Your Health For Tag "bacteria"

  • 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.

  • What is gum disease?
    Dec. 6, 2021

    What is gum disease?

    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.

  • Learn the proper technique for brushing your teeth
    Aug. 4, 2020

    Learn the proper technique for brushing your teeth

    General oral health

    You know brushing your teeth is important, but how you go about doing so can make a significant difference in your long-term oral health. If you fail to brush your teeth thoroughly and with a good technique, your teeth may look and feel clean, but layers of plaque will build up in hard-to-reach places and cause tooth decay. Eventually some of it will harden into tartar, collect more plaque, causing gum damage and other unwanted oral health issues.

  • Top Tricks and Treats for a Tooth-friendly Halloween
    Oct. 18, 2017

    Top Tricks and Treats for a Tooth-friendly Halloween

    Children’s Oral Health

    Most little monsters will bring home a scary stash of candy after trick-or-treating, so it's not surprising that nearly 1 in 5 Illinois parents say Halloween is one of the toughest times to get their kids to maintain good oral health habits.1 But don't get frightened, Delta Dental of Illinois offers parents some tricks and... More »

  • UV Safety Month: Don't Overlook Oral Health
    Jul. 21, 2017

    UV Safety Month: Don't Overlook Oral Health

    General oral health

    It's UV Safety Month – a great time to remember that it's essential to protect skin from the sun's rays. When you're outside this summer, remember to apply sunscreen to an often-overlooked part of the body: your lips. In fact, 63 percent of sunscreen users don't protect their pucker.1 Sun exposure to lips can increase... More »