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.

Tooth-friendly treats: Oatmeal cookie recipe

read Children's Oral Health, Lifestyle
Whether it’s National Oatmeal Cookie Day or just a regular day of the week, who doesn’t love oatmeal cookies? To celebrate our love for the delicious treat, we’re sharing a tooth-friendly oatmeal cookie recipe featuring chocolate chips.

Whether it’s National Oatmeal Cookie Day or just a regular day of the week, who doesn’t love oatmeal cookies? To celebrate our love for the delicious treat, we’re sharing a tooth-friendly oatmeal cookie recipe featuring chocolate chips.

Health-conscious recipes often call for ingredients that you’d have to purchase at a specialty store, but this oatmeal cookie recipe is made up of things you probably already have in your pantry. It only requires one bowl, so you won’t have a messy kitchen afterwards, and features very little sugar. Your smile will thank you.

Let us know if you try this recipe!

Ingredients

  • ½ cup coconut oil
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 4 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • ¾ cup oat flour (also called “powdered oats” – regular oats blended in a blender)
  • ½ cup old-fashioned oats
  • ¼ cup quick oats
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips

Baking Instructions

  1. Melt the coconut oil until it’s liquid, then measure out ½ cup. Cool to room temperature before adding it to the recipe.
  2. Add regular oats to your food processor or blender. Grind until the oats are fine enough to resemble flour. You can stir and grind them again if they’re not all down to a fine powder. Measure out ¾ cup, gently packed, after you’ve made the oat flour.
  3. To a medium-sized bowl add the coconut oil, vanilla extract, egg, and brown sugar. Whisk together until they’re thoroughly mixed.
  4. Add your oat flour, old-fashioned oats, quick oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, then add in the dark chocolate chips.
  5. Cover the dough tightly and let it chill in the fridge for no more than 30 minutes. This allows the dough to firm up. Remove the dough and use a spoon or cookie scoop to measure out dough balls. Tightly craft the balls and then slightly flatten them onto a plate or a sheet pan. You should get approximately 14 cookies. Once you have finished making the dough balls, put them back in the fridge to chill for another 30 minutes.
  6. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place dough balls 2 inches apart on a lined sheet pan. Bake for 7-9 minutes or until they’re starting to firm on top. Remove the pan from the oven and let the cookies cool for 5 minutes. Then use a spatula to gently transfer the cookies from the pan to a cooling rack.
  7. Enjoy!

Chelsea’s Messy Apron

Oral cancer signs and symptoms

read Adult Oral Health
Person getting checked for oral cancer by a dentist.

*Updated April 2026

Key takeaways about the signs and symptoms of oral cancer:

  • Sores that don’t heal, rough patches, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained bleeding are all red flags. Don’t ignore them.
  • Tobacco use, excessive alcohol, HPV infection, sun exposure, and poor oral hygiene are all major risk factors worth being mindful of.
  • When caught early, oral cancer has a survival rate as high as 85 percent. Twice-yearly dental visits are one of your best defenses.

That small spot in your mouth or dry patch on your lips is usually harmless. But knowing when to get it checked could save your life.

The American Cancer Society estimates that 60,480 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer in 2026. While an oral cancer diagnosis can be devastating, early detection dramatically improves outcomes, with survival rates as high as 85% when caught early.

Understanding the warning signs, risk factors, and importance of early detection could make all the difference.

What is oral cancer?

Oral cancer is a broad term for cancer that can impact the inside of your mouth and throat. Oral cancer can develop on your lips, tongue, the lining of your cheeks, the roof and lower part of your mouth, and nearly all parts of your oral cavity.

According to the American Cancer Society, “Almost all of the cancers in the oral cavity and oropharynx are squamous cell carcinomas, also called squamous cell cancers. These cancers start in squamous cells, which are flat, thin cells that form the lining of the mouth and throat.”

Once these cells are compromised, the cancer cells multiply quickly and can spread to other areas in the body, making it more difficult to treat.

Signs of oral cancer

In its early stages, oral cancer typically doesn’t cause any pain or other symptoms.

However, if you notice any of the following changes in your mouth be sure to contact your dentist and physician for further evaluation:

  • A sore on your lips or mouth that doesn’t go away within two weeks
  • A chronic earache
  • Crusty or rough spots on your lips, cheeks, or gums
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing
  • Difficulty speaking or moving your jaw or tongue
  • Areas of bleeding in your mouth with no obvious reason

Regular dental visits are an opportunity for early detection of oral cancer, often before any symptoms appear. Make those twice-yearly check-ups a priority. Each one includes a potentially lifesaving oral cancer screening.

Click here to find an in-network dentist near you.

Causes of oral cancer

Oral cancer is caused by changes or mutations in the DNA of the cells that make up your oral cavity. These changes cause them to multiply uncontrollably and spread. Sometimes these changes occur for no reason. However, there are activities that may increase your risk of developing the disease.

Risk factors for developing oral cancer 

Using tobacco products: Using tobacco products of any kind, whether chewed, inhaled, or held and spat, dramatically increases your risk of developing oral cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, “Tobacco use is one of the strongest risk factors for head and neck cancers, including oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer.”

Exposure to ultraviolet light: According to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, people who work outside, use tanning beds, and have prolonged exposure to the sun have a higher risk of developing lip cancers.

Excessive alcohol use: Moderate and excessive alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of oral cancer. Studies have suggested that moderate drinkers have nearly double the risk of developing oral cancer. Heavy drinkers are up to five times as likely to develop the disease compared to non-drinkers.

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) infection: HPV are a group of more than 100 related viruses. Some are linked to the development of cancer, like oral and oropharyngeal cancers. HPV is believed to cause 70% of oropharyngeal cancers in the U.S. These viruses are mostly spread through skin-to-skin contact and oral-genital contact.

For more information on HPV and oral health, click here.

Poor oral health: Research shows poor oral health increases your oral cancer risk by creating chronic inflammation that damages DNA over time. When you skip regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits, harmful bacteria flourish, which can lead to gum disease or periodontitis. This also creates an environment where cancer cells can develop more easily.

Early detection of oral cancer is key

Early diagnosis of oral cancer dramatically improves survival rates because treatment can begin before it spreads beyond the oral cavity. That’s why oral cancer screenings during your regular dental visits are so crucial. Your dentist performs a comprehensive exam of the entire mouth at each checkup, making twice-yearly appointments one of your best defenses against the disease.

Ready to learn more about oral cancer? Check out this blog: “Lower risk of oral cancer linked to flossing, dentist visits.”

Kidneys and oral health: Can kidney disease affect oral health?

read Adult Oral Health, Senior Oral Health
The human body is a complex structure made up of systems that depend on each other. As a result, different parts of our bodies can have a direct effect on others—sometimes good and sometimes bad.

The human body is a complex structure made up of systems that depend on each other. As a result, different parts of our bodies can have a direct effect on others—sometimes good and sometimes bad.

This proves to be particularly true for individuals with kidney disease. Kidney disease is a collapse of your renal system’s ability to filter wastes from your blood. It can also affect other areas of your body, including your mouth. Like many other diseases, researchers have found several connections between kidney disease and oral health. Because of this, it’s essential for people with kidney disease to take extra care of their oral hygiene to avoid developing new or worsening symptoms.

If you’ve been diagnosed with kidney disease, you may be more likely to develop:

Dry mouth. According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, more than 500 medications can cause dry mouth, including drugs used to treat kidney disease. A dry mouth can be uncomfortable for many, cause difficulty when eating or drinking, and may even lead to bad breath. Your mouth uses saliva to clear away detritus and harmful bacteria from the surface of your teeth, so people with dry mouth may be at risk for tooth decay.

  • What you can do. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to help manage dry mouth. Visit your dentist regularly; brush and floss daily; opt for soft, moist foods; and use saliva substitutes and lubricants when necessary.

Oral lesions. An oral lesion is a mouth ulcer, sore, or open wound found on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. Dentists often check for oral lesions because some may present the risk of transforming into oral cancer if left untreated. A study conducted by BMC Oral Health found that those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a higher instance of oral lesions than those without CKD. Results showed oral lesions present in 96.5%vof CKD patients compared with only 16.7%vof those without DKD.

  • What you can do. Visiting the dentist at least once a year can help decrease the chance of any oral lesions going unchecked. If your dentist identifies any lesions, they’ll be more likely to take preventive measures to avoid extensive treatments down the road.

Periodontitis. More commonly known as gum disease, periodontitis is a severe infection that spreads beyond the gum line and can destroy the bone tissue supporting teeth, sometimes leading to tooth loss. A study conducted by the Pakistan Journal of Medical Science found that patients with CKD have higher prevalence of gum disease and that there’s a “bidirectional relation” between CKD and gum disease. Researchers believe this could be due to an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and the body’s antioxidant capacity, which ultimately damages tissue cells.

  • What you can do. You can prevent the progression of gum disease by adhering to better oral hygiene habits at home, such as following your doctor’s recommendations for brushing and flossing and avoiding smoking.

Preparing for Dental Procedures with Kidney Disease

Kidney disease and your oral health can have adverse effects on each other, which is why it’s essential to communicate with both your kidney doctor and oral provider when it comes to upcoming procedures. Because a weakened immune system is a symptom of both kidney disease and its treatment, individuals are more susceptible to infections that can occur during and after dental procedures. Doctors can help by prescribing antibiotics that help fight infection. Lastly, be sure to bring a list of medications you’re taking to your dentist prior to any procedure.

Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Health

Individuals diagnosed with kidney disease have a greater risk of developing oral health issues like those listed above. Therefore, it’s important to practice a preventive oral health routine, including:

  • Flossing at least once a day
  • Brushing twice or more a day
  • Using products that contain fluoride to protect your teeth
  • Visiting with your dentist regularly

Teeth whitening: Do’s and don’ts of brightening your smile

read Adult Oral Health, Lifestyle, Senior Oral Health

*Updated July 2025

With so many tips, products, and services promising a brighter smile, teeth whitening can quickly become overwhelming. From whitening strips to special toothpastes, there are countless products that promise stunning results.

Before jumping on the latest trend, it’s essential to understand the do’s and don’ts to protect your oral health while enhancing your smile.

What causes teeth to change color

Before starting a new teeth whitening routine, consider simple changes you can make at home to enhance your smile. Small lifestyle adjustments can make a big difference in keeping your teeth bright.

Some of the most common factors that play into teeth losing their shine include:

The do’s and don’ts of teeth whitening

Now that you know what can cause your teeth to lose their sparkle, here are some teeth whitening do’s and don’ts to help you brighten your smile safely and effectively:

Do’s of teeth whitening

  • Talk to your dentist before starting any teeth whitening treatments. It’s important for them to know the state of your oral health before you set out to make cosmetic changes.
  • Consult with your oral health provider about in-house options such as chairside bleaching, which is done during an appointment, or at-home options using custom bleaching trays.
  • Research the best products for your goals. It should come as no surprise that some teeth whitening items won’t get the job done, and others can even harm your oral health. When in doubt, ask your dentist for advice.
  • Know your benefits and coverage ahead of time. Many cosmetic procedures aren’t covered and can’t be paid for with options like flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
  • Maintain your regular oral health routine. Remember to brush for at least two minutes twice a day and make sure you are flossing properly.
  • Visit your dentist regularly so they can make sure your teeth and mouth are healthy.

Don’ts of teeth whitening

  • As stated earlier, don’t start any teeth whitening treatments without consulting your dentist.
  • If you’re pregnant or nursing, teeth whitening treatments shouldn’t be performed.
  • Looking for a cheaper at-home alternative to bleach trays? Don’t just pick something off the shelf. Many products are sold online and in grocery stores, but that doesn’t mean that these over-the-counter products are safe or effective. Look for items approved by the American Dental Association here first.
  • Don’t assume teeth whitening will work evenly on all your teeth. For example, whitening doesn’t work on caps, veneers, crowns, or fillings. Teeth whitening also may not work if your teeth are excessively discolored or have suffered trauma.
  • Don’t forget that teeth whitening can lead to or even heighten tooth sensitivity. If this happens to you, make sure to discuss with your dentist ways to balance or remedy your sensitivity.
  • Don’t try DIY teeth whitening! Social media trends can be dangerous to your oral health.

Teeth whitening can be effective when done correctly

As you can see, there is a lot to consider when it comes to teeth whitening, including consulting with your dental team to make sure any treatment won’t harm your oral health.

The best way to keep your smile bright is with a good oral health care routine. Maintaining a healthy mouth requires consistent care with brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist for checkups and cleanings at least once a year.

The importance of keeping your pup’s mouth healthy

read Adult Oral Health, Lifestyle
It’s National Puppy Day! In honor of our four-legged best friends, here’s how keeping their mouth healthy will set them up for a happy and healthy life:

When we say that good oral health is the foundation for quality overall health, most people probably think this only applies to humans. But your dog’s oral health is just as important in keeping them healthy and happy for the duration of their life.

Did you know that gum disease is the most common disease adult dogs have? By the time they reach this stage, it’s already too late. That’s why it’s paramount that you start taking care of your dog’s oral health as soon as you bring your new puppy home.

What To Look For

According to the American Animal Hospital Association, signs of dental disease are present in pets by age 3. This means you must get to work early in order to keep your dog’s oral health on track as it grows from a little bundle of ears and paws into a key member of your family.

So what should you be looking for when it comes to dental disease or trauma? There are a variety of indicators that your dog may need to see a vet, including:

  • Bad breath. While new puppy smell might be the best thing ever, you can’t expect their mouth to smell like yours after a fresh brushing. However, excessive or uncharacteristically bad scents could mean there’s an underlying issue.
  • Discolored gums or teeth. If your new best friend’s gums aren’t pink, but instead seem white or red, or if there are signs of tartar on their teeth, your dog could be at risk.
  • Behavioral changes. If your typically hyper puppy seems unusually lethargic or won’t eat, or if they appear sensitive to touches around the mouth or muzzle, there could be an internal issue. Oral infections can spread throughout the body to other organs, so it’s important to get your pup looked at.
  • Broken teeth. Outside of visually inspecting your dog’s teeth for plaque or tartar buildup, you should also look for any damaged or broken teeth. Your puppy won’t show pain from a damaged tooth, but they’re definitely feeling it.

How To Treat Your Dog’s Oral Health Issues

Now that you know what to look for, here are suggested some fixes. Your vet may recommend a number of specific ways to treat what ails your pup, including:

  • Scheduling a cleaning. Just like with humans, dogs should have regular dental check-ups to ensure their mouth is healthy. But unlike with people, pets require anesthesia for oral cleanings in order to protect them while making sure sufficient X-rays are taken and calculus and tartar are effectively removed, both above and below the gum line.
  • Removing problem teeth. If you’re staying on top of your check-ups with your vet, you’ll likely be presented with a tooth removal scenario following X-rays. But accidents do happen, so be sure to let your vet know immediately if you identify a chipped, cracked, broken, or missing tooth. It may be causing a lot of pain.

How To Maintain Your Dog’s Oral Health

When you consider everything that goes into raising your puppy to be an obedient member of your family—training, recreation, treats, all the snuggles and pets—maintaining your dog’s oral health will seem like a piece of cake.

Here are some steps you can take at home to keep your pup’s mouth fresh and healthy:

  • Chews. While chewing unapproved items—like socks, shoes, the TV remote, or a hole in the floor—is discouraged, chewing is a natural part of a dog’s life, and it can help keep their teeth clean as well. The abrasion on the teeth often helps remove plaque and tartar, and some specific chew toys and edible items for them to focus on, like rawhide and bully sticks, can take it a step further. It is important to avoid hard items like antlers and synthetic bones, as they can cause teeth to fracture or break.
  • Treats and Food. If you’ve ever owned a pup before, you’re no doubt aware of the various treats and foods available for all your pet’s needs. While some of these items can certainly be effective at reducing plaque and tartar, you should look for items specifically endorsed by the Veterinary Oral Health Council as they’ve been tested for safety and efficacy.
  • Brushing Teeth. You brush your own teeth twice a day and floss regularly, right? So why wouldn’t you do something similar for your furry friend? While you don’t need to do it twice a day, and you should definitely leave the floss far away from your dog’s reach, you should be aiming for a daily brushing routine. It’s the best, most direct way to remove debris from your pup’s mouth. Just make sure you use dog-specific brushes/wipes and toothpastes. Toothpaste for humans can contain sugar substitutes like xylitol, which is essentially poison for your dog.

With a little extra care and work, maintaining your dog’s oral health from their first sit at home to their last lick on the cheek will keep them happy, healthy, and free from dental pain. It will also keep you from shelling out any extra money for surprise oral surgeries and tooth removals. It’s a win-win.

Saint Patrick’s Day: Alcohol and your teeth

read Adult Oral Health, Lifestyle
St. Patrick’s Day has a reputation, and as much fun as it can be, the day doesn’t only leave a hangover. It also paves the way for cavities to set up shop on your teeth.

St. Patrick’s Day has a reputation, and as much fun as it can be, the day doesn’t only leave a hangover. It also paves the way for cavities to set up shop on your teeth.

Tooth decay caused by alcohol consumption is a problem because of the sugars and acids in alcoholic drinks. When these sugars combine with natural bacteria in the mouth, they form an acid that attacks enamel and breaks it down. This is especially true when the teeth are constantly exposed to sugars and starches in alcohol without a break.

But it’s not just the sugar and starches in alcohol that can be harmful to teeth. Saliva is a powerful tool in reducing the incidence of cavities, and alcohol dries out the mouth just like smoking does. Dry mouth can accelerate the damage caused by the sugar in alcohol.

So be warned – if you’re going to partake in St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans, give your mouth a break. Mix in some water between beverages as a buffer. It will clean your teeth and keep your body hydrated. Also, brush and floss your teeth as soon as possible after you’re finished having fun!

For those planning on a weeklong St. Patrick’s Day celebration, the probability of damage from alcohol is much higher.

Heavy drinking can cause:

  • Irritation of the gums, tongue, and oral tissue
  • Increase in tooth decay
  • Increased risk of gum disease
  • Poor healing after dental surgery
  • Poor dental health habits

Heavy drinkers are also at greater risk of developing cancer in the mouth, throat, and esophagus. Obviously these are side effects that you want to avoid, so if you are going out for St. Patrick’s Day, take it easy. Your teeth will thank you!

Wondering what other drinks can hurt your teeth? Consider kicking your soda habit.