Spirit Dental Resources

Walk down the aisle of your local supermarket or drugstore and you’ll find an array of toothpaste options. Not only are there so many brands to choose from, but each brand also has several formulations to meet your dental health needs. There’s whitening toothpaste, fluoride and non-fluoride products, and toothpaste for sensitive teeth and gums, as a few examples. But which toothpaste should you be using? After all, having so many choices can make things even more confusing, so we’ve compiled some information below to help you make the right decision. Need to Stop Cavities from Popping Up? Do you find yourself dealing with cavities far too often? Does just about every trip to the dentist result in him telling you that yet another cavity has been found? Then it might be time to switch your toothpaste, in addition to following a stricter dental hygiene protocol at home. Fluoride toothpaste is a great choice for those who want to prevent cavities. Fluoride is a mineral that will coat your teeth and protect them from the acids that can cause decay. Just be sure to purchase a product that features the American Dental Association (ADA) seal, and check the label to see if it contains an anti-cavity formulation. Also, when plaque on your teeth hardens, it turns into tartar, which only your dentist can remove through professional cleaning. Therefore, if you want to prevent cavities and other problems from developing, you can opt for a fluoride-containing toothpaste that boasts ingredients that will help fight tartar too. Check the label for ingredients like zinc citrate or pyrophosphates. If over-the-counter fluoride toothpaste isn’t enough, you can ask your dentist about a prescription cavity-fighting toothpaste that has even more power to keep decay at bay. Need to Get Rid of Embarrassing Stains? Many of the foods and drinks, such as coffee, that you indulge in on a regular basis could be causing your teeth to look stained and yellow. While you can use over-the-counter whitening treatments and talk to your dentist about professional whitening procedures, you can also use a whitening toothpaste to keep stains off your teeth as best as possible every day. A standard whitening formula will have mildly abrasive ingredients that will work with your toothbrush to polish your teeth. Every time you brush, you could be working towards preventing the buildup of new stains, but you might find it harder to get rid of older stains. If you need more whitening power, opt for a toothpaste that has modified silicone abrasives in its formula. Advanced whitening products can help you get a whiter smile in about a month, so if you are still unsatisfied with the results, it’s best to consult with your dentist or try a tougher whitening product, such as whitening strips or trays. Need to Reduce Sensitivity? Has your dentist diagnosed you with sensitive teeth or gums? Then simply choose a toothpaste that contains ingredients like potassium nitrate and strontium chloride, as these will help desensitize your mouth and reduce pain. Also, be sure to use a toothbrush that isn’t too stiff, and brush your teeth more gently to help reduce irritation. A Few Final Tips: When shopping for the toothpaste that will suit your needs, be sure it has the ADA seal on its packaging. This will prove that the product has been evaluated for effectiveness and safety. There are many brands that produce herbal toothpaste, as well as those that are made using natural ingredients, and they can clean and whiten your teeth like conventional options. Avoid toothpaste that is made in China, as they may contain harmful ingredients like diethylene glycol, which was found in some imported products in 2007. The Expert You Can Always Turn To: Your Dentist! In addition to using the right toothpaste at home, having your teeth cleaned and your entire mouth examined by your dentist regularly is crucial when it comes to maintaining your oral health. If in doubt, talk to your dentist about what toothpaste you should be using. He or she will be able to advise you on the specific formula that you should look for, especially if you’re suffering from gum disease or cavities. Sources: https://www.prevention.com/health/g20507482/the-best-toothpaste-for-your-teeth   https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tartar-dental-calculus-overview#1 https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/weighing-your-toothpaste-options#1  

Bruxism, which is the grinding and clenching of teeth, is a common condition. Ignoring it and failing to combat it could result in damaged enamel, broken teeth, malocclusion, tooth loss, and temporomandibular joint disorder. Thankfully, there are several ways that you can stop grinding your teeth, and some of them are listed below so you can tackle this problem before it causes severe damage.   Hone in on the Cause of Your Bruxism There are a few different reasons why you might be grinding your teeth by night, or even clenching your jaw by day. Honing in on the cause of your bruxism will help you figure out the best ways to get relief. Believe it or not, drinking a lot of alcohol or caffeine could lead to teeth grinding at night while you sleep. This isn’t the best news if you like to have coffee during the day and end your evening with a nightcap.   If you smoke or if you have a sleep disorder like obstructive sleep apnea or snoring, you could be at a greater risk of developing bruxism. Depression, anxiety, and general stress can also cause your jaw to tighten and your teeth to grind. As if it doesn’t cause enough problems, stress could even be the reason that you clench your jaw during the day. If you have crooked teeth, are missing a tooth, or you have an abnormal bite, you might find that you wake with signs of teeth grinding, which include a sore jaw or a dull headache. Ouch! Guard Your Teeth at Night To stop grinding your teeth at night, experts recommend talking to your dentist, who can provide you with a mouthguard. He or she may suggest a mandibular advancement device, as an example. This could protect the teeth from damage because it will be custom fitted to your unique mouth, and it can bring the bottom jaw forward to help you manage sleep apnea and snoring as well.   Another option might be an occlusal appliance (also known as an occlusal bite guard, bite plate, night guard, bruxism appliance, or occlusal splint). This will also be custom made for your mouth so it will fit perfectly over the bottom or top teeth to reduce jaw pain while protecting your temporomandibular joint and your teeth. Swap Stress for Relaxation Is stress, depression, or anxiety causing you to grind your teeth at night? Then behavioral management might be the ideal solution. Making time during the day for meditation and relaxation may help you release the tension that you take to bed with you at night. Or you can go a step further and get help through hypnosis and psychoanalysis. Of course, you can combine these efforts with the right nighttime mouthguard to tackle the problem from multiple angles. Try Some Easy, Everyday Ways to Reduce Tension In addition to speaking with your dentist, you can also incorporate the following approaches to combating teeth grinding in your everyday life. Keep in mind that taking steps during the day could help prevent problems at night while you sleep. Perform some awareness exercises. You can, for example, become more aware of how tense your jaw muscles feel, and then relax them whenever you feel those muscles tensing up. Experts also suggest focusing your attention on where your tongue is resting in your mouth. Simply placing it at the top of your mouth and against the back of the top teeth, or between the teeth, could help prevent grinding, while also helping to relax the jaw.   Stretch your jaw throughout the day, and massage your jaw, shoulders, and neck to release tension. On top of that, you can even see a physical therapist, who could give you a tailored plan for stretches you can do to normalize your jaw joints and muscles. Or you can see a massage therapist to work on the muscles that affect your jaw, as well as get some much-needed relaxation. Hold a warm washcloth to your cheeks at night before bed. This could help to relax the muscles of the jaw, particularly if you place the warmth in front of the earlobes. Avoid chewing gum. While chewing sugar-free gum might be good at relieving conditions like dry mouth and helping to keep your mouth clean by increasing saliva production, if you suffer from teeth grinding, you might want to avoid it. When you chew gum, your jaw muscles could become more accustomed to clenching, potentially boosting the risk of bruxism at night. So stick to mints instead. Attempt cutting down on your consumption of caffeine and alcohol. It might be tough but it might work, so it’s worth a shot, right? Keep Those Dental Appointments! Seeing your dentist regularly is another important step in combating bruxism, as he or she might recognize signs of teeth grinding even if you aren’t aware that you’re clenching your jaw at night. And once bruxism has been diagnosed, your dentist will help you figure out what’s causing it, as well as provide you with a list of treatment options that will work best for you. Because bruxism can cause so much damage to your teeth and jaw over time, it’s best to consult with your dentist and start the appropriate treatment plan right away. Whether you need to focus on changing your lifestyle or solving a sleep disorder, there are a host of options available to get you relief and keep your smile looking fabulous. Sources: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/bruxism/bruxism-exercises-to-reduce-teeth-grinding https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/bruxism/teeth-grinding-how-to-stop-grinding-your-teeth-at-night https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/teeth-grinding-bruxism#1 https://www.bruxism.org.uk/how-can-i-stop-grinding-my-teeth.php https://sleepfoundation.org/articles/teeth-grinding

Updated July 2021Losing a tooth in an accident or to decay can definitely be traumatizing. Thankfully, your dentist has the tools necessary to restore your smile, as well as prevent other oral problems that could result from missing teeth. Whether you’ve lost just a single tooth or several teeth, you can choose to have dental implants set in place or you can go for fixed bridgework.When you’re choosing between implants and bridgework, there are a few things to consider, but your final decision might very well come down to cost. That’s why we’ve compiled some helpful information regarding the cost of both of these options so you can make the right choice for your smile and your budget.Dental Implants: Aesthetically Pleasing but PricierA dental implant is expected to last 15 years or longer, and it will look just like a real tooth once it is properly set into place. You can also expect that cleaning your implant will be just like cleaning your other teeth: brush, floss, rinse and see your dentist at least twice a year.If you are planning on getting a dental implant, you should expect to visit your dentist multiple times (perhaps up to six appointments) over the course of three to six months, as the procedure will need to be completed in stages.Dental implants could actually be more affordable in the long run, even though they will initially be more expensive than fixed bridgework. This is simply because they are expected to last longer.One dental implant might cost $4,000 or more, but a problem that many patients encounter is that implants are rarely covered by insurance providers. However, a Spirit dental plan is different, as every plan offers coverage for implants, and we offer immediate dental insurance so you don't have to wait. This means that, despite the initial high cost, you might be able to afford high-quality implants after all. Woo-hoo!Fixed Bridgework: Less Expensive but Requires ReplacementFixed bridgework can also restore your smile, but it might only last up to seven years. Although natural looking just like dental implants, you can’t clean bridges in the same way that you clean all of your other teeth. Instead, dental bridges need to be cleaned using a special brush and floss.Here’s a perk of getting bridgework: it will typically only require up to three visits with your dentist over the course of a few weeks, so you will complete this procedure sooner than you would a dental implant.Although bridgework will likely need to be replaced years sooner than implants, the initial cost might be more affordable. Plus, more dental insurance plans, including Spirit plans, will typically be willing to cover this service.The total cost will depend upon the type of bridge that you get. For example, a resin-bonded bridge might cost up to $2,300, while a cantilever bridge might cost over $4,000. Don’t forget to also factor in the costs of having the bridgework replaced every decade or so. It adds up!Having the Right Dental Insurance Is Key!Your dentist will be the first person you turn to when you need to have one or more teeth replaced. He or she will help you choose between dental implants and bridgework by going over the pros and cons of each, as well as discussing your oral health to figure out which option would really be best for the long run.Regardless of which of these two options you choose to go with, having the right insurance will come in handy and eliminate the worry that comes with paying for these expensive procedures. With a Spirit plan*, you can rest easy knowing that you can receive coverage for both bridgework and implants.**So the good news is that modern dentistry has provided patients with products that will replace missing teeth and make your smile as natural looking as possible. Now it’s up to you to decide whether you’d prefer implants or bridges to get the job done. Not sure if an implant or bridge procedure is covered under your insurance? Get a quote from Spirit Dental & Vision to see what you’re covered for. Disclaimer:* If an insured has lost one or more teeth prior to their policy effective date, Spirit will not pay for a prosthetic device that replaces such teeth unless the device also replaces one or more natural teeth lost or extracted while covered under this policy. **Coverage varies by plan. Sources:https://www.dentalimplantcostguide.com/bridges-vs-implants/https://www.deardoctor.com/articles/dental-implant-options/page4.phphttps://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/bridges-and-crowns/dental-bridge-vs-implant-which-is-right-for-you

The fancy word for “dry mouth” is xerostomia, and this is a condition that’s characterized by a lack of saliva throughout the mouth. Basically, the salivary glands stop producing the normal amount of saliva, leaving the mouth dry and uncomfortable. On top of the discomfort it causes, dry mouth could also increase your risk of developing gum disease, tooth decay, and oral infections, so it’s important to address this problem with your dentist. Having an understanding of the cause of your dry mouth is the first step in figuring out what treatment options will work best to relieve it and prevent other ailments. What Could Cause Your Mouth to Go Dry? Medications: Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications list dry mouth as a side effect. Remedies for everything from anxiety, depression, pain, acne, hypertension, nausea, and diarrhea, to urinary incontinence, psychotic disorders, asthma, obesity, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease could cause dry mouth. Wow, that’s a lot! But it doesn’t end there. Even antihistamines and decongestants designed to treat allergies and colds could cause saliva production in your mouth to decrease. And dry mouth could also be caused by sedatives and muscle relaxants. So if you need to take any type of medication, search through the list of side effects and, if dry mouth is one of them, you can take steps to prevent it or at least relieve it if it occurs. Medical Treatments: Certain medical treatments could cause damage to your salivary glands, restricting the amount of saliva that they can produce. Yikes! Aside from the surgical removal of the glands, chemotherapy, and radiation are a couple of examples of treatments that can harm them. Infections, Diseases, and Other Medical Conditions: There are many medical conditions that could include dry mouth as a symptom. A few examples include stroke, hypertension, Parkinson’s disease, mumps, rheumatoid arthritis, anemia, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, HIV/AIDS, Sjögren's syndrome, and Alzheimer’s disease. And if you suffer from nerve damage in the area of your neck or head, you could also develop dry mouth. Dehydration: If you are dehydrated for any reason, whether you sweat excessively, are experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, have lost blood or been burned, or you have a fever, dry mouth could be a side effect. Just another reason to drink plenty of water every day. Unhealthy Habits: Your daily lifestyle and habits could have an impact on your salivary glands and the moisture within your mouth. If you chew tobacco or smoke, the risk of dry mouth increases, or you could aggravate the condition if it is already present. So go ahead and kick those bad habits for good! Breathing Troubles: If you have ongoing sinus problems, it’s best to have them addressed by your doctor promptly, especially if you find yourself breathing through your mouth. Inhaling and exhaling through the mouth will dry out your saliva, so focus on breathing through your nose. Aging: Getting older isn’t any fun (at least for most people), and you can add dry mouth to the list of problems that you might encounter as you age. This is simply because your salivary glands may not work as well as they did when you were younger, and that could leave your mouth feeling parched. Tackling Dry Mouth from Three Angles When it comes to treating dry mouth, experts recommend taking a multi-angle approach. First, the goal is to figure out what underlying conditions might be causing your dry mouth. With the appropriate treatments, the causes can effectively be managed or cured. On top of managing the underlying causes, your dentist can also work with you to prevent tooth decay. He or she might recommend taking extra steps, such as brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste more often than twice a day. It might be necessary, for example, to brush after each meal. You might also need to floss your teeth daily if you aren’t doing that already, as well as use a fluoride gel or rinse daily. Remember, when you have dry mouth, fluoride is your friend. Finally, you can work on taking steps to increase the flow of saliva to get much-needed relief. You might have to use an over-the-counter spray or rinse that acts as an artificial saliva to moisten the mouth. Or your dentist might give you a prescription for a product like Salagen, which is able to increase your body’s natural saliva production. Surprisingly Simple Ways to Relieve Dry Mouth at Home In addition to consulting with your dentist to find the cause and access the ideal treatment for your dry mouth, you can also take a few simple steps every day to restore moisture: Say no to caffeine and alcohol. Okay, we know this one’s tough for a lot of people, but ditching caffeine, or at least limiting your intake, could help your mouth feel better. The same goes for alcohol like red wine, which can remove moisture from the mouth. Chew on sugar-free candy or sugar-free gum. When you chew gum or suck on candy, you could improve saliva flow and relieve dry mouth. Sugar-free is the way to go to prevent cavities. Use the right mouthwash. Not all mouthwashes are created equal. Stick with those that contain ingredients, such as xylitol, that will help combat dry mouth, and avoid those that contain alcohol. Invest in a room humidifier. Is your mouth dry and your throat sore in the morning? Boosting the moisture in the air within your home, especially in your bedroom at night, might help your mouth retain the moisture it needs to feel comfortable.   Talk to Your Doctor, but Also See Your Dentist If your dry mouth is a side effect of a medication or treatment that your doctor has prescribed, talk to him or her about your options, as you might be able to switch to something that won’t decrease your saliva production. And if that’s not possible, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription remedies that you can try. Beyond consulting with your doctor, experts recommend seeing your dentist at least two times a year. You can have a complete checkup and cleaning that will help prevent a variety of gum and dental problems, especially if you suffer from dry mouth. So be sure to book those appointments so your mouth can be happy!    Sources: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/dry-mouth/dry-mouth-home-remedies https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-mouth/expert-answers/dry-mouth/faq-20058424   https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dry-mouth-treatments#1 https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-dry-mouth#1

Are you dreaming of a white smile? Well, it all starts with knowing what causes your teeth to become stained, and then discovering what you can do to remove stains that have already taken hold. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think to maintain a brilliant smile while still indulging in the foods and drinks that you love. We’ve outlined a few simple steps that you can take right away. The Common Culprits When It Comes to Teeth Stains Things you do every day could be causing your teeth to go from white to yellow: A variety of drinks could cause the yellowing of your pearly whites. Do you like red wine, cola, coffee, or tea? What about dark fruit juices like cranberry or pomegranate? Unfortunately, all of those tasty beverages that you might indulge in on a daily basis are contributors to teeth stains In addition to beverages, there are foods that can yellow your teeth, too. These include beets, berries, tomato sauce, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, pigmented candy, and dark caramel. If you use tobacco products, every puff is contributing to unsightly teeth. Plus, certain medications can cause yellow teeth as one of their side effects. Yikes! Here’s How to Prevent, and Undo, the Damage It would be virtually impossible to avoid the things that can stain your teeth. So the only thing you can do is work on preventing stains as best as possible while removing existing stains with the appropriate treatments. Crunchy fruits and veggies, such as carrots and apples, can help keep your teeth clean naturally, thanks to their texture. Strawberries and pineapple could also inhibit staining.  When drinking tea, juice, soda, or coffee, consider using a straw, as that will help keep the beverage off of your teeth. Have some water in between drinking beverages that stain your teeth, as well as while you are eating foods that are known for staining enamel. Doing so will help cleanse the mouth before stains can take hold. Brushing and flossing after a tooth-staining drink or meal will also cleanse the mouth, and a whitening toothpaste will do an even better job at brightening your smile. Plus, flossing will further help reduce plaque that can attract stains. In addition to rinsing with water, you can use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce plaque and staining. Bonus points if your mouthwash also has ingredients that can whiten your teeth. Chewing sugar-free gum that contains xylitol can stimulate the production of saliva that could assist in keeping your entire mouth fresher and your teeth whiter. Use whitening kits that can be purchased over-the-counter. Bleaching products come in various forms, from whitening strips to whitening trays. Plus, you get to use them while in the comfort of your own home. Unsure about which product is best? Consult your dentist. Nothing Beats a Professional Cleaning and Whitening Treatment! Following the tips above will certainly help, but to get the most brilliant smile, nothing beats a professional cleaning and advanced whitening treatment. Talk to your dentist about the whitening procedures available, as you might be able to dramatically whiten your teeth within one or more short appointments, rather than getting slower results over a longer period of time by doing it all at home. Now that you know what causes teeth stains, as well as what you can do to prevent and remove them, you can take steps to keep your smile bright and beautiful. So go ahead and proudly flash those pearly whites! Sources: https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/students/article/16405331/reduction-of-tooth-stains-patient-education-is-vital-to-preventing-tooth-stain https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/stains-teeth https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/teeth-whitening/how-to-maintain-white-teeth https://www.prevention.com/health/a20429329/11-ways-to-prevent-and-reduce-tooth-stains https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tooth-discoloration

Updated July 2021After your dentist applies a filling to one of your teeth in order to restore its strength and preserve the tooth, you might think that the work is over. But the truth is that the filling won’t last indefinitely. Eventually, the fillings in your teeth will need to be replaced. The question that most patients ask is: when is the right time to replace dental fillings?Why Do Fillings Need to Be Replaced Anyway?There are a few reasons why your fillings would need to be replaced:Those great looking composite fillings that are designed to appear like your natural teeth could discolor over time. They could pick up stains and darken into an unattractive—and obvious—hue. At this point, you could have those fillings replaced, so they look like new and blend in beautifully with the rest of your teeth.Each time you chew, your fillings will be placed under a lot of pressure. Therefore, fillings could deteriorate over time as a result of daily wear and tear. A filling could end up cracking, leaking, or even falling out, requiring a timely replacement.In the case of leaky or cracked fillings, you should get them replaced right away. Tiny pieces of food, as well as bacteria, could make their way underneath a compromised filling. Because you can’t get your toothbrush under there to clean out the debris, tooth decay will be inevitable, and it could be a while before you even start experiencing any pain. Just another reason to see your dentist regularly and have all of your fillings checked.How Long Do Fillings Typically Last?It’s difficult to determine an exact lifespan for your fillings. How long they’ll end up lasting will depend upon several factors, including the type of filling material that was used, whether you grind or clench your teeth, and how well the filling was set in place.You might get lucky and have a filling that will last many years. In fact, some can be just fine for 15 years or more. If you have an amalgam filling, you can expect that it might last about 12 years, while a composite filling will likely need to be replaced even sooner than that. Some fillings might even need to be replaced as soon as five years after they’re set in place.Let Your Dentist Be the JudgeA qualified dentist will know exactly what to look for when examining your fillings. He or she will also be able to tell if it’s possible to repair the filling rather than replace it entirely.If you can actually see a crack in a filling, you notice that a part of a filling is missing, or you are experiencing sensitivity, experts recommend making an appointment with your dentist right away.Ultimately, when it comes to the right time to have any of your fillings replaced, it’s best to let your dentist decide. Having your teeth checked and cleaned at least twice a year will ensure that your dentist will be able to spot problems, such as decay, as early on as possible.Sources:https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/fillingshttps://dentonsmilesdentistry.com/when-do-dental-fillings-need-to-be-replaced/https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/patient_52.pdf?la=enhttps://thedentisthouse.com/blogs/the-right-time-to-replace-dental-fillings/