Network overview: Premier vs. PPO

read Adult Oral Health, Insurance Resources and Dental Benefits
Find out what a Delta Dental Premier® plan is, what a Delta Dental PPOSM plan is, and what sets these dental plans apart.

Different people need different dental plans – that’s why we offer both Delta Dental Premier® and Delta Dental PPOSM. But what’s the difference between these two dental plans? With a new year right around the corner, let’s make sure to use our benefits. Here’s how you can find the right dentist for you and your plan.

What is Delta Dental Premier® plan?

Delta Dental of Wisconsin Premier® dental plan offers the largest network of dentists out of all our dental plans. The dentists in this offering agreed to pre-negotiated fees for procedures, which means they can’t bill you more than your copay and deductible. For covered services, you pay no more than your copay and deductible.

What is Delta Dental PPOSM  plan?

PPO stands for “preferred provider organization.” Dentists who are in our preferred provider organization charge reduced fees for covered services, which means you’ll receive the largest amount of savings when you visit Delta Dental PPO providers. A group of providers is often called a network. Our PPO provider network is our second-largest dentist network. This network of dentists offers the lowest out-of-pocket costs.

Your dental plan will determine what network of dentists you should choose from. An in-network dentist is one who has agreed to accept pre-established costs for services, saving you money over an out-of-network provider. You will save the most by visiting a dentist in your plan’s network.

Both Delta Dental Premier® and Delta Dental PPOSM providers work with us directly for claims and payment — so you don’t have to worry about any paperwork. Both dental plans have an annual maximum and deductible. 

Interested in the exact cost of a service? Click here to access our Cost Estimator tool, enter the treatment and your zip code, and get an estimate of the cost. It’s that simple! Another option is to have your dentist submit a pre-treatment estimate, which will tell you exactly what is covered and what isn’t.

Always make sure to review your specific plan information – log in to our online member portal today at www.deltadentalwi.com!

5 holiday treats that can make ho-ho-holes in your teeth: Cavities from holiday foods

read Adult Oral Health, Children's Oral Health, Lifestyle, Senior Oral Health
Find out which holiday sweets can compromise our oral health, plus what you can do to stop it.

The old adage “too much of a good thing” is especially true during the holiday season. There tends to be an overabundance of everything – especially sweet treats. While it’s impractical to suggest complete avoidance of holiday goodies, we encourage moderation to make sure you receive the gift of great oral health!

Here are five common treats to limit during the holidays:

1. Candy canes: The problem with candy canes is the prolonged amount of time that they linger as you slowly dissolve them in your mouth. There’s also the temptation to chomp them, which can lead to cracks or chips in your teeth. Consume them quickly and carefully to limit their negative oral health impact.

2. Christmas cookies: It’s tempting to overindulge when there are so many baked goods – like Christmas cookies – laying around. But cookies are laden with sugar and can do significant damage to your pearly whites. We know suggesting skipping cookies entirely is impractical; try to enjoy them in moderation.

3. Holiday drinks (such as eggnog, apple cider, and hot chocolate): Festive beverages offer more than warm holiday cheer – eggnog boasts over 20 grams of sugar per cup, while hot cider can pack over 50 grams of sugar – and that’s before the whipped cream. Stick to one small serving of your favorite drink and wash away some of the sticky sugar residue afterward with a glass of water.

4. Caramels: Chewy, sticky treats such as grandma’s famous homemade caramels are particularly damaging because they’re not only high in sugar, but they also spend a prolonged amount of time stuck to teeth and are more difficult for saliva to break down. The same rule applies to all those sparkly gumdrops on your gingerbread house.

5. Fruitcake: Even though it’s the butt of many holiday jokes, some people actually eat the fruitcake that gets passed around at the holidays. Oral health reasons to avoid it include the sugary cake base and the chewy, candied fruit that studs it throughout.

Cookies, candy, and sweet holiday beverages all have at least one main ingredient in common: sugar, whose negative effect on teeth has been well-documented. Why is sugar so bad for your teeth? It mixes with bacteria in the sticky plaque that constantly forms on teeth to produce acid that attacks tooth enamel. The stickiness of that plaque keeps those harmful acids against the teeth, which contributes to tooth decay.

When you do indulge your holiday sweet tooth, it’s best to enjoy goodies as part of, or immediately following, a meal, rather than snacking on treats throughout the day. Another good tip to is to stick to one small serving of your favorite drink or snack and follow up by swishing around some water, chew sugar-free gum, or brush soon after finishing to wash away some of the sticky sugar residue.

For more on maintaining your oral health, check out:

World Diabetes Day: Learn the facts on dental care for diabetes

read Adult Oral Health, Children's Oral Health, Lifestyle
Because individuals diagnosed with diabetes have high blood sugar levels, they often have problems with their teeth and gums, making dental care for diabetics a critical part of care.

Did you know that our oral health can significantly affect our overall health? The reverse is also true; our overall health can impact our oral health. Chronic conditions, medications, and lifestyle choices can all leave a trace in the mouth. Diabetes is no exception.

Because the symptoms of diabetes may be subtle, many people with this disease aren’t aware they have it. In fact, one in four Americans with diabetes doesn’t know they have it.

Diabetes affects your body’s ability to process sugar. Because individuals diagnosed with diabetes have high glucose levels, they often have problems with their teeth and gums. Why? Increased glucose helps bacteria thrive because glucose is basically sugar. That’s why dental care for diabetics is so important.

Dentists can help these individuals gain awareness around their overall health.

Diabetes and Your Dental Health

What does diabetes have to do with your mouth?

As a dentist, asking patients with serious gum disease about their family and personal medical history can help steer them to their primary care physician for help. As a patient, don’t hesitate to inform your dentist about your personal and family health history because about 22% of people with diabetes also have gum disease.

Diabetics who get more frequent teeth cleanings have lower blood sugar levels. Additionally, people with diabetes who have good control of their blood sugar are less apt to develop these problems.

Other signs of diabetes that can be present in the mouth include:

  • Sore or loose teeth
  • Fungal mouth infections
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Dry mouth
  • Cavities

Learn more about overall dental and oral health on our blog!

A history of halitosis and the Listerine marketing campaign

read Adult Oral Health, Children's Oral Health, Lifestyle
Bad breath has always been around, but medicine for halitosis hasn’t. How did it come to be? Check out the history.

Bad breath can happen to any of us. What we eat, how often we brush, and if we floss all contribute. When we hear “halitosis,” however, we think of a chronic and persistent issue that even the most flavorful gum can’t hide. Have you ever wondered how the term “halitosis” originated, and what the medicine for halitosis is? Here’s an overview on it.

History of Medicine for Halitosis

Bad breath has been around since the beginning of time, but according to the Smithsonian, advertisements for Listerine changed halitosis from a pet peeve to a disgusting medical issue that should receive immediate treatment. 

Going to market in the 1880s, Listerine was initially intended as a surgical antiseptic. Its creator, Dr. Joseph Lawrence, named his work after Dr. Joseph Lister, the founding father of antiseptics. Advertisements aimed at dentists said that Listerine would kill germs in the mouth, but it wasn’t until the 1920s that their marketing strategy came to resemble the Listerine we know today.

The word halitosis started appearing in ads, poised as a medical condition that people should take note of and use Listerine to fight. Who wants to walk around with bad breath? Listerine made sure no one did and positioned itself as the medicine for halitosis. 

Other Ways to Combat Halitosis

Today, bad breath affects one in four people globally. Halitosis is mostly caused by poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease, coated tongue, or dirty dentures. Fortunately, there are things you can do today to avoid these problems:

  • Brush and Floss Twice a Day. Brushing your teeth helps remove smelly foods and stubborn bacteria from your mouth. Flossing plucks debris from between your teeth and along your gum line, where bad bacteria can grow and settle in.  
  • Brush or Scrape Your Tongue. You can invest in an inexpensive tool called a tongue scraper to combat bad breath. Some are curved, and others are straight like your toothbrush. Both are designed to remove plaque, food debris, and dead cells from your tongue’s surface. 
  • Stop Tobacco Use. If you’re a smoker or a tobacco chewer, you may already be familiar with the adverse effects it has on your teeth, mouth, and breath. Eliminating tobacco permanently is good for your overall health and can improve your oral health, too. 
  • Go to the Dentist. Visit your dentist at least once a year for an exam and cleaning. If you struggle with halitosis, talk to your dentist about remedies that can help.

Don’t have a dentist yet? Find one today!

How to handle dental emergencies during COVID-19

read Adult Oral Health, Lifestyle, Senior Oral Health
Dental emergencies can be just as frightening as any other medical emergency, especially during a pandemic. To feel more calm and in control, learn how to handle a dental emergency during COVID-19.

Just like any other part of the body, mouths are subject to accidents. Sometimes the injury can be as minor as biting your tongue, but other times, it’s more serious and requires professional care.

By educating ourselves on how to handle a dental emergency during a pandemic, we can remain calm and in control. Pain and stress can cause trouble thinking clearly. Educate yourself before you’re in the midst of a dental emergency for the best possible outcome.

Dental Visits During a Pandemic

Most dental offices are open and taking appointments for not only routine dental care, such as cleanings and X-rays, but also for all other dental services. Keep in mind that with the added diligence that dental offices must undergo right now to keep you and the office staff safe (e.g. regular office cleanings, COVID-19 screenings), your dentist is likely not able to see as many patients in a day as in “normal” conditions. There may be added wait time to be seen, so plan accordingly. But if you are experiencing a more severe issue, you should definitely call your dentist to check if you can be seen sooner.

The ADA recommends that you contact your dentist at this time if you experience:

  • Bleeding that doesn’t stop
  • Painful swelling in or around your mouth
  • Pain in a tooth, teeth, or jawbone
  • Gum infection with pain or swelling
  • After surgery treatment (dressing change, stitch removal)
  • Broken or knocked out tooth
  • Denture adjustment for people receiving treatment for cancer
  • Snipping or adjusting wire of braces that hurts your check or gums
  • Biopsy of abnormal tissue

Most dental offices are open for regular business, but there is still a chance your dentist’s office could be closed or on a reduced schedule. Always call ahead first.

Knock out a tooth? Act fast to save it.

How COVID-19 impacts oral health

read Adult Oral Health, Children's Oral Health, Dental Trends, Lifestyle
See how symptoms of COVID-19 can impact oral health.

The pandemic has given us a lot to consider when it comes to COVID-19 and our health. One aspect that you may not be familiar with is how the novel coronavirus impacts oral health.

Individuals who contract the virus, whether asymptomatic or otherwise, have a lot on their mind without considering their oral health. But there’s a trickle-down effect that can cause tooth damage, and the more you know, the more you can protect your oral and overall health. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control there are quite a few symptoms of COVID-19, but a cough, sore throat, and shortness of breath in particular can lead to oral health issues or exacerbation of existing problems.

A persistent cough can lead to dry mouth, which on its own can seem insignificant. The trouble with this is that the lack of saliva in the mouth serving as a moistening and cleaning agent prevents cavity-causing bacteria from being washed away. This lack of saliva not only makes it easier for food debris to stay lodged in the teeth, but it also makes us more vulnerable to gum disease.

Dry mouth can also lead to a sore throat or make an existing one worse. Most people use cough drops and syrups to alleviate sore throats and coughs. What many don’t stop to consider is what exactly is in their go-to remedy prior to seeking quick relief. Many cough drops and syrups contain sugar to mask the taste of the medicine. Although this makes them tastier, it also introduces an additional avenue for tooth decay into the mix. When left on teeth, sugar can begin to eat away at the enamel, increasing our risk for cavities. 

The good news is that we can mitigate the use of cough drops and syrups by brushing our teeth. If you don’t have time, at least rinse your mouth with water. Many brands produce sugar-free options, which provide the hygiene purpose without the added sugar.

Inhalers are another solution for coughs and shortness of breath. Did you know that failing to clean your mouth after using an inhaler can lead to oral health implications such as oral thrush? Symptoms of oral thrush include an unpleasant taste or even the loss of taste altogether, a burning sensation, redness in your mouth, and even white patches. 

Just like with cough drops and syrups, it’s important to brush your teeth after use an inhaler, or at least rinse your mouth with water. This will help remove any leftover medicine.

While none of these oral health implications are life threatening, they can develop into larger issues if left untreated. If you’re still concerned about your oral health after properly handling a coronavirus situation, reach out to your dentist to discuss your health history and options for treatment.

To find a dentist in your area, click here.

When it comes to dental hygiene awareness, are you smarter than a 5th grader?

read Children's Oral Health, Lifestyle
Pop quiz, hotshot! You might think you know your stuff when it comes to the basics of dental care, so let’s put your dental hygiene awareness to the test. Can you ace these five questions?

Pop quiz! You might think you know your stuff when it comes to the basics of dental care, so let’s put your dental hygiene awareness to the test.

TRUE OR FALSE: OLDER ADULTS CAN STILL GET CAVITIES.

True. In fact, some adults are more prone to oral health issues as they age. Things like the loss of employee benefits and complications with mobility can contribute to this. Certain medications can cause side effects like dry mouth, which increase your risk for tooth decay.

TRUE OR FALSE: PERSISTENT BAD BREATH CAN BE A SIGN OF GUM DISEASE.

True. Periodontal (gum) disease is more prevalent in adults. Frequent bad breath is a symptom of this tissue infection. Gums that are often sore, tender, swollen, or bleed easily are other indicators of a potential issue.

TRUE OR FALSE: LOSING YOUR TEETH IS A NATURAL PART OF AGING.

False. Your teeth CAN last a lifetime if you continue to give them proper care. You know the drill by now: brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day, and visit the dentist on a regular basis. These are all common rules for having healthy teeth. While the rules are pretty simple, they’re equally important and require commitment.

TRUE OR FALSE: AS LONG AS YOU HAVE NO TOOTHACHES OR MOUTH PAIN, YOUR MOUTH IS HEALTHY.

False. Periodontal disease is considered a painless ailment until it reaches an advanced stage. You may not experience soreness or tenderness from tooth decay until it’s too late to reverse. Don’t wait to feel pain to see the dentist; many issues can be resolved through regular visits to your dentist. Most dental health concerns are cheaper to fix when recognized early.

TRUE OR FALSE: ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSHES ARE A GOOD OPTION FOR PEOPLE WITH ARTHRITIS OR OTHER ISSUES THAT MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER A TOOTHBRUSH.

True. Not only do electric toothbrushes help reduce plaque by 21% versus manual brushing, but they require minimal arm movement. Talk to your oral health provider to discuss how an electric toothbrush could benefit you.

TRUE OR FALSE: YOU ACED THIS TEST.

Let’s go with true! Whether you crushed this test or learned something along the way, it’s what you take away that matters. Your mouth won’t be any healthier unless you put these tips into action.

Share this with your friends to see how their dental hygiene awareness compares!

Look for more tooth-friendly tips here.

Need to find a dentist? Try out our handy provider search.

Blemish control: Is toothpaste for acne effective?

read Lifestyle
It’s the night before a job interview and you discover a blemish on your nose. You reach for the toothpaste, following the words of an old home remedy. Toothpaste is a key part of your daily oral health routine, but could it also come in handy in a beauty emergency?

It’s the night before a job interview and you discover a blemish on your nose. You reach for the toothpaste, following the words of an old home remedy. Toothpaste is a key part of your daily oral health routine, but could it also come in handy in a beauty emergency?

Here is more information on using toothpaste for acne:

Choose the Right Toothpaste

  1. Avoid gel: Gel-based toothpastes may not be as effective in drying out and shrinking your pimple.
  2. Go natural: Look for natural or organic toothpastes—they contain helpful ingredients like witch hazel, tea tree oil, aloe, or eucalyptus.
  3. Watch the whitening: Toothpastes with polishing or bleaching chemicals can irritate your skin.

Test Your Skin First

One of the reasons toothpaste is known to be a temporary acne cure is because it includes ingredients that are drying agents: baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. But if you have sensitive skin, these ingredients can make the situation worse. Test a small amount on the back of your hand before using toothpaste for acne.

How to Apply Toothpaste for Acne

  1. Wash your hands to avoid spreading more germs to your pores, then wash your face and pat it dry.
  2. Apply a thin layer directly on the pimple. No need to rub it in. *If you feel burning or itching, your toothpaste may not be right for your skin. Rinse it off immediately.
  3. Let it sit overnight, or at least 1-2 hours. 
  4. Rinse your face with cool water and pat dry.

Pro tip: Use a gentle moisturizer on the area to prevent dryness.

Using toothpaste for acne should be a short-term remedy. Eating the right foods and staying hydrated can also help prevent breakouts.

Check out more oral health tips to keep a healthy and happy smile:

What’s the cost of avoiding the dentist?

read Adult Oral Health, Insurance Resources and Dental Benefits
Does the cost of a dental appointment keep you from your cleanings? The real, long-term cost of avoiding the dentist may surprise you.

*Updated May 2023

Does the cost of your biannual cleanings keep you from going to the dentist at least once a year? The real cost of skipping the dentist may be more than you think.

If you’re steering clear of visiting the dentist, you may be impacting more than your mouth.

Dental cleanings have direct ties to your overall health. Skipping them can affect everything from your head to your heart. That means it’s doubly important to brush and floss regularly and keep up with dentist appointments.

Is the potential cost of a cleaning or procedure causing you to avoid the dentist? Avoidance can lead to negative repercussions for your health and your wallet.

Avoiding the dentist impacts more than just your teeth

Skipping dental appointments can lead to oral health problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and cavities. It can also cause many problems to other parts of your body. Check out the graphic below to learn more about the impact on overall health:

Brain
Harmful bacteria in your mouth can make you more susceptible to developing blood clots, increasing the chance of stroke.
What’s the Cost: The average cost of a stroke is $22,000 per hospitalization.

Heart
High levels of inflammation from periodontal disease contribute to heart conditions. Those with gum disease are twice as likely to have a heart attack.
What’s the Cost: The average cost of a heart attack is $760,000.

Lungs
Once dental plaque is in the mouth, it can spread to the lungs and cause pneumonia and bronchitis. Maintaining good oral health can decrease respiratory infections.
What’s the Cost: The average cost of bronchitis is $2,000 per year.

Kidneys
The mouth is a gateway for bacteria. Poor oral health causes infections to progress faster, increasing the workload for your kidneys.
What’s the Cost: Chronic kidney disease costs between $1,700 and $12,700 per year.

Pancreas
When you’re diabetic, your pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to gingivitis and other oral health problems.
What’s the Cost: Diabetes costs $16,752 per year on average.

Financial cost of avoiding the dentist

If you’re worried about the cost of dental procedures, it’s important to note that preventive checkups are generally 100% covered with dental insurance. It costs more to avoid the dentist in the long run because the risk of developing more serious conditions increases the longer you wait. Procedures such as a root canal, dental filling, and others are costly but necessary to keep your mouth and teeth healthy. Attending regular appointments helps prevent serious dental problems from forming.

Regular dental appointments keep your mouth and wallet happy

Avoiding the dentist will cost you. If you or someone you love is anxious about making that next dentist appointment, read up on our tips for easing anxiety.

If it’s the cost of a dentist appointment that keeps you from getting a cleaning, feel free to contact us today to review your Delta Dental coverage. It’s likely your benefits cover the cost of preventive treatment like cleanings. Click here to review your coverage options.