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Delta Dental Plans Association
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2014
Oral Health Habits for the Holidays: Travel Edition
December 03, 2015
Between the extra sugary treats that many of us tend to consume this time of year and the added stress of the holiday season, this is no time to put your oral health routine on pause! If you’re traveling for the holidays, try these easy tips to keep your smile healthy through the new year:
Be a Floss Boss on National Flossing Day
November 25, 2015
Thanksgiving weekend is a perfect time to begin or continue a regular flossing routine. In fact, the day after (Nov. 27) is National Flossing Day!
Just How Much Do We Love Our Pumpkin Spice Lattes?
November 19, 2015
New Analysis of Seasonal Drink Intake Highlights Need to Protect Oral Health
Just Say No: Drugs Can Affect Your Oral Health
October 20, 2015
October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month. Did you know that many drugs are not just bad for your overall health, but they are also bad for your oral health? Learn about how the following three drugs directly impact your mouth, which indirectly impacts your entire body.
Oral Health on the Job
September 22, 2015
When you’re at work, your oral health is probably not top of mind. Some jobs can have a substantial impact on your teeth – and not just due to repeated coffee refills! Here are a few professions that can wreak havoc on your teeth.
Why Peanuts Are Both Good and Bad for Teeth
September 10, 2015
Whether you’re enjoying a bag at a baseball game or grabbing a handful as part of a healthy pick-me-up, there’s no question that peanuts are a delicious snack. In fact, they’re so popular that they have their own holiday: National Peanut Day on September 13. But beware – though peanuts are good for you nutritionally, they can also be bad for your teeth.
Dental Visits Decoded: X-Rays
September 01, 2015
If you’ve been to the dentist, you’ve probably had an X-ray. Dentists typically use the images to take a closer look at your teeth and bones, to better investigate dental issues that are hard to see with the naked eye.
Happy National Tooth Fairy Day!
August 21, 2015
Get out the glitter and find your favorite pair of fairy wings – August 22 is National Tooth Fairy Day! Delta Dental takes this little lady and her business very seriously – so seriously, in fact, that we conduct an annual poll of more than 1,000 caregivers to monitor her spending habits over the past year. Here’s what we found in 2014:
Oil Pulling: Harmful or Helpful?
August 13, 2015
Oil pulling is one of the latest health trends claiming to be a natural way to prevent illness and disease. The theory is that swishing a tablespoon of coconut, sesame or sunflower oil for 20 minutes daily helps prevent cavities by pulling bacteria out of the mouth and into the oil. Some studies even claim that oil pulling can help with gingivitis, plaque, bad breath and tooth whitening. But does it really?
Oral Health Oddities
August 03, 2015
We’re used to hearing about – and maybe even experiencing – oral health situations such as cavities, root canals and crowns. But what about black hairy tongue and burning mouth syndrome? Though rare, these are real conditions that can affect your oral health.
Discuss Your Doses
July 22, 2015
You talk about the medications you are taking with your physician – and you should do the same with your dentist. Though it may seem like prescription medications, such as antibiotics, decongestants and antidepressants, have very little to do with your oral health, many of them come with side effects you and your dentist may want to discuss. Be prepared to talk about any over-the-counter medications you are taking, including pain relievers, vitamins, or other diet or health supplements. Here are a few of the conditions your medications may be causing.
For the Record
July 13, 2015
Setting records is usually a good thing – the fastest mile, the strongest person, the most wins. But when it comes to setting records with your pearly whites, most are major no-nos.
Dental Visits Decoded: Root Canal
July 06, 2015
Two words people probably dread hearing the most at their dentist’s office: root canal. While getting the nerve tissue or pulp inside of your tooth removed may have once been a painful procedure, now it’s no more uncomfortable than getting a cavity filled. Root canals are typically needed when tooth decay has spread to the nerve or because trauma to the tooth has killed the nerve entirely.
Cleft Lip and Cleft Palates Explained
June 22, 2015
Nearly 7,000 babies in the U.S. are born with oral-facial clefts each year.
[1]
Cleft lip and cleft palate occur during pregnancy when the sides of the lip and roof of the mouth don’t fuse together properly.
Three Nervous Habits That Are Harming Your Teeth
June 10, 2015
We’ve all got a nervous habit or two, whether it’s chewing nails, tapping toes or chomping gum. For the most part, nervous habits are harmless – but there are a few that can be bad news for oral health. Here are three to stop.
Oral Health on the Road
June 01, 2015
Getting ready for that well-deserved vacation? Do you know what to do if dental disaster strikes when you’re miles from your regular dentist? We’re here to help save your vacation.
When Pica Strikes: Substances Not for Snacking
May 29, 2015
When you reach for a snack, you may grab an apple, a cup of yogurt or cheese and crackers – not a stick of chalk. But for people with pica, an eating disorder that causes cravings for nonfood substances, those unorthodox eats are all too real.
Dental Visits Decoded: Exams
May 21, 2015
Even if you think your teeth are in perfect condition, there is no reason to skip a dental exam. In addition to helping catch dental issues while they are easy to treat or even reversible, visiting your dentist every six months can help with early detection of serious conditions such as oral cancer and diabetes.[1] If it’s been awhile since your last exam, here’s what you can expect the next time you sit in the dentist’s chair.
Discuss Allergies with Your Dentist
May 04, 2015
As you sit in your dentist’s office waiting for a cleaning or exam, you probably have a list of things you’d like to discuss – X-rays, whitening, cavities, bad habits. But here’s one that probably doesn’t make your short list: allergies.
Dental Professionals Decoded
April 22, 2015
Your general dentist is just one of the many professionals who can help you maintain a healthy smile. There are a lot of “odontists” out there – from ones who help with appliances like braces to others who specialize in restorations. Here are a few of the most common specialized dentistry professionals.
Baseball's Bad Habits
April 13, 2015
From chewing tobacco to sunflower seeds, some bad oral health habits can be found on the baseball diamond.
Autism and Oral Health
April 02, 2015
Because children love their sweets and tend to be accident-prone, it’s always a good idea to be extra mindful of their oral health. This is especially true for parents of children with autism, who may be more susceptible to oral health issues.(1)
Keep Your Mouth Clean This Spring
March 02, 2015
Doing some spring cleaning this month? While you’re busy beating rugs, cleaning curtains and organizing cabinets, don’t forget to check your bathroom counter! Here are four things to add to your checklist.
Stick to Tried-and-True Methods for Teething Troubles
February 18, 2015
Teething can be a tough time for babies and parents. When babies get their first tooth, usually sometime around 6 months of age, they can experience quite a bit of discomfort. To soothe those aching gums – and your aching ears – you may be willing to try anything. But not all methods are effective – and some may even be harmful.
Celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month!
February 04, 2015
Though big holidays and celebrations like Valentine’s Day, Presidents Day and Mardi Gras occur in the month of February, one of the most important events goes on all month long: National Children’s Dental Health Month.
Colds, Coughs … and Cavities?
January 01, 2015
You’re probably aware that candy leads to cavities and sugary drinks can also cause decay. But cough syrup? Unfortunately, it’s true – certain syrupy medications can cause tooth troubles, especially if they’re consistently taken over a long period of time.