Spirit Dental Resources

Whether you play sports or your kids play sports, it’s important to know that there is a risk for dental injuries with these activities. Below we’ve listed out some helpful information so you can have a better understanding of the risks, as well as what you can do to take the appropriate precautions to prevent these injuries. Dental Sports Injuries: A Few Quick Facts and Stats Dental injuries that are related to sports are common. For example, experts have reported that anywhere from 13% to 39% of all dental injuries are the result of patients being involved in sports. On top of that, roughly 80% of the injuries that dentists treat affect the upper front teeth, although damage to the cheeks and tongue are also seen often. Some of the more common dental injuries that are related to sports include tooth fractures. However, fully dislodged teeth, as well as loosened teeth, are also common. Extensive bleeding and pain could occur even in the case of a tooth fracture if the crack extends through the whole tooth. Ouch! Teenagers are prone to suffering from dental injuries that are related to the sports that they play. In fact, preteens and teens tend to exhibit the highest number of these dental injuries. While these stats certainly shouldn’t dissuade you from playing your favorite sports with your friends, they might inspire you to take an extra step to keep your mouth safe. Your Biggest Risk: Contact Sports As you probably already guessed, contact sports will put you at greater risk of suffering from a serious dental injury. If you play any of the following sports, consider using a mouthguard to protect those chompers and keep them where they belong: in your mouth! Boxing Wrestling Martial Arts Hockey Football Baseball Basketball Soccer Rugby Lacrosse Even if a sport doesn’t require that you wear this protection, experts highly recommend wearing one as it can help protect your smile. After all, even a minor mouth injury could be painful and costly. Safety Gear: A Must-Have Accessory Wearing protective gear could help you reap all of the benefits that come with playing sports without risking the health of your teeth. The type of safety gear that you will need will depend upon the sport that you participate in. Generally, helmets can help protect you if you are dealing with impact and speed (think: biking, skating, hockey, and football). They can protect your head, your eyes, and your mouth when they are designed well and fit properly. As mentioned above, mouthguards could help protect your lips, tongue, and teeth, especially when they are custom-fitted. And remember, they could be used for just about every sport, from football and basketball to boxing and hockey. Mouthguards: They Aren’t All Created Equal Not keen on the idea of wearing a mouthguard? You might change your mind once you realize that the simple act of wearing one while you play could dramatically reduce your risk of getting hurt, regardless of the sport you prefer. The key, though, is to wear the right mouthguard, such as one that has been customized to fit your mouth perfectly. Here is a basic breakdown of the most common types of mouthguards available: A ready-made mouthguard, also known as a stock mouthguard, is one that you can purchase already formed and ready to wear. While these products may be convenient, they typically are not the ideal choice. Oftentimes, one size does not fit all, so you will notice that the guard fits your mouth poorly. This translates to inadequate protection for your teeth. Ultimately, the mouthguard will not really do much to reduce your risk of injury. A boil-and-bite mouthguard is a step up from a stock mouthguard, and it could be your best option if you can’t get a customized guard. These are easy to find in sporting goods stores. All you have to do is put the product in some boiling water to soften the plastic. Once you bite down, the plastic will form a mold around your teeth. And if you don’t get the fit right the first time, you can do it again. Because this guard will fit your teeth more accurately, it could provide better protection. The best (but most expensive) option would be a custom mouthguard, as it will offer the highest level of defense. Your dentist can make this mouthguard for you, and he or she can ensure optimal protection and comfort, thanks to a perfect fit. Got Hurt? See Your Dentist Right Away!

Your body goes through a lot of changes while you’re pregnant. Could these changes affect your oral health? Or can your oral health affect the health of your baby? Get all of the answers you need below. Your Oral Health Is More Important Than You Think If you thought that keeping your teeth and gums clean was only important for maintaining a bright and beautiful smile, think again. Failing to brush and floss daily or neglecting to see your dentist for cleanings regularly could result in frightening problems during your pregnancy. These could include intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and premature delivery. Wow! Gum Disease Might Become a Problem There is evidence that suggests that there’s a link between premature or underweight birth and a mother’s gum disease. In other words, if you have gum disease while you are pregnant, you might increase your odds of delivering a baby who is too small or you might go into labor too soon. Both issues stress the importance of getting your teeth and gums cleaned and treated as usual during your pregnancy. Even if you have never had gingivitis before, you might experience it during your pregnancy. This is actually referred to as pregnancy gingivitis because pregnancy hormones might cause the gums to overreact to irritants that are found in plaque. Basically, the plaque will end up building up and irritating your gums, leading to gums that are inflamed, red, and prone to bleeding. Ouch! Morning Sickness Is Bad News for Your Teeth Morning sickness isn’t any fun at all, but it can also wreak havoc on your pearly whites. To ensure the stomach acid that comes up with your vomit doesn’t eat away at your enamel and increase your risk of cavities, simply rinse your mouth thoroughly before brushing your teeth. Swish and spit some water, a mix of water and baking soda (1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup of water), or a diluted mouthwash. Then brush a half-hour later to refresh your entire mouth. So easy! Your Teeth Might Feel Loose This is pretty scary: during pregnancy, high levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones might cause the bones and the ligaments that hold your teeth in place to loosen. This could occur even if you are not experiencing the symptoms associated with gum disease. Usually, this will just go away after you deliver your baby (phew!), but if you are at all concerned, asking your dentist could help put your mind at ease. And don’t worry, as your teeth won’t fall out just because you’re pregnant. There Are Also These Things Called Pregnancy Tumors While you’re expecting, you might develop what is referred to as a “pregnancy tumor.” But don’t freak out, as these tumors are the result of hormonal changes, and they are benign. These growths will look a lot like raspberries in between your teeth, and they’ll typically pop up within the second trimester. If you want, you can have your dentist remove pregnancy tumors, especially if they’re uncomfortable or really grossing you out. If you choose to leave them alone, though, they will likely go away once your bundle of joy is born. What About Radiation from Dental X-Rays? Should you be concerned about the radiation that you’re exposed to when getting dental x-rays? According to experts, not at all. Just be sure that your dental hygienist or your dentist covers your torso and neck with a protective apron. Keep Your Entire Mouth Healthy and Clean During pregnancy, it’s important to keep your entire mouth clean, so focus on brushing twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Flossing once a day will also help to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Beyond following a dental care routine at home every day, it is also important to eat right while you are pregnant. This will not only help ensure the health of your baby but will also help reduce the risk of tooth decay. So focus on limiting your intake of sugary foods and drinks, and try consuming a diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, high-fiber foods, and foods that are high in calcium. Also, if you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s best to contact your dentist as soon as possible to figure out what’s going on: Painful or bleeding gums, or gums that are swollen, sore, shiny, or red Pain anywhere in your mouth, including a toothache Growths, such as lumps or sores, within the mouth Bad breath Loose teeth A Dentist Can Provide the Best Advice During Your Pregnancy! Do you have any questions about your dental care routine while you’re pregnant? Are you worried that you might not be doing everything that you can to maintain strong teeth and gums? Your dentist could steer you in the right direction for a safe and healthy pregnancy. And even if you don’t have any specific questions but you’re scheduled to see your dentist for a standard cleaning and checkup, it’s a good idea to tell him or her that you’re pregnant. In this way, the appropriate steps can be taken to care for your mouth and your baby. Sources: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/pregnancy-slideshow https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/oral-care-during-pregnancy/why-you-need-a-prenatal-dental-care-checkup https://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/life-stages/oral-care-during-pregnancy

It’s totally natural for your infant to suck on his or her thumb or cry for a pacifier, but this is a habit that could adversely affect the health and appearance of your child’s teeth. Check out the information below to learn about when thumb sucking stops being soothing and starts being a problem. Here’s Why Infants Suck Their Thumbs Sucking on a thumb or a pacifier is just part of a child’s instincts. Did you know that tiny babies begin sucking on their fingers while still in their mother’s womb? How adorable is that?! Once out of the womb, babies and young kids exhibit the same behavior, so you’ll see them sucking on their thumbs or their other fingers, as well as on objects like pacifiers. When they do this, they feel content, relaxed, and secure, and it could even help them fall soundly asleep. Here’s Why Thumb Sucking Could Be Bad If your little one sucks on his or her thumb for too long, the once harmless habit could end up causing unwanted changes in the way your child’s mouth grows. For example, it might lead to changes in the roof of the mouth, it may cause skeletal changes that will ruin the alignment of the permanent teeth, and it might also cause an overbite. Your son or daughter might even have a hard time pronouncing words correctly, and the lower and upper jaws might move out of alignment. The front teeth, in particular, might end up jutting outward, or the bite may become open, causing the lower and upper front teeth to become unable to touch. Overall, the more aggressively your child sucks on his or her thumb, and the longer the habit continues, the more damage that could be done, including to the baby teeth. When It’s Time to Discourage Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use To prevent dental problems and help ensure that your child’s permanent teeth will grow beautifully straight, experts recommend discouraging this behavior by the age of four. At this age, your child’s entire mouth, including the teeth and jaw, could be affected by excessive sucking, so stopping the sucking is important. Plus, the longer your child goes on exhibiting this habit, the more difficult it will become for you to break it before mouth problems occur. Note: When a kid continues sucking on a pacifier or thumb past five years of age, the permanent teeth are much more likely to be affected. Rest assured that, just because your child sucks his or her thumb does not mean that it will turn into behavior that will be really hard to break. A lot of kids actually end up stopping on their own, usually between the ages of two and four. You will start to notice that the sucking occurs less often until it gradually stops completely. That’s good news! Ditching the Thumb (or the Pacifier) Encouraging your kid to stop sucking on a thumb or pacifier is recommended if your child doesn’t stop on his or her own. Your goal could be to get your child to make up his or her own mind to stop the sucking, as that might help break the habit with greater ease. Experts suggest that you keep things positive by rewarding good behavior, and avoid scolding your kid. After all, if your child’s thumb sucking is the result of anxiety or stress, scolding will only create more stress and more thumb sucking. And if the behavior does arise from anxiety, try to find and resolve the cause(s) of the anxiety so that your child won’t have to rely upon sucking on a pacifier or finger to find comfort. Other tactics that you can try include: Placing a sock over your child’s hands at night or applying a bandage to the thumbs. Taking your child’s finger out of the mouth after he or she falls asleep. Offering your child a pacifier, as getting your kid to stop using a pacifier might be easier than stopping thumb sucking. Like thumb sucking, pacifier use could be gradually stopped, and some experts recommend starting when your baby is just one year old. Recognizing how long your child can go without thumb or pacifier sucking and offering a reward. Gradually increase the time required until the next reward is earned. You Could Ask Your Dentist for Help! When your child won’t listen to you, he or she might be more likely to listen to a dentist, who can explain the effects of thumb sucking, such as crooked teeth and a need for braces later on. On top of that, your dentist could also provide other helpful tools, such as mouth appliances or medications that coat the thumb in order to prevent sucking. And if you are noticing any changes in your baby’s primary teeth that may be caused by thumb sucking, a dentist can shed light on what is happening and how you could prevent further damage. Overall, thumb sucking is considered normal behavior, and it may not be any cause for concern. However, if your child does not stop on his or her own, particularly as the permanent teeth start to come through, there are several strategies that you can try to successfully discourage the behavior and ensure your child’s mouth will develop perfectly.        Sources: https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/patient_77.pdf?la=en   https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/kids-oral-care/thumb-sucking-the-good-the-bad-and-the-normal https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/thumbsucking https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/oral-health-problems-children#1 https://www.besthealthmag.ca/article/thumb-sucking-pacifiers-and-your-childs-oral-health/

Calcium: you know you need it for strong bones, but do you also need it to keep your teeth strong and clean? It turns out that, yes, you do! Here’s some information on why your teeth crave calcium, and how this vital nutrient can help you maintain that beautiful smile. Calcium Supplementation: Part of a Stellar Dental Care Routine According to the National Institutes of Health, your bones and teeth are responsible for storing a whopping 99% of the total calcium within your body. And calcium may be able to help your teeth remain resistant to disease and decay, so getting enough of it through diet and supplementation is an important step on the road to strengthening and repairing your pearly whites.   Other nutrients, such as magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, could also support calcium’s job of protecting your teeth, reinforcing your enamel, and warding off cavities. Thankfully, these nutrients are easy to come by, not only through supplementation but also through a diet focused on natural, whole-food ingredients like veggies and fruits. Quick Tip: Some of the top food sources of calcium include leafy greens, dairy products, and calcium-fortified treats like cereals and juices. Yum! The Perfect Pair: Calcium and Vitamin D Research has shown that supplementing with both calcium and vitamin D may help to prevent bone loss, as well as help prevent tooth loss. The combination of at-home dental hygiene, routine dental exams, and cleanings, and supplementation might be just what you need to hold onto your chompers as you get older. Here’s what one study proved: older individuals who took 700 IU of vitamin D with 500 mg of calcium every day for three years were 40% less likely to lose one or more of their teeth compared to those who took a placebo. What’s vitamin D got to do with it? It enhances the absorption of calcium by your body. So when you take calcium and vitamin D together, you can help all of your bones, including your jawbone, stay strong, and that could help your teeth remain strong too! Calcium, Osteoporosis, and Tooth Loss: Oh My! Here is another stunning fact: osteoporosis might cause your jawbone to become weak. Once your jawbone, which serves as an anchor for your teeth, becomes too weak, the risk of your teeth becoming loose and falling out increases. And women who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis could be three times more likely to lose their teeth. Scary! No need to feel helpless, though! Once again, it is all about the calcium. A diet deficient in this mineral could boost your risk of getting osteoporosis, so making it a point to get enough calcium might help to prevent problems before they even take hold. Calcium for the win! Pregnant? Help Your Baby Develop Strong Teeth and Bones Even though your baby’s first tooth will wait a few months before making its first appearance, your child’s teeth will actually start to form while still in the womb. So if you are pregnant, you can help ensure your little one gets plenty of nutrients, including calcium, to develop strong bones and teeth. Experts generally recommend a daily intake of 1,000-1,300 mg of calcium, but it is a great idea to speak with your doctor to determine the specific amount that you should be getting (everyone is unique, after all). Then, after your baby is born, you can continue feeding him or her a calcium-rich diet that will keep supporting proper growth and development. So How Much Calcium Should You Aim to Get? Studies have shown that individuals who get more than 800 mg of calcium daily have a reduced risk of developing gum disease, while individuals who consume under 500 mg daily are 54% more likely to end up with gum disease. Wow! Getting enough calcium every day isn’t too hard to achieve with the right combo of diet and supplementation. However, the amount of calcium that your body needs will depend upon your age, as well as any conditions that you have. That’s why talking to your doctor will give you the personalized advice that you need regarding how many milligrams of calcium will be optimal for your overall health, including your dental health. General guidelines when it comes to calcium intake: Older adults will need at least 1,200 mg per day Adults, as well as mothers who are nursing, should aim for 1,000 mg per day Older kids and teens up to the age of 18 will need 1,300 mg per day Kids aged 1 to 8 should get 500-800 mg per day Maintaining Healthy Teeth: More Than Just Brushing and Flossing In the end, brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist for exams and cleanings are just part of the equation for a shiny, strong smile. Eating a balanced diet and taking high-quality calcium supplements are additional steps that you can take to help support the health of your teeth as you age. Sources: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/news/20000927/keep-that-smile-calcium-vitamin-d-prevent-tooth-loss#1   https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/nutrition-and-oral-health/is-milk-good-for-your-teeth https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/pdf/MLP_Winter_2011.pdf https://www.renfrodental.com/how-much-calcium-do-we-actually-need

It’s totally normal to feel anxious when you need to see the dentist. In fact, anxiety in the dentist’s chair is so common that experts have come up with a solution that may be just what you need to feel more at ease, and it’s referred to as sedation dentistry. Below is some information on what sedation dentistry is and who it’s designed for. Perhaps you could benefit from it too! Wanna Be Sedated? Sedation dentistry is also known as “sleep dentistry” because patients are given medications that are designed to put them into a deep state of relaxation. Although patients typically won’t be totally asleep (unless they’re given general anesthesia) and they’ll be able to respond to commands and questions from the dentist, they probably won’t remember the experience. Your level of sedation is also an option, so you and your dentist can decide which would be best for you. Minimal sedation will keep you awake but you will feel relaxed, while moderate sedation might cause you to slur your words and forget the majority of what happened in the dental chair. Deep sedation means you would be slightly conscious, while general anesthesia would put you into a totally unconscious state. It’s important to note that sedation doesn’t negate the need for a local anesthetic that will numb the area of your mouth that the dentist will be working on. Those who have a phobia of needles and shots, however, can rest assured that, under sedation, they likely won’t even remember getting the shots in the first place. Phew! What Is Used to Sedate You? Your dentist has a few tools available to help you relax during your procedure: For minimal sedation, you might be given nitrous oxide, AKA “laughing gas,” to breathe in. This will combine with oxygen and will be delivered to your nose via a mask so that you can relax as your dentist controls the level of sedation. Oral sedation has become a popular option because, depending upon how much medication you take, you can be anywhere from minimally to moderately sedated. You might be given a sedative pill like Halcion to take an hour before your appointment in order to become relaxed and drowsy. If your dentist thinks that you might need more, he may give you another dose. Your dentist can also provide you with a moderate level of sedation through an IV. As the sedative moves into your vein, it’ll get to work quickly, but your dentist will still be able to adjust the amount of sedation that you’re under. For those who get the most anxious at the dentist, or for those receiving intense treatments, general anesthesia will provide deep sedation that can leave you completely asleep throughout the procedure. Who Are the Best Candidates for Sedation Dentistry? Ask yourself these questions to help determine if sedation dentistry would be a good option for you: Do you tremble in fear at the thought of visiting the dentist, especially to undergo a procedure like a filling or a root canal? Have you avoided going to the dentist, and maybe even postponed your appointment, even though your teeth and gums have needed treatment? Do you have a low tolerance for pain, a strong gag reflex, or really sensitive teeth? Do you find it really difficult to sit still while you’re in the dentist’s chair? In the past, have you had a hard time getting numb even after your dentist administered a local anesthetic? Stick with a Dentist Experienced in Sedation Sedation dentistry may come with risks that experts recommend discussing with your dentist. They also recommend only opting for sedation from a dentist who has plenty of experience in this area—especially if you’re going to receive oral sedatives, as your dentist will need to know how much to give you while avoiding an overdose. A trip to the dentist isn’t most people’s idea of a good time. If you get super nervous about dental cleanings, checkups, and treatments, talk to your dentist to find out if he or she provides sedation dentistry. It could be just what you need to overcome your fear and receive the care that your teeth and gums need to stay healthy. Sources: https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna5446489#.WXu2Sa2ZNE4 https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/sedation-dentistry-can-you-really-relax-in-the-dentists-chair#1 https://www.yourdentistryguide.com/sedation/ https://smilemagicdentistry.com/sedation-dentistry/frequently-asked-questions-about-sedation-dentistry/

Updated 1.11.2021 Wisdom teeth: they’re hard to keep clean, they can grow in at an improper angle and require removal, and they aren’t really necessary. What else should you know about these particular teeth? A few quick facts are waiting for you below. Why Are They Called “Wisdom” Teeth? Your wisdom teeth are nothing more than the third molars found on both the upper and lower jaws. They grow in all the way at the back of your mouth and they look like your other molars. So why are they referred to as “wisdom” teeth? Well, it’s for no other reason than the fact that they will typically grow in between the ages of 17 and 21 when you’re supposed to be older and wiser. Would you say that you were wise at that age? What Can You Expect When Your Wisdom Teeth Grow In? Growing up, you lost all of your baby teeth and you watched your permanent teeth grow in. Most of the time, you probably didn’t have any discomfort. But this might not be the case with your wisdom teeth, which could end up causing discomfort as they break through the gum line. Why Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems? Wisdom teeth have certainly earned their bad reputation. For many individuals, the wisdom teeth could be impacted to varying degrees, and they could end up causing pain and other complications. But not everyone will experience problems with their wisdom teeth. For some people, these molars will grow in perfectly fine and straight, and they will serve as an extra set of teeth for chewing. Hold on, though, don’t get too excited. Even individuals who have straight wisdom teeth could experience problems associated with getting to the back of the mouth and keeping those teeth clean, and that might increase the risk of tooth decay. Not good! So what’s the point of wisdom teeth if they have such a high potential of causing problems? Experts believe that these extra teeth were more useful to our ancestors, who had larger jaws that could accommodate the teeth more comfortably, and who could use the extra teeth for chewing foods that were tough and raw. Others believe that the wisdom teeth might have also come in handy when our ancestors’ other teeth would decay and fall out. Thankfully, we have modern dental care to take care of our chompers today! Fun fact: some people will never develop any wisdom teeth, while others may have fewer than four. Perhaps evolution is working on slowly removing them so humans eventually won’t have to deal with them at all anymore? Only time will tell. What Happens When Wisdom Teeth Don’t Grow in Straight? If wisdom teeth don’t grow in straight, there is a higher risk of complications, as these molars might end up adversely affecting nearby teeth. Some of the problems that may occur include nerve damage, jaw damage, damage to the adjacent teeth, and crowding of the teeth. A dental x-ray will be able to tell your dentist how your wisdom teeth could be affecting your other teeth, and whether or not removing the wisdom teeth would be the best choice. What Does It Mean When Wisdom Teeth Are Impacted? Impacted wisdom teeth aren’t able to completely erupt through your gum line. They could be blocked by other teeth, there might not be enough room for them, or they might be stuck in the jawbone. Symptoms that may result from impacted wisdom teeth include severe pain and discomfort, as well as infection and inflammation. Impactions might also increase the risk of damage to nearby teeth, as well as damage to the gums and jaw. Wisdom teeth could push your other teeth out of alignment (so much for the braces you endured for years!), and cysts could form around impacted teeth, damaging the nerves within the jaw and causing sinus congestion, pressure, and pain. Yikes! Here’s a breakdown of the different types of wisdom tooth impactions: Mesioangular Impaction: A mesioangular impaction means that the wisdom tooth is angled forward, facing the front of the mouth. This tooth could potentially end up pushing other teeth out of alignment. Distoangular Impaction: This type of impaction will cause the wisdom tooth to be angled away from the second molar, so it will be tilted towards the back of the mouth. Horizontal Impaction: A horizontal impaction will have the wisdom tooth lying on its side at a 90° angle. Vertical Impaction: When a wisdom tooth is angled correctly but it has not erupted through the gum line appropriately, it is considered a vertical impaction.   What Are Your Wisdom Teeth Up To? The best way to know what your wisdom teeth look like, whether they have erupted completely or they haven’t shown up at all, is by seeing your dentist. He or she will be able to take dental x-rays that will reveal everything you need to know about these molars and whether or not you need to have surgery to remove them. If your wisdom tooth, or teeth, need to be removed, it is highly recommended that you consult with an experienced oral surgeon. The level of difficulty and the risks associated with the surgery will depend upon the type of impaction and the problems that it is causing. There’s no doubt that wisdom teeth can be a pain—literally—but seeing your dentist regularly and keeping an eye on those molars will help ensure you tackle problems at their earliest stages. And, who knows, you might be one of the lucky people who never have any problems with their wisdom teeth! Sources: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/wisdom-teeth-adult#1   https://www.123dentist.com/what-you-should-know-about-wisdom-teeth/   https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/evolution/no-wisdom-teeth.htm https://www.beavertonoralsurgeons.com/blog/general/problem-wisdom-teeth/ https://www.accessdental.com/news/5-facts-you-need-to-know-about-your-wisdom-teeth/ https://www.wisdomdentalemergency.com.au/blog/blogsection/wisdom-teeth-removal/understanding-the-different-types-of-wisdom-tooth-impaction https://www.drchetan.com/types-of-wisdom-teeth-impactions-angulations.html