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Jul. 2, 2020
General oral health
July is UV Safety Month, so it’s a great time to read up on the importance of sun protection. You might be surprised to learn that one of the areas you should pay close attention to is your smile.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes. While the CDC notes shade can reduce the risk of skin damage and sun cancer and recommends using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing out in the heat.
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Jun. 26, 2020
General oral health
If you like to add a little sizzle to your summer, you’ve probably already cooked some mouth-watering foods on your grill this season. But don’t forget to keep your smile in mind. Here are some foods to get fired up about grilling — and a few to avoid putting on your cookout menu — to maintain good oral health.
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Jun. 17, 2020
General oral health
Mouthwash, also known as mouthrinse, offers a solution to bad breath and can also be an excellent way to supplement your oral health routine. It is designed to be held in the mouth for a period of time, swished around, and then spit out. Mouthwash typically contains antimicrobial and other ingredients designed to inhibit odor-causing sulfur compounds, as well as reduce the bacteria that cause gingivitis and gum disease.
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Jun. 9, 2020
General oral health
Studies show that men are less likely than women to take care of their health in general - and oral health even less. Good oral health is linked to longevity and men are less likely to visit a dentist for regular preventive dental care, often neglecting their oral health and only visiting a dentist when a problem arises. Regular dental cleanings and exams, along with daily flossing and twice-daily brushing, are key to maintaining a healthy smile.
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Jun. 1, 2020
General oral health
Routine dental exams are crucial to your oral health and overall wellness. During the COVID-19 pandemic, you may have had to reschedule a preventive checkup. Choosing when to return to the dentist is a personal choice and you may notice a few changes for added safety measures. Here is what you may experience as you return to the dentist.
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May 4, 2020
General oral health
If you are experiencing more worry, fear or anxiety during this pandemic, you aren’t alone. These overwhelming emotions can affect your sleeping and eating habits — and may even have consequences for your oral health.
May is Mental Health Month, a time to raise awareness about mental health issues, provide support and remove the stigma surrounding mental health. The timing is more important than ever.
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May 3, 2020
General oral health
Flowers. Cards. Gifts. Breakfast in bed. A day of relaxation. If you’re a mom, you may get special treatment on Mother’s Day.
Why wait for Mother’s Day? You spend a lot of time making sure your family is healthy and happy, but you also deserve to focus on yourself. Take great care of your oral health with these tips, and you’ll see the results in your smile and overall health.
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May 1, 2020
General oral health
Whether it’s a nice note or a thoughtful gift, a pleasant surprise can make your day. Here’s what’s happening when a surprise makes you smile.
How you progress from surprised to smiling
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Apr. 22, 2020
General oral health
In this ongoing uncertain time, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the health and safety of those we serve. We are here for our members and know that right now, a smile can go a long way. Though we cannot currently do things like visit family and friends or dine at restaurants, we still have the ability to brighten someone’s day with a smile, whether from six feet away or virtually.
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Apr. 21, 2020
General oral health
Most people don’t realize how easy it can be to incorporate healthy behaviors into their regular routines. Here are some simple ways to enjoy better oral health.
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Apr. 15, 2020
General oral health
Approximately 53,000 people will be diagnosed oral and oropharyngeal (mouth and throat) cancer this year. Mouth and throat cancers have several known high-risk factors – some of which you can control and some you can’t control. Knowing these risk factors is key to spotting and treating these cancers early.
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Apr. 10, 2020
General oral health
To help reduce the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), many dentists are only providing emergency dental care as directed by the American Dental Association (ADA). Learn what is considered a dental emergency and what is not to understand when to seek care or when it is safe to wait.
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Apr. 2, 2020
General oral health
With the legalization of cannabis in Illinois, it may be tempting to turn to marijuana — as well as tobacco and alcohol — as a way to manage anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic.
But Delta Dental of Illinois is urging Illinoisans to opt for healthier ways to relieve stress this April during Oral Cancer Awareness Month.
“Smoking marijuana can lead to a number of oral health problems including dry mouth and an increased risk of cavities and gum disease,”
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Mar. 16, 2020
General oral health
Wisdom teeth — a third set of molars in the back of your mouth — usually appear between ages 17 and 25. Some people have them taken out, while others never have the need. In fact, about 5 million Americans have theirs removed in the course of a year.
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Mar. 10, 2020
General oral health
Do you help make your employees smile? Happy workers make for a more successful business. When workers feel respected and valued, they’re more likely to be happy and engaged. Workplaces that lack a positive atmosphere have higher absenteeism, more accidents, increased errors and defects, decreased productivity and lower profitability.
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Mar. 6, 2020
General oral health
A root canal is a common procedure used to treat inflammation or infection of the tooth’s sensitive inner pulp tissue, which is made up of blood vessels and nerve fibers.1 Pulp inflammation can result from a number of causes including deep decay, cracked teeth, or trauma. While many feel uneasy about the idea of a root canal, the procedure is a safe and straightforward way to remove diseased pulp tissue and is a better alternative to tooth extraction.
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