If you’ve noticed that your vision isn’t as sharp as it once was, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that one in three people in the United States have blurry vision due to problems such as astigmatism.
Continue readingWhat causes blurry vision?
Reap the benefits of healthy employees | Dental benefits for small businesses in Wisconsin
*Updated April 2025
A healthy team is a productive team—and when it comes to supporting employee well-being, dental benefits play a key role. For small businesses, offering dental insurance isn’t just about coverage—it’s about investing in your company’s success.
Why small business dental plans matter in Wisconsin
While salary is important, benefits like dental coverage are a major factor in job satisfaction. For small businesses, offering dental insurance can help:
- Attract top talent: Competitive benefits help you stand out in the job market.
- Boost retention: Employees are more likely to stay when they feel cared for.
- Improve productivity: Healthy smiles mean fewer sick days and more focus at work.
Small business dental plans go beyond oral health
During dental appointments, dentists are doing more than looking at teeth. They’re also screening for other health problems such as anemia, oral cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and more.
Early detection of serious health conditions allows employees to seek timely care from the appropriate healthcare professionals, ensuring prompt treatment. This proactive approach can lead to fewer missed work hours and help maintain a healthy, productive workforce.
Small businesses with dental benefits stand out
Employees value a well-rounded benefits package, and health-related benefits are a top priority. In fact, a 2024 survey by the Society for Human Resource Management found that 88% of employees consider them “very important” or “extremely important.”
Today’s employees are looking to work for companies that prioritize their health and wellbeing. If your small business isn’t currently offering a dental insurance plan, it may be overshadowed by companies that do.
Small businesses dental plans don’t have to be out of budget
Concerned that dental insurance may be too expensive for your small business? The reality is that many small business dental plans are tailored specifically for your needs, providing cost-effective solutions such as:
- Flexible options: A variety of plans designed to accommodate different budgets.
- Preventive care coverage: Routine exams and cleanings are often fully covered, promoting long-term oral health.
- Group rates: Lower premiums compared to individual plans, making coverage more affordable for both employers and employees.
Investing in dental benefits can be a smart and sustainable choice for your small business, enhancing employee well-being while keeping your company financially viable.
Choosing your small business dental plan
Ready to find the right dental plan for your small business? Delta Dental of Wisconsin offers flexible options to meet the needs of you and your employees. Explore our small business dental plans today, and reach out with any questions—we’re here to help!
Looking for more information about the benefits of dental insurance? Check out “Benefits of using Delta Dental of Wisconsin dental insurance early in the year.”
DIY teeth straightening: Dangerous TikTok trends
TikTok has become a powerhouse in the social media landscape not just due to its funny and relatable user-generated videos, but also its ability to quickly spread viral trends and challenges.
Continue readingPreparing for open enrollment: Dental insurance
Dental insurance open enrollment is approaching fast. Are you ready for it?
Open enrollment refers to a period of time, typically near the end of the year, in which you can add benefits for the first time or make changes to your current insurance plans and employee benefits. This may be one of the only times throughout the year where you can make changes to existing coverage or opt out of benefits.
Whether this is your first time or you’re an experienced participant, it’s always a good idea to make sure you’re prepared before the next open enrollment period begins. Use this guide when preparing for dental insurance open enrollment.
Why is dental insurance open enrollment a big deal?
Open enrollment is important because it gives individuals the chance to review and modify their benefits based on their specific needs. It gives employees or individuals the opportunity to select insurance plans, add or remove dependents, and make other benefit-related decisions.
When is dental insurance open enrollment?
According to HealthCare.gov, open enrollment begins on November 1. December 15 is the last day to enroll in plans or make any changes before coverage starts on January 1. Any enrollment after December 16 and through January 15 will have coverage start on February 1. January 15 is the end of open enrollment.
If you’re receiving benefits from an employer, the exact dates for your open enrollment period may differentiate from the dates listed above. Be sure to keep an eye out for any emails from your HR team or communicate with them directly for details.
Tips for preparing for dental insurance open enrollment
Taking the time to prepare for open enrollment before it starts will make the process easier and more manageable. Use the tips below to get ready.
- Review current coverage
- Before open enrollment starts it’s a good idea to go over your current coverage and benefits, if you have them, to see if they fit your needs. If they don’t, write down notes that will help you when it’s time to choose your new plan(s).
- Determine your needs
- After evaluating your current coverage, it’s time to consider any changes that may be coming. Do you have a dental procedure in the future that isn’t covered by your current dental plan? Do you have a child who needs dental insurance? These are some factors that should be considered before going through dental insurance open enrollment.
- Seek guidance and do research
- If your employer provides your coverage and benefits, they will typically supply information about the plans offered. Often, employers will host informational meetings or supply informational materials before open enrollment begins to help employees fully understand their options and the enrollment process. If your employer doesn’t offer this guidance, be sure to talk to an HR representative or benefits administrator to get any questions answered.
- If you have an individual dental plan, be sure to use that company’s customer service team to get answers to your questions or concerns. They should be able to guide you to the perfect dental plan for you.
- Compare plans
- Whether you have an employer-sponsored plan or individual plan, there will likely be options when it comes to coverage levels. It’s important to go through each plan option to understand things like network providers, costs, coverage, premiums, coverage limits, etc. These are the meat and potatoes of your dental insurance plan and give you an idea of what to expect for costs during the next year. Often, there are documents that compare plans side-by-side to make it easy to spot differences between them.
- Create a checklist
- As open enrollment gets closer, consider making a checklist. You may include things like the benefits you want to enroll in or any changes needed to your current plans. A well-planned and comprehensive checklist helps make the enrollment process stress-free.
- Know your timelines
- Don’t miss dental insurance open enrollment because you had the dates wrong. Double check with your HR department or individual benefits provider and highlight the start and end dates for open enrollment on your calendar. Setting reminders on your smart device is also a great way to keep on top of timelines.
- Take your time
- Once it’s time to enroll, make sure you carefully read through everything in a calm and focused manner. This is not the time to skim over things. It may be helpful to wait to go through the process until distractions are gone. If you have a partner, having them look over everything before submitting your selections is a good way to make sure you didn’t miss anything.
By following these steps, you can be well-prepared to make informed decisions about your benefits during the dental insurance open enrollment period.
Delta Dental of Wisconsin offers a range of dental coverage options for employers and individuals. Learn more about our plans for individuals and families, as well as businesses.
Back to school lunches for healthy toddlers and preschoolers
You might love whole grains and leafy greens, but getting your kids to show the same enthusiasm toward a healthy diet can be tricky. To encourage a well-balanced diet in kids, here are three healthy eating activities for preschoolers.
Encouraging healthy eating for preschoolers
Getting your preschooler to eat a healthy meal is all about making it fun. Try these tips below to make healthy food exciting.
1. Play with shapes
A healthy sandwich is much more fun to eat if it’s in the shape of your child’s favorite animal, or an airplane, or even a simple heart! Sliced fruit like watermelon can also be easily cut into entertaining shapes. Any cookie cutter will do the trick!
2. Make it finger-food friendly
Your child might not be a fan of eating their whole dinner, but perhaps they always devour their snacks. While snacks are fun, they don’t have the complete nutrition of a balanced meal. Trick your kids into eating their lunch by cutting up their sandwich into small pieces and choosing fruits and veggies that are also cut into small pieces, rather than a whole fruit. Breaking down their meal into bite-sized options makes it seem less intimidating and promotes portion control. Finger foods make a meal appear like snacking, allowing you to sneak in all the nutrients that they need.
3. Bento Box-it-Up
A bento box, a Japanese single-portion box, is perfect for school lunch. Bento boxes are made of small, separated compartments that are ideal for small fingers. They provide the perfect opportunity for variety in the meal while keeping portion sizes healthy. Try offering a variety of flavors and textures such as boiled eggs, sliced grapes, berries, cubed chicken breast, bite-sized sandwiches, and more. You can find bento or similar boxes online for your child and for yourself!
4. Make mealtime fun
It may be hard to get your toddler or preschooler to sit down for a full meal, but if you make it fun, they’re more likely to stick around! Ask your little ones to demonstrate how a dinosaur would eat something on their plate or give them unique utensils, such as a straw, to try and eat with. The goal is to make mealtime fun instead of a fight.
Healthy eating for preschoolers and toddlers is important
If getting your child to eat healthy is like pulling teeth, don’t be discouraged. You’re setting them up for a healthier lifestyle in the future every time you offer nutritious foods now.
For more information about the importance of good nutrition check out “Best Farmers Market Finds for Your Teeth.”
Dangerous TikTok trends: DIY teeth whitening
In today’s digital world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trusting everything you see online. Recently, social media powerhouse TikTok has emerged as a dominant player with its rapid growth and influential nature.
While this popular platform has its fair share of entertaining content, it can also encourage its users to engage in potentially harmful trends like do-it-yourself teeth whitening. These may seem like harmless DIY options for those on a budget, but it’s crucial to recognize the potential dangers they pose and adverse effects they may have on your oral health.
DIY teeth-whitening trends
Many influencers claim their secret to whiter teeth can be done at home using common products. However, many of these products can cause harm to your teeth.
Charcoal products
One of the most popular TikTok trends for achieving whiter teeth features charcoal toothpaste, with numerous creators and influencers saying it’s the reason for their sparkling smile.
Despite its popularity, charcoal has been found to be less effective than conventional whitening products and toothpastes. In addition, charcoal poses a danger to your oral health. Due to its naturally abrasive nature, charcoal can gradually wear down the protective enamel layer of your teeth, leading to increased tooth sensitivity and a higher risk of decay.
Lemon juice
Creators are also sharing a supposed teeth-whitening hack that involves mixing baking soda with lemon juice, but this TikTok trend also comes with risk.
Using baking soda isn’t the problem with this practice. Because it’s mildly abrasive, baking soda has been found to be a safe and cost-effective way to remove stains from your teeth by the Journal of the American Dental Association. What makes this teeth whitening trend potentially hazardous is the use of lemon juice. According to a study published in the Journal of International Dental and Medical Research, the acidic nature of lemons can cause a decrease in hardness of enamel. As a result, erosion can weaken the teeth, making them more prone to sensitivity, yellowing, cavities, and even tooth loss.
DIY TikTok trends may seem like easy and inexpensive methods for teeth whitening, however so-called hacks featuring lemon juice and charcoal can have detrimental effects on your oral health.
One of the best ways to achieve a whiter smile is to focus on preventing stains by reducing your intake of certain food and drinks as well as tobacco products. Coffee, red wine, and soda are some beverages notorious for their staining properties. Similarly, smoking or chewing tobacco not only poses serious health risks, but also leads to browning and yellowing of the teeth.
If you’re interested in legitimate teeth whitening, be sure to contact your dentist. They can make recommendations for your specific needs with safe and effective processes.
For more oral health tips, read “Top 5 Ways to Take Care of Your Children’s Teeth”.
Virtual care during a dental emergency
Dental emergencies always seem to happen at the worst times. In many cases, it’s hard to find a provider that can see a patient immediately.
The good news is that Delta Dental of Wisconsin plans include coverage for teledentistry. If you face a dental emergency after business hours, can’t get in to see your provider right away, or don’t have an established provider, teledentistry provides emergency dental care when you need it.
Members of Delta Dental of Wisconsin can access teledentistry by signing in to the Delta Dental virtual visits portal or calling 866-950-4375. If you don’t have a provider, use TeleDentistry.com for a virtual visit.
Delta Dental of Wisconsin plans provide dental care when you need it most
Dental emergencies are scary. They’re even more scary when you don’t know where you can get help. That’s where teledentistry comes in.
What is teledentistry?
According to the American Dentistry Association (ADA), teledentistry refers to the use of telehealth systems and methodologies. It can include patient care and education delivery using live video, secure electronic communications, and other technologies. Providers who use teledentistry can consult with patients, do examinations, and prescribe medication if needed.
Basically, teledentistry helps you get the support and care you need from a dentist without going to an office.
Why use teledentistry?
Teledentistry provides patients with the ability to receive dental care at any time of day or night, 365 days a year. Reasons someone may use teledentistry range from having a dental emergency outside of business hours to wanting to consult with a provider without leaving home or not having a dentist in their town.
In addition to having access to dental care whenever you need it, teledentistry mat also save you a trip to the emergency room. The Wisconsin Hospital Association estimates that more 2,000 children visited emergencies rooms across the state for dental emergencies. Most of these emergencies were non-traumatic and would be better served in a dental office setting “due to the availability of definitive care and the likelihood of continuity of care.” Teledentistry gives you the ability to consult with an oral health professional before potentially spending hundreds of dollars at the hospital.
What to expect during a teledentistry visit
During a teledentistry visit you’re in a different location than your dentist. Your dentist may have you provide images and/or videos, or use a device that can live-stream to exam the condition of your mouth and teeth. This type of visit is often used for dental emergencies.
For non-emergencies, your provider may ask for certain documents such as “periapical radiographs, photographs, charting of dental conditions, health history, consent, and applicable progress notes” that can be used for diagnosis and treatment plans on a later date.
For more information about what to expect during a virtual care visit, check out the ADA Guide to Understanding and Documenting Teledentistry Events.
Delta Dental of Wisconsin is here for your oral health needs
No matter what the reason is, Delta Dental of Wisconsin members can rest assured that quality dental care is only a phone call away. For more information about teledentistry check out the Delta Dental of Wisconsin virtual visits webpage.
Best farmers market finds for your teeth
Summer is the time to get outside, enjoy the sunshine, and explore what your town has to offer. One of the most popular summer activities is going to the local farmers market and trying something new or picking up some fresh groceries for the week.
If you’re not sure what to get the next time you’re perusing the farmers market, try some of our favorite tooth-friendly finds!
Tooth-friendly food at the farmers market
Although the farmers market is a great place to get sweet treats, it also offers an opportunity to stock up on food that’s good for your oral and overall health. Here are a few items to look for:
Carrots
Freshly picked carrots from a local farm are not only great for your eyes and vision, but they can also help keep your teeth clean. When you munch on a carrot, the action of chewing stimulates saliva production in your mouth. Saliva helps rinse food particles and bacteria from the mouth. Additionally, carrots are also packed full of vitamin C, calcium, and keratins that are good for your overall health.
Apples, celery, and other crunchy fruits and vegetables are also excellent options for cleaning teeth and adding nutrients to your diet.
Leafy greens
Whether you need some romaine, kale, or spinach, the local farmers market is likely the place to go shopping.
Leafy greens benefit the health of your teeth in a couple of ways. Most are full of calcium, a mineral that helps keep teeth and bones strong; folic acid, a vitamin that can help protect against open sores in the mouth and on the tongue; and other nutrients that keep your teeth and body healthy. If you don’t like salads, try adding leafy greens to your sandwiches for an extra crunch.
Nuts and seeds
Sugar- and cinnamon-covered nuts are a favorite treat at farmers markets. Unfortunately, they aren’t great for your oral health. However, raw nuts and seeds can be very beneficial for your teeth and body!
Many nuts and seeds contain a mix of vitamins and minerals that can help strengthen and protect your teeth. For example, cashews are a good source of phosphorus, a mineral that exists in bones and teeth. Like calcium, phosphorus helps build strong teeth and bone structures. Peanuts and almonds are good sources of calcium, and the latter also contains vitamin E, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the effects of gum disease.
Red meat
The farmers market is a great place to find red meat, which is full of nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Iron is a mineral that supports the production of red blood cells. People who have an iron deficiency can develop anemia, which in turn puts them at an increased risk for oral health issues like periodontal disease. Red meat is also a good source of vitamin B12. People who have a vitamin B12 deficiency can exhibit mouth and tongue soreness among other symptoms.
Keep moderation in mind when consuming red meat as eating too much can increase health risks.
Healthy finds at farmers markets go beyond oral health
Buying fresh and nutritious food isn’t the only benefit of going to the farmers market. Purchasing locally grown food helps support small businesses and the community. Keep an eye out for tooth-friendly finds the next time you’re enjoying the farmers market and remember that small businesses appreciate your support.
Looking for more healthy alternatives this summer? Check out this blog: Healthy Snack Swaps for July 4th – and All Summer Long.
Most common dental problems
Misaligned bites, broken teeth, and mouth ulcers are just a few of the dental problems people deal with. However, some are more common than others. In fact, you’ve likely experienced at least one of these oral health problems at some point in your life.
In this blog, we delve into some of the most common dental problems and the best ways to prevent them from occurring.
Common dental problems
Some of the most common dental problems people experience are:
Tooth decay
Tooth decay, more commonly referred to as cavities, is one of the most prevalent dental health problems in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that almost 90% of adults aged 20 and older have had at least one cavity in their lifetime.
Cavities occur when hard areas of the teeth develop tiny holes. This can be the result of poor oral health care at home (such as not brushing or flossing, consuming sugary treats, too much snacking throughout the day, not using toothpaste with fluoride, and neglecting dentist appointments. When left untreated, cavities can cause infections, tooth pain, and even tooth loss over time.
The good news is that cavities are preventable! Small changes in lifestyle such as choosing a toothpaste with fluoride, picking healthier snacking options, and regularly seeing a dentist are your best protection against this common dental problem.
Gum disease
Gum (periodontal) disease is an infection of the soft tissues (gums) that hold your teeth in place. This can lead to red, swollen, and bleeding gums in the beginning. Over time, teeth may become loose and need to be removed if the infection is not treated.
In the United States, nearly half of the adult population aged 30 and older show the beginning signs of gum disease. Luckily, gum disease can be treated in its early stages with a good oral hygiene routine at home and regular visits to the dentist. If not treated early, more invasive procedures to clear the infection may be needed. For more information about gum disease, check out this blog.
Sensitive teeth
If you have pain when you eat something hot, cold, sweet, or sour, you may have tooth sensitivity. The Academy of General Dentistry estimates that 40 million people living in the United States have had some degree of tooth sensitivity.
Tooth sensitivity is usually caused when the hard enamel on the outside of a tooth is worn down, or gum (gingiva) recession exposes the root surface of teeth. As the enamel thins, small tubes in the teeth can become exposed, which causes the pain felt when eating or drinking certain foods and beverages. In severe cases, the sensitivity can become so painful that it affects the way people eat and drink.
There are ways to treat sensitive teeth at home. The most common treatment is to use desensitizing toothpaste and toothbrushes with medium or soft bristles. At the dentist’s office, your oral health care team can apply desensitizing treatments such as sealants or stannous fluoride. If you experience any new or worsening tooth sensitivity or pain, it’s important to see your dentist to make sure there are no other issues that could be causing the discomfort.
Toothache
Tooth pain (usually referred to as a toothache) is another common dental problem 40% of Americans experience each year. Toothaches can cause mild to severe discomfort, depending on what the cause is. For example, a piece of food lodged between teeth can cause slight discomfort, while an infection in the tooth can be excruciating.
Most of the time, toothaches will resolve on their own and can be treated at home by remedies like saltwater rinses, cold compressions, and pain-relief medication. However, if the toothache is caused by something serious such as an infection, cavity, or tooth abscess, immediate treatment from a dentist will be needed.
If you have recurring toothaches, be sure to let your dental team know. Although toothaches are common, it’s important to make sure there are no underlying reasons for them.
Bad breath
Bad breath is normal after a meal filled with garlic, onions, or other strong-smelling foods. However, chronic bad breath could be a sign of a more serious oral health problem. One in four people have bad breath that doesn’t seem to go away with common remedies.
In most cases, chronic bad breath is caused by neglecting both a good oral hygiene routine and seeing the dentist for cleanings. If you have a good oral health care routine and a healthy mouth, bad breath may be linked to a different area in the body. Dry mouth, certain head and neck cancers, digestive disorders, gum disease, diabetes, and tonsil stones are other causes of the condition.
Bad breath is generally treated at home by improving dental hygiene routines and by seeing the dentist at least once a year. In some cases, a special mouth rinse can be used to kill bacteria in your mouth. If it’s caused by another condition, your dentist may recommend a visit to your general care physician to check for other problems in the body that may be the cause.
Most common dental problems are preventable
The good news about most common dental problems is that they’re preventable. A good oral health care routine, regularly seeing a dentist, and making healthy choices for your mouth and body can reduce the risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other conditions.
If preventive measures aren’t enough, it’s important to have an oral health care team to turn to. Learn more about our dental plans to keep your teeth and mouth healthy now and in the future.
Do kids need vision insurance?
Parenting is full of decisions. Some are easy while others need more research and time. Deciding whether to add your children to your vision insurance plan is a decision many parents find difficult to make. Do kids really need vision insurance? Or is health insurance enough?
Much like dental insurance does for oral health care, vision insurance helps keep your children’s vision and eye health a priority as they grow. Vision insurance is important for everyone, no matter their age.
What is vision insurance?
Many people wonder what they get when they sign up for vision insurance. Vision insurance, very basically, covers vision care including eye exams, vision screenings, some of the cost for vision correctors, and more. Medical problems, such as an eye injury, are often covered by health insurance instead.
Do kids need vision insurance?
The short answer is yes. Since vision problems can affect anyone at any age, it’s important to have coverage for all members of the family. Poor vision can impact their success in school and ability to play sports, and cause physical problems such as headaches, eye strain, watery eyes, and more. It may also lead to difficulty with social interactions and reaching developmental milestones, and can be misdiagnosed as a behavioral problem. All of these can negatively impact the self-confidence and mental health of a child over time.
Vision insurance helps parents and care teams keep track of any vision changes as a child grows and presents opportunities for diagnosing problems early so they can be treated quickly.
When do kids need vision insurance?
Exactly when your child should be covered by vision insurance depends on factors such as family history, medical history, and age. Many children receive their first eye exam by six months of age. However, this is usually done by their pediatrician. Eye doctors generally recommend children have their first official eye exam at age three and then every two to three years after that.
If possible, covering your child from birth is ideal. However, as long as they are covered by age three, your children can start receiving the benefits of having vision insurance.
Vision insurance for kids is important
As parents, doing what’s best for your children is always a top priority. Taking them to the dentist at least once a year, going to annual physicals, and visiting the eye doctor regularly are all ways parents can ensure their children are growing up healthy and happy.
For more information about vision insurance, check out this blog.