3D printing and oral health care

read Dental Trends, Lifestyle
3D printing has revolutionized the way the world works. It has also reshaped the way some dental procedures are done. Check out this blog for all you need to know about 3D printing and dentistry.

Dental care has come a long way from using sticks and rags to take care of our teeth. With the help of technology, modern dental tools have made great leaps in oral health care. But what does the future of oral health care look like? A quick search on the internet shows that many people believe 3D printing will change the way dental patients are treated and the dentistry field altogether.

What is 3D printing?

3D Printing is a method of creating 3-dimensional objects by using a computer to create the design. This is typically done with a digital file that acts as a blueprint for an object, a 3D printer, and the material that the finished item will be made of. Materials may include plastic, powders, resins, and metals. Layer by layer, the special printer uses the directions from the digital file to stack and fuse material to a custom object. 

How can 3D printing change oral health care?

3D printing is changing oral health care in dental offices all over the world. Not only does the technology save time and money for both dentists and patients, but it also creates products that can be custom-printed based on specific needs. 

Check out five ways 3D printing is changing oral health care:

3D printing in the dentist’s office

With new technologies improving the dentistry field, some dental offices are moving toward investing in 3D printing machines in their office. Here are the benefits of investing in a 3D printing machine:

  • Save money: Both dentists and patients will save money in the long term.
    • Patient costs will be reduced because the dental office saves money from 3D printing.
  • Save time: No one wants to spend more time than they need to at the dentist and 3D printers help reduce the time spent in the office. 3D printers provide digital impression technology that can get test results back within minutes instead of waiting days or even weeks.
  • Accuracy: 3D printers give fast results that are much more accurate. There is room for human error and restoration failure when dealing with models of teeth, and 3D printers eliminate these errors.
  • Dental implants and usability: Dental implants may not always be a perfect fit due to human error. However, a 3D printer can print accurate surgical templates within minutes. 3D printers also perform other functions including composite restorations, veneer fabrication, dental models, and surgical guides.
  • Cross infection control: In the world we live in today, it is essential to avoid passing germs whenever possible. In the past, physical impressions would be passed hand to hand across the dental staff, increasing the chance of transmission. 3D printers have eliminated any chance for contamination because everything is done by machine.
  • Esthetic dentistry: Digital Smile Design (DSD) is a new tool that can digitally design a new smile for patients. This new product makes things so easy that as soon as the patient approves the digital smile, it can be printed immediately.

3D printing has revolutionized the dentistry field by creating new and advanced technologies that help save money for both the dental practice as well as the patient.

Why the Tooth Fairy is an important character for kids

read Adult Oral Health, Children's Oral Health
The Tooth Fairy hovers silently, fluttering down to collect lost teeth from beneath the pillows of sleeping children. In place of the tooth, she leaves a treasure from her basket for the child to find in the morning. Check out this blog to see the importance of the Tooth Fairy!

The Tooth Fairy hovers silently, fluttering down to collect lost teeth from beneath the pillows of sleeping children. In place of the tooth, she leaves a treasure from her basket for the child to find in the morning. Why is sharing this legend important? Leaving gifts from the Tooth Fairy is a great way to help make losing teeth less scary and more exciting for kids.

Delta Dental of Wisconsin encourages parents to treat the Tooth Fairy’s visit as an opportunity to discuss good oral health, even before a child loses their first tooth. Below are some great ways parents can teach kids about good oral health habits.

Introduce the Tooth Fairy early on

Kids will start losing baby teeth around age six. Before this age, parents can teach kids about the Tooth Fairy and let them know that good oral health habits and healthy teeth make her happy. Use this as an opportunity to brush up on a child’s everyday dental routine. Kids not wanting to brush and floss? Remind them that the Tooth Fairy is only looking for healthy baby teeth, not teeth with cavities. This will help get kids excited about taking care of their teeth.

Leave a note reinforcing good habits

A personalized note from the Tooth Fairy could be as exciting for kids as the gift itself. Parents should include tips for important oral health habits that the Tooth Fairy wants kids to practice, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist at least once a year.

Give oral health gifts

Although money is a common gift for the Tooth Fairy to leave, children also receive toys, sugar-free gum, or other gifts. Consider forgoing cash and reinforcing good oral health habits by providing a new toothbrush with their favorite cartoon character or fun-flavored toothpaste. How about a new book? There are many children’s books about Tooth Fairy adventures that can add to the Tooth Fairy excitement.

Gone are the days of worrying about not being able to find the tiny tooth under the pillow in the middle of the night. Special Tooth Fairy pillows with tooth-sized pockets attached are now available in many themes and can even be customized with your child’s name.

The Tooth Fairy is a great way to tap into your child’s imagination, helping him or her to understand the importance of oral health in an exciting way.

For more information and ideas to make your child’s Tooth Fairy experience extra special, visit www.theoriginaltoothfairypoll.com.

Oral health milestones: Baby’s first year

read Children's Oral Health
In the first year of life, your baby will have many milestones, including oral health milestones. Learn more about what to expect in each stage!

During your child’s first year of life, they will transform from a snuggly baby to an energetic toddler. Whether it’s lifting their head without support, sitting up, or walking on their own, each milestone is exciting for parents. Babies also have many oral health milestones in their first year. Although they are born without visible teeth, the inside of a baby’s mouth is going through some major changes as they grow. Check out the infographic below for more information about oral health milestones in the first year.

In the first year of life, your baby will have many milestones, including oral health milestones. Learn more about what to expect in each stage!

All about shark teeth

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Shark teeth are among the most fascinating in the animal kingdom. Did you know that a single shark can lose and regrow thousands of teeth in its lifetime? Learn more about the apex predator’s teeth here.

Shark teeth are incredibly fascinating! In some ways, they’re like ours, and in others, they’re wildly different. Check out this short video on shark teeth from our friends at Delta Dental of Virginia to learn more:

Similarities between shark and human teeth

Human teeth and shark teeth are visually and physically different. However, there are some similarities between them that may surprise you. Some shark teeth, like human teeth, have a central “pulp cavity” surrounded by dentine and hard enamel. Shark teeth also leave behind a fossil record just like human teeth. Scientists have come to know about prehistoric sharks based purely on the shape and size of fossilized teeth.

Differences between shark and human teeth

There are many differences between human and shark teeth. Check out some below:

  • Sharks have more than one row of teeth. Sharks have up to 15 rows of teeth at one time. They act as conveyor belts, rotating in spaces that need filling.
  • Sharks are constantly losing their teeth. Some sharks will lose up to 50,000 teeth in their lifetime.
  • Sharks regrow their teeth in 24 hours.
  • Shark teeth don’t have roots as human teeth do. Therefore, they are much more likely to fall out or break while they’re eating.

Other fun shark teeth facts:

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

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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.