A Healthy Mouth with Diabetes

read Adult Oral Health
Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, managing your blood sugar level is key. With high blood sugar levels comes higher risk of dental problems, such as:

Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, managing your blood sugar level is key. With high blood sugar levels comes higher risk of dental problems, such as:

  • Tooth decay (cavities). When starches and sugars in foods and beverages interact with the natural bacteria in your mouth, a sticky film (plaque) forms on your teeth. The acids in plaque attack the surfaces of your teeth, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. The higher your blood sugar level, the greater the supply of sugars and starches — and the more acid wearing away at your teeth.
  • Early gum disease (gingivitis). Diabetes reduces your ability to fight bacteria. The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more they irritate the part of your gums around the base of your teeth. In time, your gums become swollen and bleed easily. This is known as gingivitis.
  • Dry mouth (xerostomia). Some individuals with diabetes have a lack of saliva, known as dry mouth. Without saliva to help protect your teeth, you could be at risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and fungal infections (thrush).
  • Periodontal disease (periodontitis). Periodontal (gum) disease causes your gums and jawbone to pull away from your teeth, which can cause your teeth to loosen and possibly fall out. It tends to be more severe and common among those with diabetes because diabetes lowers the ability to resist infection and slows healing. An infection such as periodontitis may also cause your blood sugar level to rise, which can make your diabetes more difficult to control.
  • Fungal Infection (thrush). People with diabetes may be more likely to develop thrush, which is a fungal infection caused by the yeast Candida albicans. It produces painful white or red patches inside your mouth.

Proper dental care
By following simple oral hygiene tips, you can ensure a healthy smile and help control your diabetes.

  • Brush at least twice a day. Use toothpaste that contains fluoride and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Consider using an electric toothbrush.
  • Floss at least once a day. Flossing helps remove plaque between your teeth and under your gumline.
  • Drink plenty of water. Water, especially fluoridated water, bathes your teeth in extra protection and washes away harmful bacteria.
  • Schedule regular dental visits. Preventing and treating tooth decay and periodontal disease with annual dental cleanings can help improve blood sugar control. And make sure your dentist knows you have diabetes!
  • Look for early signs of gum disease. Report any redness, swelling, bleeding gums, dry mouth, loose teeth, or mouth pain to your dentist.

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The connection between oral health and breast cancer risk

read Adult Oral Health
Group of women wearing pink and breast cancer ribbons.

*Updated October 2026

Key takeaways about the connection between breast cancer risk and oral health:

  • Untreated gum disease can trigger chronic inflammation throughout the body, which is a known cancer risk factor. This connection links gum health directly to a risk for breast cancer.
  • It’s important to maintain good oral health hygiene when going through cancer treatment to reduce the chance of developing gum disease and other oral health problems.
  • If you or a loved one is battling breast cancer, consider discussing your oral health with both your dentist and oncologist. Together, they can help you create a plan to maintain a healthy smile.

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, support those affected, and champion the power of early detection. While mammograms, self-exams, and healthy lifestyle habits often take center stage, there’s another piece of your health that deserves attention too: your gums.

What do gums have to do with breast cancer? Surprisingly, your oral health plays a more significant role in your overall well-being than you might think.

What is the connection between oral health and breast cancer risk?

Research has shown there is a potential link between periodontal (gum) disease and an increased risk of breast cancer.

Gum disease is a chronic infection of the gums that can lead to inflammation, bleeding, and eventually, the loss of teeth. It’s caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth, which harbors harmful bacteria.

These bacteria can enter the bloodstream through the gums, leading to inflammation in other parts of the body. Chronic inflammation is a known risk factor for many types of cancer, including breast cancer.

In fact, studies have found that women with periodontal disease are more likely to develop breast cancer compared to those with healthy gums.

Ultimately, the connection between untreated gum disease, systemic inflammation, and breast cancer risk is a reminder that protecting your oral health is part of protecting your overall health and lowering your chances for cancer.

Why oral health matters during breast cancer treatment

For women undergoing breast cancer treatment, maintaining good oral health becomes even more crucial.

Treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections, including those in the mouth. Additionally, some cancer treatments can cause dry mouth, a condition that reduces saliva flow and increases the odds for tooth decay and gum disease.

Making sure you or a loved one takes care of their oral health during treatment is a small step that can make a big impact on keeping their mouth healthy.

How do I take care of oral health during breast cancer treatment?

Whether you’re focused on prevention or currently navigating breast cancer treatment, below are some simple steps you can take to keep your gums and mouth healthy.

  • Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to maintain a good oral hygiene routine.
  • Visit your dentist at least once a year: Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for preventing gum disease. Your dentist can spot early signs of gum problems and provide treatment before they become more serious.
  • Eat a balanced diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support your immune system and help reduce inflammation in the body, including the gums.
  • Stop using tobacco products: Smoking and using other tobacco products can significantly increase your risk of gum disease and oral cancer. Quitting tobacco is one of the best things you can do for your oral and overall health.
  • Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your mouth moist, reducing the chance of dry mouth and helping to wash away food particles and bacteria.

Don’t overlook the breast cancer and oral health connection

As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a good reminder that health is holistic, meaning that what affects one part of your body can impact others.

If you or a loved one is battling breast cancer, consider discussing your oral health with both your dentist and oncologist. Together, they can help you create a plan to maintain healthy gums throughout your treatment journey.

Dental Care Timeline for Infants & Children

read Children's Oral Health
Regular dental care for children should begin by age 1.

Regular dental care for children should begin by 1 year of age. The following dental checklist for infants and toddlers is from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Birth to 6 months old

  • Clean your baby’s mouth with water and a cloth or gauze, or use a soft infant toothbrush after feedings and at bedtime.
  • Consult your child’s healthcare provider about the use of fluoride supplements if you live in an area without fluoridated water.
  • Also ask about fluoride varnish that can be applied to the teeth when they erupt.

6 to 12 months old

  • During this time, the first tooth should appear. Consult a dentist for an exam as soon as the first tooth comes in, but no later than your child’s first birthday.
  • Brush teeth after each feeding and at bedtime with a small, soft-bristled brush. Use a very small amount of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice.

1 to 3 years old

  • Follow the schedule of dental exams and cleanings as recommended by your child’s dentist. Generally, dental exams and cleanings are recommended every 6 months for children.
  • At about age 3, as your child learns to rinse and spit, brushing with a pea-sized portion of fluoridated toothpaste is best.

Facts about baby teeth

Correct care of a child’s baby teeth (also known as primary teeth) is very important. These teeth hold space for the future permanent teeth in adulthood.

  • If a baby tooth decays or is removed too early, the space for the permanent teeth can be lost and may need to be regained through orthodontic treatment.
  • Infected baby teeth can cause the permanent teeth to develop incorrectly, resulting in stains, pits, and weaker teeth.
  • Baby teeth are important in speech development.
  • Baby teeth aid in chewing food correctly, promoting healthy nutrition.

Most children begin losing their baby teeth around age 5 or 6. Children often lose their front teeth first. They continue to lose baby teeth until age 12 or 13 when all of the permanent teeth finally come through, except for the third molars (wisdom teeth). These molars begin to appear around age 17 to 21.

Balanced Meals for Healthy Aging

read Adult Oral Health, Senior Oral Health
For nutrition that promotes healthy aging, check out our easy-to-understand recommendations!

A balanced meal includes the nutrients and vitamins that we need to power through our day. That fuel comes from a combination of different foods from leafy greens to seafood dinners. The right balanced combination of food groups gives you a healthy body and mouth! But, eating the wrong foods in the wrong proportions can lead to poor oral and overall health. In order to get the proper nutrition for healthy aging, we have to be aware of what a healthy plate looks like and take the time to eat right.

Continue reading →

Top Tips to Get Fresh Breath

read Lifestyle
Get fresh breath and remember these important tips so you can focus on your day to day life instead of your breath and oral hygiene.

Do you ever wonder if you have bad breath? Do you feel like others are noticing your oral health? We’re providing a few simple tips to get fresh breath and maintain it each day, all day.

First, let’s take a look into the handful of factors that contribute to bad breath:  

  • Bacteria: hundreds of types of bad breath-causing bacteria can form in your mouth at any time. Your mouth also acts like a natural greenhouse, trapping bacteria and allowing them to grow.
  • Dry Mouth and Saliva: Saliva is essential because it helps wash away bacteria and food particles from your mouth. People with a dry mouth have an increased risk of experiencing bad breath.
  • Gum Disease: Bad breath that won’t go away or an endless bad taste in your mouth can be an early warning sign of gum disease. If there’s a funny taste in your mouth, don’t ignore it.
  • Medical Conditions: Mouth infections can cause bad breath as well as sinus conditions, gastric reflux, diabetes, and liver or kidney disease. Give your dentist a list of the medications you are taking to help determine if one could be causing bad breath.

Click here to find a dentist near you.

Now let’s take a look into a couple of foods and other products that are notorious for causing bad breath:

  • Foods: Garlic, onions, coffee, cheese, fish, and more can leave your breath smelling hours after you’ve eaten. Keep in mind that what you eat directly affects the breath that you exhale.
  • Smoking and Tobacco: Smoking stains your teeth and gives you bad breath, and isn’t the only form of tobacco that can damage your oral health and cause bad breath. Remember that tobacco products tend to dry out the mouth, making bad breath even worse.

How to get fresh breath:

  • Brushing and flossing: Don’t forget to properly brush your teeth twice a day, and floss daily. This consistent routine helps maintain your oral hygiene and prevent stinky breath. 
  • Mouthwash: Mouthwash temporarily kills bacteria, but it is only a mask for a clean mouth. Thus, brushing and flossing your teeth is the most effective method for bad breath prevention. Then, follow with mouthwash for extra long-lasting freshness.
  • Visit your dentist regularly: Catching an oral health problem early on is the best method to prevent serious dental damage, so it is important to see your dentist regularly.

If you remember to keep your daily oral health routine in check, you can focus on the other important parts of life. Start your day with the confidence of a strong oral health routine. Keep in mind what causes bad breath and how to prevent it so you can focus on what’s in front of you instead of your breath. 

What to Expect the Next Time You Visit the Eye Doctor

read Adult Oral Health, Vision Benefits
Now that Wisconsin vision providers are re-opening, here’s what you can expect at your next appointment.

Now that some vision providers are re-opening or extending operating hours, you should expect to see a few changes when you head in for your next eye exam. These changes may include:

  • Required social distancing in waiting rooms and optical dispensaries
  • Added time between appointments to allow for broader disinfecting of equipment and surfaces in patient care areas
  • More detailed health history questionnaires asking about recent travel and potential exposure to individuals infected with COVID-19
  • Possible temperature testing upon arrival
  • Staff equipped with added protective equipment, such as masks or face shields during certain procedures
  • Altered office hours to accommodate new practices

You’ll also notice many of these enhanced safety practices should you choose to elect other eye-related procedures, like LASIK.

As always, you should check with your eye doctor’s office directly to confirm hours and any other changes you may need to be aware of before visiting. Want to share this information broadly? Download the flyer here!

Find the Sunglasses that Perfectly Fit Your Lifestyle

read Lifestyle, Vision Benefits
Prescription sunglasses are more stylish, durable, and affordable than they used to be, so find a pair the fits your routine and protect your vision in style:

If you wear eyeglasses and spend a lot of time outdoors, you may want to consider prescription sunglasses. Providing convenience, comfort, and protection, they can enhance your time outside. You have many choices when it comes to finding a pair that won’t break the bank. Frames, lenses, color, and tint are part of a wide range of options that make it easy to find the perfect pair for your lifestyle and your budget. How you spend your time outside can help you determine what type of prescription sunglasses are best for your needs.

Sporty and active? Polycarbonate lenses may be for you. Lightweight and shatterproof, these lenses are ideal if you have an active lifestyle or play sports. Polycarbonate naturally blocks almost all UV rays, so these glasses don’t need additional UV coating. However, they can scratch, so use a lens hardener or similar coating to help protect them.

Style guru? Try on high-index lenses. The lenses bend light more efficiently, meaning light travels faster through these lenses than traditional lenses. High-index lenses can offer the same degree of visual correction using less material, which results in thinner lenses and less weight to your glasses.

Practical and polished? Optical glass lenses are ground and polished for distortion-free vision and are extremely durable and scratch resistant. These lenses can be more expensive and can break upon impact.

Casual and cool? Acrylic lenses are your go-to for inexpensive sunglasses, and a good choice for casual or fashion sunglasses.

No matter what type of prescription sunglasses you choose, be sure you select lenses that completely block the sun’s harmful UV rays. Optometrists recommend wearing sunglasses that deliver the highest level of UV protection – 99 to 100%.

Prescription sunglasses are more stylish, durable, and affordable than before. Talk to your eye care professional, who can help you choose the right pair so you can enjoy the great outdoors even more.

DeltaVision® coverage makes it easy to care for your vision; find an eye doctor and make an appointment today. Our network has more than 88,000 providers at over 27,000 locations nationwide. We partner with popular providers like LensCrafters® and Target Optical℠ in addition to many smaller, independent doctors. These retailers offer conveniences such as multiple locations and extended hours to help members get the service they need, when they need it. Click here to learn more about our vision coverage.

Put Vision Safety to Work

read Vision Benefits
Workplace eye injuries can occur in factories, laboratories, construction sites, and even the office. Learn how to keep your vision safe with vision protection at work:

*Updated July 2026

No matter where you work – in a factory, laboratory, construction site, or office – workplace eye injuries can and do occur. Regardless of what you do, protecting your eyes is an important part of your job. Every day, more than 2,000 American workers suffer an eye injury that requires medical attention. And nearly a million Americans have lost some of their sight due to an eye injury. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these injuries account for more than $300 million in lost time, medical expenses, and worker compensation. The good news is that most workplace eye injuries are preventable – but, different types of jobs call for different ways to protect your eyes. It’s important to know what works best for your occupation.

Putting Safety Eyewear to Work

Wearing proper safety eyewear is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce workplace eye injuries. An estimated 90% of workplace eye injuries could be avoided with the proper use of safety eyewear. In fact, nearly three out of five people who suffered eye injuries at work were wearing no vision protection at all.

What should be worn depends on the work that’s being done. For example, if you’re on a construction site, you’ll want to wear safety eyewear that protects your eyes from flying objects, dust, particles, tools, and other hazards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to make sure their workers have suitable eye protection. According to OSHA, selecting the most suitable eye protection for employees should take into consideration:

  • Ability to protect against specific workplace hazards
  • Should fit properly and be reasonably comfortable to wear
  • Should provide unrestricted vision and movement
  • Should be durable and cleanable
  • Should allow unrestricted functioning of any other required personal protective equipment (PPE)

All eye protection should be certified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as ANSI Z87.

IndustrialEyes

IndustrialEyes Safety Eyewear Program is a discount program for DeltaVision® customers with 12 participating LensCrafter locations and 12 Target Optical locations, all in Wisconsin. And IndustrialEyes is easy for employers, too. All they have to do is fill out some quick authorization forms, and after employees purchase safety eyewear, employers will simply be invoiced for the purchase unless they opt for a fully employee-paid arrangement.

Protecting Against Infection

Certain fields of work, like health care, laboratory, janitorial, and animal care environments, face an increased risk of eye infection and exposure to toxic substances. If you work in these fields, it’s important to consider special eye protection to reduce the risk of exposure to both minor and major illnesses and injuries via the eye.

Annual Eye Exams: A Smart Move for Any Career

One of the most important steps you can take to protect your eyesight at work—and everywhere else—is to get an annual eye exam. Exams can help your doctor uncover any potential damage from prior eye injuries, which you may not even be aware of, as well as look for signs of serious eye conditions like glaucoma and cataracts. Your vision is priceless. And it’s likely you need it to get the job done. Wearing the correct protective eyewear and visiting your eye doctor at least once a year are proven ways to help keep your eyes safe and working for you for many years to come. Find a DeltaVision provider near you today.

Why our smile is our superpower

read Lifestyle
Get ready to celebrate your Smile Power by brushing up on our top three superpowers you have with great oral health!

*Updated April 2021

With comic books and movie adaptions making up a large part of modern entertainment, it’s easy to wonder about having superpowers. While many wish for super strength or the ability to fly, what many folks don’t realize is that they already have a superpower right under their nose: a smile.

Smiles connect us with people and help us express ourselves. Our smiles also house our mouth and teeth, which allow us to get the vitamins and minerals we need to stay healthy.

In honor of Smile Power Day on June 15th, we’ve compiled a few fun facts about our grins to help you celebrate.

Smiles Lead to Positive Mental Attitude

A recent study conducted by Delta Dental revealed that 53% of adults believe their smile impacts their overall success. 70% think their grin effects a first impression. Whether true or not, these numbers speak to the power a smile has over the way adults perceive themselves and others.

When meeting new people, 67% of respondents felt that quality oral health makes them feel confident. While this may seem to be a coincidence, scientists have confirmed that facial expressions do have an impact, albeit minor, on personal feelings.

Communicating with our Smiles

But it doesn’t take a scientist to tell you that we can determine someone’s mood by their facial expressions. For example, a genuine smile could mean that someone is happy, friendly, or feeling well. But smiles are also a social tool; most of the smiles we produce are primarily made for others. These smiles serve the purpose of nonverbal communication, or expressing something without using words.

Think about your own smiles. You’re sure to have different ones. Perhaps when you laugh it’s different from when you recall a fond memory or tell an embarrassing story. How does this compare to when you pass a person on the sidewalk or return a hello to someone unfamiliar? Do you smile when someone smiles at you? If so, that means they’re contagious!

Healthy Smiles = Healthy Bodies

It should come as no surprise to you that healthy foods are required to keep your teeth in tip-top shape and the rest of you healthy. That means avoiding sugary foods and instead eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, protein foods, calcium-rich foods, and whole grains.”

Combine good nutrition with a quality oral health routine. Remove plaque and debris from your teeth on the regular by brush and flossing, and your mouth and body will thank you because there’s a strong connection between your oral and overall health.

So, while you may not think much about your smile, it certainly has some power. Think about your smile on Smile Power Day and consider showing it some extra love.Learn more about how to keep your smile happy and healthy.

What’s changed at the dentist since COVID-19

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COVID-19 has changed the way many businesses operate, and dental practices are no exception. In fact, offices are taking new precautionary measures to make sure you and your family (as well as their staff) remain safe and healthy.

Here are some things you may notice when you schedule and attend your next dental appointment.

Scheduling

Like a lot of places that temporarily closed due to the pandemic, dental offices have a backlog of people requesting an appointment. You may need to put your name on a waiting list, depending on the type of procedure you require. Some offices may choose to prioritize the care based on availability and need.

Screenings

As you make your appointment, you may be asked if you have experienced any COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, etc.) or have come into contact with anyone with the illness. This will help your dentist decide if you can safely come to the office.

On the day of your visit, you may be asked similar questions, either inside or even outside the building. You may also be asked to take your temperature.

Your Appointment

As you arrive at your appointment, things may look a little different. Please know this is your provider trying to ensure the safest environment possible for you. Some processes facilities may require:

  • You may be asked to wait in your car
  • You may be asked to take your temperature before entering
  • Waiting rooms may have fewer chairs and no magazines or toys
  • Many offices will require you to wear a mask (if you have one, bring it with you)
  • You may be asked to come to the office alone, unless you are attending to a child or dependent
  • You may be asked to wash your hands or use sanitizer before entering treatment rooms
  • Staff may be wearing additional personal protective equipment (PPE), such as face shields, masks, gowns, or head coverings
  • Treatment may be modified to reduce the amount of aerosols created (i.e. the hygienist may hand-polish your teeth instead of ultrasonic cleaning)
  • Your appointment may take longer than usual, as stricter guidelines have been set for sanitization and other measures
  • You may see additional dividers or Plexiglas throughout the office

Please note: you should never be charged an additional fee for any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or infection control procedures when receiving care from a Delta Dental network provider. Infection control and PPE are considered part of and included in the fee for the complete service and therefore is not billable separately to you, the patient. If you experience issues with charges for PPE, please contact our customer service representatives at 800-236-3712.

Teledentistry

Don’t forget that teledentistry is an option covered by your Delta Dental of Wisconsin plan. Providers use tools like FaceTime or video chat to evaluate a dental problem remotely, rather than requiring an in-person dental office visit. Please contact your dental office directly to determine if they offer teledentistry options.

We Are Here For You

Our customer service representatives are available to help with any questions regarding your Delta Dental plan. You can call 800-236-3712, or live chat with a representative by logging in to our member portal Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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