Spirit Dental Blog

The number of people 60 years and older is rapidly increasing compared to birth rates. With an increase in age comes an increase in the prevalence of visual impairments, which can have a negative impact on your quality-of-life. As the eyes are one of the main ways we experience the world, eyesight issues affect the quality of life not only of older adults, but also of their families and society. Therefore, as our population ages, it is important to be mindful of the following four visual conditions associated with age, to better take care of your vision. 1. Skin Elasticity Loss As we age, our skin loses its elasticity and structural support, leading to the drop of eyelids. In addition to eyelid laxity that is seen with age, we also have tear gland atrophy and decreased tear production. This leads to decreased moisture in the eye, which in turn ends in decreased vision due to irritation of the cornea, the transparent outermost membrane of the eye.  2. Corneal Irritation Corneal irritation can be a cause of decreased tear production as less moisture exists to protect the eye, leading to decreased sensitivity to contrast and functional vision. One way to prevent dry eyes is to supplement with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and Vitamin C and Vitamin A, as they decrease inflammation and are great antioxidants. Artificial tears can also provide momentary relief from the discomfort experienced with dry eyes.  3. Cataracts Cataracts are clouding of the lens in the eye and can cause visual impairment. Like our skin, our lenses also suffer from decreased elasticity as we age, and changes in the proteins that make up the lens cause us to have a stiffer lens. We also suffer from decreased contractility of the eye muscles, which prevents more accommodation of the eye lens, and thus causes a blurrier image.  As cataracts develop, you may experience blurry vision, double vision, colored halos around light, and even increased frequency of adjusting the prescription on corrective glasses. Age, smoking, and diabetes have been found to be the greatest risk factor in developing age-related cataracts. Finally, as we age, our cells have a much harder time fighting oxidative stress, and thus individuals who supplement with antioxidants and vitamins are shown to have decreased incidence of cataract formation.  4. Age-Related Macular Degeneration Lastly, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can affect the retina, the area deep in the eye that lines the inside of the eye and holds all the light receptors. Near the center of the retina, the macula is responsible for central and high-resolution color vision. This disease affects nearly 9% of the world’s population, and when it is advanced, individuals will have a hard time looking straight ahead because the disease affects the central vision while sparing peripheral vision.  AMD can present only in one eye and may be without symptoms for many years until it progresses from minimal blurred central vision loss to complete distortion of images. Regular retinal eye exams are recommended. Laser surgery is the primary treatment for wet AMD, while continued monitoring is recommended for dry AMD.  Steps to Take As we age, our bodies’ cells continue to fight the damage from oxidative stress and from normal aging. Eating a healthy balanced meal is a great way of having a diet rich in nutrients and antioxidants. If time is limited, supplementing with a multivitamin and antioxidative supplements can help increase the antioxidants in your diet. Finally, getting a regular eye exam with an eye doctor is essential since an earlier intervention in age-related eye conditions has been shown to help maintain a higher quality of life.  Gabriel Espinoza, MD, has experience in caring for patients in critical care, primary care, and emergency settings. Some of the topics he has focused on in his medical career include public health, pediatrics, wellness, and fitness. He has co-authored a chapter on the utility of point-of-care ultrasound in the diagnoses of eye conditions. The content written by Dr. Espinoza is for information and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.  References:  Eye care for older people. Community Eye Health. 2008;21(66):21-23.  de Paiva, CS. Effects of Aging in Dry Eye. Int Ophthalmol Clin. 2017;57(2):47-64. doi:10.1097/IIO.0000000000000170  Mathenge, W. Age-related macular degeneration. Community Eye Health. 2014;27(87):49-50.  Michael R, Bron AJ. The ageing lens and cataract: a model of normal and pathological ageing. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2011;366(1568):1278-1292. doi:10.1098/rstb.2010.0300  Nizami, AA, Gulani, AC. Cataract. StatPearls. 2020. https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml

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  

Having a cold sore can be really embarrassing. Unfortunately, there’s no cure, so if you have contracted the virus that causes these sores, they’ll continue to come and go. The good news, however, is that there are remedies you can use in order to shorten healing time and relieve discomfort.  Natural Remedies That Are Worth Trying  When it comes to natural remedies for cold sores, consider trying the following to see if they help soothe your symptoms. Gently applying a cold compress to the sore might be helpful if you’re experiencing swelling and pain. By numbing the area, you may be able to get temporary relief.   Getting enough lysine through diet and supplementation might hinder the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores. You can also find creams that contain lysine if you want to apply it to a cold sore to see if that helps with healing.   Taking vitamin C and vitamin E supplements may be beneficial. Vitamin E might help an existing sore heal, while vitamin C may work on inactivating the herpes virus.   Various ointments, creams, and balms might also be worth a try. Here are several examples: Aloe vera gel, which boasts anti-inflammatory properties, might help you fight the virus, and it may provide soothing relief while supporting healing.   A cream that contains sage and rhubarb might help heal your cold sore faster.   An ointment that contains propolis, which is synthetic beeswax, might help shorten the time that you have a cold sore.   Kanuka honey may be as effective as medication, and you can easily apply it topically.   Diluted tea tree oil or peppermint oil are options that might help heal your cold sore in a shorter amount of time. Tea tree oil boasts antiviral and antiseptic properties, while peppermint oil might help get in the way of the herpes virus.   Lemon balm extract may be beneficial if you want to ensure efficient healing of your cold sore. It boasts antiviral properties, and it might help with reducing inflammation.   Over-the-Counter and Prescription Remedies   In addition to natural solutions, there are also products that you can buy over the counter or get with a prescription from your doctor. Below are a few options to consider: A well-known remedy is Abreva, which can be purchased without a prescription. It’s easy to apply, and it contains ingredients that may help shorten the amount of time it takes to get rid of the sore, especially if you use it as soon as you notice symptoms.   Creams that contain pain-relieving ingredients, such as benzocaine and lidocaine, may make having a cold sore more tolerable. Or, you might try taking pain-relieving pills, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, instead.   Your doctor might prescribe antiviral medications that help your body fight the herpes virus. These may also help decrease the amount of time it takes to heal. Examples include Denavir, Zovirax, Famvir, and Valtrex.   A Laser Treatment Offered by Dentists   Some dentists offer a laser treatment that might help stop a cold sore before it appears, provided that you get the treatment in time, such as when you start to feel the tingling that often precedes an outbreak. But what if you already have a sore? A laser treatment might still be an option when it comes to drying it up and disinfecting it, reducing inflammation and pain, and speeding up healing.  To see if this type of treatment would be right for you, just consult with a dentist that offers it.   Can You See the Dentist for an Appointment When You Have a Cold Sore? If you have a cold sore, is it safe to see the dentist, or should you reschedule your appointment? Well, this will depend on your dentist, as well as the type of dental treatment you need.  Simply call your dentist’s office to ask them how to proceed. Your dentist might not want to risk it if your cold sore is contagious, and might advise that you hold off on treatment if it’s possible to do so.  Also, keep in mind that undergoing dental treatments when you have a cold sore might cause it to become irritated or painful, and it might crack or bleed as well. You don’t want that to happen, especially if your goal is to reduce healing time! Be Patient When You Have a Cold Sore It might take longer than a week for a cold sore to go away, so do your best to be as patient as possible. And it may take some trial and error to figure out which of the solutions above will work for you. However, it’ll be worth the effort if it means your cold sore will heal more quickly! Sources: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/cold-sores-at-home-care#1 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-sore/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371023 https://www.abreva.com/managing-lip-health/dealing-with-cold-sores/truth-about-cold-sore-remedies/ https://www.abreva.com/managing-lip-health/cold-sore-triggers/dentist-visit/ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/cold-sores-treatment https://www.dentistry.com/topics/cold-sores/ https://www.dentalhealth.org/cold-sores https://www.aetnadentaloffers.com/dental-health/going-to-the-dentist-with-a-cold-sore https://www.biolase.com/blog/relief-cold-sore-sufferers/ https://www.daydentalcare.com/treatments/laser-cold-sore-treatment/ https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/by_the_way_doctor_does_lysine_prevent_cold_sores https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/qa/can-aloe-vera-gel-treat-cold-sores https://www.uhs.wisc.edu/medical/cold-sores/  

What you eat can affect your whole body, including your pearly whites. So, if you want to strengthen your teeth, and keep them strong for years to come, it’s wise to improve your diet by adding plenty of foods that contain nutrients that are great for your chompers.  What are some of the foods to focus on when you want to eat in a way that will help you impress your dentist at your next checkup? We’ve got you covered with a handy list to help you get started.   Calcium-Rich Foods Eating more calcium-rich foods is a smart move when you want to maintain the strength of your teeth. Dairy products like milk, cheese, and plain yogurt, which boast calcium and protein, are some good choices.  If you don’t eat dairy, or you just want more variety in your diet, you can also get calcium from other sources, such as almonds, calcium-fortified tofu or plant-based milks, and leafy greens like spinach or kale.  Foods That Are Sources of Vitamin C and Phosphorus You’re probably already aware that vitamin C can help support your immune system, but did you know that it can also help when it comes to maintaining the strength of your pearly whites? This important vitamin can support the health of your gums, and it’s easy to get from a wide range of foods, from spinach and broccoli, to tomatoes and citrus fruits.  Phosphorus is a mineral that can help support strong teeth, too, and you can get it from a variety of foods as well. Examples include seafood, dairy, and lean meats, as well as whole grains, soy, lentils, beans, seeds, and nuts.  Crunchy Fruits and Veggies Satisfy your craving for something sweet by enjoying fresh fruits, such as apples, that have a crunchy texture that can help clean your teeth. And when you want a healthy snack, you can also dig into some raw vegetables, like carrots and celery, that will cause your mouth to produce more saliva while you chew.  Because of the texture of raw fruits and veggies, and the fact that they promote saliva production because they require quite a bit of chewing, you’ll be enjoying foods that naturally help cleanse teeth and gums. Plus, when you eat fresh fruits and vegetables, you’re also getting many vitamins and minerals that promote the health of your whole mouth.  Don’t Forget About Tooth-Friendly Beverages! It should come as no surprise that sugary beverages are a big no-no when it comes to keeping your teeth and gums in tip-top shape. But if you get bored with plain water, you can switch things up with some green tea or black tea. These may help fight bacteria and plaque, thanks to their antioxidants and polyphenols.   A Delicious Diet Can Help You Keep Your Teeth Looking Great! Following a healthy diet can help you keep your teeth and gums strong, clean, and healthy. But don’t forget that it’s also super important to follow a consistent brushing and flossing routine at home, and to make regular trips to the dentist for checkups and professional cleanings. After all, you won’t know how well your diet is working until your dentist examines your mouth and takes some X-rays to look for cavities.  Worried about being able to afford dental appointments? To be sure you can get all of the care you need, and all of the advice you need when it comes to eating right for your teeth and gums, sign up for a Spirit Dental plan that’ll have your back and help you save money!  Sources: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/nutrition-and-oral-health/healthy-foods-list-seven-best-foods-for-your-teeth https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=1&contentid=4062 https://www.eatright.org/food/vitamins-and-supplements/nutrient-rich-foods/healthy-nutrition-for-healthy-teeth https://www.listerine.com/cavities-strong-teeth/foods-strong-teeth https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-high-in-phosphorus https://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=117434&page=1  

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