General oral health

  • Reducing Oral Health Obstacles for Disabled Children
    Feb. 9, 2023

    Reducing Oral Health Obstacles for Disabled Children

    General oral health

    Disabled children can be more likely to have oral health problems. That’s why it’s especially important to help them with daily oral hygiene and make regular dental visits comfortable for them.

  • How to Prevent Gum Disease and Maintain a Healthy Smile
    Feb. 8, 2023

    How to Prevent Gum Disease and Maintain a Healthy Smile

    General oral health

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, half of Americans aged 30 or older have periodontitis, or gum disease. Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss, affect overall health and be aggravated by poor oral health habits, smoking, medication and an unhealthy diet.1 In honor of Gum Disease Awareness Month, take a moment to learn how periodontal (gum) disease can affect your health and how to prevent it.

  • The Link Between Gum Disease and Heart Disease
    Jan. 30, 2023

    The Link Between Gum Disease and Heart Disease

    General oral health

    Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, and studies show a relationship between heart disease and gum disease. Learn how how a healthy smile can lead to a healthy heart. Gum disease, also referred to as periodontal disease, is an infection and inflammation of the gum tissues and bone that hold your teeth in place. In its early stage, it’s called gingivitis and can cause inflamed, red gums that bleed.

  • Strengthen Your Dental Strategy With Fluoride
    Jan. 25, 2023

    Strengthen Your Dental Strategy With Fluoride

    General oral health

    Prevention, prevention, prevention. Dental coverage puts a lot of focus on avoiding oral health problems — so much so that benefit plans usually cover routine checkups and cleanings at 100%.

  • What Are Dental Sealants?
    Jan. 17, 2023

    What Are Dental Sealants?

    General oral health

    Fluoride is a mineral that can strengthen enamel and prevent tooth decay from progressing. However, fluoride is not as protective on the open pits and deep fissures in your teeth. Fortunately, dental sealants provide an excellent solution to this problem.

  • Six Steps Toward a Healthier 2023
    Jan. 1, 2023

    Six Steps Toward a Healthier 2023

    General oral health

    If you have fallen short on your New Year’s resolutions so far, don’t worry – it takes time to solidify new healthy habits. It's not too late to begin working on some oral health resolutions if you haven’t already.

  • Stress Less and Smile More
    Dec. 14, 2022

    Stress Less and Smile More

    General oral health

    Stress can be managed. Here’s how stress and your mouth are connected, along with some practical stressbusters that will help keep you smiling.

  • Dental and vision exams can help detect diabetes early
    Nov. 17, 2022

    Dental and vision exams can help detect diabetes early

    General oral health

    This November during American Diabetes Month, Delta Dental of Illinois is partnering with the American Diabetes Association to bring awareness to the growing prevalence of diabetes and risks associated with the disease.

  • What is a dental bridge?
    Nov. 16, 2022

    What is a dental bridge?

    General oral health

    A dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth by filling in a gap with a false tooth called a pontic.

  • Floss like a boss
    Nov. 16, 2022

    Floss like a boss

    General oral health

    The American Dental Association recommends that you clean between your teeth every day with floss or a comparable cleaner. Here’s why, along with helpful tips to make flossing easier.

  • Adults, children make oral care a priority according to Delta Dental survey
    Oct. 19, 2022

    Adults, children make oral care a priority according to Delta Dental survey

    General oral health

    In recognition of National Dental Hygiene Month, Delta Dental shares encouraging findings from its 2022 survey showing U.S. adults and parents are doing their part to practice diligent oral care at home.

  • A refreshing guide to toothpaste
    Oct. 11, 2022

    A refreshing guide to toothpaste

    General oral health

    It has long been recommended to brush twice daily and floss once a day to maintain good oral health. Brushing and flossing help remove plaque and leftover food from your teeth and gums. A key component of brushing is the toothpaste you use — it can have many more benefits than just leaving your breath feeling fresh and clean.

  • Delta Dental of Illinois highlights the connection between oral and overall health during Healthy Aging Month
    Sep. 7, 2022

    Delta Dental of Illinois highlights the connection between oral and overall health during Healthy Aging Month

    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.

  • Periodontitis causes and risk factors
    Aug. 3, 2022

    Periodontitis causes and risk factors

    General oral health

    Have you been experiencing tender, swollen or bleeding gums? Read on because you may be experiencing early signs of periodontitis.

  • What is an occlusal guard?
    Jun. 10, 2022

    What is an occlusal guard?

    General oral health

    The term “occlusal” refers to the surfaces of your teeth that are used for chewing. When you are damaging those surfaces by clenching or grinding your teeth, an occlusal guard may be recommended by your dentist.

  • Four steps to choosing the right toothbrush
    Jun. 7, 2022

    Four steps to choosing the right toothbrush

    General oral health

    When shopping for toothbrushes, do you put much thought into what’s best for you or your children? Here’s why you should: Your toothbrush can be a major factor in helping you brush more effectively and making your oral hygiene routine more pleasant.