Spirit Dental Resources

First-time parents are often focused on the oral care that they need to provide to their babies. But what about when your baby has grown into a toddler?It turns out that toddler oral care is also extremely important and shouldn’t be neglected. To learn about what it takes to ensure your child’s mouth can be clean and healthy, keep reading for a few simple guidelines that you can follow.Teething: Here’s What You Should ExpectOnce your baby is roughly 6 months old, his or her teeth will start poking through. More and more teeth will continue growing in until your child is around 3 years old. But even though this is adorable from your perspective, it could cause a few uncomfortable symptoms for your child.What are the teething symptoms that you should keep an eye out for? Well, because teething could cause your toddler’s gums to become tender, your child might be irritable and upset. Your toddler might even lose sleep, start eating less, and start drooling more too.A fussy toddler might be a teething toddler, but there are steps that you can take to help your little one feel much better. For example, you could purchase a teething ring, put it in the freezer until it’s nice and cold, and then apply it to your child’s gums gently. Your toddler might also feel some relief if you use your finger to gently rub his or her gums. And when those options don’t work as well as you’d like, you might consider the use of pain relieving gels designed for teething toddlers—just talk to your pediatrician for advice first.1. Set the Foundation for Brushing Twice DailyDid you know that tooth decay could develop as soon as your baby’s very first tooth erupts from the gums? Crazy, right?!As more teeth grow in, it will be time to teach your toddler about the importance of maintaining a brushing schedule. You could certainly brush your toddler’s teeth until he or she is old enough to do so without your assistance. Also, use this time as an opportunity to teach your child that this daily routine shouldn’t be missed.Experts recommend using a child-size, soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, but you just need a tiny amount (we’re talking the size of a grain of rice) for your toddler. Once your child is at least 3 years old, he or she can graduate to using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.Be sure to teach your toddler to avoid swallowing the toothpaste as you work on showing him or her how to brush every surface of the teeth for the ultimate clean and the freshest breath.2. Flossing Is Always a Great Idea!In addition to getting your toddler used to brushing his or her teeth twice a day, it’s also a fantastic idea to teach your child about the importance of flossing.You could floss your toddler’s teeth before or after brushing. There are child-friendly flossing tools that you can purchase in order to make the experience easier on yourself, as well as more comfortable for your toddler. And, as with brushing, once your son or daughter learns how to go about it alone, you can simply supervise to make sure it’s done right.3. Thumb Sucking Is a Big No-No!Your toddler might continue finding comfort in sucking his or her thumb or a pacifier, but this isn’t a habit that you should condone. Sucking could lead to problems that impact the jaw and the mouth, and it could even ruin the position of your toddler’s teeth, resulting in the need for braces. Therefore, the sooner you teach your toddler that thumb sucking is a big no-no, the better.How can you gently teach your child that thumb sucking, despite being comforting, isn’t such a good idea? Well, experts recommend using positive reinforcement by praising your toddler when he or she isn’t sucking on a pacifier or a finger.You could also try applying a yucky tasting remedy to your child’s finger (your pediatrician could direct you towards the right product for your toddler). And it’s also a good idea to figure out what’s causing your child’s anxiety so that you can target the problem and eliminate the thumb sucking behavior.4. Try to Make Seeing the Dentist a Positive ExperienceAh, your child’s first trip to the dentist. This could be a daunting experience for you, as well as a terrifying experience for your toddler, so you might be tempted to just put it off. But that would be a bad idea.Generally, experts recommend taking children to the dentist after the first tooth erupts and no later than a baby’s first birthday. Ultimately, making this a positive experience is key, and you can do that by having an upbeat attitude about the dentist, as doing so might help your toddler feel more at ease.During the appointment, the dentist will be able to thoroughly examine your toddler’s mouth to ensure proper development, and you can ask all of the questions that you might have about children’s oral health and hygiene. Then, when it’s all done, you can reward your toddler with a fun experience or a yummy, healthy treat to prove that going to the dentist isn’t so bad after all.A Few Extra TipsHere are a few extra tips that you can keep in mind to keep your toddler’s mouth clean and healthy:Baby bottle decay is a term used for the tooth decay that occurs when a toddler is allowed to take a nap while holding a bottle of milk, formula, or juice in his or her mouth. These sugary beverages will feed bacteria and spur the development of decay. Yikes! So, if your child really wants a bottle before bed, fill it with water instead.A sippy cup is a convenient tool that you can use to always have a beverage handy for your toddler when you’re out and about, as well as when you’re at home. Unfortunately, letting your child drink from a sippy cup throughout the day could also contribute to tooth decay, particularly if you’re filling the cup with a sugary beverage.Speaking of sugary drinks, toddlers often like to drink juice, but too much of it could lead to tooth decay. Simply limiting your toddler’s intake to 4 ounces or less per day is a good first step, and making sure you only serve 100% fruit juice is another smart move.  Taking Care of Toddler Teeth Isn’t So Hard After All!Good habits start early, even when it comes to keeping teeth and gums sparkling clean. So, once all of those pearly whites start showing up, taking the time to teach your toddler about the importance of brushing, flossing, and seeing the dentist is highly recommended.Once you know what to expect as your toddler grows, you’ll be even more confident when it comes to making sure you’re doing everything possible to ensure your child will have a beautiful and healthy smile.Sources:https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/kids-oral-care/how-do-i-care-for-my-toddlers-teethhttps://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-health-for-kids#1https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids/kids-quick-tips?source=promospots&content=topstories&medium=kids_quick_tips

You already know that brushing your teeth is key when it comes to keeping your pearly whites clean and sparkling. But what about tongue cleaning? Is it something that you really need to worry about? As it turns out, yes, you should be taking just a few moments every day to clean your tongue, and the info below will explain why.What’s the Point of Cleaning Your Tongue?Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash should be enough to get rid of all of the nasty bacteria in your mouth, right? Wrong! Your tongue is host to a lot of food particles and bacteria that you can only effectively get rid of by cleaning it. That’s because there are spots all over your tongue that could harbor bacteria until it’s removed with the appropriate tool.If your tongue isn’t cleaned, all of the bacteria on it could grow, and that could lead to bad breath. Ew! On top of that, the bacteria might even end up contributing to tooth decay or gum problems, and your tongue might even appear discolored. Yikes!Why Do You Need to Brush or Scrape Your Tongue?The bacteria that builds up on your tongue ends up forming what’s known as a biofilm. In basic terms, this is a bunch of unwanted microorganisms, and they like to come together (are you suddenly singing that Beatles song like we are?) and stay that way on your tongue.When you just swish some water in your mouth, or when you use a mouthwash, you aren’t really doing much to get rid of this biofilm. Instead, what you’re merely doing is only killing off the biofilm’s outer cells. All of the cells underneath that outer layer end up staying alive (now we have that Bee Gees song in our heads!).What Are the Best Ways to Clean Your Tongue?Okay, all of this talk about bacteria on your tongue is gross, we know, but bear with us.Here’s how to clean your tongue and get rid of the biofilm of bacteria that could lead to oral problems:Every time that you brush your teeth, take some time to brush your tongue, rather than only doing this once in a while. After all, bacteria will once again accumulate on the tongue rather quickly after you brush, so a daily routine could help keep the nasties at bay as much as possible.To get the job done right, you can use your toothbrush once you’re done brushing your teeth. Another option would be to purchase a tongue scraper that you can glide easily on the tongue to remove the biofilm. Or you can even buy a tongue brush, such as one that you can attach to your electric toothbrush. Neat!It is best to brush the tongue in multiple directions, so you should brush side to side and then front to back to hit every area where bacteria could be hiding, and you could also use circular motions.   After you brush or scrape your tongue, rinsing your mouth with some water will finish the job and help your entire mouth feel even more refreshed.Extra Tips:Don’t be too aggressive, as your tongue is sensitive and you don’t want to do more harm than good. If your tongue hurts while you’re cleaning it, you’re probably being too rough. Gentle is the keyword here. You don’t need to use a lot of pressure, and you don’t need to scrape or brush your tongue quickly either.Remember: the delicate skin of your tongue could become irritated and inflamed surprisingly easily. If you do damage, it might be best to skip cleaning your tongue for a couple of days until the skin has healed so the problem doesn’t get worse.If you have a sore or a wound on your tongue, cleaning it might only end up irritating it more, so consider skipping the brushing or scraping until everything is nicely healed. But if the problem doesn’t resolve on its own, be sure to see your dentist for a proper diagnosis.Your Dentist Is Always There to Help!Whether you have questions about chronic bad breath, a tongue that feels sore, or the best tools for thoroughly cleaning your tongue, the only way to get personalized advice is by seeing your dentist.Once all of your questions are answered, and once you have the right tongue cleaning technique down, you might notice that your breath smells fresher and your teeth and gums are healthier, too, because you’ll be getting rid of bacteria that could wreak havoc on your oral health. So, if you haven’t done it yet, consider adding tongue cleaning to your daily regimen.Sources:https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-oral-health/brushing-your-tongue#rinsinghttps://www.123dentist.com/cleaning-your-tongue/https://www.icpahealth.com/blog/tongue-cleaning-important-how-to-do/

Smokers who are looking for a safer alternative to tobacco cigarettes, and individuals who are hoping to wean themselves off of their nicotine addiction, have been turning to electronic cigarettes. But could e-cigarettes be linked with gum disease? Before you start vaping, check out the information below to discover more about this important oral health topic.E-Cigs Might Affect Your Body on the Cellular LevelA study from the University of Rochester Medical Center found that e-cigarettes might be just as bad for your teeth and gums as tobacco cigarettes. And the negative effects could be seen on the cellular level.  Basically, the researchers discovered that the vapors from e-cigarettes could result in cells releasing inflammatory proteins that also increase stress in the cells. All of that leads to damage, and that could lead to oral health problems.On top of that, the chemicals that are used to flavor e-liquids might also cause adverse effects within the cells of your mouth, and certain flavors might be worse than others.Nicotine’s Attack on Your Gums: What You Should KnowIt is possible to vape with e-liquids that don’t contain any nicotine, but for those who are addicted, nicotine-containing e-liquids are their go-to choice. Unfortunately, nicotine itself might also contribute to the development of gum disease.So, in addition to the flavoring and the vapor from e-cigs, the nicotine that you expose your mouth to when you smoke an electronic cigarette could also cause damage to your gums. Not good!But wait, how does nicotine damage gum tissue? Well, by reducing blood flow to the tissues in your mouth, nicotine reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients that need to reach your gums. As a result, your gums might end up receding, and your saliva production might decrease, making you more prone to dry mouth, tooth decay, and bad breath.But the scary part is that you might not even know that the nicotine is having these effects because the symptoms might not be obvious, thanks to the reduction in blood flow (after all, one of the main symptoms of gum disease is swollen, irritated, and bleeding gums).On top of hiding symptoms of gum disease, a reduction in blood flow might even reduce your body’s defenses against harmful bacteria in your mouth. This means that the rate of tooth decay may increase, and the odds of infection may become higher. And the longer you vape and the more nicotine that your mouth is exposed to, the greater the risk of other problems, such as tooth loss, as well.Vaping: Not as Healthy as You Might’ve ThoughtEven though a lot of people switch to electronic cigarettes, thinking that they’re better for you compared to regular cigarettes, the truth is that vaping could be detrimental to your health in its own ways.The amount of damage that your mouth incurs will depend upon how much you vape. Researchers are planning on conducting additional studies in order to find out even more about e-cigs and their short-term and long-term effects on human health.Do You Vape? Don’t Forget Your Dental Appointments!Now that you know about some of the risks involved with vaping, you can decide whether or not you’d like to use electronic cigarettes. If you do choose to smoke e-cigs, though, seeing your dentist regularly could be a smart step in ensuring your teeth and gums remain strong and clean. And with the right dental insurance, you could save money on checkups and cleanings that will help you keep your oral health on track, whether or not e-cigarettes are a part of your lifestyle.Sources:https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/first-ever-study-shows-e-cigarettes-cause-damage-to-gum-tissue  https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/threats-to-dental-healthhttps://www.webmd.com/oral-health/news/20161118/e-cigarettes-not-good-to-gums-study-findshttps://askthedentist.com/e-cigarettes-oral-health/https://www.ingeniousdentistry.com/how-vaping-affects-your-teeth/

Updated July 2021 Root canals and extractions: neither of these is pleasant, but sometimes, you gotta do what you gotta do, right? Both of these treatments are available when a tooth has suffered from an extensive amount of damage that can’t be remedied by a simple drill and fill procedure. But what are the differences between these two options, and what can you expect when you undergo each one? We’ve compiled some information below to help you understand what a root canal entails, as well as when a tooth extraction might be necessary. Root Canals: Saving Teeth from Extraction If your dentist checks a tooth and realizes that the pulp (the deepest layer of the tooth) is severely damaged or diseased, or perhaps even totally dead, a root canal might be the next appropriate step. However, the rest of the tooth will still need to be in good enough condition to remain in your mouth. During a root canal procedure, your dentist will numb the area so that he or she could create an opening in the tooth. Using special instruments, the pulp will be removed completely, and the area where the pulp used to be will be cleaned out. This will help ensure that no bacteria remains. But that’s not the end of the root canal.   Once the pulp chamber of the tooth is cleaned out, your dentist will fill it with a material referred to as gutta-percha. This material will serve to replace the pulp that was removed so that your tooth could function just like it used to when it was healthy. If necessary, a crown could also be placed on your tooth in order to give it more strength and to fix its appearance. What about the pain after the root canal is complete? Well, patients might experience a bit of pain for a few days, and it could range from dull to sharp. You might need to take some over-the-counter pain relievers, but if you find that the pain is too much to bear, it’s recommended that you contact your doctor to get some advice. Tooth Extractions: The Last Resort When your dentist determines that there is nothing that can be done to salvage a tooth, he or she might recommend a full extraction of that tooth. Your dentist will start by numbing the area so that you could get through the procedure with little, if any, pain. Using special tools, he or she will then work on loosening the tooth before pulling it out. We know, this sounds vicious, but you will likely only feel some pressure during the procedure. Because there will be bleeding after a tooth extraction, your dentist will probably tell you to bite down on some gauze in order to help the blood clot. You might have to bite down for upwards of 45 minutes, and you may also experience light bleeding from the extraction site for the next day or so as well. After a tooth extraction, facial swelling might occur, but applying an ice pack could be helpful to reduce inflammation. Also, when you eat, it’s best to choose foods that are cool and soft so that you can avoid irritating the area where your tooth used to be. But don’t worry, as you’ll be back to your regular diet before long. Just be aware that it could take two or more weeks for your mouth to totally heal, so it’s a good idea to brush very gently until you’re all better. Dental Implants After a Tooth Extraction: Something to Consider According to experts, the gap that is left behind after a tooth is extracted could become problematic over time. That’s because the teeth around that space could end up shifting out of place, or you might end up experiencing difficulty speaking or chewing because you won’t have all of your teeth. And the scariest part of all: bone loss in the jaw could occur as well. Yikes! To avoid all of those problems, consider talking to your dentist about getting a dental implant to replace the tooth that needed to be removed. Dental implants look and function just like real teeth, and they help prevent bone loss in the jaw. But, because they could be quite pricey, getting the right dental insurance could help put your mind at ease when it comes to affording this modern treatment option. Final Verdict: Root Canals Are Preferred, but Not Always Possible Between a root canal and a tooth extraction, a root canal is often the preferred choice because it works on fixing your natural tooth so that it could remain in place. However, a root canal may not always be an option, depending upon the damage that a tooth has incurred. If a tooth is far too compromised, your dentist might recommend an extraction, followed by a dental implant to replace what was lost. Work with Your Dentist to Decide Which Procedure Is Right for You! Root canals don’t sound as bad when they’re put side-by-side with tooth extractions, huh? Understanding the pros and cons of a root canal, along with the pros and cons of a tooth extraction, will help you decide which procedure would be best for you. Your knowledge, combined with advice from your dentist, could help you make the right choice that will restore your smile and ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy for a long time to come. If you have concerns about the cost of a root canal or extraction get a quote from Spirit Dental & Vision and see your options. Sources: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/root-canals/root-canal-vs-extraction https://www.stahlyfamilydentistry.com/extraction_root_canal.html

Kids who enjoy playing sports are definitely doing something positive by staying active and growing strong. But did you know that they’re also putting themselves at risk of mouth injuries? It’s a bit scary, but it’s the truth. As a parent, being aware of the most common kids sports injuries that could affect their smile is important. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be able to take steps to hopefully prevent injuries before they happen—or at least know what swift action to take in the event your little one does get hurt. Below is a list of a few sports injuries that would require a dentist’s attention. A Cracked, Chipped, or Fractured Tooth If you’re like a lot of people, when you think of sports injuries that affect the look of your smile, you probably see the image of cracked teeth in your mind. And you’d be right to think that, as cracked, chipped, and fractured teeth are common injuries in the world of sports. These could occur when a player falls and hits their mouth, or when a player receives a blow to the face. Ouch! Symptoms might include: Cracks or splits in the tooth A loss of a part of the enamel (this could expose the inner parts of the tooth) Pain that comes and goes Pain while drinking and eating cold or hot beverages and foods Pain when biting down   *Note #1: You may not notice a crack with the naked eye, and there may not be any pain, but a dentist will be able to pick up on the signs of a broken tooth. *Note #2: A fracture could also occur in the root of a tooth, and you wouldn’t be able to see it. However, the crack might progress into the crown, or infection of the pulp might occur. Root canal treatment is often recommended. In terms of treatment, your dentist will assess the damage of a cracked tooth in order to determine if it needs to be removed and replaced with a dental implant. Yep, the damage could be that extreme. Also, some teeth might require a root canal, while others might be repaired more easily with a bonding procedure, so the degree of damage could vary quite a bit. No matter what, getting treatment is imperative to restoring the health of your child’s tooth, so it’s best to head to the dentist ASAP. A Tooth That’s Been Knocked Out One of the most traumatizing sports injuries that a kid (or an adult) could endure is having a tooth completely knocked out. The good news, though, is that a tooth could be salvaged and placed back into its socket with immediate dental care. Phew! A dentist could help put the tooth back in place, and it might function just like it used to. The key is to get to the dentist’s office immediately, as the sooner the tooth could be put into the socket, the better. The longer you wait to deliver first aid and get your child to a dentist, the lower the odds of success will be, so take action right away. Tooth Intrusion vs. Tooth Extrusion A couple of other injuries that might occur when your kid plays sports are tooth intrusion and tooth extrusion. Tooth Intrusion: a tooth is pushed back into the socket, towards the jawbone, making this a serious injury. The tooth might be damaged, the pulp may be destroyed, and root resorption might occur. Treatment options include repositioning, splinting, surgery, and orthodontic procedures.   Tooth Extrusion: a tooth ends up erupting partially from the socket, and it moves in the direction of the palate. A dentist may reposition the tooth and use a splint to move it into alignment. Because endodontic treatment might be required as well, monitoring the pulp is also a good idea. Don’t Worry, There Are Ways to Protect Your Athletic Kids! Wearing a mouthguard while playing sports is highly recommended because it could help protect against a variety of dental injuries. According to experts, if you don’t have a mouthguard in place, you’re a whopping 60 times more likely to suffer from serious dental damage. Whoa! So, even if your child fights you on it because they don’t like wearing a mouthguard, making it a rule that they have to wear it to play sports might put your mind at ease. Mouth Injuries? Prompt Dental Care Is a Must! All of these sports injuries should be treated promptly, so it’s best to take your son or daughter to the dentist as soon as possible. In addition to providing quick relief, the right care at the right time could also help prevent long-term issues and restore your kid’s beautiful smile. Sources: https://www.afdc-naperville.com/blog/post/treating-chipped-teeth-a-common-sports-injury-among-kids.html https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/dental-emergencies-and-sports-safety/three-kinds-of-tooth-injury-that-occur-in-sports https://www.emergencydentistsusa.com/keeping-your-kids-teeth-safe-in-sports/ https://www.pacificdentalaesthetics.com/blog-/sports-related-tooth-and-mouth-injuries/

While seniors often make it a point to get the medical coverage that they need, they sometimes neglect getting the right dental insurance. This could be a problem, as dental care can become more expensive as you get older and your teeth and gums become increasingly susceptible to a range of conditions. Thankfully, there are a lot of options for seniors who are in search of the ideal dental plan to help cover expenses when they see their dentist. Do You Really Need Dental Insurance in Your Golden Years? Yes! Even if you had fabulous teeth and gums in your younger years, there is no guarantee that you won’t develop dental health problems in your golden years. After all, as your body ages, things change. Sad but true. What are some of the common ailments that seniors face when it comes to their oral health? Well, they could include everything from cavities and root decay, to dry mouth and gum disease. But more serious concerns might include tissue inflammation that results from the use of dentures, as well as jawbone problems and an uneven bite. On top of that, seniors could have a greater risk of developing fungal infections, such as thrush, their risk of oral cancer might be higher, and the risk of losing teeth might increase. But what’s especially scary is that, when there are problems in the mouth, they could even lead to other health issues in other parts of the body, too. Yikes! For these reasons, seeing your dentist on a regular basis is really important. Your dentist has the skills to thoroughly examine your mouth and look for signs of decay and disease. And if problems arise, your dentist can provide you with the prompt treatment necessary to restore the health of your mouth, so you’ll be able to continue showing off your smile and chewing your favorite foods without pain or difficulty. Here’s the thing, though: even if you know that seeing your dentist is important, you might not be able to afford checkups, cleanings, and treatments if you’re on a fixed budget after you retire. And that’s where dental insurance could come in really handy! Beware: Medicare Alone Might Not Cut It If you’re thinking, “No big deal, I have Medicare,” think again. Medicare doesn’t actually give you routine dental care coverage. Instead, it will only step in and help when your medical needs and your dental care needs are connected, such as when you need to stay in the hospital. But there’s hope! While Medicare Part A and Part B won’t provide coverage for dental cleanings, exams, and treatments like dentures, bridges, crowns, extractions, plates, and fillings, you could sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan. This type of plan will give you routine dental care benefits, and there are a few of these types of plans that you can choose from, so you could find the one that fits your budget and needs best. This is a good option for some seniors. Many seniors choose to invest in a stand-alone dental insurance option, such as the plans that are offered by Spirit Dental. In this case, you’re purchasing insurance specifically for your dental care needs, so you’ll need to pay a monthly premium in order to enjoy the perks of lower out-of-pocket costs when you visit the dentist. At Spirit, you can choose from affordable plans with or without networks, you can receive coverage for major services like implants, and you can also receive three cleanings per year, all without a waiting period when you sign up. For these reasons, a stand-alone plan might provide you with more of what you need when compared to a Medicare Advantage plan. What About Medicaid or the ACA Marketplace? If you receive Medicaid, which is available to low-income seniors, you still may not be eligible for dental benefits. That’s because those benefits are optional, so states could choose whether or not to include them. And, in the states where dental benefits for seniors are included in Medicaid, the benefits might be different from one year to the next and from one state to the next. What a headache! You might be able to find a medical insurance package that includes dental benefits when you visit the ACA Marketplace at healthcare.gov, but those will likely be few and far between. Beyond that, you might also find stand-alone dental insurance plans on the ACA Marketplace. But, before you get excited, bear in mind that you might only be able to sign up for those plans if you’ve already purchased a medical policy from the Marketplace. Plus, the federal subsidies that you might qualify for when signing up for medical insurance won’t be available for stand-alone dental insurance. So your only hope is if you can access a state-run marketplace that lets you buy a dental plan on its own, without having to get a health insurance plan as well. Frustrating, we know. Achieve Peace of Mind with Stand-Alone Dental Insurance for Seniors! Although the process of getting dental insurance might seem tedious, it isn’t so bad when you’re able to work with a provider like Spirit Dental. A reputable dental insurance provider will give you plenty of affordable choices, so you can find the plan that will fit your budget and give you the assurance that you’ll be able to keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape as you get older.  Sources: https://www.dentalplans.com/affordable-care-act/senior-dentalcare https://www.humana.com/dental-insurance/ways-seniors-medicare-dental-coverage https://medicare.com/coverage/medicare-dental-coverage-for-seniors/ https://www.healthmarkets.com/resources/medicare/dental-coverage-for-seniors-over-65/