Spirit Dental Resources

Do you tend to hit the sack without brushing your teeth first? Uh oh, that’s a big no-no if you want to keep your teeth and gums clean and strong. Even if you’re feeling really tired, taking just a couple of minutes (literally two minutes is all it takes!) to brush your chompers is important, as it can make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Skeptical about the importance of brushing your teeth before bed? Then keep reading to learn about why this needs to become a part of your nighttime routine. The Gross Stuff That’s Left Behind When You Don’t Brush at Night Okay, so you’re brushing your teeth every morning because you want to freshen your breath before heading out the door, right? That’s good. But if you think that that’s going to be enough to keep your teeth healthy, think again. You absolutely need to brush your teeth before bed because what grows in your mouth overnight can wreak havoc, and sticking to an only-in-the-morning brushing routine isn’t going to cut it. Oral bacteria, which you would’ve gotten rid of by brushing before bed, can proliferate overnight while you sleep. What’s worse, that bacteria create waste that’s acidic and leads to tooth decay. Yuck! The production of saliva decreases while you sleep, which means your teeth and gums are left vulnerable to the bacteria that are having a party in your mouth. Food particles left behind from every single thing you ate throughout the day will end up sitting on your teeth, helping to feed that nasty bacteria, especially since you’re not making as much saliva to help wash those food particles away. The foods  that you eat, along with the beverages you drink, throughout the day, can make your mouth more acidic, and that can also feed harmful bacteria. So, when you brush both in the morning and at night, you’re basically getting in the way of bacterial growth. Failing to brush before bed can contribute to the development of plaque on the teeth. And that plaque can then harden into tartar that contributes to decay and gum disease. While you’re asleep, your body is at rest and in repair mode. If you haven’t brushed your teeth, it’s harder for your mouth to heal because of all of the bacteria that are growing. Side note: When you run your tongue across your teeth and it feels like something fuzzy or sticky is growing on them, what you’re feeling is plaque. Want to maintain that smooth feeling you get after a dental cleaning? Brush your teeth twice a day, including at bedtime. Hoping to Avoid Really Bad Morning Breath? Brush Before Bed! Brushing your teeth before bed is a smart way to help prevent a host of problems, from gum disease to cavities, that no one wants to deal with. But beyond protecting you from the scary stuff, the simple act of a two-minute brushing session may also help ward off awful morning breath  . You might still wake up with embarrassing bad breath even if you do brush before going to sleep. But it more than likely won’t be nearly as bad as it would be if you just went straight to bed without brushing away all of the food particles, bacteria, and plaque on your teeth and along your gums. Your Dental Hygienist Will Be Proud When you brush your teeth twice a day, you’ll be getting rid of plaque before it hardens on your teeth. This means your dental hygienist won’t have to work as hard when you go in for your professional teeth cleanings  . High five! On the other hand, if you let all of that plaque harden into tartar, your hygienist will be the only one who will be able to get rid of it. At-home brushing won’t be enough to remove it at that point. So, keep yourself and your hygienist happy by brushing twice daily. Brushing as Part of Your Nighttime Routine: A Necessity Although it’s such a simple task, it’s common to go to bed without brushing every once in a while. If you’re not feeling well, you’re super tired, or you’re traveling, you might skip a brushing session here and there. As long as you don’t make a habit of it, you’re on the right track. And, even if you do brush twice a day and floss  once a day, it’s still important to see your dentist for checkups and cleanings to keep your smile beautifully bright.   Sources: https://beaversdentistry.com/dont-skip-brushing-bed-heres/ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/forgot-to-brush-teeth-gross_n_5800102 https://www.vice.com/en/article/paa4w8/is-it-gross-to-not-brush-my-teeth-before-bed https://www.practo.com/healthfeed/importance-of-brushing-before-sleeping-13874/post https://askthedentist.com/brush-before-bed/

Do you have a habit of chewing on ice? It turns out that what seems like a totally harmless thing is actually quite harmful for your teeth. What’s wrong with eating ice? We cover the basics below so you can make smarter choices to protect your pearly whites. Your Enamel Might Be Suffering! Enamel, which is the strong, protective outer layer of your teeth, might be damaged by your ice chewing habit. Basically, the ice can cause wear and tear, and potentially even lead to microfractures, which may then make your teeth vulnerable to breaking. Who knew?! Plus, as the enamel is damaged, you might also notice increased sensitivity, particularly to cold and hot beverages and foods. Ouch! If you want to keep your enamel strong, avoiding acidic fruits and beverages is one way, but avoiding chewing on ice is another. Your Gums Could Become Irritated, and That Might Lead to Infection Healthy gums are necessary if you want to have strong teeth as you get older. But did you know that the simple act of eating ice might cause you to cut into or puncture your gums? And what seems, at first, like a little wound may even end up resulting in a more serious problem, such as an infection. Yikes! If you need to refresh your mouth, consider placing small pieces of ice on your tongue and allowing them to melt. This can help you avoid chomping down on a big piece of ice and cutting your gums in the process. Chewing Ice Is a Cavity Risk Want to avoid cavities? Who doesn’t?! Well, it turns out that you might be increasing your risk of developing cavities if you keep chewing on ice. We know it can be hard to believe—how is it even possible that ice, which is made of water, could lead to cavities? Well, it goes back to damaging your enamel. Once your enamel is compromised, your risk of cavities increases. Also, the thing is that, when you chew on a piece of ice, you run the risk of not only damaging your enamel, but also of chipping a tooth, cracking it, or even breaking a crown or filling. Every bit of damage makes your teeth more vulnerable to bacteria getting in and wreaking havoc, to the point that you develop cavities that need to be treated. Eating Ice All the Time Might Indicate Another Health Problem Do you find it really hard to not chew on ice all the time? Then it may be worth talking to your doctor about your craving for ice cubes. It turns out that this habit might be caused by conditions like iron deficiency anemia, dehydration, and nutritional problems. Mental health conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and pica, might even be to blame. Or you might just be under a lot of stress that needs to be brought under control if one of your coping methods is chewing ice. Your doctor will be able to evaluate your health to figure out what the root cause of your chewing-on-ice addiction is. Then, he or she can direct you to the appropriate treatment so you can bring your body back into a state of balance and stop putting your dental health at risk. Have Your Dentist Check Your Teeth for Signs of Damage from Ice If you tend to chew on ice a lot, your dentist will be able to assess the state of your teeth and gums to let you know if your habit is doing any damage. And with the right Spirit dental insurance plan, you can see your dentist on a regular basis, so you’ll be able to catch problems early, when they’re easiest to treat. Ice: Seems Harmless, but It Isn’t When it comes to your teeth and gums, ice can do a surprising amount of damage, particularly when you chew on it. Consulting with your dentist and/or doctor, and replacing your ice chewing habit with healthier habits that won’t wreck your teeth, is definitely the way to go.   Sources: https://www.thehealthy.com/nutrition/chewing-ice/ https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321999 https://www.healthline.com/health/eating-ice https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-oral-care/chewing-ice

Oftentimes, bad breath is the result of poor oral hygiene or something that you ate. Even being under an ultra-stressful situation can cause it! And we all know what morning breath is like. Bad breath happens to everyone, and there are several causes behind it. But did you know that unpleasant breath might be a sign that there’s a more serious underlying health issue to blame? It’s true! Having an understanding of the reasons for bad breath that are cause for alarm is one step that you can take towards maintaining your health. So keep reading to learn about some of the main bad breath causes that may indicate something serious is going on.   When Bad Breath Is More Than Just Stinky Your bad breath might be a signal that something is wrong elsewhere in your body. And your doctor might be able to test your breath for the levels of specific gases that can help pinpoint what’s amiss. If your breath has high levels of acetone, diabetes might be to blame. If your breath is high in nitric oxide, you might have asthma. Too much ammonia in the breath might indicate renal failure. If your breath has a lot of methylamine, you might be suffering from kidney disease or liver disease. A mix of gases in your breath might even alert your doctor to throat cancer. Who knew your breath could tell doctors so much?! Bad Breath and Gut Problems Bad breath that you can’t seem to get rid of might indicate that the problem really starts in your gut. Did you know that bad breath might be a sign that you have a stomach ulcer? There will likely be other symptoms, though, such as pain in your stomach, heartburn, and difficulty eating. If you have a bowel disorder, acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or poor digestion, you might end up with bad breath too. Even constipation may lead to unpleasant breath. So be sure to eat plenty of fiber to stay regular! Bad Breath, Gum Disease, and Heart Disease What goes on in your mouth might cause bad breath, but it can also cause damage in other parts of your body as well. That’s why it’s important to take it seriously when you have persistent halitosis. Many people don’t know this, but the bad breath that comes from gum disease might be a sign that you also need to check your heart health. If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, it’s important to realize that treatment is necessary, as allowing it to progress might put your ticker at risk. Basically, inflammation and bacteria associated with gum disease might increase the risk of cardiovascular problems. So, seeing your dentist for treatments to get rid of the gum disease may help you achieve fresher breath and a stronger heart. What Does Your Breath Smell Like? Smelling your breath might help you narrow down what’s causing it to occur despite your best efforts at keeping your mouth clean. Fruity odor = diabetes Fishy odor = kidney disease Fecal odor = bowel obstruction Sour milk odor = lactose intolerance Rotting odor = lung disease These aren’t to say you have these conditions, please consult a doctor. If you’re experiencing other symptoms, in addition to halitosis, it’s certainly worth getting a checkup. Just keep in mind that, to diagnose these conditions, your doctor will need to evaluate more than just your breath. Other Health Problems That Are Also Bad Breath Causes We’re not done just yet. There are several other conditions that may lead to bad breath. They include: Infections in the mouth Sinus problems, such as postnasal drip Tonsil infections Respiratory infections Blood disorders Metabolic disorders Talk to Your Dentist About Chronic Bad Breath Are you suffering from bad breath and you just can’t figure out how to freshen it up? Consider making an appointment with your dentist to get a cleaning and discuss your oral hygiene routine. That way, you can determine if you’re doing enough at home to keep your mouth as bacteria-free as possible. Plus, your dentist will also be able to evaluate your entire mouth to see if the halitosis is coming from something like gum disease or an infected tooth, as a couple of examples. If, after seeing your dentist and getting the all-clear, you’re still combating nasty breath, it might be time to see your doctor to discuss what’s been going on, as there may be something in another part of your body that’s causing the off-putting odor. With the right treatment plan, you’ll be able to get your health back on track, and you won’t have to be embarrassed by bad breath anymore.   Sources: https://www.thehealthy.com/dental/bad-breath-health/ https://www.thehealthy.com/dental/bad-breath-health/ https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/bad-breath https://www.listerine.com/fresh-breath/causes-bad-breath https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321397 https://www.prevention.com/health/g20431473/5-types-of-bad-breath-and-what-they-say-about-your-health/ https://www.drstevenlin.com/types-of-bad-breath-and-causes/

Wisdom teeth, the last ones to grow in when you’re an adult, are notorious for causing problems. Many people end up with impacted wisdom teeth that require treatment or removal  to avoid oral health complications. How can you know if you have one or more impacted wisdom teeth? Check out this list of some of the main symptoms to learn more about the issues that these teeth might cause.   Different Types of Impactions First off, it’s important to cover the fact that there are different types of wisdom tooth impactions  , and the type of impaction that you have may affect the symptoms that you experience. If a wisdom tooth is lying completely on its side, at a 90° angle, it’s called a horizontal impaction. If a wisdom tooth is facing the front of your mouth or angled forward, it’s called a mesioangular impaction. If a wisdom tooth is facing the back of your mouth or angled away from the rest of your teeth, it’s called a distoangular impaction. If a wisdom tooth hasn’t erupted completely through the gums, despite being on the correct angle, it’s called a vertical impaction. Note: A big problem with wisdom teeth is that they can be harder to keep clean, especially when they are impacted. They’re way in the back of your mouth after all! So, if you aren’t really diligent about your oral hygiene routine and dental checkups, those teeth might be at a greater risk of decay and gum disease  . What Are the Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth? An impacted wisdom tooth could cause a host of problems. For example, it might end up damaging nearby teeth, or it might become infected. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, let your dentist know, as they might indicate that you have an impacted tooth: Gums that are red, tender, bleeding, or swollen Swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or pain in the jaw Jaw ache or headache Pain or difficulty when opening the mouth Unpleasant taste in the mouth, particularly when eating Bad breath Swollen lymph nodes within your neck Or, you might not experience any symptoms! That’s why it’s wise to see your dentist on a regular basis. The x-rays that are taken during checkups will help your dentist get a good look at your wisdom teeth. And an oral examination can also alert him or her to any other indications that your wisdom teeth are doing more harm than good. The Severity of the Symptoms Might Serve as a Clue If there is pain, swelling, or an infection that’s being caused by an impacted wisdom tooth, it is likely going to be pretty intense. For example, you might experience throbbing pain that radiates from the back of your mouth in the area of an impacted wisdom tooth. And the pain might become increasingly more severe as other teeth become affected. Ouch! Note: In more serious, and rare, cases, a cyst or a (usually benign) tumor might form around an impacted wisdom tooth. These can cause damage to other teeth, as well as the jaw and nerves. Scary for sure! Don’t Hesitate to See Your Dentist Just remember, seeing your dentist  regularly is important, not only for keeping your gums strong and your teeth cavity-free but also for getting x-rays to keep an eye on your wisdom teeth. Plus, your dentist might figure out that something is wrong before you even start having symptoms! Getting the problem of impacted wisdom teeth treated sooner rather than later is the way to go, as doing so may help reduce the risk of other problems developing. We know it can be stressful to think that you might need to have a wisdom tooth extracted. But it will be worth it if it means you eliminate unpleasant symptoms and the complications that would occur if the tooth were left alone to get worse.   Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wisdom-teeth/symptoms-causes/syc-20373808 https://crest.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/wisdom-teeth/impacted-wisdom-teeth-symptoms-types-removal https://www.dentalvibe.com/dentalvibe-blog/impacted-wisdom-teeth/ https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/wisdom-teeth/impacted-tooth

Let’s say your dentist has diagnosed you with gingivitis. Uh-oh! What do you do now? Well, the good news is that this condition is treatable and reversible, so there are some steps that you can take to get your gum health back on track and prevent further damage.What Causes Gingivitis in the First Place?Gingivitis is a form of gum disease  , so it sounds scary, no doubt about it. Luckily, though, this is the mild and early stage of gum disease. Remember, it is reversible, so all hope is not lost! However, it is imperative that you tackle this problem now before it progresses and starts to put your teeth at risk.When it comes to what causes gingivitis, it all boils down to one thing: plaque. It’s that simple. The nasty, sticky film that ends up on your teeth after eating and drinking will harbor nasty bacteria, as well as create toxins.As plaque sits on your teeth and along your gum line, your poor gums will become irritated, red, tender, and swollen, especially as it hardens into tartar. Before long, your gums will even bleed  surprisingly easily, such as when you brush and floss.You probably already guessed that attacking plaque and getting rid of it is the key to eliminating, as well as preventing, gingivitis, but catching it in its earliest stages is the best way to make the process easier. That’s why seeing your dentist regularly can come in extremely handy.Other Factors That Might Contribute to GingivitisHere are a few of the risk factors that might put you at a greater risk of developing gum ailments:Dry mouth Smoking and chewing tobaccoCertain medicationsGeneticsHormonal changesCertain medical conditions, such as those that impact your immune system, as well as fungal infections and viral infectionsPoorly fitting dental restorations Misaligned teethYour Dentist Will Get You on the Road to Healthy GumsHaving gingivitis is a bummer. Thankfully, it can be treated relatively easily. Your dentist might start by recommending a professional cleaning.A dental hygienist can work on removing all of the plaque that has accumulated on your teeth, and that you wouldn’t be able to get rid of on your own. And the hygienist can also use scaling to remove tartar from the teeth and gums, as well as root planing to further help with healing the gums.Pro tip: Get yourself one of the affordable Spirit Dental plans available, as they cover not one, not two, but three professional cleanings  per year. Score!You Can Do Things at Home Too!If you have been diagnosed with gingivitis, your dentist  might tell you that you need to step up your oral hygiene routine at home.Here are some of the things that your dentist will likely recommend that you do, broken down into a simple three-step process:Improve your brushing routine by brushing twice a day, for a total of two minutes each time. Brush your teeth thoroughly, but also make sure you get that gum line nice and clean too. Don’t be too rough, and use a soft-bristled toothbrush so that you avoid irritating the gums. You might even consider using an electric toothbrush that comes with a built-in timer and a brush head that is designed to help clean along the gum line.Flossing between your teeth, all the way to the gum line is another smart way to alleviate gingivitis. Because you’ll be able to effectively remove all of those food particles that feed plaque, flossing is definitely an important stepFinally, you can also try an antibacterial mouthwash that will attack bacteria. Swishing it around your mouth for a bit can help you target areas of your mouth that are hard to reach with a brush and floss.Be consistent in your efforts. Although a professional cleaning is the foundation that gets you started on the road towards clean, strong gums, the rest is up to you. By following a strict oral hygiene routine at home after a cleaning, your gums should be able to heal, often after just a few days or weeks.A Quick Final Note: Even What You Eat Might Have an Impact!Watching what you eat  might help you keep your chompers and gums healthy. For example, incorporating more fruits and veggies, while eliminating high-sugar foods and beverages from your diet, are a couple of ways that you can do good things every day for your mouth. A balanced diet will provide your body with important nutrients, like calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin C, which support teeth and gums.Keep an Eye on Your Oral Health by Seeing Your DentistThe simple act of seeing your dentist regularly throughout the year is a wise way to prevent, as well as treat, gingivitis. Your dentist will be able to carefully examine your mouth and look for the earliest hints that gum issues are developing. Then, he or she will be able to give you advice on what you should do next, whether you need to change the way you do things at home, or you need a good professional cleaning to set you on the right track first. On the other hand, if you avoid seeing your dentist and getting your cleanings when you should, you run the risk of developing gingivitis and not realizing until it’s already quite advanced.Gingivitis is something that you should take seriously, as it could lead to serious dental problems in the long run. But if you’re diligent about your oral care routine and you catch it in time, there are methods that you can use to help your gums heal, so it isn’t all bad news after all. Sources:https://crest.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/gums/gingivitis-home-treatment https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/gum-disease/what-to-do-if-you-spot-gingivitis-symptoms https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/gum-disease/how-to-fight-gingivitis-in-three-easy-steps https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gingivitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354453 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gingivitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354459 https://oralb.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/gums/gingivitis-symptoms-causes-treatments/ https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/scaling-and-root-planing

Sometimes, it’s that combo of sour and sweet that we all crave. And what better place to get it than some yummy sour candy? Unfortunately, though, while you might delight in this treat, it could be wreaking havoc on your teeth. That’s right: in terms of what foods are good for your teeth and which ones aren’t, sour candy falls into the “bad for your pearly whites” category. But why are these candies so damaging? We’ve got you covered with the answer below. Your Enamel Hates Sour Candy’s Acidity Enamel. It’s so important to take great care of it because it’s the tough outer layer of your chompers. With enamel intact, your teeth may be less prone to decay, and they might also be less prone to sensitivity. Plus, your enamel can help keep your teeth looking white and bright. Put simply, if your enamel is strong, your teeth will also be strong. The harsh truth, however, is that a lot of foods and beverages that you enjoy every day (like those sour candies you don’t think twice about when you need a little pick-me-up) contain acids that could attack your precious enamel, causing it to become softer and thinner than it should be. Over time, your teeth might start to feel more sensitive to hot and cold, they might start to look yellow, and they might develop cavities. You may even find yourself considering getting veneers to restore the look of your teeth! Fun fact - Want to know the pH of sour candy, to really put things in perspective? Well, it depends on the specific candy, of course, but it generally ranges from around 1.6 to 3 (that’s on a scale of 1 being the most acidic, to 7 being neutral). And here’s another interesting tidbit: a pH of 4 would damage your enamel, so you can see just how bad those sour candies really are! Candy Is Bad Enough, but Sour Candies Could Really Do Damage Okay, so you already know that candy is bad for your teeth, right? In fact, all types of candy, including hard, sticky, and sour, are considered some of the worst for your pearly whites. This is a real bummer if you consider yourself a candy lover, but it’s important to know the facts so that you can protect your teeth. Here’s why eating too much candy is a big no-no when it comes to maintaining oral health: Candy contains a lot of sugar. Harmful bacteria in your mouth feed on that sugar, resulting in damaging acid that attacks the enamel of your teeth. And, again, when the enamel is compromised, it increases your risk of decay, sensitivity, and stains. Not good. Sour candy has more acid. These candies might contain acids like malic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, and fumaric acid. All of that acid ends up eating away at your enamel, so the more sour candy you eat, the worse the effects might be. Sticky candies will remain on your teeth longer. When you chew on sticky candy, whether it’s sour or sweet, it could end up staying on your chompers for a longer stretch of time. A recipe for dental damage, for sure! Scary fact - Once your enamel is gone, there’s no way for your body to regrow it. So the best thing that you can do is take steps to prevent losing your enamel in the first place. Smart Ways to Help Limit the Damage Can’t give up sour candy? No worries! There are some easy ways to help reduce the damage to your enamel. Rinse your mouth with water after having sour candies. Choosing the right candy flavors might be beneficial, as certain sour flavors might be harsher on enamel than others. If cherry, grape, and lemon are your favorites, it may be better to switch to flavors like mint and cinnamon, as they might contain less acid. Even though you might assume that brushing your teeth would be a good way to protect them from the sour candy you just ate, you actually shouldn’t do it right away because your enamel will be compromised. Just wait a minimum of 30 minutes before brushing. See your dentist on a regular basis to check for early signs of decay, to learn about how to protect your enamel, and to get cleanings or whitening treatments to restore the brightness of your teeth. Think Twice Before Having Those Sour Candies! A piece of sour candy every now and then should be fine—everything in moderation, after all. But now that you know about the harmful effects that this treat can have on your teeth, you can make smarter choices that could protect your pearly whites for the long run. Sources: https://crest.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/enamel/tooth-enamel-loss-erosion-repair https://www.rd.com/ https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/worst-foods-for-your-teeth#1 https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/2017-10-27/this-is-your-body-on-candy https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cavities/what-are-the-effects-of-sugar-on-teeth https://www.livestrong.com/article/237183-what-kinds-of-acids-does-sour-candy-have/ https://gizmodo.com/sour-candy-is-almost-as-bad-for-your-teeth-as-battery-a-5860593 https://www.tulsadentalcare.com/blog/could-sour-candy-cause-your-enamel-erosion https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/can-tooth-enamel-grow-back#1