Spirit Dental Resources

It’s that time of year again: Open Enrollment has just past, but that doesn’t mean you’ve missed the opportunity to sign up for dental insurance. That’s why we’ve put together a list of things you should know!Things can get complicated and confusing when shopping for insurance, but we’ve got you covered with some information to clear things up and help you get started.How to Use the Marketplace to Buy Dental InsuranceHow can you find the right dental insurance plan? Well, you can start by looking in the Health Insurance Marketplace during Open Enrollment.There, you can purchase health insurance that comes with dental coverage. If you find a health insurance plan that suits your needs and budget, and it also provides some level of dental coverage, the nice thing is that you’ll only be required to pay one premium to get all of that support whenever you see your doctor or dentist.As an alternative, you can also look for stand-alone dental plans on the Marketplace, but you can only purchase one of these plans if you’re also signing up for a health insurance policy at the same time.With a stand-alone plan that’s separate from your health insurance policy, you’ll have separate out-of-pocket costs, such as a premium. But you might discover that these plans provide more comprehensive coverage, as well as a bigger network of providers, that may help you save more money in the long run, especially if you see your dentist regularly or need expensive treatments.What to Expect from the Health Insurance MarketplaceAs you look through your dental plan options on the Marketplace, you’ll notice that there are two main categories to choose from:Low coverage – You’ll enjoy a lower premium, but the tradeoff will be a higher copay and deductible. High coverage – You’ll pay a higher premium, but you’ll be able to enjoy a lower copay and deductible when you see your dentist. What about adult coverage vs. child coverage?Dental coverage is considered essential for kids. So, if you’re enrolling in health insurance for your child who’s 18 years of age or younger, dental coverage, either through a stand-alone plan or a health insurance policy, has to be available. This doesn’t mean you actually have to buy it, though.When it comes to adults, because dental coverage isn’t considered an essential benefit, insurance companies aren’t required to offer it.The Perks of Choosing a Stand-Alone Dental Insurance PlanSure, you can sign up for a health insurance policy that includes some level of dental coverage. But these types of plans might be out of your budget, or they might not give you the amount of coverage that you require for your oral health needs.Also, if you ever want to change or cancel your dental plan in the middle of the year, you can do so at any time if you have a stand-alone plan. This won’t affect your health insurance coverage.On the other hand, if you’re getting your dental coverage through your health insurance plan, you’ll need to meet certain requirements to be able to cancel outside of Open Enrollment. Basically, if a specific life event qualifies you for what’s known as a Special Enrollment Period, you’ll be able to pick new health insurance, whether it includes dental coverage or not. However, you won’t be able to get a stand-alone dental plan from the Marketplace under these circumstances.   Do You Have to Wait Until Open Enrollment to Buy Dental Insurance?The answer is no, but there are some things to consider:Open Enrollment is great for setting aside time to look at the insurance you have, or don’t have, and then finding the plan that will fill in any gaps in coverage. Plus, certain dental plans might only be available during this time period, so it’s worth taking a look if you’re interested in getting new, or better, coverage.If you aren’t happy with your current health insurance, now is the time when you get to switch to a better plan. When it comes to dental insurance, however, you don’t need to wait until Open Enrollment to make your decision. That’s because you’re allowed to purchase stand-alone dental insurance at any time throughout the year.   Ready to Shop? Check Out Spirit Dental!Whether you used Open Enrollment to remind yourself of the need to purchase dental insurance, or you decide that you want to wait until the middle of the year to get the coverage you desire, Spirit Dental has your back with affordable plans to suit every budget. Unlike dental insurance that comes bundled with health insurance, Spirit plans offer stellar perks like $5,000 annual maximums, three cleanings per year, and dental insurance for major restorative care. And you can sign up whenever you’re ready, as well as cancel at any time!   When shopping for dental insurance, you can do it all on your own, contact an insurance agent for assistance, or contact insurance providers like Spirit directly for personalized support. Once you have the right plan in place, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to see your dentist whenever necessary to get the care you need to maintain a healthy smile.    Sources:https://help.ihealthagents.com/hc/en-us/articles/360009936634-Is-There-an-Open-Enrollment-Period-for-Dental-or-Vision-Insurance-https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage/dental-coverage/https://www.healthcare.gov/apply-and-enroll/how-to-apply/  

A dental infection is never predictable, and it can cause severe pain when eating, as well as sensitivity to heat or cold. Some patients will develop an abscessed tooth, which sounds scary, but it is very treatable to save your tooth and alleviate your discomfort.  A dental abscess is a localized pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It typically results from severe tooth decay, but can also result from a cracked tooth or trauma to the mouth.  Common Signs of a Dental Abscess 1. Pimple, Bubble, or Fistula on Gum If you observe a pimple or bubble on your gum near your tooth, the closest tooth may have an abscess. This bubble is also called a fistula because it is a sinus tract that traces from the infected tooth root to the gum, draining pus, exudate, and bacteria. An abscess will usually appear at the root tip of a tooth.  2. Pain Many people with a dental infection or abscessed tooth will experience severe pain, but some are completely unaware they have an abscess. This could be because the fistula is draining pus, which relieves pressure from the abscess. Some individuals will also experience a dull or chronic ear pain that resembles an ear infection. This is because pain and an infection from your tooth can radiate to your ear or neck.  If you have pain when chewing, any sensitivities to temperature changes, spontaneous pain at night, or unexplained ear or neck pain, you may have a dental abscess and require dental attention. 3. Swelling A dental swelling can be localized to the site of an infection or generalized resulting in facial cellulitis. A large facial swelling can be dangerous and can spread quickly to your face, eyes, neck, and throat. A dental infection that causes swelling and obstructs your breathing and swallowing can be life-threatening. 4. Malodor A dental abscess can cause a bad taste in your mouth because of the bacteria and draining pus. You may experience a foul odor that has a metallic or salty taste.  5. Pus Commonly a dental abscess is filled with pus, which is composed of bacteria and dead tissue and cells. Pus presents as a thick residue at the site of infection and will usually resolve when the abscessed tooth is treated. Treatment for a Dental Abscess An abscessed tooth is usually treated with root canal therapy. A root canal treatment has to do with removing the pulp of the tooth, which is made up of nerves, blood vessels, and tissue. The pulp chamber and canals are then cleaned, disinfected, and filled to prevent bacteria from entering. Sometimes, teeth simply cannot be saved. If you have a dental abscess on a tooth that is severely decayed or cracked beyond the point of restoration, or if you experience intense pain, you might want to consider an extraction as it would help to alleviate pain and prevent infection.  Get Pain Relief Quickly If you experience any signs that may indicate an abscessed tooth, it is important to seek dental care immediately to avoid further medical and dental complications. Going to the dentist quickly will help relieve any pain and infection, and significantly improve your long-term outcome. Dr. Erica Anand is a pediatric dentist in private practice focused on preventative dentistry including SDF, SMART fillings, and myofunctional therapy. She also writes professionally in the dental industry, working with marketing and consulting firms. Her extensive education includes treating children with special needs, dental phobias, and oral rehabilitation under general anesthesia. She maintains memberships of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and New York State Dental Association, and is an American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Candidate.  Learn more about Dr. Erica Anand on her website.  

Are your teeth stained, yellowed, or darkened? If so, it is time for you to renew your smile with a teeth-whitening treatment. As more over-the-counter teeth whitening options become available on the market, many people are considering to whiten their own teeth from the comfort of their own home instead of paying for a professional. Whitening your teeth at home presents a convenient and low-cost way to help brighten your smile, but also it could also danger your oral health. Are You a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening? Not everyone’s teeth can be whitened to that celebrity-white smile. Some people are born with a darker or more natural yellow color. This could be the result of genetics or medication use. Typically, at-home whitening products will only help remove surface stains and not deeper, more challenging discolorations. These treatments won’t be effective because they bleach only the outermost layer of the tooth, the enamel. Properly and safely exposing your natural and lightest enamel shade requires a professional in-office whitening session. Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products Many companies claim they have the most productive and cost-effective way to help whiten teeth. In fact, these products, which may include whitening gels, strips, or toothpaste, may include peroxide components that help lighten teeth. Some are more abrasive than others and can cause many negative effects. However, because at-home whitening is so convenient and easily accessible, many people will overuse these products.  Charcoal whitening products are a good example of an at-home whitening product. Charcoal toothpaste became popular over social media, where many celebrities and influencers claimed they quickly got whitening results. However, charcoal’s extreme abrasive properties can cause severe wear on enamel. The American Dental Association has not found evidence that charcoal is safe or effective to whiten teeth. Problems with Overuse of At-Home Whitening The excessive use of dental whitening can severely damage your teeth and gums. Safe and effective teeth whitening should be under the supervision of a dental professional. If not, overuse of whitening products can lead to the following problems: • Increased tooth sensitivity: While initial sensitivity may be considered normal, excessive dental whitening can lead to long-term sensitivities while eating and drinking.  • Inflamed and bleeding gums: Excessive use of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide can cause ulcerated gums, pain, and inflammation. Gingival sores often make it uncomfortable to eat and speak. • Translucent teeth: It is common to get a translucent appearance of enamel when you overuse whitening products. This is because peroxide can erode enamel, typically around the incisal edges of teeth. • Enamel wear: Using abrasive whitening products can erode enamel and make teeth more susceptible to tooth decay.  Safe Dental Whitening Options Patients who want to see dramatic, long-lasting results have several safe and reliable teeth whitening options. A professional in-office whitening with an experienced professional will offer custom whitening trays that fit well and help you whiten safely. For the best whitening results, consult with your dentist to ensure you are in good dental health and develop a treatment plan that is suitable for your needs.  Dr. Erica Anand is a pediatric dentist in private practice focused on preventative dentistry including SDF, SMART fillings, and myofunctional therapy. She also writes professionally in the dental industry, working with marketing and consulting firms. Her extensive education includes treating children with special needs, dental phobias, and oral rehabilitation under general anesthesia. She maintains memberships of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and New York State Dental Association, and is an American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Candidate.  Learn more about Dr. Erica Anand on her website.

You have probably heard that gum disease is directly related to our overall health. Chronic gum inflammation is never healthy for anyone, but it can lead to further medical complications for people who are immunocompromised with issues such as diabetes or heart disease. There are two types of commonly recognized gum disease: gingivitis and periodontal disease. It is important to recognize early signs to address the condition and find appropriate treatment options.  Common Signs You May Have Gum Disease Gum disease derives mainly from poor oral hygiene and the accumulation of plaque on teeth. Untreated, plaque and calculus accumulations will cause inflammation of the gums and deeper pockets filled with bacteria. Resulting bone and tissue loss will ultimately lead to tooth loss. Gum disease can range in severity, but many people will experience early symptoms of bleeding gums and inflammation. Other common symptoms that may indicate you have gum disease include: • Swollen and red gums • Bad breath • Plaque build-up on teeth • Shifting teeth • Loose or missing teeth • Gum recession • Painful biting and chewing Treatment for Gum Disease Your dentist will diagnose gum disease through a clinical examination and dental X-rays. Your hygienist will also measure your gum pocket depths, which is an important indicator of bone loss. Deeper pocket depths (usually more than 4 mm) indicate periodontitis and require a more challenging dental treatment.  Treatments for gum disease depend on the severity of the issues with your dental health. Gingivitis can be managed at home by: 1. Brushing twice daily with a fluoridated toothpaste: It is important to brush your teeth, gums, and tongue with a soft-bristle toothbrush. 2. Flossing daily: Flossing helps remove food and plaque debris that are key components in causing tooth decay and gum disease. 3. A healthy diet: Eating and drinking a well-balanced diet is beneficial for your dental health and overall health. Drinking a lot of water and eating hard, crunchy vegetables will help keep your mouth hydrated. If gingivitis progresses to periodontal disease, the condition is irreversible and is associated with bone and tissue loss, and often tooth loss. Fortunately, options exist to treat advanced periodontal disease and help maintain gum health.  1. Professional cleaning: Routine teeth cleanings by your dental professional will remove plaque, calculus, and food debris above and below the gumline to help prevent tooth decay and maintain optimal gum health. A cleaning is also educational because your hygienist can inform you of areas of your mouth that need improvement and any adjuncts to help maintain your dental health such as an oral irrigator or prescription toothpaste.  2. Scaling and root planing: This is a professional, deeper cleaning that is usually done with local anesthetic. Root surfaces below the gumline are cleaned of calculus and bacteria to reduce and eliminate as much inflammation as possible in the gum tissue. Smoothing the roots allows the gum tissue to properly attach to teeth and maintain stability.  3. Oral antibiotics: Antibacterial medication may be administered sub-gingivally to help control the inflammation and bacterial build-up. 4. Surgical treatment: Sometimes surgical treatment is necessary to maintain teeth and bone function. This may include bone and tissue grafts, or flap surgery to repair affected tissues. A bone graft will help recover lost bone and prevent teeth from shifting or becoming more mobile.  Good Hygiene Practices Excellent gum health is critical to your overall health, and periodontal maintenance helps you maintain your gingival health after your treatments are complete. The easiest way to prevent gum disease is to follow good oral hygiene habits. Brushing twice a day and flossing will ensure no food and plaque debris sits on teeth overnight. Visiting your dentist or periodontist regularly will determine how often you require dental cleanings and whether you need to take any other preventive measures. Dr. Erica Anand is a pediatric dentist in private practice focused on preventative dentistry including SDF, SMART fillings, and myofunctional therapy. She also writes professionally in the dental industry, working with marketing and consulting firms. Her extensive education includes treating children with special needs, dental phobias, and oral rehabilitation under general anesthesia. She maintains memberships of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and New York State Dental Association, and is an American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Candidate.  Learn more about Dr. Erica Anand on her website.

Routine dental cleanings are essential in maintaining good oral health for life. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you should visit your dentist for a teeth cleaning twice a year (at least every six months) to make sure that your teeth and gums are both healthy. During your dental visit for a professional cleaning, you should be able to learn more about how to take care of your dental health, as well as the benefits of preventive dentistry. Reasons You Need Preventive Care 1. It helps prevent gum disease. A dental cleaning is essential in ensuring that your oral health and your smile are in great shape. A professional cleaning can help remove plaque, tartar, and food debris that can cause inflamed gums and loose teeth. A cleaning can determine if you are in the early stages of gingivitis or have any gum infections that can affect your dental and overall health. 2. It helps prevent tooth decay. Dental cleanings remove plaque and calculus that can often lead to cavities. When plaque deposits remain on teeth for extended periods, they can weaken tooth enamel leading to decay. A professional cleaning will help remove these catalysts and restore your oral health. Typically during their professional cleaning, patients will also receive a fluoride treatment, which helps decrease the risk for tooth decay. 3. It helps prevent bad breath. Professional teeth and gum cleanings will help remove food and plaque debris that also contributes to halitosis, more commonly known as bad breath. Oral bacteria can produce foul smells that are found on the gums, teeth, and tongue.  4. It is cost-effective. A dental cleaning is the simplest and most cost-effective treatment to help maintain your dental health. A cleaning is also usually accompanied by a diagnostic examination that evaluates for cavities and gum disease and ensures any existing fillings are in tip-top shape. Those who usually neglect their oral health and routine visits will have long-term higher costs and time spent in the dental chair.  5. It impacts our overall health. Our dental health and overall health are directly related. Research shows that oral bacteria responsible for gum disease, can enter your bloodstream through your gum tissue and affect other parts of your body. Gum disease is linked to high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, diabetes, and pre-term birth weight. A dental cleaning can prevent chronic inflammation, which can impact several medical conditions.  6. It helps educate patients. A regular visit to the dentist involves more than simply cleaning your teeth; it informs you about what is going on in your mouth. It gives you an opportunity to learn, ask questions, and address any concerns you may have. It is also a great indicator of general health and can show signs of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and sleep disorders. Routine dental exams and professional cleanings can prevent many of these health problems, and also identify them for better management. The dentist’s goal is to educate you on your oral health and help you establish a “dental home” so you feel confident and comfortable during your visits and healthy for a lifetime. Author: Dr. Erica Anand is a pediatric dentist in private practice focused on preventative dentistry including SDF, SMART fillings, and myofunctional therapy. Read more on her author page.  

It might be hard to believe that the year is coming to a close, but that means Open Enrollment is back again and it’s time to start shopping for insurance while you can. What is Open Enrollment?At the end of every year, a period known as Open Enrollment begins. This year, it will run from November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024. But if you want to be sure that you’ll have health insurance coverage on January 1, you’ll need to be enrolled in a plan by December 15. If you live in a state that has its own health insurance exchange, it’s important to confirm when Open Enrollment will take place, as the dates might be different. For example, you might live in a state where the deadline to sign up is in December or you might have until the end of January. Planning ahead for Open Enrollment can help ensure you won’t be caught by surprise by any deadlines—the last thing you’d want is for this period to pass you by before you have a chance to get insurance or switch to a plan that suits your needs better. What can you do during Open Enrollment?Whether you’re working off the federal exchange or a state exchange, Open Enrollment is a time when you can focus on making sure your health insurance needs and preferences are met. During the year, if you’re uninsured and don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you may need to wait until Open Enrollment to search for a plan that works for you. So, rather than risking going without health insurance this coming year, it’s a good idea to enroll in a plan while you can.On the other hand, if you’re currently insured, this period is your chance to look for another plan and make a switch if you haven’t been satisfied with your existing plan. Or, you can simply use this time to renew your plan if you’re happy with it. What if you receive financial help through a subsidy? Open Enrollment is the period during which you’ll need to update and confirm your personal and financial information. Doing so will determine if you still qualify for the same amount, if you can get more or less, or if you no longer qualify for the assistance.What if you’re already covered?Because plans may be added and removed each year, you might want to shop around to see what’s available from the insurers in your state. Who knows, you might find something that’s better than what you currently have!If you’re insured and you like your existing plan, confirm that the same policy will be available next year. Also, details about coverage and out-of-pocket costs might change from one year to the next, so see if the plan will still suit your needs and budget. If everything looks good, you might be able to just let it renew automatically.Open Enrollment for dental and vision insuranceIn addition to shopping for medical insurance, you can look for dental plans on the Marketplace during Open Enrollment. You might come across medical insurance plans that provide some dental coverage for both children and adults, rather than just for kids. Or, you might be able to find stand-alone dental plans, but you might have to purchase a health plan at the same time. What about vision insurance? Like dental coverage, health plans on the Marketplace might include vision benefits for children, but it might be harder to find plans that also provide those benefits for adults. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to find stand-alone vision plans on Healthcare.gov. With dental and vision, you don’t have to limit yourself to Open Enrollment!If you’re finding it hard to get the right dental or vision plan, and you don’t want to feel rushed by the Open Enrollment period, don’t worry. You can enroll in, change, or cancel dental and vision insurance all year long.  Let’s say you want to look into dental or vision insurance that will cover your whole family. Well, you can do that by using online comparison tools that give you details about multiple providers at once, or you can go directly to a provider’s website. Here at Spirit, we offer a variety of plans to suit everyone’s needs and budget, and you can enroll whenever you’re ready.   Shopping for insurance doesn’t have to be complicatedOnce you know how Open Enrollment works, and once you realize that you have more flexibility when it comes to buying dental and vision insurance, the stress of signing up for the ideal plans may decrease. Start browsing the options available in your area so you can make the right choice for the coming year.  Sources:https://www.healthcare.gov/quick-guide/dates-and-deadlines/https://www.healthmarkets.com/resources/health-insurance/open-enrollment/https://www.healthinsurance.org/open-enrollment/https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage/dental-coverage/https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/vision-or-vision-coverage/