Spirit Dental Blog

If you’ve ever had a canker sore, you know how annoying and painful they can be. But what exactly are they, what causes them, and are there any ways to prevent them? Keep reading to learn all about this common oral health ailment.  What Are Canker Sores? Canker sores are ulcers or lesions that are described as shallow, small, and oval or round. In terms of their color, they’ll typically be white, yellow, or gray, and there’s also some redness surrounding the sore.  These sores develop in the mouth, such as on the inside of the lips or cheeks, at the base of the gums, on the soft palate, and on the tongue. The good news is these sores aren’t contagious, and they generally heal on their own. But while you have them, they can be painful to the point that you have trouble talking or chewing.  Note: Minor canker sores are often small and may heal in a week or two, while major canker sores are bigger and may take several weeks to heal.   What Causes a Canker Sore? Experts aren’t really sure what causes canker sores, but certain things might trigger their development. Here are some examples: Stress Hormonal changes Mouth injury (this might be caused by brushing too hard or by accidentally biting the inside of your cheek, as a couple examples) Acidic or spicy foods, or any foods that you’re sensitive to A lack of adequate zinc, iron, folate, or vitamin B12 Irritation caused by sodium lauryl sulfate, an ingredient commonly found in toothpaste and mouthwash Irritation caused by braces, dentures, or other dental appliances Other interesting things to keep in mind about canker sores: If people in your family get canker sores often, you might too.  Certain conditions, such as IBD and celiac disease, might cause canker sores.  These sores aren’t caused by the herpes virus.  How Can You Treat a Canker Sore? Though they can cause quite a bit of discomfort, you don’t necessarily need to do anything to treat a canker sore, as it usually goes away on its own.  However, if you want to get some relief, you can try over-the-counter products like Orajel. You can also consult your doctor or dentist to discuss options like prescription mouthwashes if you have a large canker sore that’s causing a lot of pain.     In addition to avoiding triggers like acidic foods and beverages that could make the discomfort worse, you can also try rinsing your mouth with a mixture of water and baking soda or water and hydrogen peroxide. And it’s also wise to brush your teeth as gently as possible to avoid further irritation.    Note: If your symptoms are severe, your sore is really big or isn’t healing, you have a lot of sores that keep coming back, or you have other symptoms (e.g. fever), it’s best to talk to your doctor to figure out how to tackle the problem.  Can You Prevent Canker Sores? Here are some simple steps you can take to help prevent the occurrence of unpleasant canker sores: To avoid irritating your mouth, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to thoroughly and gently clean your teeth. And don’t forget to brush and floss daily! Because chewing on gum might cause irritation, avoiding it may be helpful when it comes to preventing canker sores. Test things out to see if you can figure out your triggers. Do you tend to get canker sores after eating a lot of spicy food? Or, you might try switching to products that don’t contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) to see if that’s the irritant you need to avoid. Eat a balanced diet, and take supplements if necessary, to ensure you aren’t deficient in any key nutrients. And practice stress-relieving techniques to keep your mind in a balanced and positive state as well.  Can a Dentist Help If You Have Canker Sores? Yes! Your dentist might be able to give you valuable tips about what to do to treat and prevent canker sores. Also, if your canker sores are caused by a dental appliance that needs to be adjusted, or by one or more teeth that have sharp surfaces, your dentist can fix those problems for you. Just more great reasons to have a high-quality dental plan in place! So, to summarize: you generally don’t need to be too worried about canker sores, but don’t hesitate to see your dentist if they’re causing a lot of pain or aren’t healing properly.  Sources: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10945-canker-sores https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/mouth-sores-and-infections/how-to-prevent-canker-sores https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/canker-sore/symptoms-causes/syc-20370615 https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/how-to-get-rid-of-canker-sores#alum-powder

What you eat affects your entire body, from your head to your toes. So it should come as no surprise that incorporating the right foods into your daily diet can be beneficial when it comes to maintaining your eyes and vision as you get older. What are some of the best foods for eye health? We’ve compiled a list of nutritious, tasty options that are easy to add to meals when cooking at home. And these can make great snacks when you’re hungry in between meals, too. Foods That Are High in Vitamins A, C, and E Consuming foods that are high in vitamins A, C, and E can be good for your eyes because these antioxidants help fight free radicals. The inner structures of the eyes, such as the retina and macula, can be damaged by free radicals, so getting enough antioxidants is a smart strategy when you want to keep your eyes strong and avoid problems like macular degeneration and cataracts.   Plus, these vitamins are also good for your eyes in other ways. They can help maintain the right balance of moisture, support the health of your cells and blood vessels, and help you see clearly. Be sure to fill your grocery cart with colorful fruits and veggies! Here are some examples of foods that are rich in vitamin A: Carrots Sweet potatoes Apricots Mangos Cantaloupe Here are some examples of foods that are rich in vitamins C: Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and tangerines Bell peppers Cauliflower Strawberries Bok choy Peaches Papayas Tomatoes Brussels sprouts Leafy greens, such as collard greens, spinach, and kale Broccoli Here are some examples of foods that are rich in vitamins E: Sunflower seeds Almonds Peanuts and peanut butter Hazelnuts Avocados Leafy greens like spinach Foods That Provide Your Body with Zinc Zinc is a mineral that can help support the health of your eyes by protecting them against the damage that can be caused by exposure to light.  Also, getting enough of this nutrient is beneficial because it delivers vitamin A to the retina—another reason to eat a balanced diet!  Here are some examples of foods that are rich in zinc: Beans and legumes like lima beans, lentils, kidney beans, chickpeas, and black-eyed peas Fortified cereals Yogurt Oysters Pork, beef, and poultry Foods That Boast Good Fats EPA and DHA are two types of omega-3 fatty acids, and your eyes need both. When you get enough of these anti-inflammatory fats, you’re taking a step toward maintaining the health of your retina.  These fats can also help with maintaining the right level of moisture to avoid dry eye, and they may help you avoid problems like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) too.  Here are some examples of foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids: Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil Walnuts Fish, such as trout, sardines, salmon, halibut, and tuna Foods That Provide Lutein and Zeaxanthin   Your eyes need antioxidants known as lutein and zeaxanthin, but you have to get these nutrients from your diet because your body can’t make them.  Eating the right foods daily can help ensure you get enough of these carotenoids, which help protect the eyes when they’re exposed to harmful blue light. Plus, lutein and zeaxanthin also support your vision by helping to keep the macula and retina healthy.   Here are some examples of foods that are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin: Squash Brussels sprouts Corn  Broccoli Papayas Oranges Nectarines  Peas Leafy greens, such as collard greens, spinach, kale, turnip greens, and romaine Eggs Eating Right Is Just One Step in Eye Health Maintenance! In addition to eating foods that contain nutrients that can support the health of your peepers, it’s also necessary to see an eye doctor on a regular basis. Those checkups are super important because they can detect problems in their earliest stages, sometimes even before symptoms arise. Plus, each appointment gives you the opportunity to talk to your doctor about things you can do for your eyes, so it’s also a way to get valuable advice, whether or not you currently need glasses or contacts to see clearly.        Sources: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/top-foods-to-help-protect-your-vision https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/fabulous-foods-your-eyes https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/ss/slideshow-eyes-sight-foods

In retirement, seniors can certainly expect federal and state programs to cover some medical costs; however, most dental and vision care services will require either out-of-pocket payment or the purchase of a standalone plan. Once earned income stops flowing in, retirement financial planning can be a stressful and intimidating task. Here is some information on dental and vision care to help with retirement planning. Medicare Most retirees qualify for Medicare coverage after age 65. Medicare Part A, the coverage that is provided without premium to seniors, provides insurance for inpatient and hospital expenses, but it would only apply to dental and vision care administered during hospital stays or in emergency situations. Medicare Part A would not pay for most dental and vision care. Supplemental and elective portions of the Medicare program allow people to pay premiums for expanded coverage. Of note to dental and vision care are Medicare Part B and Part C. Part B is meant to address outpatient services, doctor visits, and preventive care, but it is limited for dental and vision. Cataract surgery, prosthetics for some complicated issues, and certain screenings fall under Part B, whereas routine exams and corrective lenses do not. Similarly, Part B will pay for dental care in complex cases related to surgeries or larger systemic medical issues, while routine visits, cleanings, extractions, dentures, and similar services do not fall under the plan. Private insurance companies that adhere to certain guidelines offer Medicare Part C, also known as a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan. This plan is meant to replace Parts A and B, while providing other features that individuals may prefer. The terms and features of MA insurance vary among carriers and packages, but they frequently provide coverage for routine care including dental and vision. This typically requires a higher monthly premium than policyholders would pay otherwise, but the benefits are obvious for people who want to avoid paying out-of-pocket for certain services. Medicaid Medicaid may also be a viable option for some people in retirement. This federal and state program provides coverage to low-income individuals and households, and 11% of Americans above the age of 65 are enrolled in those plans. Eligibility criteria vary from state to state, but it may be wise for seniors who are struggling to meet their monthly cash expenses to explore these options. The services that fall under Medicaid vary among states, but Medicaid may pick up many routine exams and urgent procedures not covered by Medicare. Private Insurance Finally, seniors can also purchase standalone policies from private insurers that cover the gaps left by Medicare. Major health insurance carriers offer plans that will pay in part or in whole for routine dental and vision services. These plans can be purchased in the healthcare marketplace, and monthly premiums typically range from $15 to $60 for each.  Planning Ahead When planning for vision and dental care in retirement, meeting regular and unexpected cash flow requirements will be among the chief issues that must be addressed, and retirees should be realistic about their medical expenses when determining their budgets. Dental and vision care are necessary for many people, and these services are almost certainly going to come with expenses that must be factored into decisions pertaining to retirement age, Social Security payments, and distributions from retirement accounts. Ryan Downie is a consultant and former equity research analyst and financial planner with a BA in economics from Notre Dame. Sources:  https://www.prb.org/majority-of-people-covered-by-medicaid-and-similar-programs/#:~:text=Adults%20ages%2065%20and%20older,represent%20just%20under%202%20percent. https://www.ehealthmedicare.com/medicare-coverage-articles/medicare-vision-benefits/ https://www.healthmarkets.com/content/medicare-part-b-dental-coverage https://www.hhs.gov/answers/medicare-and-medicaid/what-is-medicare-part-c/index.html

In the same way that dental problems can affect other aspects of your health as an adult, if your child’s mouth isn’t healthy, it can have an adverse effect on their well-being.  Below are some of the many reasons why it’s wise to take steps to keep your little one’s teeth and gums in tip-top shape.  How Poor Dental Health Can Affect Kids According to the CDC, many children and adolescents have at least one decayed tooth that’s untreated. Not good!  What’s worse is that, when dental problems go untreated, a child may face a range of difficulties, such as the following: 1. Pain, Discomfort, and Trouble Chewing Food If you’ve ever had a cavity that you didn’t treat in time, you know how painful it can become. Plus, cavities that aren’t filled might lead to infections that create even more discomfort. Ouch! Also, when a child has one or more cavities, or when teeth are damaged because they’re chipped or fractured, the discomfort and pain may lead to trouble chewing food. This might result in a change in what the child can and can’t eat, and it might cause them to miss out on important nutrients that are necessary for proper development and growth.  Keep in mind, too, that pain caused by tooth decay might inhibit children from enjoying everyday activities. And it might even get in the way of their ability to sleep because the discomfort keeps them awake at night.  2. A Decrease in School Attendance and Performance Another serious effect of poor dental health in kids is a decrease in their performance at school.  Think about it: if your little one is experiencing oral pain that doesn’t go away, they’re bound to become distracted by it, to the point that they can’t fully concentrate on their schoolwork and homework.  Oral pain can be a reason for missing school as well. In other words, in addition to being at a greater risk of performing poorly in school, kids with dental problems might also be more likely to stay home from school because of their symptoms. And, on top of having an impact on test scores and grades, this also causes kids to miss out on important lessons, so it may affect their future performance too.  3. Low Self-Esteem and Embarrassment Poor oral health can do more than cause physical pain. When children have unhealthy teeth and gums, or when they’re missing teeth, they may be embarrassed by their smile, and they might even be bullied. This might result in depression, shyness, or withdrawal from others.  In addition to decay, tooth injuries that aren’t treated professionally might also cause negative effects on self-esteem because of the embarrassment that comes with an imperfect smile and damaged teeth.     4. Negative Impacts on a Child’s Development As discussed above, poor dental health is capable of adversely affecting a child’s development in more ways than one. Here are some other examples: If a young child experiences tooth loss too soon, the development of their speech might suffer as a result.  If a child misses too much school because of dental problems, their ability to learn may be affected.  If a child isn’t able to chew properly and can’t enjoy eating a variety of foods, nutritional imbalances might affect their cognitive and physical development.         Steps You Can Take to Support Your Child’s Oral Health Beyond being a physical problem, poor dental health is something that can also impact children on an emotional and social level. Therefore, taking preventive measures is smart.  A good place to start is by showing your children how to take amazing care of their teeth and gums at home. This includes brushing, flossing, drinking water, and eating right. You can also make sure your kids wear a mouthguard when playing sports, as doing so may reduce the risk of injuries.  And, of course, taking your child to the dentist regularly is a great way to help ensure your little one’s mouth can remain healthy while developing properly.  Dental Insurance for Kids Can Be a Worthwhile Investment! Don’t have dental insurance yet? It’s time to consider it! Families who have a dental plan that helps cover the cost of care are more likely to make those important trips to the dentist. This means their kids can get the check-ups, cleanings, and treatments, from sealants to fillings, that can help keep teeth and gums strong.  At Spirit Dental, you’ll find affordable plans that can help cover the cost of preventive care, basic and major services, and orthodontics! So, now that you’re aware of the risks associated with poor dental health early in life, you can take a big step toward making sure your little one won’t have to go through any of that hardship.  Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/childrens-oral-health/index.html https://ccf.georgetown.edu/2019/05/10/research-update-a-spotlight-on-childrens-oral-health/ https://www.dentistjustforkids.com/how-oral-health-affects-overall-health/   https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml https://www.mchoralhealth.org/PDFs/learningfactsheet.pdf  

If you’ve been told that you need to undergo gum surgery, you might be a little nervous—or very nervous—about what’s ahead. But, by having an understanding of what happens during this procedure, and what to expect after it, you can feel a bit more at ease. So, to give you a general overview of what’s involved in gum surgery, we’ve compiled some helpful information below.  When Is Gum Surgery Necessary? Typically, gum surgery might be required to treat gum disease when other, less invasive treatments haven’t worked or the disease has already progressed too far for other treatments to be effective.  Your dentist might recommend seeing a periodontist for gum surgery if gum disease has become so severe that tissues and bones around the gums have been impacted, or if the gums have separated from your teeth, leaving behind pockets where infections can develop.  It’s important to receive the appropriate treatments, such as scaling and root planing, as well as surgery, to restore the health of your gums. Without healthy gums, you risk losing your teeth!  There Are Different Types of Gum Surgery The type of gum surgery that you’ll need will depend on factors like how far the gum disease has progressed. Here is a list of some of the common procedures that your periodontist might prescribe: Flap Surgery – If you’ve developed deep pockets with plaque, tartar, and bacteria, the periodontist may recommend flap surgery, which is also known as pocket reduction. Basically, the surgeon will create an incision to lift your gums and deeply clean underneath them, as well as smooth the bone if needed. Then, to ensure your gums will no longer have pockets, they’ll be stitched so they can properly cover your teeth.  Bone or Tissue Graft – If the gum disease has advanced to the point that the bone around a tooth’s root has become damaged, a bone graft might be needed to add new bone to the area so you can reduce the risk of losing the tooth. On the other hand, if your gums are receding, your periodontist might use a tissue graft to replace tissue that’s been lost, and to cover a tooth’s roots if they’ve been exposed because of gum loss.   Guided Tissue Regeneration – If gum disease has caused the bone that supports a tooth to become severely damaged or destroyed, you might need a procedure known as regeneration. Your periodontist will start by folding back the gums and cleaning out any bacteria. Then, tissue-stimulating proteins, membranes, or a bone graft will be set in place to help ensure the gums won’t grow where there should be bone. The area is allowed to heal so that tissue and bone can regrow properly.  How to Prepare for, and Recover from, Gum Surgery Your periodontist will give you instructions on any steps you need to take before the procedure. Then, he or she might use a local anesthetic so you don’t feel anything during the gum surgery, or you might be partially or completely sedated. This helps ensure you’ll be comfortable from start to finish.  Once the procedure is complete, you’ll receive instructions on how to have a smooth recovery. You may also be given a prescription for pain medication to take at home while you heal. And, if you received stitches, your periodontist will also advise you on when to have them removed.  Keep in mind, too, that you might be required to eat only soft foods after you’ve undergone gum surgery. An antiseptic mouthwash may also be prescribed. Just be sure to follow your periodontist’s instructions closely to reduce the odds of complications while your mouth heals.  At follow-up appointments, your periodontist will examine your mouth to ensure everything is healing well. During these exams, discuss any symptoms you’re experiencing, such as increased sensitivity, to be sure everything is normal and you don’t need additional care.     After your mouth has totally healed, your teeth and gums should look and feel better than they did before the procedure. At that point, it’s up to you to follow a strict oral hygiene routine at home, and to continue receiving professional level care. Doing so may help you avoid developing the same gum issues in the future.  Make Gum Surgery More Affordable with the Right Dental Insurance! Gum surgery can certainly be stressful, not only on your mind, but also on your wallet. To help ease your fears about out-of-pocket costs, consider enrolling in a high-quality, reliable dental insurance plan like one of the many options offered by Spirit Dental.  With the right coverage, you’ll be able to afford gum treatments so you can maintain a healthy mouth and strong teeth. And you also won’t ever need to miss out on professional cleanings (you can get three cleanings per year with Spirit!), which can also help keep gingivitis and gum disease at bay.   Sources: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321168#types-of-surgery https://oralb.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/gums/gum-surgery-types-what-to-expect https://www.periojackson.com/periodontal-care/flap-procedure https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw146255 https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gum-disease-treatments https://sdperio.com/gum-surgery-explained/ https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-regenerative-procedure