Tongues and overall health: Reasons to stick your tongue out

read Adult Oral Health, Children's Oral Health
The tongue is sometimes called the window into your health - and for good reason. This amazing organ can alert you to serious health issues before symptoms start. Keep reading for more reasons to stick your tongue out.

When was the last time you got a good look at your tongue? If it’s been a while (or never happened before), now is a great time to stick your tongue out. The tongue is sometimes called the window into your health – and for good reason. This amazing organ can alert you to serious health issues before symptoms start. Keep reading for more reasons to stick your tongue out.  

What is the tongue?

The tongue is a highly mobile, voluntary muscular structure attached to the base of the mouth. Naturally oblong in shape, the tongue’s surface contains a protective mucous membrane, several papillae, and taste buds. The tongue is considered both a sensory and digestive organ because of its ability to sense food particles for taste and kick off the digestion process by moving food from the mouth to the pharynx. In addition to helping us taste and eat our food, the tongue works with the lips and teeth to produce more than 90 words per minute. It also acts as a barrier to prevent harmful germs from entering the throat. 

What to look for in a healthy tongue

Your tongue’s health is a preview of your body’s overall health with its ability to show signs of disease before symptoms even occur. Fortunately, you can determine if your tongue is healthy in less than a minute just by looking in the mirror and taking a moment to notice any changes in feeling. When checking for a healthy tongue, take note of the following: 

  • Moisture: Your tongue and mouth should always be moist to help with saliva production. If you have a dry mouth, you may experience discomfort and be at risk of several diseases. 
  • Texture: A healthy tongue should be bump-free, apart from the tiny projections known as papillae on your tongue’s back. Visit your dentist if you notice any lumps, bumps, or sores that become painful and aren’t improving with over-the-counter medications.
  • Color: Your tongue’s color can indicate severe health problems ad help catch these developments early on. A healthy tongue is typically pink in color, ranging from lighter to darker hues. If you notice a change in your tongue’s color, you may have developed the following conditions: 
  • White: oral thrush, Lichen planus, Leukoplakia
  • Red/Purple: vitamin b deficiencies, Kawasaki disease, scarlet fever
  • Yellow: bacterial overgrowth from smoking, chewing tobacco, or consuming certain vitamins
  • Black: poor oral hygiene, antibiotics, diabetes, chemotherapy treatments

How to care for your tongue

The bottom line is that your tongue and overall health are more connected than you think. Fortunately, there are several steps you can make to help with overall tongue health to avoid developing any of the conditions above. Be sure to brush your tongue twice daily, rinse thoroughly, and drink plenty of water to keep the tongue clean and free from debris. You can also try using a tongue scraper to help remove the mucus layer on top of your tongue for a deeper clean. 

Your dentist will examine your tongue health at any check-up appointment. However, if problems such as tongue pain, swelling, or a change in color persist for more than two weeks, it’s important that you see your doctor right away for early diagnosis and treatment. 

Worried you may be at risk of any of the conditions above? Find a dentist near you and schedule an appointment and get your tongue health back where it needs to be!

Long term effects of poor oral health care on children

read Children's Oral Health
Poor oral health care can lead to negative long-term effects on children. Learn more about the consequences of poor oral health care and how t can impact your child's future.

Most parents understand the importance of good physical health for the well-being of their children. However, the value of good oral health is sometimes overlooked. Poor oral health in children can lead to many negative long-term effects including physical and mental health problems, and can even hinder academic success in some cases. Here are some ways poor oral health can impact a child’s future.

Effects on physical health

Poor oral care can cause children to experience health problems that start in their youth and carry through their adult years. For example, children (and adults) who have untreated cavities or other dental problems tend not to chew food correctly due to pain. Chewing is an important first step in the digestive process and incorrectly doing so can lead to digestive problems. Examples of digestive problems caused by improper chewing include upset stomach, gas, bloating, and constipation.

The risk of serious physical health problems later in life, such as heart disease, can increase for children with poor oral health. One study found that oral infections in childhood are associated with structural changes and thickening in the artery walls. This thickening can increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks in adulthood.

Additionally, the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease increase for children who have bad oral health. Studies have found bacteria that cause gum disease can travel from the mouth to the brain and may damage neurons. Chronic gum disease can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s dramatically. Thus, catching and treating gum disease early may decrease the risk of developing the disease later in life.

Effects on mental health

Children with oral health problems such as bad breath can reduce self-confidence and self-esteem levels. Additionally, bad breath in adolescents “could lead the individual to estrangement and avoidance in social interactions.” This social avoidance may ultimately lead to a negative self-image, poor social skills, substance abuse, and more. More concerningly, lack of self-esteem may cause more serious mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety as adults.

In addition to low self-esteem, children with poor oral health may be more likely to have speech issues. This can cause them to feel embarrassed or frustrated when they try and communicate. Oral health problems during early childhood, such as cavities, can cause speech delays, and studies have found that children with speech delays have a higher risk of developing emotional, social, and behavioral problems as an adult.

Taking care of oral health can help children feel more confident as they grow. This is especially important as mental health disorders are becoming more common.

Effects on education

The connection between problems in school and poor oral health is not widely known. However, studies have found poor oral health is strongly linked to negative academic outcomes. Other findings suggest that children with oral health problems may not be as successful as their counterparts in adulthood.

A 2018 study found that children with decayed teeth have a “44% higher probability of poor school performance and a 57% greater likelihood of poor school attendance.” Children who have high rates of absences are at a greater risk of falling behind and dropping out of school.

Neglecting oral health care may have a serious impact when it comes to the future of your child. Therefore, it’s important to encourage good oral hygiene habits and see a dentist regularly.

How to prevent poor oral health in children

Poor oral health may lead to negative long-term effects on the physical health, mental health, and even the academic success of your child. So, what can you do to prevent poor oral health in your child?

For babies and young children:

  1. See a dentist by age 1
  2. For babies, wipe gums with a clean cloth after feeding and before bed
  3. Start brushing with a soft toothbrush when the first tooth appears
  4. Don’t not put a baby to bed with a bottle

For children:

  1. Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
  2. Drink fluoridated water
  3. See a dentist regularly

The importance of good oral health in children goes far beyond the mouth. Find a provider near you today!

Do toddlers need dental insurance?

read Children's Oral Health, Insurance Resources and Dental Benefits
As a parent, it can be hard to decipher between what’s best for your kids and what’s unnecessary. Get the scoop on whether or not toddlers need dental insurance and what can happen without it.

Many parents wonder if their toddler needs dental insurance. The short answer is yes!

Good oral health starts young. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends booking an appointment with a dentist no later than your child’s first birthday. Some dental professionals prefer to see young patients as soon as their first tooth comes in. Investing in dental insurance for the entire family ensures that everyone, no matter their age, will have good oral health. 

Check out the top three reasons why toddlers need dental insurance:

1. Toddlers need dental insurance to ensure a healthy mouth and smile

Toddlers need dental insurance to establish good oral health habits early on. Children are much more likely to continue those habits, such as seeing a dentist and keeping a good oral hygiene routine, as they grow. Additionally, when toddlers visit the dentist by their first birthday, the dentist can help monitor or correct any oral health concerns before they become serious problems.

Toddlers need to see the dentist and practice good oral hygiene to protect their teeth as they grow. Even though baby teeth fall out, they are still very important. Keep baby teeth healthy by brushing them twice a day with a pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste. Parents can begin using fluoride toothpaste as soon as their child can spit.

Once your toddler has two teeth next to each other, they should begin flossing. Click here for tips on teaching your kids how to floss. Have children brush under your supervision and assistance until they can brush by themselves – generally around age seven. 

2. Avoid tooth decay in toddlers with dental insurance

Tooth decay is a serious disease that can cause infection in other parts of the body. And toddlers who have had tooth decay are more likely to have oral and overall health problems as they grow up.  Tooth decay leads to cavities, and untreated cavities can cause pain and infections. Poor oral health in kids can cause “problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning,” according to the CDC.

Additionally, toddlers with dental insurance have a lower risk of untreated cavities, which are associated with:

  • Iron deficiency 
  • Malnutrition and disordered eating, including low vitamin D and calcium
  • Obesity

If your toddler is on your dental coverage plan, it is easier to prevent and treat tooth decay early by removing plaque buildup. Learn more about our extensive dentist network. 

3. Dental coverage for toddlers helps you save on dental costs

When your toddler is covered under your dental insurance plan, you won’t have to pay for dental visits out of pocket. Most plans cover exams, cleanings, and other diagnostic or preventive services at 100%. Your plan may also cover restorative treatments.

How do I sign my toddler up for dental coverage?

Having a baby or adopting a child counts as a qualifying life event, which means you can make changes to your benefits plans. You can also do this during open enrollment. Just choose family coverage and list your baby as a dependent. 

If your toddler wasn’t signed up as a baby, reach out to your benefits administrator, broker, or Delta Dental of Wisconsin’s Customer Service.

Not covered? You can sign up for a Delta Dental plan that meets your family’s needs. When you opt for infant dental coverage, you invest in a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Eye diseases explained: Cataracts

read Vision Benefits
Imagine looking at the world through a smudged, cloudy window. Unfortunately, this is the reality for roughly 20 million people living in the United States diagnosed with cataracts.

Imagine looking at the world through a smudged, cloudy window. Unfortunately, this is the reality for roughly 20 million people living in the United States diagnosed with cataracts.  

What are cataracts? 

Cataracts are the clouding of the lens of one or both eyes, which can cause your vision to become blurry or even dull in color. Vision occurs when a clear lens behind your eye’s iris transfers light and processes that information to form a picture. Unfortunately, when eye cataracts are present, the cloudy lens strains the brain’s ability to process the image. In addition to cloudy and blurry vision eye cataracts can cause:

  • Sensitivity to bright lights, including both the sun and artificial lights
  • An ongoing need to change both eyeglass and contact prescriptions
  • Diplopia (double vision)
  • Diffraction (a halo effect around lights) 
  • An overall change to the way you see colors 

What causes cataracts?

Eyes are composed mainly of water and proteins, and those proteins can break down and clump together as you get older, eventually causing cataracts. Although age is the most common factor in developing eye cataracts, other risk factors can contribute to the diagnosis, including: 

  • Health problems (diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure)
  • Family history of eye disease
  • Extensive sun exposure (not wearing proper protection, i.e., sunglasses, hats, etc.) 
  • Eye injuries (impact, heat and chemical burns, splinters) 

How to prevent cataracts

Although there are no proven ways to prevent cataracts, doctors believe the following habits could help avoid this condition: 

  • Wearing proper protection such as sunglasses or wide-brim hats (even in cloudy weather)
  • Consuming foods high in vitamin C and D (oranges, tomatoes, broccoli, strawberries, spinach, almonds) 
  • Scheduling routine eye exams
  • Quitting smoking
  • Cutting back on alcohol use
  • Using brighter lamps when reading to prevent eye strain

How to treat cataracts

Eventually, you may reach a point where the symptoms of a cataract are starting to affect your day-to-day life. When this happens, it’s important that you schedule an appointment with your eye doctor immediately for a dilation. Your doctor can determine how much your vision is blocked by widening and examining your pupil. Based on your doctor’s findings, it’s possible that they may recommend surgery. 

Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most frequently performed surgeries in the U.S. Prior to the start of surgery, you will undergo anesthesia and receive numbing eye drops. The amount of anesthesia will ensure that you stay awake but do not feel any pain. During surgery, an ophthalmologist will start by removing the damaged lens. Then, using an artificial implant personalized to your vision needs, the doctor will place the new lens into your eye. After surgery, it’s common to feel mild discomfort or itching, but after about three weeks, symptoms should be fully healed, and you can now enjoy your new and improved vision!

Hydration and your mouth: Oral health benefits of water

read Senior Oral Health

*Updated July 2025

Drinking the correct amount of water daily offers a range of benefits for your body, from regulating temperature and cushioning joints to aiding digestion, preventing constipation, and protecting tissues and organs. But the benefits of water don’t stop there. Water also plays an important role in keeping your mouth healthy.

Choosing water over sugary beverages is one of the best ways to care for your oral health. It’s time to put down the soda and learn more about the oral health benefits of water.

Oral health benefits of water

Fluoridated water keeps teeth strong

If you drink water from a tap, you’re helping your teeth and bones stay strong by ingesting tiny amounts of fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in your teeth and bones. It’s also found in soil, water, plants, and even the air. The mineral helps prevent cavities and tooth decay by strengthening the outer layer of teeth, or enamel. This is why many oral health products, such as toothpaste and mouth rinses, contain fluoride.

The fluoridation of public water started in 1945 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. According to the 2022 Water Fluoridation Data and Statistics report, about 72% of the population of the United States has access to fluoridated water.

One of the key benefits of water, especially when it contains fluoride, is its ability to help prevent cavities and tooth decay.

Note: Some water filtration devices, such as reverse osmosis systems, can remove a significant amount of fluoride from tap water. Therefore, people who drink primarily from these systems may not get the benefits of the fluoridation of water.

Water cleans your mouth

Another way to reap the benefits of water is to sip on it throughout the day. This simple action is one of the most effective ways to keep your mouth clean. Although drinks like soda and juice may leave your teeth feeling clean, the reality is that sugar particles are left behind. Naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth break down these sugar particles and produce acids that soften the hard tissues of your teeth.

Other chemicals found in sugary drinks, such as phosphoric, citric, or malic acids, can also eat away at your teeth’s enamel, thus increasing the risk of tooth decay and cavities.

Like saliva, water cleans your teeth and helps to wash away food debris, unwanted sugar, and acid produced by bacteria in your mouth.

Water supports saliva production

Saliva, or the clear liquid that’s formed in your mouth, is incredibly important to your oral health because it plays many roles when it comes to the health of your mouth. It helps start the digestion process by lubricating food, helps wash away food debris, and can slow the growth of unwanted bacteria, to name a few.

When there’s not enough saliva being produced, it can lead to xerostomia, more commonly known as dry mouth. Dry mouth is a serious oral health condition that can cause the tongue, gums, and other tissues to become painful and swollen. It also increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Your salivary glands rely on proper hydration to produce enough saliva. Among the many benefits of water, supporting saliva production is one of the most important.

Water is the best choice when it comes to supporting oral health

A nice, refreshing glass of water is always the best choice when it comes to caring for your oral health. From keeping your mouth clean to strengthening your teeth, the benefits of water make it an essential part of a healthy smile.

The importance of comprehensive eye exams for growing eyes

read Vision Benefits

*Updated June 2025

You know they should visit the dentist at least once a year for preventive check-ups, but did you know that annual comprehensive eye exams are equally as important for kids’ vision?

Approximately 625,000 children in the United States have been diagnosed with a vision or eye condition, according to the American Foundation for the Blind. However, there are many children with undiagnosed vision problems who may be suffering in silence from side effects including headaches, short attention spans, fatigue, difficulty in school, and more.

It’s important to visit an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam, not just a vision screening, every year to protect your kids’ vision and detect and treat any problems early.

Comprehensive eye exams are vital for vision and eye health

Comprehensive eye exams play a crucial role in protecting children’s vision. Unlike basic vision screenings, these in-depth exams provide a complete picture of eye health. During a comprehensive exam, an eye doctor evaluates key aspects such as visual acuity, eye function, corneal curvature, refraction, and overall eye health. They also track your child’s vision over time, helping detect and address any changes early, before they impact learning or development.

Although typically not a concern for young children, comprehensive eye exams can reveal early warning signs of more serious overall health conditions. An eye doctor can detect signs of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and even diabetes. They also check for things like cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other vision impairments.

Comprehensive eye exams help keep track of vision changes

Comprehensive eye exams serve as an opportunity to learn exactly how well, or not well, your child can see. It’s common for someone to think they have perfect eyesight right up until they get a pair of glasses or contact lenses. This is especially true for children, as they might not realize they are experiencing vision problems.

Getting into an eye doctor early can help save time spent squinting and struggling to see while offering a chance to get the proper vision correctors if needed.

Protect your children’s vision with annual comprehensive eye exams

The American Optometric Association recommends that infants should have an initial eye exam between six and 12 months of age. Preschoolers, aged three to five, should be seen once. When a child enters school, or at about six years of age, annual exams are encouraged.

If you suspect a vision injury or potential loss of eyesight, or your child complains about blurred vision, visit your provider as soon as possible.

Vision insurance from Delta Dental of Wisconsin helps keep your family’s eyes healthy

Delta Dental of Wisconsin offers DeltaVision® plans for individuals and for employers. These plans cover exams, frames, contact lenses, and even laser correction procedures, as well as discounts on lenses, at participating providers.

Find a DeltaVision provider today.

Interested in learning more about DeltaVision? Click here.

Tooth-friendly treats: Sugar-free lemonade recipe

read Adult Oral Health, Lifestyle
Sugar-free lemonade is a delicious summer treat that won’t cause havoc on your teeth! Check out the recipe now.

With spring already here and summer approaching, nothing sounds better than a nice, refreshing glass of lemonade! With the average glass coming in at a whopping 67g of sugar, we wanted to help you by providing a tooth-friendly recipe just in time for the warmer weather!

What you’ll need:

  • ½ cup of sugar alternative (we used Splenda)
  • 4-6 Lemons, juiced
    • Fresh-squeezed lemon juice is a better option than bottled, as bottled may contain added sugars
  • Ice
  • Up to ½ gallon of water (can be sparkling!)

Optional:

  • 3-4 tablespoons of lime juice
  • Mint sprigs and sliced lemons for garnish

How to make:

  • Juice the lemons and transfer the juice to a large pitcher. If you want to add lime juice, do so now.
  • Pour water over lemon juice, mix, and refrigerate.
  • Serve over ice, garnish, and enjoy!

Why employers should offer vision benefits

read Vision Benefits
Employer-sponsored vision insurance is often underutilized by companies. Find out all the benefits of offering comprehensive insurance packages for healthier and happier employees.

*Updated March 2023

With many jobs revolving around screen technology, the health of our eyes is becoming even more important. So why don’t all companies provide vision benefits to their employees?

According to a survey, offering vision insurance to employees increases retention rates at the company by 87%. Whether or not a company provides employer vision benefits can significantly influence an employee’s decision to work there.

Increased screen time at work has had a negative effect on employee productivity in the U.S. In fact, 79% of employees’ job performance has been impacted by headaches, fatigue, and focus. This indicates that although employers may invest more money to supply vision insurance, it will help the company in the long run by keeping employees healthy, happy, and more productive.

Employees want vision insurance

Since vision coverage is not an option at all companies, employees often seek out companies that provide employer vision benefits. But what exactly are employees looking for?

As of November 2021, 80% of employees would prefer a benefits package over a pay raise. This may be shocking to some, but a comprehensive benefits package seems to carry more weight for today’s employees.

Vision benefits may help cover the cost of:

  • Preventive eye exams
  • Glasses or contacts
  • Medical treatment for infections or scratches
  • Surgery for eye injuries

Offering vision insurance saves money for employers

Not only does supplying vision benefits save employees money but it also saves the company money in the long run. With digital eye strain at an all-time high, providing employer vision coverage boosts your company’s retention and reputation.

Companies who give the option of employer vision benefits save money due to preventive vision care. According to a study, companies can save annually per employee when it offers supplemental vision benefits. This is huge for the company, as well as the employee because both will end up saving in the end. Plus, employees will have healthy eyes, leading to increased productivity.

Screen Time Causes Eye Damage

Whether it’s staring at a phone screen, computer screen, or television screen, most of us spend a large amount of time staring at a screen. 80% of jobs today revolve around staring at a computer screen all day, so it should come as no surprise that we are damaging our eyes and our overall health. But what is causing the damage to your eyes? The answer is blue light.

More screen time increases blue light exposure to one’s eyes. If you find yourself staring at screens for a good part of your day, it may be time to consider purchasing blue-light-blocking glasses, more commonly known as blue light glasses. Blue light glasses help ease symptoms such as headaches, eye strain, and poor sleep.

Blue light glasses are not the only way to protect your eyes, here are a few other tips:

  • Limit screen time – Although your job might revolve around looking at a screen, it is crucial to take regular breaks throughout the day.
  • Use the 20-20-20 Rule – Take a break every 20 minutes for 20 seconds to look at something 20 feet away.

As you can see, offering employer vision benefits can be instrumental when it comes to running a successful business. Having healthy employees translates to having a healthy company. So, keeping your employee’s eyes and health in tip-top shape is a must.

With our DeltaVision® plans, businesses of any size can offer their employees vision insurance at an affordable rate.

Looking for more information on vision coverage? Check out this blog to learn more:

5 tips to quit smoking and its impact on oral health

read Lifestyle
Understanding the toll nicotine takes on our bodies and our mouths – plus these tools to quit smoking - can help you kick the habit.

Wondering how to quit smoking? We’re here to help. It’s estimated that about 50 million Americans have an addiction to nicotine. The type of products varies from e-cigarettes to combustible cigarettes, chew, and snuff. Thankfully, there are many tools available to quit smoking. You should be able to find plenty of motivation, too – besides the detriment to your wallet, consuming nicotine takes a toll on your oral and overall health. Learn more about the consequences of consuming nicotine. Plus, we’ll provide smoking cessation tips to make your experience successful. 

How Smoking Impacts You

When you smoke, toxins are invited into our bloodstream and every organ in our bodies. At the same time, the carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke depletes the levels of oxygen in our blood. The cells throughout our bodies get less of the oxygen they need to work properly.

When you inhale from an e-cigarette or vaporizer, the battery heats up nicotine, which is the active ingredient in tobacco. Chemicals like formaldehyde and heavy metals are also reportedly inhaled. This creates a mix of particles that invade our lungs and cause inflammation. Inflammation in the lungs is linked to cardiovascular disease, among other conditions. 

Smokers can lose about 25 years of life, and about half of all lifetime smokers wind up dying early of smoking-related causes.

How Nicotine and Tobacco Impact Your Mouth

In addition to damaging your overall health, nicotine can also cause periodontal (gum) disease, which can lead to tooth loss, and mouth and other cancers. 

Nicotine, an active ingredient in tobacco, is a significant contributor to periodontal disease. That’s because it ruins our mouth’s ability to be healthy. 

Research suggests that nicotine affects:

Consuming nicotine stops your mouth from being able to fight for its health. Once you’re ready to quit smoking, you have many options. Some of the most proven techniques include nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), medication, and counseling.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

NRT provides nicotine without the other harmful components of tobacco smoke. Because nicotine is the addictive substance in tobacco, NRT allows you to focus on quitting the habit. Once you’ve had a chance to change your behavior, you can then wean your body off the nicotine.

Five types of NRT products have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Nicotine gums, patches, and lozenges can be bought over the counter. Nicotine sprays and inhalers are available by prescription. Talk to your primary care physician about which are right for you. If you’re pregnant or have heart or circulatory disease, be sure to talk with your doctor before using one of these products.

Counseling and Contact Information for Smoking Cessation

Counseling and support programs can help connect you with a motivating support system. These programs can provide guidance to help you find the best “quit method” for you. 

Aside from your doctor, other sources for referrals include your local hospital, health department, or American Cancer Society chapter (800-ACS-2345 or 800-227-2345). Another resource is the National Network of Tobacco Cessation Quit Lines (800-QUIT-NOW or 800-784-8669).

You Can Quit Smoking

Giving up smoking isn’t easy, but can be done. To be successful, it’s best to put a plan in place and use the tools available to quit smoking. Take the process step-by-step.

In as little as one hour after your last cigarette, for example, your blood pressure and heart rate return to a normal, healthy rate. The next day, 12 hours after quitting, your body purifies itself of carbon monoxide. After one full day (24 hours), your risk of heart attack decreases. In the next week, your sense of smell and taste will improve. 

For the next few months, the body and mouth continue to heal and repair. In addition to fewer instances of coughing and shortness of breath, you will also have better breath, and dry mouth will improve. One year after quitting smoking, a person’s risk for coronary heart disease decreases by half. And after one year, it continues to drop.

Take the journey to quit smoking one step at a time and don’t forget these smoking cessation tips. Soon you’ll be basking in the satisfaction of knowing that you’re keeping your mouth — and your entire body — healthy.

If your oral health has been impacted by nicotine, click here to find a dentist near you who can help you get your oral health back on track.

The value of dental insurance vs. paying out-of-pocket

read Insurance Resources and Dental Benefits
Person counting money in their wallet.

*Updated September 2026

Key takeaways about the value of dental insurance:

  • Although most adults recognize the importance of dental visits, misconceptions about cost, coverage, and the value of dental insurance often prevent people from enrolling in a plan.
  • By covering preventive care and encouraging regular dental visits, dental insurance helps identify oral health issues early, reducing the risk of more serious and costly treatments later on.
  • Paying out of pocket may seem more affordable at first, but dental insurance can lower overall treatment costs through covered preventive care, negotiated rates, and reduced out-of-pocket expenses.

According to the 2026 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report, 90% of adults admitted they “believe that a dental visit is as important as an annual physical.”

However, as of 2024, only an estimated 65% of the population have dental insurance. If most Americans agree on the value of going to the dentist, why do so many opt out of having dental coverage?

It’s possible that many people refrain from getting coverage because they don’t see the value of dental insurance or understand how much dental benefits are worth. The reason behind this misunderstanding could be due to a variety of things, such as a lack of knowledge on what dental insurance is or the false impression that paying out-of-pocket is a more accessible option.

Misconceptions about dental insurance 

Many people skip dental insurance because of common misconceptions. Some think it’s too expensive or only worth it if you need major dental work. In reality, dental insurance is often affordable and covers preventive care like cleanings and checkups. It helps catch issues early and can prevent more expensive bills later.

Others believe paying out-of-pocket is easier, but one unexpected dental procedure can be costly. According to GoodRx, a dental cleaning can range between $75 to $200 without insurance, whereas a more invasive procedure like a root canal can cost between $700 to $2,100. Without coverage, even basic care can become a major expense.

Why have dental insurance?

When you realize all the benefits of coverage, it’s easy to understand the true value of dental insurance:

Dental insurance helps control the costs of dental care

  • Without dental insurance, you’re responsible for the full cost of treatment. But with a Delta Dental of Wisconsin plan, you benefit from discounted rates and coverage that helps reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Preventive care (like checkups and cleanings) is often covered at 100%, while insurance also helps lower the cost of major procedures, saving you money and protecting your oral health.

Dental insurance helps prevent the development of more severe issues 

  • Because dental insurance focuses on preventive care, those with insurance are less likely to have severe dental problems. By visiting the dentist more frequently, dentists can detect problems early on and treat them before they develop into more severe issues. This creates peace of mind for those with dental insurance because they know they won’t have to suffer from painful complications due to oral health problems.

Dental insurance helps save time

Offering dental insurance creates a better work environment

Dental insurance is always a good investment

Dental insurance does more than just lower your dental bills – it helps protect the health of both you and your family. By reducing out-of-pocket costs and encouraging routine checkups, dental coverage makes it easier to stay on top of preventive care and catch issues early, before they become more serious and expensive.

Whether it’s for cleanings, fillings, or more advanced treatments, having the right dental plan can lead to better oral health and long-term savings. Explore your options and find a plan that fits your needs and your budget today.