Tag Archive for: dental health

Young boy at dentist's office.

Understanding Oral Health Disparities

Although we live in one of the more health conscious states in the United States, at least 144,300 children are affected by tooth decay each year.

In Washington state, Hispanic and Alaskan native children have a 50 percent higher rate of tooth decay compared to white children. While the state is working hard to develop programs and policies to advance children’s health, the best way to eliminate oral health disparities is to ensure all children get their regular preventive care treatment.

Use MySmile to manage your child’s benefits

For Business Health Trust members enrolled in affordable dental insurance through Delta Dental of Washington, your MySmile account can help you can find a dentist and more for your kids.

  • Monitor your Benefits
  • Endorse a Dentist
  • View Your Treatment History
  • Get Treatment Estimates

For more tips like this, visit Delta Dental of Washington’s oral health blog.

Safeguard Your Smile

When it comes to keeping your smile healthy, your dental benefits are like a personal safety net for your mouth.

But unless you are taking advantage of things like preventive care cleanings, you might be putting your smile at risk.

The good news? For Business Health Trust members enrolled in dental coverage, everything you need to start using your dental benefits can be found online in your MySmile account. With your MySmile account, you’ll also be able to:

  • Monitor your benefits
  • Find a dentist near you
  • Get treatment estimates
  • Review your treatment history

For more tips like this, visit the oral health blog from Delta Dental of Washington.

Use Your Dental Benefits for Good

Want to do something that’s good for your teeth and good for the environment? Go paperless!

In honor of Earth Day, we’re reminding you that going paperless is an easy way to help the environment and ultimately reduce waste. As a Delta Dental of Washington member, you can go paperless by using your free MySmile account to monitor your billing and dental coverage online without the hassle of snail mail.

Get started with MySmile today!

Going paperless isn’t the only benefit of using your MySmile account. Use MySmile to:

  • Find a dentist in your area
  • Get treatment estimates
  • Monitor your benefits
  • Review your treatment history

For oral health tips, visit Delta Dental of Washington’s oral health blog.

Preventive Care Pays Off

For Business Health Trust partner Delta Dental of Washington, preventive care means having a healthy smile that doesn’t break the bank.

But research by the American Dental Association shows the majority of patients don’t see the dentist due to finances. This is a problem because ignoring mouth and tooth pain can lead to something much more painful (and expensive) over time.

Fortunately, getting proper oral care doesn’t have to break your personal budget. Use these tips to get help make preventive care a regular and affordable part of your oral care routine.

Step 1 – Activate Your free MySmile account. All you need is your Delta Dental ID number.

Step 2 – Learn about your dental plan and get familiar with how it works.

Step 3 – Find a dentist If you don’t have one already.

Step 4 – Get your teeth cleaned every year. Your insurance covers it!

Step 5 – Use our cost estimator tool to avoid surprises, just in case you do need dental treatment.

For more tips like this, visit Delta Dental of Washington’s oral health blog.

Is Your Mouth Ready for the Most Romantic Day of the Year?

When was the last time you showed your teeth some love? If it’s been a while, chances are that you may not be ready for Valentine’s Day, which is almost here! That means right now is the perfect time to focus on making sure your mouth (and your breath) are in tiptop shape and ready for anything the month of romance may bring.

To help you get a head start on Valentine’s Day, here are some of the best tips we’ve put together to ensure you have the cleanest kisser for the month of February.

Sign up for MySmile Today info box.

Tip #1 – Get Your Teeth Deep Cleaned

If you haven’t done so, the beginning of the year is a good time to get your yearly teeth cleaning done. A deep clean will help give your mouth the jump start it needs to keep your breath fresh for Valentine’s Day and beyond. Before you make an appointment, make sure to activate your MySmile account so you can get familiar with your dental plan benefits and options available to you.

Tip #2 – Clean Your Tongue Regularly

It’s not romantic, but the truth is that our mouth and tongue are inundated with bacteria. One of the best (and most forgotten) ways to combat bacteria in your mouth is to brush your tongue regularly with a tongue scraper. You’ll know your tongue is squeaky clean because it will be a fleshy pink color.

Tip #3 – Get Rid of Bad Breath

Bad breath is not only the ultimate mood killer, but it can also cause major health problems down the line if left untreated. An easy first step you can take to get rid of bad breath is to start flossing every day and night. Because flossing keeps bacteria from building up in the small nooks and corners of your teeth, you’ll have much fresher breath that you and your valentine can enjoy.

* Delta Dental of Washington, 2019

Ready, Set, Goals: Three Simple Steps to Better Oral Health in 2019

This is where your oral health routine comes in!

It’s easy to forget how connected our oral health is to our bodies, but don’t be fooled. Poor oral habits can lead to diseases like endocarditis and cardiovascular disease. If you’re pregnant, it’s even more important to keep up with your dental care as conditions like periodontitis has been linked to unwanted birth defects like premature birth and low birth weight.

So, what is the easiest way to avoid these dental-induced health dilemmas? Set healthy oral health goals for 2019, and commit to sticking with them.

Sign up for MySmile Today info box.

Goal #1 – Commit To Going To The Dentist

Many people, even those with dental coverage, do not take advantage of this benefit. Think about going to the dentist the same way you would your yearly flu shot vaccine. Preventative care can only help if you decide to use it, so do your best to take advantage. Want to be reminded when it’s time for your yearly cleanings? Make sure to register your free MySmile account and we’ll handle the rest.

Goal #2 – Kick a Bad Habit

In general, habits require about 30 days of practice before they become second nature to you. In the spirit of breaking bad habits, the start of a new year is the perfect time to put a sunset date on that smoking habit that may be yellowing your teeth, or practice relaxation techniques to prevent you from grinding your teeth at night or when stressed.

Goal #3 – Challenge Yourself To Floss Daily

Add regular flossing to your hygiene routine and you can have a tremendous and positive impact on your oral health. Because our teeth develop with five unique surfaces, brushing alone isn’t enough to remove bacteria and plaque buildup. Even with an electric toothbrush, nothing is quite as effective as taking the time to floss. If you find that you’re having trouble keeping yourself accountable, try to make flossing fun by challenging a friend or a partner to a flossing challenge for 2019.

Do you have health goals for the new year?

Join the conversation and share them with us on Twitter!

* Delta Dental of Washington, 2018

 

 

 

Stamp out your smoking habit

Want a healthier smile AND better overall health?  Kicking your smoking habit is a great start.   

Quitting your smoking habit is a great start to enjoying a lifetime of good oral and overall health.

How quitting benefits your body:

  • 20 minutes later, your heart rate drops
  • 1 year later, you’ve cut your added risk for heart disease in half
  • 10 years later, your oral cancer risk is almost the same as a non-smoker

How quitting benefits your smile:

  • Fresher breath
  • Whiter, less sensitive teeth
  • Lower risk of gum disease and oral cancer

Giving up an addiction can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone.  Discuss smoking cessation options with your doctor or dentist. They’ll help get you on the path to a lifelong, healthy you.

View your dental coverage and find an in-network dentist near you with MySmile®. Register now

* Delta Dental of Washington, 2018

Is a preventive dental check-up really worth it?

Yes, experts agree, staying on top of preventive care is the best way to keep your smile healthy.

Why?  Every day, plaque and tartar buildup on and between your teeth.  Daily brushing and flossing remove most of it, but dental cleanings get it all.

Still not convinced? Here are 3 reasons to visit your dentist:

1. It removes surface stains

Hygienists use professional toothpastes—ones that remove 35% more stains than at-home brushing.

2. It improves your breath

Like plaque, bacteria hide in your mouth’s hard-to-reach crannies. A cleaning removes deposits on teeth near the gum line.

3. It helps prevent serious problems

During a dental exam, your dentist checks for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer.

Though a single dental cleaning isn’t an instant fix, one appointment can make a big difference. Schedule your next visit today!

Find an in-network dentist near you with MySmile®. Register now.

* Delta Dental of Washington, 2018