Spirit Dental Resources

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

The sooner your kids learn the value of good oral hygiene, the better. If they understand the importance of brushing and flossing every day, they’ll be more inclined to continue those healthy habits as they get older. And if they get used to seeing the dentist on a regular basis, they’ll realize that there’s nothing to be afraid of whenever they need a checkup, cleaning, or treatment.How can you inspire healthy dental habits for your kids? It’s easier than you think! We’ve compiled a few tips below that you can use to get started.Start Really EarlyDid you know that your baby’s oral care begins before the first tooth even erupts from the gums? It’s true!You can start by wiping your baby’s gums gently. Then, move on to using a little toothbrush to gently clean those pearly whites as they erupt. The idea is that you get your child used to having their teeth and gums cleaned every day.In addition to starting early when it comes to your child’s at-home oral hygiene routine, it’s also a great idea to have your baby see the dentist to become acquainted with what it’s like to have a preventive checkup. How soon can you start? Well, by your baby’s first birthday, or within six months of the appearance of the first little tooth. Simple enough!Let Them Watch and Mimic YouYour kids learn a lot by simply observing you. So if you’re taking stellar care of your teeth by brushing and flossing every day, they might be more inclined to do the same because they’ll want to be like you.Show your kids that you brush twice a day and floss once a day. Let them watch you as you brush for two minutes at a time, and show them how you clean between your teeth with string floss or a water flosser. Then, give them the chance to try doing the same to keep their teeth and gums nice and clean.Beyond showing, also tell your kids why oral care is an integral component of your daily routine. Teach them that it also needs to be a part of their routine so they can have a beautiful smile for years to come.Make It Fun and InterestingSome kids might be more inclined to stick to this routine if they can use high-tech products, like electric toothbrushes that have built-in timers and connect to an app, or water flossers that can help reduce the time it takes to floss.Also, if your child isn’t a fan of mint flavor, there are kid-friendly toothpastes that feature milder flavors that can help encourage brushing.And if your kids tend to feel bored while brushing and flossing, you can try strategies like playing music while they brush, or letting them use a kid’s toothbrush that features a favorite cartoon character.When you’re really struggling, consider offering rewards if your kids maintain their oral hygiene routine for a week or longer. This might help motivate them to make time daily to brush and floss.Healthy Diet = Healthier TeethAnother important lesson to teach your kids: eating nutritious foods can help promote oral health. Once again, showing your kids how it’s done can do a lot more than merely telling them about the need to eat well.Try to reduce the amount of packaged, processed food and sugary drinks that your kids consume. Also, limit sticky and starchy foods, candy, and carbonated beverages. Instead, serve up meals and snacks that are packed with natural ingredients, like fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and encourage your kids to drink pure water.Kids who learn to eat healthy foods while they’re young are more likely to continue eating that way as they get older. On the other hand, if your kids become too accustomed to eating unhealthy foods, it might be a challenge when you try to undo those eating habits. So, whether you’re preparing your child’s school lunch or you’re making dinner and dessert at home, aim to use ingredients that help support strong teeth and healthy gums.Set Appointments for the Whole FamilyTo make going to the dentist a less stressful experience, consider making it a family event. See if you can arrange it so that your child can have their dental appointment when you have yours. That way, they won’t have to feel as though they’re doing it all alone, and you can show them that it isn’t a big deal at all. Plus, by making appointments for yourself, you can lead by example again.Dental Insurance Has Your BackWant to make trips to the dentist more affordable so that no member of your family ever has to skip an appointment? Check out the family dental insurance plans available from Spirit Dental. They help cover the cost of checkups, three cleanings per year, orthodontics, and more.Overall, with a few simple steps that you can take every day, you can instill healthy habits in your kids. They’ll realize the importance of keeping their teeth and gums clean, and you’ll rest easy knowing you taught them well.Sources:https://www.phillytrib.com/the_learning_key/tips-for-inspiring-healthy-dental-habits-in-kids/article_3ff1e1cf-ca89-5e77-8319-0bf217a68498.htmlhttps://www.thesuperdentists.com/8-ways-to-encourage-great-oral-hygiene-habits-for-your-child/https://www.everydayhealth.com/dental-health/101.aspxhttps://www.phillymag.com/sponsor-content/healthy-dental-habits-kids/https://vitalrecord.tamhsc.edu/back-to-school-how-to-encourage-healthy-dental-habits-away-from-home/

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 GumsSwollen 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#causeshttps://marchwooddental.com/signs-its-time-to-visit-the-dentist/https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gum-problem-basics-sore-swollen-and-bleeding-gums#1https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/gum-disease/what-to-do-about-gum-swellinghttps://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