Bruxism, which is the grinding and clenching of teeth, is a common condition. Ignoring it and failing to combat it could result in damaged enamel, broken teeth, malocclusion, tooth loss, and temporomandibular joint disorder.

Thankfully, there are several ways that you can stop grinding your teeth, and some of them are listed below so you can tackle this problem before it causes severe damage.  

The fancy word for “dry mouth” is xerostomia, and this is a condition that’s characterized by a lack of saliva throughout the mouth. Basically, the salivary glands stop producing the normal amount of saliva, leaving the mouth dry and uncomfortable.

Good oral hygiene doesn’t end with your daily brushing routine. What you eat every day can have an impact on the strength of your teeth, as well as the color of your chompers.

So which foods have been deemed the best, and which ones are considered the worst, for tooth health? Take a look at the list below for some helpful pointers.

Allergy season brings with it sinus problems, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, and other symptoms that make you feel miserable. But did you know that allergies could affect your teeth?

Spring is the perfect season to refresh your routine and declutter your life. But beyond cleaning your home, you can also focus on some spring cleaning for your mouth.

As the weather warms and the days get longer, incorporate the following tips into your daily life so you can have a sparkling smile by the time summer rolls around.

Cavities: the word strikes fear in all who hear it. Put simply, when your teeth are frequently exposed to acid, sugars, starches, and bacteria, they can become permanently damaged with cavities. These tiny holes could also be the result of improper oral hygiene, and they can only be treated by your dentist. Left untreated, the holes will grow bigger and begin decaying deeper layers of your teeth, causing more problems, like a toothache, infection, and tooth loss.

Dental implants are one of modern dentistry’s best advancements. Lost a tooth—or multiple teeth—for any reason? No problem! A dental implant looks and functions just like a real tooth, so you can maintain a beautiful smile and continue eating all of your favorite foods just as you did before.

Ahh! Nothing beats a warm cup of coffee. It’s energizing and likely an integral part of your routine to get ready for the day. You might even reach for a second cup when you’re feeling that afternoon slump. But how is all of that coffee affecting your dental health, and what can you do to reduce its negative effects on your pearly whites?

February is American Heart Month, and February 3rd is National Wear Red Day, so there’s no better time to learn more about how to keep your ticker strong. But did you know that, beyond diet and lifestyle, a clean mouth might also help you maintain a healthy heart?

You thought that getting your teeth cleaned regularly was just to take care of your oral health, but the truth is your dentist could be the first one to notice that something is amiss in another part of your body.

What goes on in your mouth can be very telling when it comes to the state of your overall health, as there are several dental issues that can alert you to other problems, including those listed below.

The thing about dental insurance plans is that you have to actually use the benefits they provide within the year; otherwise, you’ll lose those benefits that you paid for every month. No one likes to see their money wasted, so this year, plan to make the most of your dental plan by setting aside time to see your dentist.

It’s a new year, which means it’s the perfect time to make resolutions that will help you enhance your well-being. By applying the following easy tips to your everyday life, you can put yourself on the right track towards boosting your vitality, as well as the health of your entire mouth.

Don’t panic; there’s still time to make sure you’re covered in 2017. Next year’s open enrollment ends Jan. 31, 2017. Those of you looking for a plan know that it is required by law to have pediatric dental coverage which is provided by most health insurance plans. What isn’t required, but highly recommended is adult dental insurance. That’s why we think it’s pertinent to provide you with details on what Spirit Dental Insurance offers to make sure you are aware of all the great benefits it provides.

After all, don’t you want to make sure you’re covered if something major happens? Breaking a tooth, needing a crown or implants - just think of the out-of-pocket expenses.

The answer is, yes!

We’re going to start with the facts: yes, there are dental insurance plans that help cover costs for children’s orthodontics, but to what extent depends on the insurance. Currently, the out-of-pocket cost of braces ranges from $3,000-$7,000 based on the type of treatment, the duration of treatment, the orthodontist, location, your dental insurance, and any other restorative work that may need to be completed before or throughout treatment.* The high cost for orthodontic services only helps aid in the argument as to why having insurance can make a huge impact.

When hearing the words, “you need implants,” the dollar signs and panic can start to consume your thoughts. Your brain starts automatically rattling off things like, “how am I going to be able to afford this?” “How time-consuming will this be?” “Is it necessary?” After all, your dentist has recommended the procedure, so here we are. The next step to take is figuring out costs and how to make it all work.

A smile is one of the first things people notice about a person. If you help take care of your teeth and gums, they will help take care of you. Here are a few things you can do to keep your mouth in tip-top shape!