Spirit Dental Resources

Your vision is so very important, so taking care of your eyes as you get older should definitely be part of your wellness routine. But what steps can you take to keep your eyes healthy?  It Starts with Seeing an Eye Doctor on a Regular Basis Whether or not you’re experiencing symptoms or having issues with your vision, it’s a great idea to see an eye doctor on a regular basis, such as annually. He or she will have special tools and instruments that can look at the interior structures of your eyes, such as your retinas, to be sure everything is healthy. These exams can also spot eye problems in their earliest stages so you can treat them right away.   Take Steps Daily to Protect Your Peepers In addition to being examined by a pro, there are steps you can take every day to maintain the health of your eyes, such as: Eat right and take supplements – Foods that are high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats are considered beneficial to the eyes. Consider decreasing your intake of unhealthy foods, such as those that are high in saturated fat, and reduce your consumption of alcohol as well. You can also talk to your eye doctor about taking a high-quality supplement that contains nutrients known for supporting the eyes (such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which help protect the eyes from blue light). Get plenty of exercise – Leading an active lifestyle that includes exercise isn’t only important for your overall health, it’s also great for your eye health. That’s because working out can help improve circulation that delivers oxygen to the eyes and helps eliminate toxins. Wear sunglasses and other protective eyewear – You don’t have to stare directly at the sun to damage your eyes. The sun’s UV rays are capable of doing harm. In fact, your risk of conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts might increase if you don’t protect your peepers with high-quality sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. And don’t forget to wear safety glasses when you’re playing sports or working in an environment where you’ll be exposed to materials that can get into your eyes.  Protect your eyes from blue light – Devices like your smartphone and computer give off blue light that can be harmful to the eyes, and staring at screens for too long can cause eyestrain. Consider taking frequent breaks to look at something in the distance for a bit (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds). You can also try minimizing glare, wearing glasses that filter blue light, and blinking frequently. Plus, it’s wise to keep the top of your computer screen slightly below eye level, and at least 20-24” away from your face. Ditch the cigarettes – Here’s yet another solid reason to finally quit smoking: this unhealthy habit can raise the risk of eye problems like optic nerve damage, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Yikes! Get enough rest – A lack of good quality sleep can take its toll on your eyes. Who knew?! If you’ve developed symptoms like dry eye or eyestrain, it might be because they aren’t getting the rest they need. By simply getting more hours of sleep, you might notice that your eyes feel better during the day.  Take care of your eyes if you wear contacts – If you wear contacts, talk to your eye doctor about the best ways to take care of them so you can avoid complications. For example, taking them out before going to sleep is wise, as is making sure you store them in a clean case.   Worried About the Cost of Eye Care? Spirit Can Help! In addition to dental insurance, you can also get vision insurance from Spirit. That way, you can rest assured that you’ll be covered when you need to see the eye doctor for an exam or a new prescription for glasses and contacts. With the right plan, you won’t have to worry about missing out on the care you need to keep your eyes healthy, no matter your age.     Sources: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/healthy-vision/keep-your-eyes-healthy https://www.bausch.com/vision-and-age/20s-and-30s-eyes/healthy-eyes https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/good-eyesight#1 https://visionsource.com/blog/sleep-and-eye-health/    

Taking care of your teeth and gums at home is the first step in maintaining your oral health. Of course, you’ll need to see your dentist for checkups and professional cleanings too, but if you have the right tools at home, your dentist is sure to be impressed with how great your pearly whites look. What goes into an oral health toolkit? We break it all down for you below. For Brushing: A Toothbrush and Toothpaste You know that you need to brush at least twice a day, right? But did you know that using the right toothbrush makes a huge difference? Experts recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush that will effectively remove plaque while being gentle on the gums. An electric toothbrush can make it easier to thoroughly clean your teeth and along the gumline. And it’s a good option for those who have conditions like arthritis that make it difficult to use a manual toothbrush. It’s a great idea to replace your toothbrush every three months, or even sooner if the bristles become worn more quickly. When it comes to toothpaste: It’s best to get one that contains fluoride to help keep your enamel strong and keep cavities at bay. There are also toothpastes that are made for individuals with sensitive teeth, so you can look into those as well if you want to reduce sensitivity. When it comes to whitening toothpastes, choose wisely, as some might be too abrasive and do more harm than good to your enamel. For Cleaning Between Teeth: Flossers Food particles can easily get stuck between teeth, and brushing can miss plaque that’s between your chompers. That’s why flossing at least once every day is so important. If you’re under the impression that string floss is your only option when it comes to cleaning between teeth, think again! You can choose from string floss that’s unwaxed or waxed. And if your teeth have tighter spaces between them, you can opt for thinner string floss or flossing tape. Flossettes have convenient handles so you don’t need to hold the string between your fingers. These can also make it easier to reach back teeth. Dental picks and interdental brushes are another option for getting between the teeth effectively. Electronic water flossers, like the well-known products by Waterpik, can help clean between your teeth without needing to use traditional flossing products. For Extra Protection and to Freshen Breath: Mouthwash Rinsing your mouth with some mouthwash is another step you can take at home to clean your entire mouth, kill bacteria, and prevent problems like tooth decay and gum disease. There are different types of mouthwash available, so you can choose the one that’s ideal for your needs. Here are some examples: Mouthwash that contains fluoride may help protect against cavities. Therapeutic mouthwashes may help if you suffer from conditions like dry mouth or canker sores. Some also contain ingredients to support gum health. You can find cosmetic mouthwashes that help whiten teeth, as well as those that help freshen your breath. For Getting Rid of Even More Bacteria: A Tongue Scraper When you brush your teeth, it’s also a great idea to scrape your tongue to get rid of bacteria that linger there, and to help tackle bad breath too. Sure, you can use your toothbrush to clean your tongue, but a tongue scraper is specifically designed to clean this area of your mouth, so it will be able to do a better job. For Keeping Your Smile Bright: Teeth Whiteners To keep your teeth as white as possible, you can use whitening products at home that help remove stains. Whitening strips are a classic example, but there are also gels and trays that you can find in stores as well. Although these won’t be as powerful as a professional whitening treatment, they can certainly be helpful. Your Dentist Will Take Care of the Rest! Practicing good oral hygiene every day at home is necessary. Thankfully, there are a variety of products available, from electric toothbrushes to water flossers, that can help make the task as simple as possible. Just remember that, even if you’re using top quality dental care products, they can’t replace what your dentist and dental hygienist can do, so consider signing up for an insurance that can help you save money when it’s time to receive professional care. Sources: https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/dental-health-guide/tools-for-better-smile/ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20045536 https://ormondperio.com/blog/5-top-dental-hygiene-tools-to-use-at-home https://kirklandteeth.com/general-dentistry/at-home-dental-care-tools/ https://www.pchsweb.org/5-important-tools-for-good-dental-care/ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/does-tongue-scraping-actually-work-and-should-i-be-doing-it/

You know that medications can come with side effects, but a lot of people don’t realize that there are some medications that can affect your oral health, in particular. Here’s a brief look at how the medicine you take to combat one condition might end up causing another problem involving your teeth and gums. The Potential Oral Side Effects of Medications Dry mouth Certain over-the-counter and prescription medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, painkillers, decongestants, muscle relaxants, and blood pressure medications, may cause dry mouth by reducing the amount of saliva that your body produces. And, once dry mouth takes hold, it isn’t just uncomfortable; it can also lead to other problems, such as infection, tooth decay, and inflammation of soft tissues within your mouth. Tooth Decay Beware of medications that contain sugar, such as those that come in the form of a liquid, as they might boost the risk of tooth decay. When you take medicine that’s sweet and sticky, such as cough syrup, it’s wise to rinse your mouth with water after taking your dose. But keep in mind, too, that sugar might also be an ingredient in antacid tablets and cough drops, so it’s wise to opt for sugar-free options when they’re available. Overgrowth of gum tissue Gingival hyperplasia, or gum tissue that becomes enlarged or overgrown, may be caused by medications like calcium channel blockers, immunosuppressant drugs, and antiseizure medicine. Because keeping your gums healthy is a necessary step in keeping your teeth healthy, if you experience this side effect, talk to your doctor and your dentist about how to relieve it. Soft tissue ailments Various soft tissue problems, such as discoloration, inflammation, or sores, might occur when you’re taking certain medications, such as those that are immunosuppressive or those that are used to control your blood pressure. Even oral contraceptives might cause this uncomfortable side effect. Changes in taste If you start experiencing a metallic or bitter taste in your mouth, it might be the result of a medication that you’re taking. And some medicines might even impact your ability to taste the foods and drinks that you enjoy. Culprits include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (also known as NSAIDs), central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, cardiovascular agents, and respiratory inhalants. Abnormal bleeding If you are taking anticoagulants, such as warfarin, or you take aspirin, you might be susceptible to abnormal bleeding in the mouth, particularly during periodontal treatment or oral surgery. That’s because these medicines can reduce blood clotting. Letting your dentist know that you take these products prior to undergoing a procedure is important to avoid potential complications. Your Dentist Should Know About the Medications You Take The good news is that these types of side effects will typically go away if you stop taking the medicine that’s causing them, so consider talking to your doctor to find out if there are alternative treatment options that won’t result in the same oral health issues. Also, whether you take over-the-counter medications, prescriptions, or supplements of any kind, it’s always a good idea to let your dentist know about them. And if you are going to be receiving treatment for a serious condition, such as cancer, be sure to share that information as well. That way, your dentist will know what procedures are safe to perform on you, and he or she can give you tips on how to preserve your oral health, as well as prevent or reduce the occurrence of side effects. Sources: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/dry-mouth/prescription-medications-and-dry-mouth https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/m/medications-and-oral-health https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/patient_51.pdf?la=en

Have you heard of dental sealants? If you haven’t, it’s definitely worth becoming familiar with this treatment option, which might help you avoid the dreaded dentist’s drill. What are dental sealants, and how do they work? Who would be a good candidate for a sealant, and are they really effective? We’ve got you covered with some helpful information below. What Is a Dental Sealant? A sealant is basically a plastic coating that your dentist can paint onto your teeth, in a thin layer, to help prevent decay. It might be clear, slightly tinted, or white in color, but you likely won’t even be able to see it. What’s the purpose of a sealant? Well, it is used to protect the chewing surfaces of the teeth, especially the chompers in the back of the mouth, as those areas tend to be more susceptible to cavities, even if you brush and floss every day. How Does a Dental Sealant Work? The great thing about a sealant is that it can get into the various nooks and crannies of your teeth. Because your premolars and molars, in particular, have uneven and rough chewing surfaces, it can be easy for food particles to get stuck in there. Acid-producing bacteria might also be able to hide and thrive in those little spaces, evading your toothbrush even if you brush consistently. Sealants work by bonding to the surface of teeth quickly and creating a sort of shield to further protect the enamel from plaque, bacteria, and acid that can wreak havoc. Therefore, your dentist might recommend a sealant to help prevent cavities in the first place or to try to halt decay from progressing while it’s still in an early stage. How Effective Are Dental Sealants? Experts have found that sealants may help lower the risk of tooth decay in molars by 80% for two years and by 50% for up to four years. That’s impressive! But it doesn’t even stop there. In school-age kids, those who haven’t had sealants applied to their teeth develop nearly three times more cavities compared to kids that have had sealants applied to their chompers. In other words, sealants might be an effective way to prevent tooth decay in children, teens, and adults. And, sometimes, a sealant might be recommended for children who still have their baby teeth! But, wait, how long does a sealant last? Well, it might last almost a decade! Pretty awesome, right? However, you do need to see your dentist regularly to ensure the sealant isn’t wearing away or chipping, and to check that the sealant hasn’t fallen off. Don’t worry: if there are any problems with a sealant, it can easily be reapplied. What to Expect When Getting a Dental Sealant More good news: dental sealants are painless, and the process for applying them is super simple and takes mere minutes. A dental hygienist or your dentist will start by cleaning and drying the teeth that will be sealed. Then, they’ll apply an acid solution to the chewing surfaces of the teeth (this will allow the sealant to bond to each tooth effectively) before rinsing and drying the teeth again. Finally, the sealant is painted on and allowed to harden, sometimes with the help of a special light. Think Dental Sealants Might Be Right for You? Talk to your dentist about sealants and their pros and cons. You might be the ideal candidate for this treatment, which can help you rest assured that you’re doing everything you can to keep cavities at bay. And, with the right dental insurance, you might even be able to save money when opting to have a sealant applied to your teeth or to your child’s teeth. Then, it’s just a matter of brushing and flossing daily at home, and making appointments for checkups and cleanings on a regular basis. Sources: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-sealants https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/dental_sealant_program/sealants-FAQ.htm https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sealants https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/sealants/dental-sealants

It’s time for your baby’s first trip to the dentist! This can be both exciting and a little scary, especially since it will be a totally new experience for your little one, who might feel uneasy about being in a strange place with a dentist he or she has never met. However, there are steps you can take to prepare and to ensure everything will go smoothly. To see what we mean, check out our tips below. When Should Your Baby See the Dentist for the First Time? A commonly asked question is: when should I take my baby to the dentist for the first time? Well, experts recommend that you make an appointment within six months when you notice your little one’s first tooth grow in, or at least before your child’s first birthday rolls around. That’s because even those tiny little teeth can develop cavities! Is your child over a year old but hasn’t seen the dentist yet? No worries! Just make an appointment ASAP to gain some valuable insight into keeping your baby’s teeth and gums clean and strong, and to get your child accustomed to being in the dentist’s chair. Start by Choosing the Right Dentist for Your Baby Should you take your baby to your regular dentist, or should you look for a pediatric dentist? It’s really up to you and how you feel about your family dentist. However, it might be a great idea to research pediatric dentists in your area who are known for being gentle, patient, and compassionate towards children. A pediatric dentist will have more training and experience in examining and treating children, which is definitely a plus. Also, the office and exam room will be decorated and set up in a more kid-friendly way than a regular practice, making it more welcoming and less intimidating to a little boy or girl. And the entire staff will know how to interact with children of all ages to make them feel relaxed and comfortable. Tip: Once you’ve found some options, ask them if you can come by for a tour, during which you and your baby can see the exam room and meet some of the staff. This can help you decide if it’s really the right fit. New Experiences: Preparing for Your Baby’s Trip to the Dentist Going to the dentist for the very first time might cause some anxiety and fear. Again, visiting the dentist for a tour of the office before the actual appointment might be helpful, but you can also take other steps to help your baby feel at ease from start to finish. Maintain a positive attitude throughout the process of getting your child ready for the appointment so your baby can feel as relaxed and content as possible. You can even bring your baby’s favorite toy or blanket to provide extra comfort. And, if your child gets frustrated during the exam, simply work with the dentist to calm your son or daughter down without getting impatient. It’s a good idea to avoid scheduling an appointment when your baby would normally be napping. And it’s also smart to make sure your baby has eaten prior to the appointment. The last thing you want is to take a tired, hungry, and cranky child to the dentist! Another way to make it easier on yourself is by asking the office for all of the patient forms in advance. Fill them out at home and then simply hand them in when you arrive. You might even be able to fill them out online and email them back, which could help make things even simpler. Have questions for your dentist about your baby’s teeth and gums, teething, or the use of a pacifier? Maybe you want to know how to prevent bottle rot, or you need some pointers on how to properly brush your baby’s chompers. You might forget some of these important questions while you’re at the appointment, so consider writing everything down beforehand. What Can You Expect at the Appointment? The good news is that, oftentimes, a baby’s first trip to the dentist will be a short and easy one. It can serve as an opportunity to have the dentist meet you and your baby, and to give you guidance and tips. In addition to getting to know one another in a friendly and calm atmosphere, the dentist will also take some time to check your baby’s mouth. You might be able to hold your child during the entire examination so your baby can feel safe while the dentist checks the jaw, gums, teeth, and bite for any problems that need to be addressed. Save Money with the Right Dental Insurance for Kids! Overall, your baby’s first dental appointment doesn’t have to be a terrifying and stressful experience for anyone. With proper planning, and with the right dental insurance for kids, you can take all of the steps necessary to keep your little one’s teeth and gums in tip-top shape as he or she grows. Sources: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids/first-dental-visit https://www.sbsmiles.com/5-tips-your-childs-first-dental-visit/ https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/childs-first-dental-visit#1 https://www.wcdentalarts.com/how-to-prepare-for-your-childs-first-trip-to-the-dentist/

Medicare: it can provide great health insurance, but it can also be confusing to figure it all out, especially if you’re turning 65 and you’ll be applying for it for the first time. To help clear things up, here’s some information on what Medicare coverage provides, along with some info on the extra coverage options that are available, and why they are available. With a better understanding of what you’re actually going to be getting through Medicare, you can make a smarter decision when it comes to purchasing supplemental plans that you think you’ll need. Medicare Coverage: The Basics When you start getting to know Medicare better, you’ll notice that there are different versions, referred to as “parts.” Part A is hospital insurance. This means it will cover inpatient hospital stays, care you receive in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care. Part B is medical insurance. This will cover certain doctors’ services, along with medical supplies, preventive services, and outpatient care. Part D is prescription drug coverage. You can add this coverage to your Medicare plan if you want. But you need to get these plans from insurance companies and private companies that have Medicare approval. But, wait, what about Part C? Part C is referred to as Medicare Advantage. You’ve probably heard of it. This is an alternative option to Original Medicare, as it’s an all-in-one solution that bundles Parts A and B. Part D is usually included as well, so you can get prescription drug coverage too. As you can see, if you don’t have Medicare Part C (even if you have both Parts A and B), you’re going to have some gaps in coverage. Scary when you’re a senior who might need to see the doctor more often! And Dental Coverage? Is It Part of Medicare? One thing you might have observed while reading through the info on Medicare above is that dental and vision aren’t mentioned. Unfortunately, Original Medicare doesn’t cover most dental care, and it doesn’t cover dentures or eye exams related to prescription glasses. Part A might step in and help if you need to receive dental care in a hospital or during an emergency, but the dental care itself might not be covered. Yeah, it’s complicated. To get those extra levels of coverage, you’d need to get a Medicare Advantage Plan. With this type of plan, you would be able to receive coverage for dental, vision, hearing, and prescriptions. But with this extra coverage also comes an extra monthly premium, so that’s something to consider for your budget. And there might be limitations to think about as well. For example, dental benefits may only cover things like exams, cleanings, and bitewing X-rays, leaving you with the financial burden of more expensive treatments. Side note: It’s also worth mentioning that, if a service isn’t deemed medically necessary by Medicare, you’ll likely need to pay for it yourself. And that can get expensive! A Wise Alternative Option for Seniors: Stand-Alone Dental Insurance When Medicare falls short, don’t fret. You still have other options! Signing up for a stand-alone dental or vision insurance plan, like those offered by Spirit, can put you in control and give you more choices. Let’s face it: seniors have a lot to think about when it comes to their oral health. The risk for problems like cavities and gum disease, as well as mouth cancer, increases with age. You might end up needing expensive procedures like root canals or extractions, and you may decide to get dentures, bridges, or implants. This all adds up, but the right insurance can help you rest easy, knowing that the costs are covered and you don’t have to break the bank to maintain a healthy mouth and beautiful smile. Here are a few things you can expect from Spirit’s senior dental insurance: No waiting period dental insurance means you can start getting treatment right away Coverage for dental implants and major services means you can undergo expensive procedures more affordably Three cleanings per year means you can see your dental hygienist more often to keep your teeth and gums sparkling clean A high annual maximum means you can receive more care throughout the year without worrying about having to pay for it yourself Guaranteed acceptance means you don’t have to worry about a thing Don’t Let Medicare Hold You Back! While Medicare has its perks, it can be lacking when it comes to covering important dental care for seniors. Remember, your oral health can impact your overall health, and certain medical conditions can put your teeth and gums at risk as well. So, having a comprehensive dental plan that will allow you to see the dentist you want and receive high-quality treatments is definitely a step that every senior should consider taking. Sources: https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/your-medicare-coverage-choices/whats-medicare https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/whats-not-covered-by-part-a-part-b https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/what-medicare-health-plans-cover/medicare-advantage-plans-cover-all-medicare-services https://www.healthmarkets.com/resources/medicare/dental-coverage-for-seniors-over-65/ https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/dental-services https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/10116-Your-Medicare-Benefits.pdf