Brush Up on Dental Hygiene

Make sure your brushing and flossing are up to scratch! Here are five great ways to give your oral hygiene a boost

1. Take the cavity quiz. In about five minutes, you can find out your risk level for one of the most common diseases in the world.
2. Book an appointment for your next cleaning. Preventive care is an essential part of maintaining your oral health. Still not convinced? See below for 6 things a dental cleaning can do for you!
3. Toss that toothbrush. How long have you been using the same toothbrush? If it’s been at least three months or you’ve been sick, it’s time to say goodbye. And while you’re looking for a replacement, don’t forget this handy shopping guide.
4. Step up your flossing game. What’s the difference between floss and dental tape? How many inches of floss should you really be using? Find out all the facts to take your flossing to the next level.
5. Put your knowledge to the test. Download the dental hygiene quiz and challenge your friends and family!

6 Things a Dental Cleaning Can Do for You

1. Prevent cavities
   The whitish film that builds up on your teeth is called plaque and is the leading cause of tooth decay. This acidic substance eats away at the tooth enamel and, if left unattended, can lead to cavities. Plaque can be removed by brushing, flossing and dental cleanings.
2. Stop tooth loss
   Gum disease, which starts with built-up plaque, is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. As gum disease advances, plaque moves further down the tooth where it can destroy the supporting bone in your jaw, causing teeth to loosen and fall out. Luckily, the chance of this happening to you can be greatly reduced through regular dental cleanings combined with good oral hygiene habits.
3. Brighten your smile
   Drinking coffee, tea and wine or using tobacco can stain your teeth. A dental cleaning can remove built-up stains and leave you with freshly polished teeth. The result? A whiter, brighter smile!
4. Freshen your breath
   Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent persistent bad breath. Even if you brush and floss regularly, getting a cleaning is a great way to keep your mouth healthy and odor-free.
5. Boost your overall health
   Studies have shown a connection between oral and overall health.¹ Regular dental cleanings may help lower your risk for some diseases, like heart disease and stroke.²Many medical conditions, some of them life-threatening, can be detected in their early stages by your dentist during a routine oral exam.³
6. Save money and pay you wellness dollars through Virgin Pulse our wellness partner
   Get the most value from your dental benefits. Most Delta Dental plans have low or no copayments/coinsurance for dental cleanings and oral exams.4 If you take advantage of your benefits now, you may be able to save money in the long run by helping to protect your oral health and potentially avoiding more costly and extensive procedures.

For these advantages and more, make an appointment with your dentist today.

¹ Academy of General Dentistry, “Importance of Oral Health to Overall Health,”
² Academy of General Dentistry, “Gum Disease Effect on Cardiovascular Health,”
³ Academy of General Dentistry, “Oral Warning Signs Can Indicate Serious Medical Conditions,”
⁴ Review your Evidence of Coverage, Summary Plan Description or Group Dental Service Contract for specific details about your plan.