Tooth-friendly post-workout snacks

read Lifestyle
Tray of healthy post workout snacks.

*Updated January 2026

Key takeaways about post-workout snacks:

  • Sugary post-workout snacks can harm your oral health by feeding bacteria that produce enamel-eroding acids, increasing the risk of cavities and decay.
  • Many athletes rely on high-sugar gels, bars, and sports drinks, which may boost performance but come at a cost to their teeth and long-term oral wellness.
  • Tooth-friendly alternatives, like fresh produce, whole grains, nuts, dairy, and water support both recovery and oral health, helping you stay healthy without undoing your hard work.

After an intense workout it’s tempting to reach for a post-workout snack that’s full of sugar or carbs. Don’t do it!

Many popular post-workout snacks are silently harming your body and your smile. Don’t let an unhealthy choice undo your hard work. By choosing tooth-friendly, nutrient-rich, and delicious options, you’re protecting your oral health, fueling recovery, and setting yourself up for long-term wellness.

The problem with post-workout snacks

Many popular post-workout snacks, like gels, energy bars, and sports drinks, are packed with sugar and carbohydrates, both of which can harm your oral health. Frequent sugar intake feeds bacteria in your mouth, leading to acid production. Over time, this acid erodes the protective enamel on your teeth, increasing the risk of cavities and decay.

Research published in Medicina highlights the issue: “Frequently, sports diets focus on increasing glycogen stores as well as on additional carbohydrate (CHO) supply during physical strain. A recent study categorized 28% of elite and professional athletes as high sugar consumers, 59% reported the use of energy bars, and 70% noted the use of energy gels.”

Active people and athletes often rely on quick-energy foods to fuel training and performance. But those choices can come at a cost to their smile.

Tooth-friendly post-workout snacks

Put down the bar and choose one of these healthier and tooth-friendly post-workout snacks:

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
    • Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables naturally help clean your teeth and gums as you chew. Options like apples, pears, carrots and celery not only promote oral health but also add essential nutrients to your diet.
  • Whole grain crackers
    • Whole grain crackers are less refined than their regular cracker counterparts. Additionally, they offer more fiber. Just make sure to watch out for added sugars. Aim for crackers with seeds for even more nutritional benefits!
  • Raw nuts or seeds
    • Nuts and seeds are packed with vitamins and minerals that support strong, healthy teeth. Cashews, for example, are an excellent source of phosphorus, a key mineral for maintaining teeth and bone strength. Like calcium, phosphorus plays an essential role in building and protecting these structures.
  • Yogurt or cheese
  • Water
    • Instead of reaching for sports drinks filled with sugar, stick to plain water. If you need electrolytes, try adding a sugar-free option to your drink.

Fuel your body with the right post-workout snacks

Working out is a smart move for your overall wellness. Don’t compromise it with a post-workout snack that harms your smile. Choose low- or no-sugar whole foods, and you can feel confident you’re making healthy choices for both your body and your teeth.

Looking for more tooth-friendly options? Check out “Tooth-friendly steak marinade recipe.”

Sugar-free summer drinks

read Lifestyle
Summertime means we’re reaching for something cold and refreshing more often to keep us hydrated. Sometimes, that means grabbing a sports drink, soda, or juice loaded with sugar—but it doesn’t have to.

Summertime means we’re reaching for something cold and refreshing more often to keep us hydrated. Sometimes, that means grabbing a sports drink, soda or juice loaded with sugar—but it doesn’t have to. 

Sipping sugary drinks without moderation can lead to tooth decay, and that will negatively affect our overall health. They also don’t keep us as hydrated as we need to be in the heat.

Here are two recipes for easy summer party drinks that keep the flavor without the added sugar!

Cucumber-Mint Infused Water

Add some flash to your water pitcher by splashing in some cucumber and mint. Cucumbers have impressive health benefits like blood pressure regulation and can kill bacteria that causes bad breath. The popular herb mint helps with digestion and inflammation associated with headaches and migraines. 

Ingredients:

  • 1/3-cup fresh mint leaves
  • 1 cucumber
  • 2 quarts of cold water 

Directions:

  1. Wash and peel the skin from the cucumber.
  2. Slice into thin circles.
  3. Put the water and mint leaves in the pitcher. With a spoon, gently mash and stir to help release flavor. 
  4. Add the cucumber slices.
  5. Stir and chill in refrigerator until cold.  You can strain the water or pour it into glasses and serve as is.  

No Sugar Added Frozen Strawberry Lemonade

Strawberries are known to improve brain function and have a naturally sweet taste. This recipe combines those benefits with monk fruit sweetener, which has no calories and the approval of the Food and Drug Administration as a safe sugar alternative. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup lemon juice
  • 3 cups fresh strawberries (you can use frozen strawberries with no sugar added)
  • 2 cups cold water
  • Granulated monk fruit sweetener to taste 

Directions:

  1. Wash and cut the tops from the strawberries. Place in blender.
  2. Add liquid ingredients to blender and blend.
  3. Add monk fruit sweetener to taste.
  4. Chill and serve. 

Do cows get dental care? A look into the mouth of a farm animal

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Healthy smiles are as important to us as they are to our animal friends. Take a peek into the world of farm animal dental care with us.

Healthy smiles are as important to us as they are to our animal friends. We asked an animal sanctuary rescuer, Andrea,  about her experience with farm dental care as the owner of Broken Shovels Farm. Take a peek into the world of farm animal dental care with us!

A SHEEP WITHOUT TEETH

A malnourished mother sheep was rescued and her baby would continuously cry even when at her side. Animals are generally very content when their mom is around, so this was a sign that something was wrong. Andrea investigated and found that there was nothing wrong with the baby’s mouth – but the mother’s mouth only had a single tooth left!

The one tooth wasn’t enough for Mom to chew up grass for proper digestion, resulting in inability to produce milk. This is why the baby was crying. Andrea understands the importance of animal mouth wellness and recognized what was happening. Soft alfalfa, grasses, and other goodies were pelleted into soft, small bites that let Mom break down her food more easily to get the nutrients needed. Within 24 hours of serving the new feed, the sheep was producing milk and feeding her baby.

ANATOMY

Sheep, cows, goats, alpacas, and llamas have specially structured mouths that allow them to get nutrients. These animals are called ruminants. Ruminants are fascinating mammals because they get all the nutrients they need from a plant-based diet.

Image courtesy of Broken Shovels Farm Sanctuary Facebook

Cows, sheep, goats, and alpacas are able to break down grasses using their lower teeth and their dental pad. This pad makes up a stiff surface on top of their mouths and lets them clip grasses into their mouths with efficiency. Imagine how hard it would be to clip grass with human teeth!

By mashing food between their bottom incisors and the dental pad, ruminants create a mushy consistency with their food. The food then moves into their first stomach, which is called the rumen. After moving through their other stomachs, the animal absorbs the nutrients for energy.

Because cows, sheep, and goats are constantly grazing and chewing, their teeth naturally wear down. This is important because ruminants’ teeth never stop growing! This makes sense; unlike us, they graze all day long. Their constantly growing teeth and grazing habits work together to give them a healthy mouth and diet.

ALPACAS WITH TOO MUCH TOOTH

Andrea also rescued two alpacas who hadn’t been fed properly in years. Because of this, they weren’t doing their normal chewing, so their teeth were growing without wearing down. When they were rescued, their teeth had grown so long that they came out of their mouth and poked them in their noses!

Image courtesy of Broken Shovels Farm Sanctuary Facebook

Though it wasn’t dangerous to the alpacas, it was uncomfortable and looked quite alarming. The alpacas are now healthy enough to get oral surgery after a month of thoughtful care. Since they’re properly cared for at the sanctuary, the issue shouldn’t come back.

OLDER ANIMAL DENTAL CARE

If ruminants’ teeth need more love, a veterinarian will come by the farm and do some “floating.” When floating, a vet will use a file or clipper to remove pointed edges and uneven points, which can make it uncomfortable or difficult for the animal to chew. This process may sound excruciating, but they don’t have nerves in their teeth like we do. It’s like going to the nail salon for them!

For the most part, farm animals are herbivores. This has caused them to develop a different mouth structure and digestion system than humans. Since farm animals don’t eat meat, they don’t worry about gingivitis and gum disease like we do.

Animals like goats and cows are becoming more popular as pets. Because of that, it’s more important than ever to know how to keep their mouths and bodies healthy!

4 tips for maintaining oral health in older adults

read Adult Oral Health, Senior Oral Health
For many adults, getting older means they may be faced with unfamiliar oral health concerns. Learn ways to help prevent some of the most common oral health problems in older adults.

*Updated August 2023

For many adults, getting older means they may be faced with unfamiliar oral health concerns. And the population facing these concerns is only getting bigger. By 2060, the U.S. Census Bureau predicts the number of adults 65 and older will reach 98 million. That’s 24% of the US population! As this group grows, more individuals are seeking information about oral health problems in older adults.

Keep reading to learn how to avoid some of the most common issues for an aging mouth.

Solutions for common oral health problems in older adults 

Getting older doesn’t mean you have to deal with more oral health issues. Here are four tips to help prevent some of the most common oral health problems in older adults.

Drink water to prevent cavities

According to a survey from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 96.4% of adults between the ages of 50 and 65 have “caries, missing, or filled permanent teeth.” This percentage is higher than any other age demographic in the survey. One simple lifestyle change that can help prevent cavities and other oral health problems is to drink more water. Not only is water sugar-free, but it also helps keep your teeth clean.

Dehydration can cause your salivary glands to reduce or stop producing saliva. Your mouth relies on saliva to help wash away harmful bacteria. Without enough of it, plaque gets to stick around longer, which can lead to cavities, mouth sores, bad breath, and gum disease.

If your mouth continues to feel dry despite increasing your water intake, it may be caused by prescriptions, disease, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Talk to your dentist and your doctor; they will be happy to work with you to determine the cause of dry mouth. Once you find the cause, special toothpaste, rinses, and sprays can be recommended, as well as medication changes.

Brush and floss daily to prevent gum disease

Gum disease impacts two out of three adults aged 65 and older in the United States. In mild cases gums can become inflamed, swollen, and irritated. This is called gingivitis. The irritated gum tissue begins to pull away from the tooth, and the worse it gets, the less secure your teeth are. Advanced gum disease is called periodontitis, which can lead to bone and tissue loss as well as tooth loss. As it progresses, teeth may start to feel loose or move around in the mouth.

Ongoing studies show that people with gum disease are more likely to have heart attacks, strokes, or other serious health events.

To prevent and even reverse gum disease, it’s important to brush your teeth twice daily and floss once daily. A good dental hygiene routine helps prevent the buildup of plaque around the gums, which can lead to inflammation. It’s also important to see your dentist around every six months for preventive cleanings.

Quit tobacco and limit alcohol to prevent oral cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, tobacco and excessive alcohol use are the strongest risk factors for oral cancer. This is because tobacco and alcohol are carcinogenic, meaning they have the capability to cause cancer. Most carcinogens, like tobacco and chemicals found in alcohol, work by “interacting with a cell’s DNA to produce mutations.” Quitting tobacco products and cutting down on alcohol consumption can help reduce your risk of developing the disease.

The American Cancer Society predicts that 54,540 people will get oral or oropharyngeal cancer in 2023. Oral cancer can affect your gums, tongue, lips, teeth, throat, tonsils, and other soft tissues in the mouth. In the United States the average age of a person diagnosed with oral cancer is 64.

If you need help quitting, there are local resources available to support you right now.

Older adults need dental insurance

The best way to take care of your oral health as an older adult is to invest in dental insurance. If you don’t have coverage through an employer, there are other affordable options available such as individual plans. Dental insurance makes it easy to see providers for preventive check-ups and can help cover some of the costs for procedures you may need as you age.

The right dental plan is key to maintaining oral health in older adults. Contact us to learn more about the specifics of your coverage.

If you don’t have dental benefits, we can help! Not all plans require you to wait for the next open enrollment period. Find the dental plan that meets your needs today.

How to maintain good oral health when you have arthritis

read Adult Oral Health
Older couple brushing their teeth together.

*Updated September 2026

Key takeaways about maintaining oral health with arthritis:

  • Many people diagnosed with arthritis find it difficult to effectively care for their teeth and gums, putting them at a higher risk of developing oral health diseases like periodontitis (gum disease).
  • A good oral health hygiene routine is possible by choosing tools that are meant to reduce strain on the hands and wrists.
  • People with arthritis should see their dentist routinely to help detect any serious oral health problems before they become severe.

Living with arthritis can make everyday activities more difficult, and oral hygiene is no exception. Tasks like brushing and flossing may require extra effort when you’re dealing with joint pain or reduced mobility.

Fortunately, simple adjustments to your routine can make dental care easier and more effective.

Why is oral health important for people with arthritis?

Good oral health is important for everyone, but it may be especially significant for people living with arthritis. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been linked to a higher risk of periodontal (gum) disease.

In a study published in the Journal of Personalized Medicine, it was found that “periodontitis and increased tooth loss were associated with an increased risk of seropositive RA and that maintaining better oral hygiene through frequent tooth brushing and dental scaling was associated with a decreased risk of RA.”

The connection between arthritis and oral health diseases is a two-way street. While gum disease has not been proven to directly cause arthritis, certain oral bacteria may contribute to the autoimmune and inflammatory processes involved in the condition. Therefore, having gum disease may put you at a higher risk of developing arthritis.

Clearly, maintaining a solid oral health care routine, whether you’re living with arthritis or not, is a vital part of keeping good oral and overall health.

How to maintain good oral health care with arthritis?

Living with arthritis doesn’t mean that good oral hygiene needs to take a back seat. Simple swaps and keeping up with regular dental care can help keep your teeth (and body) healthy.

Use tools designed to make oral care easier

One of the biggest challenges people with arthritis face is cleaning their teeth. This is because gripping and maneuvering a toothbrush or dental floss can be painful. Fortunately, there are many oral care products designed to reduce strain on the hands and wrists.

If you have arthritis that makes it painful to clean your teeth, consider using:

  • Electric toothbrushes that do most of the brushing motion for you
  • Toothbrushes with larger handles for a more comfortable grip
  • Floss picks or water flossers instead of traditional string floss
  • Adaptive grip attachments that can be added to toothbrushes and flossing tools
    • Check out this study where a custom putty toothbrush handle was used to help a patient with arthritis brush more effectively.

These tools can make daily oral hygiene more manageable while helping to clean your teeth properly.

Manage dry mouth symptoms while treating arthritis 

Some medications used to treat arthritis may contribute to dry mouth. Reduced saliva production can increase the risk of tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease because saliva helps wash away bacteria and neutralize acids.

To combat dry mouth while managing arthritis:

  • Drink water throughout the day
  • Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production
  • Limit sugary snacks and beverages
  • Avoid tobacco products
  • Ask your dentist about saliva substitutes or moisturizing oral rinses

Schedule regular dental checkups

Routine dental exams and cleanings are essential for preventing oral health problems before they become more serious, especially for those diagnosed with arthritis.

At your checkup, be sure to tell your dentist:

  • What type of arthritis you have
  • Any medications you take
  • Whether you experience jaw pain or limited mobility
  • If brushing and flossing have become difficult

Your dental team can recommend personalized solutions and identify potential issues early, helping you maintain healthier teeth and gums.

Create an oral care routine that works for you

When it comes to a healthy smile, consistency is often more important than perfection. If arthritis symptoms fluctuate from day to day, it’s a good idea to adapt your oral care routine based on how you feel.

Here are some ideas to make an oral hygiene routine easier:

  • Keep oral care supplies within easy reach
  • Brush during times of day when pain and stiffness are less severe
  • Use adaptive devices, like those mentioned above, that reduce strain
  • Setting reminders to maintain a regular routine

Small adjustments throughout the day can make a significant difference in your ability to care for your oral health.

You can have a healthy smile while living with arthritis

Having arthritis doesn’t mean you have to compromise your dental health. By using arthritis-friendly oral care tools, staying hydrated, and visiting your dentist regularly, you can continue to protect your teeth and gums while managing symptoms.

Looking for more tips to take care of your oral health? Check out “4 tips for maintaining oral health in older adults”.

Celebrate Earth Day by going paperless with your explanation of benefits statement

read Dental Trends, Lifestyle
This Earth Day, you can help us make our planet greener one (less) piece of paper at a time by going paperless with your EOB, or Explanation of Benefits.

With Earth Day occurring in April, it’s a great reminder that we can all do something positive for the environment. Here at Delta Dental, we’re trying to make Earth Day an everyday objective – not just a single day or month on the calendar. This Earth Day, you can help us make our planet greener one (less) piece of paper at a time by going paperless with your EOB, or Explanation of Benefits.

If you’re unsure what an EOB is, it’s a communication from us (the benefits carrier) to you, our member. It notifies you that your dental provider has submitted a claim for services you received in their office. This document lets both you and Delta Dental know what the dentist billed, the discount, and amount to be paid by Delta Dental. An EOB allows us to communicate exactly what you are financially responsible for. You should never pay any more or any less than what is stated on the EOB.

If you need a little more help understanding EOBs, we’ve got you covered.

How to go Paperless with your EOB

In order to go to paperless with your EOB, you will need to sign in or create your online member account in our member portal. Once signed in, you’ll find a tab at the top called “Health Resources.” Then you can select to have your EOB sent to you electronically by clicking “Update My Preferences.”

Sign in or register for your online member account.

Get up to speed on your dental insurance. Sign up for an online member account to easily access your plan’s dashboard.

Each year about 3.5 – 7 billion trees are cut down for a variety of uses and reasons, and one of those is making paper. By going paperless with your EOBs, we can work together and make an impact for our planet.

Looking for other ideas on how you can be greener with your oral health, including clever ways to reuse an old toothbrush? Read our article on going green with your dental routine.

Use our simple member portal

read Adult Oral Health, Insurance Resources and Dental Benefits, Senior Oral Health
From ID card access to going paperless, we promise you’ll find tools you’ll revisit time and again on our convenient member portal.

Delta Dental of Wisconsin wants you to take advantage of your online member portal! From ID card access to going paperless, we’re sure you’ll find tools you’ll revisit time and again.

We know how confusing dental coverage can be. The online portal was designed to help you better manage and use your dental benefits. Take control of your dental experience and access your claims, ID card, and settings when it’s convenient for you on your computer or mobile device. Easily review your explanation of benefits and see how Delta Dental covers your care. Email ID cards to your dentist’s office or to family members on your plan. Use the handy cost estimator tool to avoid feeling uncertain about your dental expenses.

Change communication preferences with Delta Dental of Wisconsin’s online member portal to best suit your lifestyle. Safely and securely message with the customer experience specialists in our award-winning Contact Center with any questions you have for a quick and accurate answer within one business day. Instant chat is a feature as well, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. CST.

Dashboards for individuals and families allow you to see if you or anyone on your plan is overdue for a cleaning or other service. Browse the blog, oral health library, or social channels to learn how oral health impacts your lives every day. Video: Delta Dental member portal overview.

In short, on your member portal you can:

  • Download or email an ID card
  • View plan utilization features on your individual and family dashboard
  • See price transparency with our cost estimator – Video: Cost estimator
  • Go paperless and update your communication preferences (like receiving EOBs electronically)
  • Securely communicate online with DDWI Customer Experience Specialists – Video: Customer Service
  • Personalize your featured health topics and blogs

Looking for more on what our online member portal has to offer? Sign in or sign up right now at www.deltadentalwi.com.

Use the protective power of an eye exam

read Adult Oral Health, Vision Benefits
Eye exams are a powerful health tool that can help detect serious health problems. Find out more about the protective power of eye exams.

*Updated November 2022

Your eyes can tell you a lot about your health. Pay attention and they’ll tell you about problems you may not even know about. That’s the power of an annual eye exam. Protect your vision and overall health with regular visits to the eye doctor.

Eye exams help detect serious problems sooner

Your eyes can be windows to your health. Serious health problems show early signs through your eyes—ones you don’t want to miss. A visit to your eye doctor can help detect signs of diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, as well as eye diseases like cataracts and glaucoma.Catching these diseases early makes it easier to treat them sooner.

Eye exams fight tech with tech

Every day, we spend hours staring at phones, laptops, and tablets. These screens put out blue light. Reports suggest overexposure may cause blurry vision, difficulty focusing, dry and irritated eyes, and headaches. 

Turn the tables on the digital age with a digital eye exam. Your eye doctor will be able to detect any changes in your eyes due to screen exposure and may recommend investing in blue light glasses, which help protect your eyes.

Eye exams at every age

Eye exams are important at every age, whether you are one or 101. Everyone is susceptible to vision problems, which can affect their quality of life. Here are some key takeaways:

  • Babies and toddlers: Should have their first eye exam between six and 12 months.
  • School-age children: One in four may have vision problems that may affect learning.
  • Adults: Over 75 percent of adults living in the United States use vision correctors.
  • Seniors: The most common sufferers of glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
  • Moms-to-be: Pregnancy can cause vision changes that your doctor should know about.

Don’t Live with Eye Anxiety

DeltaVision® makes it easy to get important eye exams with freedom to choose the doctor, hours, and location that works best for you.

Learn more about our DeltaVision plans.

Unblurring the lines to corrected vision

read Adult Oral Health, Vision Benefits
Check out this list of prevalent eye conditions, vision symptoms, and the best lenses to correct the problem for happy eye health.

Roughly 75% of Americans experience vision symptoms that require eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other care, according to the Vision Council of America.1

That means most of us are finding it harder to read restaurant menus or locate a good seat in the theater.

If you’re seeing the world a little out of focus, take comfort in knowing you’re not alone. Researchers and doctors are constantly working to find better ways to pinpoint the causes of eye conditions and remedy them.

So, don’t fret the seat or the entrée list. Resolving eyesight issues is a straightforward process; it just takes a little understanding of what eye symptoms mean, and then working with your eye doctor to choose the right lenses for that condition.

Check out this list of prevalent eye conditions, vision symptoms, and the best lenses to correct the problem for happy eye health.

Farsightedness

Anyone who can read the subtitles on a movie screen but cannot read the headlines on his or her computer is familiar with farsightedness. It is a vision condition that makes nearby objects appear blurry, while faraway objects remain clear. Farsightedness usually occurs at birth and tends to be hereditary. The condition is easily corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses prescribed by a doctor.2

Nearsightedness

Nearsightedness is a condition that inhibits one’s ability to see objects that are far away, such as that highway exit sign or a performer on stage. Also, a condition that tends to run in families, nearsightedness (or “myopia”) often worsens during childhood or adolescence. Like farsightedness, it can be corrected easily with eyeglasses or contact lenses.3

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is often accused of arriving at our doorstep the day we turn 40. Like farsightedness, it refers to the eyes’ diminishing ability to focus on objects that are close to us. It often becomes noticeable in our early 40s and unfortunately worsens until about age 65. A simple eye exam can diagnose presbyopia, and it can be readily fixed with eyeglasses or contacts.4

Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea on the surface of the eye or the lens inside the eye curves differently from one direction to the other. The result is blurriness at all distances, and possibly eye strain and headaches. Those who have an astigmatism often are born with it. Astigmatism can be diagnosed with a vision test and a painless exam to check the curvature of the cornea.5

Fortunately, most people younger than 60 can have their vision problems corrected with glasses or contact lenses. The key is seeing an eye doctor as soon as objects get fuzzy, and then simply enjoying life through a new lens.

Learn more about our vision plans.

The history of women in dentistry

read Dental Trends
To celebrate National Women’s History Month, take a look at the tremendous progressive women in dentistry. Although we couldn’t cover all the pioneering women who helped shape dental care, we’ve included just some of their milestone stories.

To celebrate National Women’s History Month, take a look at the tremendous progressive women in dentistry. Although we couldn’t cover all the pioneering women who helped shape dental care, we’ve included a sampling of their milestone stories.

Lucy Beaman Hobbs Taylor

The first woman to graduate from dental school had some roadblocks to overcome. When Lucy Beaman Hobbs Taylor was initially denied admittance to the Ohio College of Dentistry, she forged her own route. First, she found a mentor. Then, she taught herself the principles of dental care until she was proficient enough to open her own practice in Iowa. She was eventually permitted to enroll in dental school and graduated in 1866.

Ida Gray Nelson

Ida Gray Nelson became interested in dentistry while working part-time in a dental office. This experience helped her pass the entrance exam for her dental degree. After receiving her degree at the University of Michigan in 1890, she moved to her hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio to open her own practice as the first African American dentist.

Grace Rogers Spalding

In 1913, Grace Rogers Spalding joined efforts with another female dentist named Gillette Hayden to form the American Academy of Periodontology and holds the title of the academy’s first female president. Additionally, she left a lasting impression on periodontology practices as an editor of the Journal of Periodontology for 20 years. In her work, she emphasized the importance of gums and supporting tooth structures instead of merely focusing on teeth.

Sara Gdulin Krout

Sara Gdulin Krout became the first female dentist to serve in the U.S. Navy in 1944. At the time, the military restricted women from providing dental care, so Krout became a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service.

Today, roughly half of dental school graduates are female compared to just over 1% in 1968. Thanks to the bold efforts of female dental professionals, the path is more open than ever for women to make their mark on dentistry.