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Jan. 3, 2022
General oral health
The holidays are over, but the chilly winter weather is still going strong. Sledding, skating and snowmen are among the most enjoyable winter hobbies. While winter can bring grins, the frigid temps tend to trigger mouth problems. Much like a snowflake, each person's set of teeth is unique.
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Dec. 28, 2021
General oral health
The start of a new year is a great time to take this focus and use it to make a positive change in our lives. That includes continuing preventive steps to better take care of our oral and overall health.
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Dec. 20, 2021
General oral health
Calcium is key to maintaining strong, healthy teeth and bones. It strengthens tooth enamel — the hard outer shell — and helps maintain the bone that supports your teeth. Healthy enamel protects your teeth from cavities and erosion. Calcium in your saliva can even help repair damage to teeth caused by acids. However, a lack of calcium can increase your risk for gum disease.
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Dec. 17, 2021
General oral health
A healthy diet can help prevent or slow the effects of tooth decay and gum disease. Fruits, vegetables, dairy products, protein-rich foods and nuts are healthful for your teeth and gums.
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Dec. 6, 2021
General oral health
Gum disease refers to infections of the gum and bone tissues that surround your teeth. This kind of infection is also known by the technical names of gingivitis and periodontal disease. While improper oral health habits are a main cause of gum disease, a complex mix of genetic, systemic, local, and environmental factors also play a role in its development and progression.
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Nov. 12, 2021
General oral health
Gum sweetened with sugar or corn syrup can contribute to plaque buildup, lead to erosion of your teeth’s enamel and increase your cavity risk. The more often you chew gum with sugar and the longer you chew each time, the more damage it can do.
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Nov. 11, 2021
General oral health
On Veterans Day, Delta Dental of Illinois thanks veterans and active members of our armed services for bravely serving our country and underscores its ongoing commitment to expanding access to oral health care.
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Oct. 25, 2021
General oral health
People with diabetes have a higher risk of both oral health issues and serious overall health complications. It’s a chronic disease that is the seventh-leading cause of death in Illinois.
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Oct. 5, 2021
General oral health
The debate continues. Should you call that fizzy carbonated drink pop or soda? Whichever side you’re on, there’s one thing that’s not up for debate: Soda is not good for your health. It contains no essential nutrients — no vitamins, minerals or fiber — and regular soda is full of calories. Drinking sugary soft drinks has been linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, weight gain, fatty liver disease and an increased risk of heart disease and cancer.
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Sep. 23, 2021
General oral health
Doyou still need to visit your dentist on a regular basis. The answer is yes! Even if you take good care of your teeth and gums at home, it’s still important that you regularly visit your dentist who is professionally trained to check for problems you may not see or feel yourself.
The truth is, many dental problems like cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer don’t become visible or cause pain until they are in the more advanced stage, which makes treatment and follow-up all the more extensive.
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Sep. 16, 2021
General oral health
Delta Dental of Illinois is pleased to announce the hiring of Alyce K. Buchanan as director of client services.
In this role, Buchanan will be responsible for the company’s customer service operations, developing the service business plan and related strategies to ensure a customer-centric focus.
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Sep. 13, 2021
General oral health
Nail biting can spread harmful bacteria, viruses and more from your fingers to your mouth. This can increase your risk of colds and other infections. The risk is particularly high in children because they have less developed immune systems than adults and may not always wash their hands properly.
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Sep. 9, 2021
General oral health
Healthy Aging Month - While good daily oral hygiene is important for everyone, older adults can be at greater risk for oral health conditions such as gum disease, tooth loss and oral cancer. All Illinoisans should maintain good daily oral health habits like brushing twice a day, flossing daily and visiting the dentist, but older adults have special oral health care needs, which makes preventive care even more vital.
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Sep. 3, 2021
General oral health
Having a condition, such as dementia, can also make it more difficult to practice good daily oral hygiene, increasing the risk for gum disease and tooth decay. To reduce gum disease and tooth decay, here are tips for caregivers helping assist individuals with dementia.
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Aug. 27, 2021
General oral health
Aside from easing pain and discomfort, you may wonder what the benefits of a root canal treatment are. We discuss the advantages of getting a root canal below.
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Aug. 20, 2021
General oral health
Did you know your teeth started to develop before you were born? Here’s how teeth develop and grow from infancy through childhood.