Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, and Oral Health

08/27/2019 read Adult Oral Health, Senior Oral Health

Learn about how the mouth responds to Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel disease.

We don’t often think of our mouth as part of our digestive track – but it is! How well we digest our food impacts our mouth, smile, and oral health. That’s why diseases in the digestive tract and other stomach problems can lead to poor oral health. Some signs and symptoms that occur in the mouth point to an exact stomach condition; others tell doctors that an inflammatory disease is present, but not exactly what that disease is. Over three million adults in the US have a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The two main forms of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC), which both impact the mouth. This makes dentist visits that much more important for individuals with these conditions.

Women are slightly more prone to IBD. While the condition can occur at any age, diagnosis often occurs after the age of 15. People with these diseases report:

poorer quality of life
long periods of illness
hospitalizations
surgical procedures

Our oral and overall health are very interconnected, and these diseases are no exception. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis cause similar changes in the mouth. Small, white tags called “mucosal tags” or “epithelial tags” are one oral sign of disease. They are not connected with one specific disease or diagnosis and arise from the internal inflammation of the digestive tract.

When surveyed against a control group, one study of people with an inflammatory bowel disease found that they self-reported “significantly more mouth-related problems.” They said they experienced more cavities and more bleeding of the gums than the control group.

Crohn’s Disease and The Health of Your Mouth

Crohn’s disease is the second-most common IBD. A dentist can be the first to diagnose Crohn’s disease by signs in the mouth if the patient has not seen a physician. The parts of the mouth most affected by oral Crohn’s disease include the lips, inside of the cheek, tissue behind the molars, gums, and even the tissues in our ears. Because this stomach condition can cause oral lesions, it’s another important reason to visit your dentist regularly. Signs and symptoms of the disease in the mouth are discovered first about 7% of the time.

So, how does this translate to dental care? One study of dental patients with Crohn’s disease saw that they have significantly more dental procedures than an individual without an IBD. Adults with Crohn’s disease were 65% more likely to have removable dentures, 52% more likely to have fillings in front teeth, and 46% more likely to have tooth-saving procedures done.

Ulcerative Colitis and The Health of Your Mouth

There are many similarities in the mouth when we look at patients with Crohn’s disease and those with UC. But UC differs in a few ways. It’s the most common IBD. Additionally, it has an oral “marker” in the mouth that signals to dentists and doctors what the patient may have. There is a very strong connection between an oral condition called “Pyostomatitis Vegetans” (PV) and UC.

To put it simply, PV is when the tissue inside the mouth, the skin on the lips, or the corners of the mouth become reddened, swollen, and have lacerations. Unlike the majority of the oral wounds, PV is a specific marker pointing to UC. Click here to see what PV looks like in the mouth.

What to Do?

Keeping up with dental appointments allows us to maintain our oral health. It’s even more important when we have a disease like IBD that compromises the health of our mouth and body. Tell your dentist about all the medications you’re taking and any diagnoses from your physician. You dentist may want to see you more often to keep an eye out for changes in your oral health.

Click here to learn about how you can receive additional benefits from Delta Dental of Wisconsin through their Evidence-Based Integrated Care Plan.

Some kinds of mouthwash and rinses offer only temporary relief for mouth sores, so speak with your doctor and physician at the first signs of change in your mouth. It’s necessary to treat the underlying condition that is causing your oral symptoms, and not just keep those symptoms at bay.

Click here to find a dentist in your area today.

Pregnancy and Dental Care | Oral Health Changes to Anticipate During Pregnancy

08/20/2019 read Adult Oral Health, Children's Oral Health

Pregnant moms have a lot to keep up with. Between extra doctor visits and preparing for a new family member, oral health care can fall by the wayside. Remind yourself or the expectant mom that oral health during pregnancy should still be a priority. Visiting the dentist consistently allows you to keep tabs of any changes in the mouth’s health. Since pregnancy can impact oral health, it’s even more important to attend your regularly-scheduled appointments and let your dentist know of any changes in your life. Your dentist may even want to see you more frequently during your pregnancy since it can change the mouth’s health. Did you know that some oral health conditions can impact a baby’s own oral health?

All pregnancies are different; you’ve probably already heard that. Some women go their whole time without having any dental problems. But, others experience oral health problems during pregnancy. A dentist visit can help you be mindful of what can happen in the mouth in case you start to experience any oral symptoms.

These are a few of the most common dental health problems during pregnancy that can occur.

Pregnancy Gingivitis

Hormones change quite a bit during pregnancy, causing hot flashes, fatigue, mood changes, and even changes in oral health. If you experience sensitivity or bleeding, swollen gums during pregnancy, you could be experiencing what’s called “pregnancy gingivitis.” A rapid increase in estrogen and progesterone can increase the flow of blood to your gum tissue. Hormonal changes also have the ability to impact the way the body fights infection, too. Because of this, it’s crucial to maintain good daily oral health habits and dental visits during your pregnancy.

Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing is an early symptom of gum inflammation or gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more serious conditions and impact your health and possibly the health of your baby.

If you’ve had gingivitis before, you’re more likely to get it while pregnant. Discuss with your dentist about what the best plan is for your oral health during pregnancy.

Tooth Decay

There are a few changes that happen in the body during pregnancy that can leave your teeth more susceptible to harm. If your cravings are for carbohydrates or sweets, those snacks will lead to tooth decay faster than healthier options like fruits and veggies. Additionally, if you’re experiencing morning sickness and are prone to throwing up, your mouth is getting more exposure to acid than normal. The acid can erode the enamel on the inner surface of the teeth, usually the front teeth. Rinsing with water afterwards can substantially help reduce enamel erosion.

Salivation can also change in some women when they become pregnant. The decreased flow of saliva can cause dry mouth. A lack of saliva prevents food particles and bacteria from being washed away in the mouth, which is why having a dry mouth over time can lead to a greater risk for tooth decay.

Tissue Overgrowths

One oral health change some pregnant women experience is more alarming than it is dangerous. Tissue overgrowths in the gums can happen, often during the second trimester. Don’t be frightened, as many mistake this for a form of cancer. Rather, this is a side-effect of swollen gums and can be related to excess plaque. Talk to your dentist if you think you’re experiencing this symptom for reassurance. Though they usually disappear when the baby is born, your dentist can help you decide if you’d like to address it before then.

Tips for Dental Care During and After Pregnancy

The American Pregnancy Organization’s website provides insightful advice for pregnant or new moms looking for the best way to approach their dental care:

After adjusting to the news of your new baby, give your dentist a call to let them know you’re expecting.
Your dentist will likely recommend you have some preventive exams and cleanings scheduled. See if your plan includes additional benefits during pregnancy; many of our plans do!
Postpone non-emergency dental work until the second trimester or after delivery, if possible.
Maintain good circulation by keeping your legs uncrossed while sitting in the dentist’s chair.
Bring a pillow along if you’d like – this can help keep you and the baby more comfortable.
Listen to your favorite music with headphones to turn a necessary appointment into a relaxing endeavor.

Additionally, the American Dental Association (ADA) urges pregnant women and new moms to eat a balanced diet, as we all should.

There is no risk in visiting the dentist while pregnant. American Pregnancy.org shares that some women may elect to avoid dental work during the first trimester knowing this is the most vulnerable time of development. However, there is no evidence suggesting harm to the baby for those electing to visit the dentist during this time frame.

Procedures like cavity fillings when pregnant are safe and shouldn’t be avoided. Additionally, your dentist can help you understand and correct any pregnancy-related dental problems you may be experiencing. Routine X-ray examinations can be delayed until after the birth, so discuss your options with your dentist.

Looking for a dentist in your area? Click here.

Interest in learning about baby dental care? Check out The Basics of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay.

How your mouth influences your health from head to toe

08/13/2019 read Adult Oral Health, Lifestyle

A healthy smile improves social interactions, communication, and the ability to perform well in work and school. But there are many more reasons to maintain great oral health. The National Academy of Medicine reports that oral health is connected to good overall health and oral diseases can worsen health problems outside of the mouth.

Links to Other Diseases

Studies have found that oral health complications can lead to an increased risk of heart disease. People with gum disease have nearly double the risk for heart disease as those with healthy gums, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. Chronic inflammation from gum disease may also raise cholesterol levels. Poor dental health can also increase your risk of a bacterial infection in the blood stream, which can affect your heart valves.

Gum disease appears to be more frequent and severe in diabetics. In addition, people with gum disease have more difficulty controlling their blood sugar levels.

Additional Effects

Untreated oral diseases can lead to problems with eating, speaking, learning, and productivity for children and adults. Oral problems can also lead to bad dietary choices that can damage overall health.

Additional issues connected to oral health include a link between premature birth and low birth weight to expectant mothers with gum disease. Additionally, American children miss millions of school days and adults miss an estimated 164 million hours of work due to oral health problems each year. Oral diseases that are mostly untreated (and often preventable) send more than 2.1 million Americans to the emergency department each year.

Preventing Gum Disease

Gum disease, along with most oral diseases, is almost entirely preventable. Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly. With an oral exam, your dentist can potentially detect signs of more than 120 diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. Early detection can make treatment easier, less costly and even lifesaving.

People with Dental Benefits are Healthier

08/06/2019 read Adult Oral Health, Insurance Resources and Dental Benefits, Lifestyle

Can a smile be a window to someone’s overall health? More studies over recent years show a connection between oral health and overall health in both adults and children. This connection is due in large part to an association with periodontal (gum) disease and systemic diseases. Cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, and respiratory disease all impact an individual’s oral health. Since the health of our mouth impacts our overall health, can we reason that people with dental benefits are healthier? In many cases across the country, it’s not only about having dental benefits, but also having easy access to dental care that determines their oral and overall health.

Access to Dental Care

We are proud to say that Delta Dental of Wisconsin is backed nationally by the largest network of dentists. Families with dental insurance are almost twice as likely to get preventive care as those without it. We understand why it’s important to you and your family that your provider is someone you trust. It’s also important that they are close to where you live or work. If you have dental benefits and a conveniently-located dentist, you are more likely to get the care you and your family need for a healthy smile.

Oral and Overall Health Connection

As we know, proper oral health care reduces the harmful bacteria in our mouths. That means you should brush twice per day for two minutes, floss once per day, and regularly visit the dentist. Not only do bacteria in our mouths adversely affect our oral health, but they are connected with diseases like endocarditis and pneumonia, according to Mayo Clinic.

With good oral health care, along with the body’s natural defenses, we can keep harmful bacteria and acids under control. But without good oral health care and regular visits to the dentist, these bacteria can reach levels that lead to infections.

Quality of Life and Good Oral Health Care

Tooth decay, tooth loss, or fractured teeth can have a substantial impact on your self-esteem. The good news is that these conditions are nearly 100% preventable with proper at-home oral health care and regular visits to the dentist. Good oral health practices and regular dental visits have a direct connection to the appearance of your smile; your ability to interact with people, pronounce words, and chew food; and your quality of life.

People with Dental Benefits are Healthier

There is confirmed connection between having dental benefits and being healthier. Because those without coverage are less likely to see the dentist for regular cleanings and checkups, they experience gum disease and other oral health-related problems. These problems can be uncomfortable or painful, and lead to overall health concerns.

“Delta Dental’s research shows that people continue to recognize the importance of their oral health in relation to their overall health,” said Dr. Greg Theis, Director, Dental Services at Delta Dental of Wisconsin. “It isn’t surprising that nearly 85% of Americans believe having dental insurance provides peace of mind.”

The Adult’s Oral Health & Well-Being Survey, sponsored by Delta Dental, shows that Americans with dental insurance are 40% more likely than the uninsured to visit the dentist on a yearly (or more frequent) basis (77% vs. 46%).

“The benefits of healthy teeth and gums go well beyond the ability to eat comfortably or smile with confidence; a healthy mouth transcends into a healthier quality of life,” Dr. Theis said. “Dental insurance promotes the routine and preventive care to maintain our healthy smiles.”

Benefits of a Basic Employee Wellness Program (B2B)

07/30/2019 read Insurance Resources and Dental Benefits

Employee health and wellness programs are gaining popularity with employers to help mitigate the stress of their employees. We live in an “always on” business climate where people have the ability to work wherever and whenever. This can affect not only their work, but their health as well. With easy access to email, social media, and any information we want, workers everywhere are failing to turn their brains off from work at the expense of their own health.

The Health of Employees

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines “health” as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or illness. In the workplace, stress is a primary driver of poor health and wellness. According to a 2017 report by the American Psychological Association, stress costs businesses more than $300 billion per year from accidents, absenteeism, employee turnover, diminished productivity, and direct medical, legal, and insurance costs. But it’s not only the cost to employers, it’s the cost of quality and longevity of life. Newer generations of workers are starting to take notice, and businesses everywhere are starting to accommodate their needs.

Employee wellness programs are not new, but they are starting to gain more traction. They’re moving toward becoming an expected employee benefit.

So, what if you are trying to compete for those same workers at a time when unemployment rates are at historic lows? Can you give yourself a leg up by offering a wellness program? Do you have the resources to fund for such a program? Yes.

Why Offer a Wellness Program for Your Employees?

Reasons for offering a wellness program at your business are include:

positive return on your investment
healthier employees
fewer sick days, and less absenteeism at work
increased employee retention
decreased healthcare costs
happier, more productive employees

Additionally, there are benefits to including oral wellness in your program:

Oral health and overall health are highly connected.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than $6 billion of productivity is lost each year because people miss work to treat dental issues.
1 in 5 American adults missed work in 2016 due to oral health concerns.

Delta Dental Can Help

Consider having your staff take an OHRA, or Oral Health Risk Assessment, like this one from our website. It can help pinpoint areas for health, nutrition, and wellness improvement in your workplace. After completing the 3-minute assessment, you’ll be given links to learn about gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer, how to reduce your risk for all three, and next steps to improve or maintain oral health.

Try taking actionable and tangible steps toward true wellness, health, and nutrition. Most people have no idea how much sugar is in their food and how that can impact their teeth, or how much stress they bring to work each day. To learn more about our dental plans for your business, click here. You can also reach out to our sales team to learn more about available tools and resources for your wellness program, such as our wellness toolkit including flyers, posters, intranet postings, and email messages for your company.

Good oral hygiene habits and regular dental visits may reduce oral cancer risk

07/23/2019 read Adult Oral Health

*Updated April 2026

Key takeaways about oral hygiene and oral cancer risk:

Finding oral cancer early can increase survival rates up to 85%, while late detection leads to invasive treatments and lower survival.
Neglecting brushing, flossing, and dental visits leads to chronic inflammation and tooth loss, both linked to higher oral cancer risk.
Daily flossing, regular dental checkups, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol, getting the HPV vaccine, and using sun protection all help prevent oral cancer.

This year, more than 60 thousand Americans will receive an oral cancer diagnosis. The difference between early and late detection is significant. Early-stage patients may have up to an 85% five-year survival rate, while late-stage diagnosis often means invasive surgery affecting appearance, speech, and eating, as well as a significantly reduced chance of survival.

Simple changes in your oral health routine, like flossing daily and visiting your dentist regularly, could significantly reduce your risk of developing oral cancer.

The connection between poor oral health and oral cancer

Poor oral hygiene doesn’t just lead to cavities and gum disease. Research shows that people with poor oral hygiene have a higher risk of developing oral cancer compared to those who maintain good dental habits.

When you neglect regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits, harmful bacteria flourish in your mouth, creating chronic inflammation that can damage cellular DNA over time. This chronic inflammation typically appears as gum disease or periodontitis. This constant state of inflammation, combined with chemical changes in your mouth, creates an environment where cancer cells can develop more easily.

Furthermore, a 2023 meta-analysis of 15 studies found that tooth loss nearly doubles the risk of oral cancer. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for adults in the United States.

The good news? Simple habits like daily flossing, regular brushing, and routine dental checkups can dramatically reduce these risks and help catch any warning signs early, when treatment is most effective.

What is oral cancer?

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the mouth and surrounding areas, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, throat, and floor or roof of the mouth.

What causes oral cancer?

The majority of oral cancers develop when cells in the mouth and throat mutate or change abnormally.

Several factors can trigger these cellular changes:

Tobacco use (smoking or chewing)
Heavy alcohol consumption
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection
Excessive sun exposure (particularly for lip cancer)
Weakened immune system
Genetic factors
Poor oral health hygiene (increased chronic inflammation)

Recognizing the signs of oral cancer

Early detection is crucial. If you notice any of these symptoms lasting more than two weeks, schedule an appointment with your dentist or doctor:

A mouth or lip sore that won’t heal
White or red patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
A lump or thickening in the cheek or neck
Persistent mouth or ear pain
Difficulty or pain when chewing or swallowing
Loose teeth without an obvious cause

How to reduce your risk of developing oral cancer

Two of the most effective ways to prevent oral cancer are to avoid tobacco in all forms (cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and vaping products) and limit alcohol consumption. Getting the HPV vaccine is another powerful prevention tool, since HPV is now linked to a growing number of oral cancers, particularly in the throat.

It’s also important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily, and to keep up with dental visits. Your dentist performs oral cancer screenings during every checkup, making these appointments crucial for early detection.

Simple lifestyle choices can also make a big difference. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can significantly reduce your oral cancer risk, while protecting your lips with sunscreen lip balm guards against sun-related cancers.

Protect yourself against oral cancer today

Your oral health routine does far more than keep your smile bright. It plays a key role in protecting you against oral cancer. By prioritizing daily flossing, keeping up with routine dental check-ups, avoiding tobacco, and staying mindful of any changes in your mouth, you’re taking proactive, meaningful steps to safeguard your overall health.

Don’t wait for warning signs to appear. Make your oral health a non‑negotiable part of your wellness routine and schedule your next dental visit today.

Why You Might Think Twice Before Eating Too Much Ice Cream

07/16/2019 read Adult Oral Health, Lifestyle

Why you might think twice before eating too much ice cream

There are few treats more tempting than a cold dish of ice cream during the hottest days of summer. It’s no wonder 90% of American households indulge in this frosty dessert. In honor of National Ice Cream Month in July, here’s the scoop on how ice cream can have an effect on oral health.

Ice cream contains calcium.

Let’s start with the good news. Ice cream has calcium, along with other nutrients. And calcium is essential for building and maintaining strong teeth.

But it’s often full of sugar.

The USDA reports that a half cup of vanilla ice cream contains over 14 grams of sugar. That’s about 56% of the recommended maximum amount of sugar adults should consume in a day. Consuming food that contains sugar produces acids that can eat away at the surface of your teeth and cause cavities.

Sweet toppings and mix-ins add even more sugar to ice cream. Many of these add-ons, such as chocolate syrup, caramel, and candy bars, stick to your teeth and cause more damage.

It can also make your teeth hurt.

If your teeth are sensitive to cold, eating ice cream can be uncomfortable. There are a number of possible reasons for cold sensitivity, including tooth decay, worn tooth enamel, or exposed nerves due to receding gums.

Good oral hygiene can help prevent sensitive tooth pain. But, if you already have sensitive teeth, talk to your dentist, who may recommend a desensitizing toothpaste or fluoride gel. If you eat ice cream with cold-sensitive teeth, lick it rather than biting into it.

You can limit the negative effects.

To keep ice cream from damaging your smile:

Enjoy it in moderation and eat it with a meal.
- Look for low-sugar or sugar-free versions, or substitute with a lower sugar gelato, frozen yogurt or sorbet.
- Help remove sugars from your mouth by rinsing with water or chewing sugar-free gum after eating ice cream.

Looking for ways to outsmart your sweet tooth? Read this blog.

Abscesses: Can toothaches become deadly?

07/09/2019 read Adult Oral Health, Dental Trends, Senior Oral Health

Our oral health is so connected to our overall health, problems like tooth abscesses can become life or death situations. An abscess in a tooth is caused by untreated tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease, or a crack in a tooth. An abscess is a pocket of pus in the gumline, apex (root) of the tooth, or bone surrounding the tooth. Dentists fix an abscess by draining it so it doesn’t spread into the bloodstream. If this happens, it’s called “bacteremia.” Healthy individuals’ immune system will likely destroy the harmful bacteria. But in older adults or individuals with certain medical conditions, the bacteria in the blood may not be destroyed.

Bacteria in the blood can circulate around the body and travel to the lungs, causing pneumonia, or to the brain, causing meningitis. These dangerous consequences can be avoided. Keep up with your dentist appointments, brush and floss twice a day, and maintain a healthy diet.

Need more tips on the proper oral health routine? Click here

Looking for a dentist in your area? Click here.

What is a Gingival or Gum Abscess?

A “gingival” or gum abscess is an abscess in the gum tissue of the mouth. When this is the case, your dentist will need to drain the infection. If it has spread, a root canal or tooth extraction may be necessary.

What is a Periodontal Abscess?

Periodontal disease is when the gums and bone, or “periodontal tissues” that hold our teeth in place, are infected. This also causes chronic inflammation from the body’s defenses against the infection. Sore, bleeding gums, pain in the mouth, and tooth loss are common with periodontal disease. A periodontal abscess is the third most frequent dental emergency, and it’s more common in individuals with untreated periodontal disease. Your dentist will conduct a variety of examinations to see what course of treatment best suits the particular case.

What is a Periapical Abscess?

A periapical abscess occurs as a result of your body fighting against bad bacteria. When this occurs, tissue retreats from the source of the infection. The periapical abscess forms when the infection spreads and creates a collection of pus at the root of a tooth.

Dental-Related Emergency Room Visits

We’re serious when we say problems that seem small can become fatal situations. One study examined nearly 130 million emergency department patients across the entire United States. They found that patients who didn’t have insurance made up 40.5% of all dental condition-related visits, since they’re more likely to visit an emergency room than a dentist’s office for dental care. The average cost for these emergency department visits is approximately $760. That would cover the cost of dental insurance for at least one year (if not two), allowing for routine cleanings and advice from dental experts.

In this study, in one year:

809,560 patients had a diagnosis of cavities
1,234,036 patients had gingival or periodontal conditions like gingivitis
37,518 patients had mouth cellulitis or abscesses

Examining the individuals among those with dental problems who died:

55% had a diagnosis of cavities
6% had pulpal or periapical lesions
4% had gingival or periodontal conditions
3% had mouth cellulitis or abscess (a single patient may have had one or more dental conditions)
Nearly 85% did not have any additional medical conditions causing the fatality

It’s never too late to start taking care of our teeth. If you don’t have one yet, click here to find a dentist in your area to get on track for a healthy mouth and body. Your dentist cares about more than simply teeth. They want to help you be a healthier, happier you. And if you need low-income resources for care, click here for a list of safety net dental clinics.

Click to learn more about daily oral health tips for a healthier mouth and smile.

Healthy Snack Swaps for July 4th – and All Summer Long

07/02/2019 read Lifestyle

When the 4^th of July rolls around each summer, BBQ ingredients and red, white, and blue desserts can start to pop up all around us. At the grocery store, at work, and especially during summer cook-outs, the 4^th of July party food ideas aren’t always the healthiest. We’ve made a handy chart so you and your family and friends can make easy, healthy swaps when it comes to summer BBQs and 4th of July recipes.

Trade Hot Dogs for Turkey Dogs

Frankly, hot dogs are pretty bad for you. The typical pork hot dog with a bun, ketchup, and mustard has 919 mg of salt. The World Health Organization recommends consuming less than 5 grams of sodium per day. Doctors are also concerned about the nitrates found in hot dogs, which are linked to cancer. We recommend giving turkey dogs a try. Though still relatively high in sodium, turkey dogs have around half the amount as regular hot dogs. They also have about a quarter of the fat content, and no risk of consuming nitrates.

Opt for Water Over Soda

Soda is harmful to our teeth for a variety of reasons, including the high amount of sugar. American Heart Association recommends men don’t exceed 150 calories from sugar a day and 100 calories from sugar for women. One 12-ounce can of soda can have 120.

By choosing water over soda, you’re making the better choice for your oral health. The cavity-causing bacteria in our mouths love to eat sugar. The more we give them, the more acid those bacteria excrete onto our teeth. That acid causes cavities and tooth decay. Try to limit soda consumption whenever possible, and rinse with water after. Do it for your teeth!

Why Take Corn Off the Cob

If you’ve had any dental work done (and especially if you’re currently wearing braces), corn on the cob is not your friend. Biting down on the corn cob can crack fillings and sealants, damage orthodontia, and compromise dentures. Even if your teeth aren’t at risk, multiple guests’ teeth may be. Slice the corn off the cob and save everyone a trip to the dentist or orthodontist.

A Healthier Potato Salad

Traditional potato salad recipes can have as many as 360 calories and over 20 grams of fat in one cup. Swap mayo for plain Greek yogurt and a dash of olive oil for a creamy texture everyone will love. Plus, no one will miss those calories you cut out.

Hidden Sugar in Baked Beans

We don’t usually think of baked beans as an unhealthy 4^th of July staple. But, some brands can be packed with added sugar and sodium if we’re not reading the can’s label closely. Half a cup of traditional baked beans can have around 15 grams of sugar including high-fructose corn syrup, as well as pure fat for flavor. Make homemade baked beans a healthier way: use no-salt-added tomato sauce and leave out that half-pound of bacon or salt pork. Use pinto or cannellini beans, Dijon mustard, maple syrup for sweetness, and your favorite seasonings. This can cut down the sodium by 40%.

Looking for healthier recommendations for your diet? Check out:

5 Reasons to Kick Your Soda Habit

*Updated June 2021

Detecting And Fighting Oral Cancer

06/25/2019 read Adult Oral Health, Senior Oral Health

Check for these oral cancer symptoms. It could be a lifesaver.

More than 10,000 people lose their lives to oral cancer every year, but the five-year survival rate is approximately 60%. By working with your dentist, you can catch symptoms early, which is often the key to a better outcome.

What is oral cancer?

Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth and the back of the throat. It may show up as an unusual lump or spot on the inside or outside of your lips, cheeks, teeth, throat, on or under the tongue, along your gumline, and on the roof or floor of your mouth.

Early detection can save your life. Because many of these issues can be seen by using a mirror and a bright light, you can serve as your first line of defense against oral cancer. That’s why it’s important to do monthly self-checks to detect any possible issues.

The most common symptoms

Be aware of the following mouth symptoms and see your dentist if they do not disappear after two weeks:

Red or white patches
A sore or irritation that doesn’t go away
Pain, tenderness, or numbness in your mouth or on your lips
A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust, or small eroded area
Difficulty or pain when chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving your tongue or jaw
A change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth
Bleeding in your mouth
A lump in your neck or cheek
Unexplained ear pain without hearing loss
A feeling that something is caught in your throat

How your dentist helps

Dental checkups can catch oral cancer early. They are also covered under most dental plans. Even if you don’t have symptoms, make sure to schedule regular checkups. During your checkup, tell your dentist about any symptoms. He or she will check your mouth and throat and feel your jaw and neck for any lumps or abnormalities. If your dentist detects anything unusual, further testing will likely be recommended.