Your Health For Tag "oral hygiene"

  • 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.

  • Children missing preventive dental checkups during COVID-19 pandemic
    Feb. 1, 2022

    Children missing preventive dental checkups during COVID-19 pandemic

    Children’s Oral Health

    Throughout February, Delta Dental of Illinois is emphasizing the importance of good oral health care for children in honor of Children’s Dental Health Month. This reminder is even more important as some Illinois children haven’t received the preventive oral health care visit with their dentist during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

  • How dental benefits improve oral health
    Jun. 3, 2021

    How dental benefits improve oral health

    General oral health

    Good oral health habits and visiting the dentist regularly for preventive care can help you improve your overall health.

  • Good news about fighting bad breath
    Mar. 3, 2021

    Good news about fighting bad breath

    General oral health

    In general, bad breath is caused by odor-producing bacteria as well as the bad-smelling compounds released by bacteria. Chronic bad breath can be the result of: Oral conditions like poor oral hygiene, gum disease, tooth decay and dry mouth Respiratory tract conditions like sinusitis, tonsillitis and bronchial tract problems Other medical conditions Certain medications Tobacco usage

  • 9 ways to take great care of your gums
    Oct. 10, 2020

    9 ways to take great care of your gums

    General oral health

    Does it hurt when you brush your teeth? Or maybe you have noticed your gums bleeding when you floss. If this happens regularly, do not ignore it, as this could be an early sign of gum disease. Here are some ways to improve gum health to stop bleeding and pain and prevent gum problems from becoming more serious.

  • Tooth Fairy giving in the Midwest rebounds after several years of decline
    Feb. 21, 2020

    Tooth Fairy giving in the Midwest rebounds after several years of decline

    Children’s Oral Health

    According to the latest Original Tooth Fairy Poll results released by Delta Dental of Illinois, the value of a lost tooth has greatly improved in the Midwest and across the nation when compared to the last couple of years.

  • Parents say kids' oral health not making the grade observes Delta Dental survey
    Jul. 24, 2019

    Parents say kids' oral health not making the grade observes Delta Dental survey

    Children’s Oral Health

    It’s almost back to school time, which means report card time is right around the corner. With this in mind, we wanted to share how parents across the country graded the status of their kids’ oral health as a part of the Children’s Oral Health Survey.

  • What your family history says about your teeth
    Mar. 1, 2019

    What your family history says about your teeth

    General oral health

    Your genetics may provide a window into your risk for oral health issues. Understanding your family history can help you stay prepared to keep cavities and gum disease at bay. Your parents probably told you candy causes cavities, but that’s not the only thing that causes them. Risk for cavities is 60 percent due to genetic factors such as preference for sweets, teeth enamel strength and saliva composition, according to the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.1 If members of your f

  • Don't overlook important oral health habits for young children
    Feb. 10, 2015

    Don't overlook important oral health habits for young children

    Children’s Oral Health

    By Dr. Katina Spadoni Dental Director for Delta Dental of Illinois February is Children's Dental Health Month, a great time to remember that a child's oral health is set in motion from a very young age. Tooth decay can develop any time after the first tooth comes in, starting around 6 months old, and good...

  • Dental Benefit Categories and Coverages
    Aug. 19, 2014

    Dental Benefit Categories and Coverages

    Dental benefit information

    Many dental plans offer 3 classes or categories of coverage. Each class provides specific types of treatment and typically covers those treatments at a certain percentage. Each class also specifies limitations and exclusions. Reimbursement levels vary from plan to plan, so be sure to read your benefits information carefully. Here are the typical levels in... More »

  • Dental Visits a Good Habit to Start (Again)
    Aug. 5, 2014

    Dental Visits a Good Habit to Start (Again)

    General oral health

    While about half of Illinoisans (46 percent) visit the dentist at least twice a year, nearly a quarter of them (22 percent) have gone between three to five years without seeing the dentist. According to the Delta Dental of Illinois Oral Health and Well-Being Survey, most Americans visit the dentist at least once a year,... More »