sealant? A sealant is basically a plastic coating that your dentist can paint onto your teeth, in a thin layer, to help prevent decay. It might be clear, slightly tinted, or white in color, but you likely won’t even be able to see it. What’s the purpose of a sealant? Well, it is used to protect the chewing surfaces of the teeth, especially the chompers in the back of the mouth, as those areas tend to be more susceptible to cavities, even if you brush and floss every day. How Does a Dental Sealant Work? The great thing about a sealant is that it can get into the various nooks and crannies of your teeth. Because your premolars and molars, in particular, have uneven and rough chewing surfaces, it can be easy for food particles to get stuck in there. Acid-producing bacteria might also be able to hide and thrive in those little spaces, evading your toothbrush even if you brush consistently. Sealants work by bonding to the surface of teeth quickly and creating a sort of shield to further protect the enamel from plaque, bacteria, and acid that can wreak havoc. Therefore, your dentist might recommend a sealant to help prevent cavities in the first place or to try to halt decay from progressing while it’s still in an early stage. How Effective Are Dental Sealants? Experts have found that sealants may help lower the risk of tooth decay in molars by 80% for two years and by 50% for up to four years. That’s impressive! But it doesn’t even stop there. In school-age kids, those who haven’t had sealants applied to their teeth develop nearly three times more cavities compared to kids that have had sealants applied to their chompers. In other words, sealants might be an effective way to prevent tooth decay in children, teens, and adults. And, sometimes, a sealant might be recommended for children who still have their baby teeth! But, wait, how long does a sealant last? Well, it might last almost a decade! Pretty awesome, right? However, you do need to see your dentist regularly to ensure the sealant isn’t wearing away or chipping, and to check that the sealant hasn’t fallen off. Don’t worry: if there are any problems with a sealant, it can easily be reapplied. What to Expect When Getting a Dental Sealant More good news: dental sealants are painless, and the process for applying them is super simple and takes mere minutes. A dental hygienist or your dentist will start by cleaning and drying the teeth that will be sealed. Then, they’ll apply an acid solution to the chewing surfaces of the teeth (this will allow the sealant to bond to each tooth effectively) before rinsing and drying the teeth again. Finally, the sealant is painted on and allowed to harden, sometimes with the help of a special light. Think Dental Sealants Might Be Right for You? Talk to your dentist about sealants and their pros and cons. You might be the ideal candidate for this treatment, which can help you rest assured that you’re doing everything you can to keep cavities at bay. And, with the right dental insurance, you might even be able to save money when opting to have a sealant applied to your teeth or to your child’s teeth. Then, it’s just a matter of brushing and flossing daily at home, and making appointments for checkups and cleanings on a regular basis. Sources: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-sealants https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/dental_sealant_program/sealants-FAQ.htm https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sealants https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/sealants/dental-sealants

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 2021A 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 NecessaryMedicare 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-serviceshttps://www.aarpmedicareplans.com/medicare-articles/how-to-get-dental-and-vision-care-coverage-when-you-have-medicarehttps://www.medicareadvantage.com/coverage/medicare-dental-vision-coveragehttps://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