Spirit Dental Resources

Updated August 2021 Your genes can play a role in how you look and behave, and they can also have an impact on various aspects of your health. You’re probably already familiar with the fact that certain problems can be inherited from your parents, but can genes affect your teeth and gums, in particular? The simple answer is yes! There are certain oral health conditions that might be linked to genetics, but there’s also no reason to feel helpless even if you are predisposed to those ailments. Continue reading to learn about some of the ways that your teeth and gums may be impacted by genetics, and to uncover some of the things you can do to reduce the risk of oral problems. A link between genetics and oral health To try to figure out if genes can play a role in someone’s oral health, researchers conducted a study that looked at the genetic and oral health data of over 500,000 individuals. They wanted to see if there were genes that were associated with periodontitis and cavities.  After analyzing the data, experts found that there are genes associated with increased odds of developing cavities. They even found that genes might have an impact on the quality of a person’s saliva. So, the simple answer is that genetics may affect the health, appearance, and strength of your teeth and gums.  Ask your family if they’ve experienced and treated any oral health problems. What you might discover is that certain ailments do run in your family and, therefore, might be a result of your genes.  What are some oral health problems that might be caused by genetics? Various genetic defects can impact the number of teeth in a person’s mouth, the strength of the enamel, and the shape, color, and size of the teeth.   Some people might be at an increased risk of cavities or gum disease because of their genes. But there are other conditions, such as oral cancer, that might also be related to your genetic makeup.  In addition to health problems, your genes may affect the alignment of your bite, and they might also determine if you’ll end up needing braces to straighten your teeth. Plus, problems like gaps between teeth or overcrowding might be the result of genetics as well.  Pro tip: As a parent, taking your child to the dentist at an early age can help you find and treat issues like malocclusion as soon as possible.  Remember that you do have control! Put simply, some health problems, including those that affect your mouth, might be linked to your genes. But, whether or not you have a genetic predisposition to problems like cavities and gum disease, it’s important to keep in mind that your lifestyle also plays a role in how healthy your mouth is. In other words, try to control what you can to help increase the odds that your teeth and gums will remain healthy.  Remember, unhealthy habits like following a poor quality diet or smoking may boost your risk of oral health issues. And, of course, if you don’t brush and floss daily, your risk of developing dental decay or gum problems will also increase. Seeing the dentist should be on your agenda Another way to be sure you can keep your pearly whites bright and your gums nice and strong: see the dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings!  Your dentist will be able to examine your mouth for the earliest signs of disease so you can receive treatment promptly, and they can also talk to you about genetic factors that may put you at a greater risk of oral problems.   Reluctant to go to the dentist because you can’t afford it? Spirit is here to help! Shop for affordable dental insurance that covers everything from fillings to orthodontics so you don’t have to break the bank to have a perfect smile.        Sources: https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/are-oral-health-issues-genetic.html https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/news-events/nidcr-news/2019/genes-are-key-oral-health-beyond https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/developmental-disabilities/are-oral-health-issues-genetic-10-conditions-to-know

It’s that time of year again; open enrollment is here! That means it’s your chance to shop for the right health insurance plan, especially if you aren’t currently covered or you aren’t happy with your existing coverage for any reason. What should you know about open enrollment in order to make the most of it? Check out the information below to learn the ins and outs. Act Fast! Open enrollment will begin on November 1, 2017, and it will only run until December 15, 2017 (unless you live in a state that has extended the deadline for you). So this year, you don’t have as much time to decide upon the right insurance for yourself and your family. But it’s okay; you got this! Here’s the deal: this is the only time of year during which you can shop for and get health insurance unless you’re able to receive coverage outside of open enrollment because you fall into a category that exempts you from having to wait. For example, a “qualifying life event,” like having a baby, might allow you to enroll in a plan outside of the open enrollment period. So for most people, this is your perfect opportunity to start shopping for the ideal plan. When will your coverage actually kick in, though? As long as you sign up in time, your insurance will be in place on January 1, 2018. Missing that all-important signup deadline may mean that you will have to wait until next year to get coverage during the next open enrollment. And going without coverage means you might even be hit with a penalty at tax time. Yikes! Where to Shop? When it comes to browsing health insurance plans, you could visit Healthcare.gov and check out what is available to you. And you could also use the site to determine if you qualify for financial assistance from the government in order to pay your premium with greater ease every month. Not bad, huh? Another option would be to check out a health insurance provider’s website. You may be able to browse dental individual insurance plans that are available to the public and then simply sign up directly. Other ways to analyze the plans that are available include: working with a health insurance agent who may help guide you in the right direction towards the best coverage at the lowest price or using a service that will help you compare multiple providers and plans in one place. Already Have Coverage? It’s Still a Good Idea to Shop Around Even if you already have health insurance and you like the coverage, it might be a good idea to shop around now that open enrollment is here. Why? Because new plans might be added to your list of options, and you might find one that suits your needs even better. Pricing could also change from one year to the next, so if your existing plan is no longer affordable, the time is now to shop for one that will be easier on your wallet. Also, if you are currently enrolled in a plan through Healthcare.gov and you receive tax credits, updating your income and other household information for 2018 could help you receive the right amount of savings. Bottom line: if you don’t take action now, you may be automatically enrolled in the same plan or a plan that’s similar, for the coming year, even if it no longer suits your health and financial needs. So the best way to stay in control is by taking a bit of time to browse your options and decide upon the coverage that’s just right for you. An Easier Way to Get Dental Insurance In the event that you are unable to find the appropriate dental insurance during the open enrollment, don’t worry! With Spirit Dental, you can apply for coverage at any time throughout the year. And no matter what plan you choose, you can rest assured that your coverage will kick in when your plan becomes active. That’s right: no waiting periods to worry about! So whether you need a routine dental cleaning or a major service, Spirit has your back. It’s so important to have the right health insurance, including dental and vision insurance. Open enrollment is your chance to start planning for the coverage that will give you peace of mind for the coming year. So what are you waiting for? Check out your options before it’s too late! Sources: https://www.insure.com/health-insurance/open-enrollment-for-individual-health-insurance.html https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/health/health-insurance-open-enrollment/ https://www.healthcare.gov/keep-or-change-plan/

Updated July 2021Oh boy, your dentist has told you that you need to have your wisdom tooth—or teeth—removed. First, take a deep breath, and rest assured that this is a common procedure that is performed countless times every day by professionals all over the country. To get you prepared for the operation, here are a few helpful tips on what to do as well as what you can expect throughout the process.First, Ask Lots of QuestionsTo begin preparing for your oral surgery, you should ask plenty of questions (and you probably have a ton of them, right?). Don’t hesitate, don’t be afraid, and don’t be embarrassed to ask these questions, as any good provider will be happy to talk with you to put your mind at ease.You might want to know what the recovery will be like, how many wisdom teeth are being removed, how your teeth will be removed, and how difficult the surgery will be. You might also want to know if there is the possibility that nerve damage will occur as a result of the extractions, and you could also ask for an estimate of how long the procedure will take.Basically, by asking all of these questions, you can get specific answers about your teeth and the procedure that you will be going through. Asking questions is the best way to get all of the facts as you prepare for what’s ahead.Prepping for the Day of the SurgeryThe good thing about wisdom tooth removal is that it’s almost always going to be an outpatient procedure. This means that you will be able to go in for the procedure and then leave once it’s over and you have recovered. That’s good news!Has your dentist told you that he or she will use general anesthesia to remove your wisdom teeth? In the days leading up to the procedure, it will be necessary to get in touch with a friend or family member who will be able to drive you to the oral surgeon and back home. You don’t want to be driving while woozy from the anesthesia!Also, if general anesthesia will be used, there will likely be restrictions set upon what you can eat and when you can eat prior to the procedure. For example, the dentist may tell you that you need to start fasting the night before your appointment, as the anesthesia might make you feel nauseous and cause you to vomit. Be sure to follow these instructions closely.Keep in mind, too, that prescription medications may not be safe to take prior to your surgery, so ask your dentist about what you should do if you take medicine daily for any reason. And even if you take over-the-counter medications that you can get without a prescription, it’s best to ask your dentist about taking them the day of your surgery, just to be sure it’s safe.You might also be given antibiotics prior to and after your procedure, so it’s important to remember to take those according to your dentist’s instructions, as they could help prevent infection.Here’s What You Can ExpectNot all wisdom tooth removals will be the same, as some are more complicated than others, especially if the teeth are impacted or infected.Generally, though, in order to remove a wisdom tooth, the oral surgeon will start by making an incision in your gums in order to properly expose the wisdom tooth. Then he or she will remove bone in order to get to the root and remove the tooth in its entirety.After the extraction is complete, it’s time to clean the area, stitch up the wound, if necessary, and put a piece of gauze over the extraction so that a blood clot can form and bleeding can stop.What About After the Surgery?Your dentist will be able to give you instructions on how to take care of your mouth following the extraction of one or more wisdom teeth. You may be advised to keep your head up and use a cold compress to help reduce swelling—there might be quite a bit of swelling and maybe some bruising.Your dentist will also give you pain medications that you can take, and will likely advise that you get plenty of rest to allow your body to heal. Also, you might not be able to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth for at least a day after the procedure.It’s a good idea to stick with soft foods and liquids, such as lukewarm soup, applesauce, pudding, mashed potatoes, pasta, smoothies, yogurt, and ice cream (yay!) so that you don’t irritate the area where a tooth was removed in the days following the surgery.Try to Remain Calm—We Know It’s Hard!It’s totally normal to feel nervous about having your wisdom teeth removed, but experts recommend getting as much rest as possible the night before your procedure. It might be hard to get some sleep, but resting will help your body and mind remain as alert as possible on the day of your surgery, and it could help prepare your body for healing afterward.Get the Support of a Great Dental InsuranceThe info above will hopefully help when it comes to reducing your fears as you prepare for a wisdom tooth removal. But to ease your mind regarding the financial burden of having this procedure done, consider signing up for a major services dental insurance plan.Once your problematic wisdom teeth are removed successfully, you should start feeling better within a few days if you follow your dentist’s instructions closely. So if your wisdom teeth are causing you problems and your dentist has recommended extraction, view this as a positive step towards having a healthy, pain-free mouth again. If you’re concerned about the cost of wisdom teeth removal click here to get a quote and see how much you can save. Sources:https://www.angieslist.com/articles/preparing-wisdom-teeth-removal.htm  https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/wisdom-tooth-extraction/about/pac-20395268https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/wisdom-teeth/important-healing-tips-when-removing-wisdom-teethhttps://health.usnews.com/health-news/health-wellness/articles/2014/05/23/the-survival-guide-to-getting-your-wisdom-teeth-removed

It’s totally normal to be nervous when you have to see the dentist. Ask around and you’re sure to find that a good percentage of people will tell you that they dread trips to the dentist, and they may even postpone making appointments because they get so anxious. But the truth is that you do need to see your dentist regularly to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy for many years to come. Dental appointments are a part of life, but they don’t need to be terrifying, and you can rest assured that you don’t have to feel anxiety when you go to the dentist. With the tips below, you could overcome your fear and receive the care necessary to maintain that gorgeous smile. Be Upfront If your dentist knows that you’re feeling really anxious about your appointment, he or she will take your feelings into consideration and take some extra steps to help you feel as comfortable and secure as possible. You may even be able to figure out hand signals that you could use during a procedure to let your dentist know that you’re uncomfortable and you need a minute to regroup. So don’t be afraid to share your feelings with the staff, as they will surely understand where you’re coming from, and they’ll be happy to help you feel more at ease. Choose a Calming Dentist Some dentists specialize in working with fearful patients, and they even design their exam rooms to be more serene and relaxing for those who have anxiety. Generally, these dentists might make it a point to ask for your permission prior to continuing with a procedure, and they might also explain what’s happening and what you should expect to feel. Plus, they might even give you the chance to take a break if you need to. Bring a Friend Have no shame whatsoever in taking a trusted friend or family member to the dentist with you, as having a buddy there for support may help ease your fears. Bonus points if you can find someone who isn’t afraid of dentists and who has had their own dental work done in the past, as that person might be able to convince you that it isn’t a big deal after all. Get Zen You could also practice simple breathing exercises that are designed to calm you down. For example, it’s normal to discover that you hold your breath or start to breathe quickly whenever you’re nervous. You might also notice that your breath is shallow when you’re anxious. By focusing on your breath, you could increase oxygen flow throughout your body and decrease those stressful feelings. Try this: breathe into the count of four and breathe out to the count of four in an effort to elongate and deepen the breath and slow it down. Like meditation, breathing techniques like this one may help you find your center, so go ahead and practice them before and during your appointment. Bring Your Favorite Tunes Ask your dentist if you could listen to some music using a pair of headphones while he or she is working on your teeth. Closing your eyes and focusing on the music may help take your mind out of the environment that you’re in and help you relax. Ask About Sedation and Less Invasive Treatments Hey, sometimes we need to be sedated a bit in order to be truly relaxed in the dentist’s chair. And that’s why sedation dentistry exists. You could ask your dentist about what options are available to you, such as an oral sedative, an IV sedative, general anesthesia, or the famous “laughing gas.” Discuss the benefits, as well as the potential risks, for any type of sedation that you’re thinking about using so that you and your dentist can make the wisest and safest choice for your body. Also, consider asking your dentist about less invasive options for treating teeth and gum ailments. For example, air abrasion is a technique that can be used to treat small amounts of tooth decay without having to use the dreaded drill. Woohoo! And another drill-free and an anesthesia-free option for small cavities and white stains could be resin infiltration. If your dental problems are minor enough, these conservative—and far less scary—approaches might be right for you. Sounds fantastic, right?   Give Yourself a Reward Yes, that’s correct: reward yourself for going to the dentist. If it works on kids, it can work on you too, right? So is there a designer bag that you’ve been eyeing up? Or have you been thinking about splurging on some new clothes or maybe something special for your home? Reward yourself with whatever it is that you want after you successfully go to the dentist and get through your appointment. You might be surprised by how motivated you become when you know that there’s a reward to enjoy in the end. Is Nothing Working? So let’s say you’ve tried all of the tips above but you’re still shaking at the thought of having to go to the dentist, and you’re even considering living with the pain of a decaying tooth because you’d rather not get in that dental chair. In this case, it may be best to see a psychologist. These professionals could help you find new ways of facing, and ultimately overcoming, your fears of the dentist for good. Remember: It Might Not Be as Bad as You Think! Many people who have dental phobias find that the experience turns out to be less painful and less intense than they imagined that it would be. Finding the right dentist who could help you work through your fear is definitely the first step, as he or she will know what to do to calm you down and make you feel more in control. Like anything else in life, facing your fears at the dentist’s office is the best way to tackle your anxiety and come out stronger. Hopefully, the tips above will help you do just that! Sources: https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/anxiety_visit.html   https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/dont-fear-the-dentist#1 https://www.kyrenefamilydentistry.com/blog/10-tips-overcoming-dental-fear/ https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/air-abrasion#1 https://www.dentalproductsreport.com/view/new-cavity-treatment-could-replace-drilling-and-filling

Everyone loves a big, bright, white smile. And everyone can have a brilliant smile, thanks to the many whitening products and treatments that are on the market today. But what’s better: your typical over-the-counter whitening strips, or the professional whitening treatment that your dentist offers? We break down the pros and cons of each of these popular options below so that you can make the right choice for your teeth. Whitening at Home with Strips Whitening strips give you the ability to brighten your teeth in the comfort of home, and they’re also much more affordable than professional whitening treatments. Here are a few things to consider if you’re thinking about taking this route towards a brighter smile: Whitening strips typically use carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide to whiten your chompers. Once the strips are applied, the whitening gel will press against your teeth so that the peroxide can effectively penetrate and remove stains. It will take, on average, about a week before you start to see the results of whitening strips, although advanced products claim that you might notice a difference after just one use. How long you need to use the strips will depend upon the product that you’re using and the results that you’re hoping to attain. And, of course, your results will also depend upon just how badly stained your teeth are, to begin with. Whitening strips might not be able to give you even results. This is because the strips may not be placed exactly the same way each time you use them, and they may not cover every spot on every tooth perfectly. How long will the results last? Well, if you take care of your teeth and use a whitening toothpaste daily while also limiting the foods and drinks that can cause stains, your results might last anywhere from six months to a full year. Not bad. Not bad at all. Another great thing about whitening strips is the fact that they’re easy to use. They’re pretty much foolproof because all you have to do is use one strip on your top teeth and another on your bottom teeth. When it’s time to take them off, they come off easily, and you’re done! Really simple overall. When it comes to side effects, you might use whitening strips without any consequences. However, some people find that, after prolonged use, the teeth start to become increasingly sensitive. This side effect could be worse if you already have sensitive teeth before you even start whitening. If this occurs, though, stopping the use of the strips for a few days should make the discomfort go away. However, in addition to tooth sensitivity, the ingredients in whitening strips might irritate the gums. Experts recommend avoiding contact between the strip and your gums, but this is really hard to do. Plus, excessive use of whitening strips could even cause your tooth enamel to erode, and you may become more prone to tooth decay. Yikes! This is why it’s important to use these products as directed. Leaving It Up to Your Dentist with Professional Treatments If you’re hoping for dramatic results, whitening strips may not give you what you’re looking for. Instead, you might need to go to your dentist to have your teeth whitened professionally. But there are still a few things to consider before opting for a professional whitening service: First, you may want to consider the cost. Compared to whitening strips that you can buy in-store and online, a professional procedure will be much more expensive. We’re talking hundreds of dollars for a professional treatment versus just a few dollars for at-home strips. If you’re aiming to make your teeth several shades whiter after just one treatment, this is the way to go. Your dentist will have access to a more powerful bleaching gel that works faster than the low-dose bleaching agents that are found in whitening strips that you use at home. As you probably already guessed, a professional whitening treatment could also cause irritation of the gums, as well as tooth sensitivity. After all, if at-home products could do it, then more powerful treatments could do it too. So if you already have sensitive teeth, your dentist may not recommend professional treatment. During what’s referred to as chairside bleaching, your dentist will use a rubber shield or a special gel in order to protect your gums as best as possible. Then he or she will apply the whitening solution to your teeth. You’ll wait a few minutes, and you might get the results that you want after a single session. In addition to applying the whitening solution to your teeth, your dentist may also use a special light or laser in order to brighten your smile even more quickly. A typical treatment will take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. Quick and painless! Although you could get awesome results after one professional whitening treatment, depending upon your expectations, you might need to receive the treatment more than once after all. And results aren’t permanent either. After a year, it’s likely that you’ll start to notice staining again. Bummer. Before You Whiten… The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you have your teeth and gums examined prior to having your teeth whitened, whether you’re thinking about whitening at home or in the dentist’s chair. Your dentist can make sure that your chompers are healthy enough for a bleaching treatment, and he or she will also be able to determine which options would reduce or remove the staining best. Just remember: although an occasional whitening treatment is a great way to boost the brilliance of your smile, brushing with whitening toothpaste, flossing, and going for dental cleanings regularly will help you maintain beautiful, healthy teeth for the long run. After all, a healthy smile is just as important as a white smile! Sources: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/teeth-whitening/are-teeth-whitening-strips-your-best-option   https://www.dynamicdentalinc.com/blog/what-you-should-know-before-using-teeth-whitening-strips https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/teeth-whitening/professional-teeth-whitening-cost https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/whitening https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/teeth-whitening-and-bleaching#1 https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/teeth-whitening/how-to-whiten-teeth

Updated Jan. 22 Dentures are a great option if you need to replace missing teeth. When fitted properly, they’ll be comfortable and allow you to enjoy your favorite foods. But once you get your dentures, it’s up to you to take steps daily to keep them as clean as possible. Doing so can help prevent problems like irritation, infections, and gum disease.   The good news is denture care isn’t complicated. And once you get the hang of things, cleaning your dentures will become a part of your routine. Then, when you see your dentist for a checkup, they’ll be impressed with the awesome job you did keeping your mouth healthy and your dentures in good shape! How to care for dentures: a basic guide If you have partial dentures, you’ll need to take care of your dentures and natural teeth. So, after removing your dentures before heading to bed, you can brush and floss your natural teeth. Then, you can work on cleaning your dentures. Simple enough!     What if you have full dentures? Well, the steps are the same, but you obviously won’t need to brush and floss your teeth. Before heading to bed each night, be sure to remove the dentures and clean them thoroughly.   How to clean partial dentures and full dentures Knowing how to clean dentures properly is ultra-important, and your dentist can help you figure it all out, even if you have no clue where to begin.  To get a general idea of what to expect when it comes to keeping dentures clean, check out the brief guide below on how to care for partial dentures and full dentures.  1.) After removing your dentures, rinse them with cool water. You could fill a sink with water or place a folded towel in the sink, as doing so may help prevent damage to your dentures if you accidentally drop them.  2.) With a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for dentures, brush them gently to remove plaque and food particles that stuck to them. 3.) Soak your dentures in a solution that’s designed to clean them, following the directions closely. Talk to your dentist about which cleaner is ideal for the type of dentures you wear. Alternatively, you might just need to soak them in water. Leave the dentures in the solution overnight to cleanse them and keep them moist until you put them back in your mouth the next morning. 4.) If you wear partial dentures, brush your teeth, gums, tongue, cheeks, and palate, and floss to clean between the teeth. On the other hand, if you wear full dentures, gently brush your gums, tongue, cheeks, and palate. Taking the time to do this twice a day—in the morning and before bed—can help keep your whole mouth fresh and healthy.  5.) To freshen your mouth even more and take an additional step to remove bacteria, you can rinse with salt water or an antiseptic mouthwash. Your dentist can help you select the right mouthwash for your needs if you aren’t sure which one is best. 6.) Every morning, brush your gums, tongue, palate, and teeth again. Then, rinse the dentures carefully and completely after removing them from the cleaning solution so you can safely place them in your mouth for the day ahead.  Tip #1: In addition to giving your dentures a thorough cleaning each night, it’s a good idea to rinse them with water after you eat.  Tip #2: If you use denture adhesive, take care to remove it completely from your dentures and gums each night.  Don’t neglect proper gum care after dentures People with dentures shouldn’t only focus on keeping the dentures themselves clean. You also need to take care of any remaining natural teeth and, of course, your gums. After all, without healthy gums, you can’t have a healthy mouth! You can clean the gums with a soft toothbrush or some gauze. Let them breathe while your dentures are soaking overnight. This helps reduce the risk of problems like irritated, red, or sore gums.   What to avoid after getting dentures We can’t stress this enough: your dentist can give you personalized guidance when you get dentures. Generally, however, there are some things you should avoid.  Be careful about the products you use to clean dentures. Products that are too abrasive are a big no-no because they may cause damage. Using toothpaste, whitening products, or household cleaners isn’t a good idea. Even using water that’s too hot might cause warping. So, stick with cleaning solutions recommended by your dentist and designed for the dentures you wear.   Also, even though you might be tempted to leave your dentures in your mouth overnight, it isn’t wise. Taking them out of your mouth gives your gums a chance to rest after being covered all day.   You still need to see the dentist, even with dentures You might think that, because you have dentures, you no longer need to worry so much about seeing a dentist regularly. But the opposite is true.   Whether you have partial or full dentures, it’s still necessary to see your dentist so they can examine your mouth and look for signs of disease. Plus, your dentist can professionally clean the dentures and check them to be sure they’re still in good condition. If your dentures are no longer fitting comfortably or you need to replace them because they’re old or broken, your dentist will provide the appropriate solution.  With the right dental insurance, you won’t need to worry about expensive appointments to keep your dentures and mouth clean and healthy. Spirit Dental offers plans that can help cover the cost of checkups, cleanings, and dentures so you won’t have to break the bank to restore your smile.       Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/denture-care/expert-answers/faq-20058375 https://familydentistottawa.com/important-dos-donts-denture-care/ https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/oral-health/caring-for-your-mouth-and-gums-with-dentures https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/common-denture-problems https://www.dentureliving.com/en-us/advice-tips/living-with-dentures/pain-irritation/denture-pain-sores