Delta Dental of Arizona Blog – Health & Wellness Tips

What Are Misaligned Teeth and What You Can Do About Them

Vivien Tran — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:55:00 +0000

Everyday Impacts | Ways to Improve | Getting Treatment

Key takeaways

Misaligned or crooked teeth are common and do not always need treatment. A dental professional can help you understand whether your bite is affecting comfort or oral health.
Bite issues can make chewing, speaking or cleaning teeth more difficult. This could increase the risk of tooth wear, cavities or gum issues over time.
Orthodontic care today includes several options, from traditional braces to clear aligners. The right approach depends on your needs and lifestyle.

If you have ever looked in the mirror and noticed that your teeth do not line up perfectly, you are not alone. Small gaps, crowding or a bite that feels slightly “off” are common. Dentists refer to those differences as malocclusion or misaligned teeth.

For some, alignment differences are simply part of how their smile developed. For others, they can gradually start to affect comfort, confidence or even oral health.

Misalignment can show up in different ways:

Overjet: Upper front teeth stick out too far over the lower teeth.
Underbite: Lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth.
Crossbite: Some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of outside.
Open bite: The top and bottom teeth do not meet—creating a gap—when the mouth is closed.
Crowding or spacing: Teeth overlap or have wide gaps between them.

These changes don’t happen for just one reason. Misalignment might be a result of how genetics plays a role in your jaw shape and tooth position. It might be caused by early habits like thumb sucking or using a pacifier for longer than usual can affect how teeth grow. Even losing baby teeth too soon or injuring the mouth can change how adult teeth come in.

When Misalignment Starts to Affect Daily Life

Misalignment isn’t always a cause for concern and may just be a cosmetic issue. But in some cases, bite problems can make everyday activities feel more challenging.

If your teeth don’t line up well, that can make chewing feel uneven or uncomfortable. You might also notice jaw soreness, clicking or tension. Even speech can be impacted depending on how your teeth meet and move. These are just a few examples of how misalignment starts to affect your daily life.

Alignment can influence oral hygiene too. When teeth are crowded or rotated, it’s harder to clean certain areas thoroughly. Plaque can build up in these spots and increase chances of cavities or gum inflammation.

If your bite hurts or chewing feels hard, tell your dentist at your next visit.

Ways to Improve Tooth Alignment

The good news is that orthodontic treatment has come a long way. Today, there are more ways to improve tooth alignment, and many treatments feel more comfortable and easier to manage.

Here’s what your dentist or orthodontist might recommend:

Braces: Metal or ceramic brackets and wires gently move teeth into better positions.
Clear aligners: Removable trays that gradually shift teeth and are less noticeable.
Retainers: Worn after braces or aligners to help keep teeth from moving back.
Expanders: A device placed in the roof of the mouth that widens a narrow upper jaw.
Surgery: In severe cases, removing a tooth or jaw surgery can help improve the bite.

The right treatment depends on your age, your bite and what works for your daily life.

Taking the First Step Toward a Healthier Smile

If your bite doesn’t feel right, talking with your dentist is a good first step. Together, you can decide if monitoring, preventive care or orthodontic treatment is right for you. Treatment options are now more personalized than ever. This can make it easier to care for your smile.

Even if you don’t need treatment now, knowing your coverage can help you plan ahead. Many dental plans from Delta Dental of Arizona can help cover braces or clear aligners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not always. Some alignment differences are mild and don’t cause problems. Treatment can help if your bite hurts, chewing feels hard or your teeth are harder to clean.

Yes. Many adults choose to straighten their teeth with options like clear aligners or braces.

Sometimes. Having crooked or crowded teeth can make it harder to clean. This raises the risk of cavities or gum issues.

Start with your dentist. During your routine visit, they can check your bite and talk with you about next steps.

Some dental plans include orthodontic benefits. Delta Dental of Arizona offers plans that can help cover braces or clear aligners. Looking at your options can give you a better idea of what coverage is available.

The post What Are Misaligned Teeth and What You Can Do About Them appeared first on Delta Dental of Arizona Blog - Health & Wellness Tips.

Do Blue Light Glasses Work (And Are They Worth It)?

Vivien Tran — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 18:39:00 +0000

Key takeaways

Eye strain is usually caused by several factors, including long screen time, reduced blinking and poor lighting.
Small habits like taking breaks, adjusting lighting and updating your prescription can make the biggest difference in reducing eye strain.
Blue light lenses are often as a coating to prescription glasses, though non-prescription options are also available.

Have you ever closed your laptop or shut off your phone for the night—and still feel like the light from the screen is lingering in your eyes?

Many of us spend hours each day on phones, computers and tablets. It’s easy to wonder if that glow is doing more than just lighting up the screen. That’s why blue light glasses have become so popular.

Blue light glasses can help some people feel more comfortable during long stretches of screen time. But research is mixed on whether they prevent digital eye strain or headaches.

That doesn’t mean they’re useless. When paired with simple habits like taking breaks and adjusting your screen settings, blue light glasses may help if you spend a lot of time on screens.

What Blue Light Glasses Are and How They Work

Blue light glasses filter or block the blue light from digital screens and certain types of lighting.

Blue light isn’t new. It’s part of the range of light colors you can see and is naturally present in sunlight. But phones, computers and LED lights also emit blue light. Blue light glasses work by adding a filter to the lens that reduces how much of that light reaches your eyes. Depending on the lens, the filter may be subtle or more noticeable.

Two common types include:

Clear lenses with blue light coating. These look like regular glasses. They have a thin layer added to the surface of the lens and the coating reflects or filters a portion of blue light before it reaches your eyes.
Amber or tinted lenses are often used at night. They filter a larger portion of the blue light that can affect sleep.

The filtering technology of your lens can also vary with blue light glasses. Some use a surface coating, while others have the blue light filter built directly into the lens itself.

What Research Says About Blue Light Glasses?

Blue light glasses are marketed as a way to reduce eye strain. Some claims say they prevent headaches and improve sleep. But when researchers look at the evidence, the results are mixed.

That’s partly because digital eye strain isn’t caused by blue light alone. Focusing on a screen for a long time, not blinking as much or sitting in poor lighting can also play a role in tired or irritated eyes.

Do Blue Light Glasses Help with Eye Strain?

Digital eye strain is one of the main reasons people try blue light glasses. Symptoms can include dry eyes, blurry vision and tired eyes. These happen after long stretches on a computer or phone.

Blue light filtering lenses may reduce glare for some people which can make screens feel more comfortable. But most research shows that screen habits and ergonomics play a bigger role in eye strain than blue light exposure.

Do Blue Light Glasses Help with Headaches?

Headaches after long sessions of screen time are often linked to digital eye strain. When your eyes work harder to focus, it can lead to tension, discomfort and headaches.

Blue light glasses may help you if glare from screens is part of the problem. Reducing glare can make screens feel easier on your eyes during long stretches of work or gaming. But research hasn’t found clear evidence that blue light filtering alone prevents headaches. Headaches are more closely tied to screen habits, lighting or vision changes.

If you regularly get headaches while using screens, an eye exam can help. Your eye doctor can decide if your prescription needs to be updated or if lens coatings could help with comfort.

Do Blue Light Glasses Help with Sleep?

Blue light plays a role in your body’s natural sleep cycle. Bright screens at night can signal the brain to stay alert. This can delay the release of melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate sleep. Blue light filtering lenses, especially amber or darker lenses, can help reduce light exposure at night.

Still, most sleep experts recommend limiting your screen time before bed. It’s the most reliable way to support healthy sleep. Even with blue light glasses, scrolling at night can still make it harder for your brain to wind down.

Many of our devices have built-in settings that reduce blue light at night. Use them! These settings are called night mode or night shift. They warm the color of your screen and reduce the bright blue tones.

Night mode can support other steps you take throughout the day to limit blue light exposure. While night mode can help make the screen feel easier on the eyes before bed, blue light glasses filter the blue light before it reaches your eyes.

Is Blue Light From Screens Harmful to Your Eyes?

Despite popular concerns, studies do not show that blue light from digital screens harms your eyes.

Screens from phones, computers and tablets do emit blue light, but the amount is much lower than what we’re exposed to from natural sunlight during the day.

Most eye health experts say the bigger issue with screens is how long we’re on them without breaks. Staring at a screen for hours can reduce how often you blink. It can also make your eyes work harder to focus. These activities can lead to dryness, fatigue and discomfort.

Blue light glasses can still help you feel more comfortable during long stretches screen time. But many recommendations focus less on blocking blue light and more on building better screen habits.

When Blue Light Glasses May Be Worth Trying

It can sound like blue light glasses are a scam because there is no solid evidence that links them to better eye health.

Do you sit in front of a computer for most of your work day, replying to emails and taking video calls? If that’s the case, blue light glasses might be the answer to make those days a little more comfortable on your eyes, especially if glare is part of the problem.

Or, if you’re someone who relaxes at night by scrolling through your phone or watching shows on a tablet, blue light glasses can help reduce some of the bright light exposure before bed.

And maybe it’s just as simple as telling your eye doctor, “I already have prescription glasses, so let’s add on an extra layer of protection.”

Blue light glasses don’t dramatically improve eye health, but they can add an extra layer of comfort during screen-heavy days.

How Much Do Blue Light Glasses Costs?

Blue light glasses depend on the type of lenses you choose and whether they’re prescription.

For example, someone who spends most of the day on a computer might buy a simple pair of non-prescription blue light glasses online. These typically range from about $20 to $80 and are often marketed for casual screen use.

If you already wear glasses, blue light filtering can be added as lens coating when you’re updating your prescription or picking out new frames. In that case, the cost is usually part of the lens package and is about $30 to $100 depending on the lens type and brand.

Prescription lenses with built-in blue light filtering or premium digital lenses can cost more. They’re designed for everyday wear and long hours of screen use. Because blue light lenses are usually added to prescription lenses, some people choose them during their eye exam, especially if they already plan to update their lenses.

When Vision Insurance May Cover Blue Light Glasses

Many vision insurance plans, like DeltaVision®, can help cover the cost of prescription eyewear. Blue light filtering lenses are usually offered as an optional upgrade when you buy prescription glasses but check your plan’s coverage for specific details.

Other Ways to Reduce Eye Strain from Screens

Blue light glasses are just one option for making screen time more comfortable. Small changes to your screen habits and workspace can make an even bigger difference.

One of the simplest habits to add to your day is the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This gives the muscles in your eyes a short break from focusing on a screen.

A few other small changes can also help with digital eye strain:

Adjust your screen brightness. Your screen shouldn’t be significantly brighter or darker than the room you’re in.
Reduce glare. Position your monitor to avoid reflections from windows or overhead lighting.
Blink more often. Something that should be natural, but people blink less when looking at screens. This can lead to dry eyes.
Keep your prescription up to date. Even small vision changes can make screens harder for your eyes to focus on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Blue light glasses aren’t considered a scam, but some claims about them can be exaggerated. Research shows they can help reduce glare and make screens feel more comfortable for some people. However, studies haven’t found consistent evidence that they prevent eye strain, headaches or long-term eye damage.

Most children do not need blue light glasses specifically for screen use. The bigger focus for kids is screen habits, such as taking breaks, limiting screen time before bed and making sure they have regular eye exams.

No, blue light coatings are not the same as anti-reflective lenses. Anti-reflective (AR) lenses reduce glare from screens and bright lights, which can improve visual comfort. Blue light coatings are made to filter a portion of blue light from digital screens. The good news is that many modern lenses have both features built in.

Some gamers prefer blue light filtering lenses because they can help with glare during long sessions in front of a monitor. But overall screen setup like lighting, screen brightness and taking breaks will create more comfort for gaming.

Computer glasses are typically prescription lenses made for screen distance, which is usually about arm’s length away. They can also include anti-reflective coatings or blue light filtering, but their main purpose is to improve focus and comfort when using a computer.

The post Do Blue Light Glasses Work (And Are They Worth It)? appeared first on Delta Dental of Arizona Blog - Health & Wellness Tips.

Mouth-Healthy Recipe: Roasted Fennel with Garlic and Herbs

Vivien Tran — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 18:43:00 +0000

Golden and caramelized with a savory mix of garlic and herbs, this roasted fennel dish isn’t just delicious — it’s a flavorful way to nourish your eyes and strengthen your smile.

Ingredients:

1 large fennel bulb
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 small garlic cloves, minced
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon thyme
¼ – ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F.
Cut the fennel bulb into 1-inch slices and place them on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix the olive oil and garlic, and brush it over the fennel.
Sprinkle the thyme, salt, and black pepper on top of the fennel.
Bake in the oven for 20 minutes.
Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top and bake for another 10 minutes.

The post Mouth-Healthy Recipe: Roasted Fennel with Garlic and Herbs appeared first on Delta Dental of Arizona Blog - Health & Wellness Tips.

Eye Exams 101: Why You Need One Even If Your Vision is 20/20

Vivien Tran — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 19:31:25 +0000

Key takeaways

20/20 vision means clarity, not overall eye health. You can see clearly and still have health changes inside your eyes.
Many eye conditions develop without noticeable symptoms at first. That’s why waiting for vision changes isn’t always the best approach.
A comprehensive eye exam checks more than the eye chart. It looks at your retina, optic nerve, eye pressure and blood vessels.
Eye exams can reveal signs of broader health conditions. Changes in the eye may signal concerns like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Routine exams are part of preventive care. Staying ahead of changes helps protect your long-term vision and overall health.

You don’t squint. You don’t ask people to zoom in. You can read the bottom line on the eye chart without hesitation. Hey! You’ve got 20/20 vision.

Lucky you! But this vision score is only a measure of how sharp your sight is, not how healthy your eyes are or your body is. Many health problems start inside the eye, or can be seen in an eye exam, before your vision ever changes.

The eye chart only tells part of the story, which is why a comprehensive eye exam is important.

What 20/20 Vision Actually Measures

When you hear “20/20,” it sounds like a stamp of approval. But really, it’s just a check of visual acuity, or how clearly you see fine details like letters on the chart from 20 feet away. It doesn’t tell the eye doctor how well your eyes work together or how your eyes focus, and it doesn’t check for:

The health of your retina (the thin, light-sensitive layer in the back of your eye)
Your optic nerve, which sends visual signals to your brain
Eye pressure levels that can be linked to glaucoma
The condition of tiny blood vessels that may signal diabetes or high blood pressure.

What a Comprehensive Eye Exam Can Detect

Did you know that during a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor can see blood vessels and nerves that aren’t visible anywhere else in the body? That’s because your eyes offer a unique view into your overall health! After checking how well you see, your eye doctor looks for other eye and overall health problems.

Eye Conditions

Here’s what your doctor will be looking for:

Glaucoma: This is usually linked to increased eye pressure and can develop without noticeable symptoms at first.
Macular degeneration: A condition that affects your ability to see things clearly straight ahead.
Retinal tears or detachment: Changes in the back of the eye that may require immediate care.
Dry eyes: A common condition that can cause irritation, blurry vision or discomfort.

Signs of Broader Health Conditions

Changes in the eye’s blood vessels can also signal early signs of:

Diabetes: Damage to tiny blood vessels in the eye may be seen
High blood pressure: Blood vessels in the eye may look narrowed or damaged.
High cholesterol: Fatty deposits may appear in or around the eye.
Neurological or autoimmune conditions: Swelling or nerve changes may be found.

Vision Screening vs. Comprehensive Eye Exam

It’s easy to assume any eye check is enough, but there’s a difference between a quick screening and a full exam. A vision screening is usually brief and checks how clearly you can see by asking you to read letters from a chart. You’ll likely have done these screenings at schools, work or health fairs. They catch the obvious vision problems. A comprehensive eye exam checks your vision AND the internal structures of your eyes. Your eye doctor is, quite literally, getting a closer look. While screenings are helpful for maintenance, they shouldn’t replace a routine eye exam.

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?

Your health and family history will play a role in how often you should get an eye exam.

Your child should have their first eye exam between 6 months and 1 year. Then they’ll have at least one eye exam from 3-5 years of age and another one prior to starting first grade. For most adults between 18 and 39, a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is a good rule of thumb. After 40, regular exams matter even more, since the risk for conditions like glaucoma increases with age. And adults 65 and older are advised to schedule them annually.

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of eye disease, your doctor might suggest coming in more often. But even if your vision feels steady, your eyes are still changing. Routine exams help you stay ahead of those changes.

The Bottom Line: 20/20 Vision Doesn’t Equal Perfect Eye Health

Eye health is more than how well you can see and having a regular comprehensive eye exam is important to your overall health. Like regular physicals and dental visits, an annual eye exam is part of preventive care that helps catch small problems early and sometimes prevents bigger ones altogether.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. 20/20 vision only checks how clearly you can see at a distance. It’s not a measure of the health of your whole eye. In fact, some eye conditions, including glaucoma and diabetic eye disease, can develop without early vision changes.

Yes. LASIK can lower your need for glasses or contacts, but it doesn’t prevent eye conditions or replace routine eye exams. Comprehensive eye exams are still important for monitoring your long-term eye and overall health.

In some cases, yes. During a comprehensive eye exam, your doctor can see small blood vessels in the back of your eye. Changes in those vessels may signal early signs of diabetes or high blood pressure.

No. Vision screenings check how sharp your sight is, not your overall eye health. A comprehensive eye exam includes additional tests that look for eye disease and other health conditions.

Most adults should schedule a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years. Your doctor may recommend more frequent visits based on your age, medical history or risk factors.

DeltaVision, administered by EyeMed, includes coverage for routine eye exams as part of their preventive benefits. Coverage details including how often exams are covered, vary by plan. Learn more about our visions plans at deltadentalaz.com/shop-for-plans to see what’s right for you.

The post Eye Exams 101: Why You Need One Even If Your Vision is 20/20 appeared first on Delta Dental of Arizona Blog - Health & Wellness Tips.

Continuing Education for Dentists: Why It Matters for You and Your Patients

Doug Pimental — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 17:09:00 +0000

Key takeaways

Continuing education helps dentists meet licensing requirements and stay current with new treatments and safety standards.
The training shows up in patient care through safer procedures and more informed treatment decisions.
Over time, continuing education can shape how dentists present treatment and support their practice growth.

You spent thousands of hours in dental school and passed your boards. So, when a renewal cycle requiring another 30, 40 or even 50 hours of continuing education (CE) comes around, it can feel like doing it all over again.

Haven’t you already proven you know what you’re doing?

The reality is, dentistry and patient care are always changing. Materials improve. Technology advances. And research keeps redefining what safe care looks like.

When you stay current on trends and best practices, patients notice. Visits are smoother. Treatment options are easier to explain. Your patient care should reflect today’s standards, and that’s why continuing education is important.

What Is Continuing Education for Dentists?

Continuing education for dentists is additional training after dental school. It helps you keep your license and stay up-to-date with new treatments and technology.

On paper, continuing education keeps you compliant. In practice, it keeps you confident.

Each state sets its own continuing education rules, including how many credit hours you need to have during each renewal period. CE courses can be completed online, in person or through hands-on workshops. Many are offered by ADA-recognized providers or other state-approved organizations.

Meeting Licensing and Regulatory Requirements

You didn’t become a dentist because you love paperwork or tracking credit hours. But those CE credits are required to keep your license active.

State dental boards set these rules to keep dentists current throughout their careers.

Most states require dentists to complete between 20 and 50 CE hours per renewal cycle. Some states have mandatory coursework such as infection control, ethics or risk management. In Arizona, the requirement is higher. Dentists must complete 72 hours of continuing education every three years to renew an active license. These hours must be finished before the license renewal deadline set by the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners.

Dentists also need to keep records of completed CE courses. If the board audits your license those records need to be readily available.

Many dentists spread their CE courses across the renewal cycle instead of waiting until the deadline. Conferences, clinical workshops and approved online courses can help you keep up with requirements while running your practice.

Expanding Clinical Skills and Services

Think about how often you refer patients out for implants, aligners or cosmetic treatment. While those referrals are sometimes necessary, they can also mean sending your patient to another provider’s office. In some cases, that patient keeps seeing the new provider.

When you expand your clinical skills and services with continuing education, you’re able to keep more of that care in your own office. Patients want to stay with a dentist they trust and who can provide them with the greatest overall care. Building a well-rounded practice allows you to keep those patients for the long haul.

Continuing education does more than add another skill or service to your toolkit. It changes how you diagnose problems, recommend treatments and maintain your established patient base.

How Continuing Education Improves Patient Outcomes

Continuing education shows up in everyday patient care. Your patient experiences it through safer procedures, thoughtful treatment plans and consistent care.

More accurate diagnoses
CE courses in imaging and pathology helps you spot problems with patients sooner. Early diagnosis makes treatment easier and less invasive. It also reduces your risk of malpractice claims by lowering the chance of missed diagnoses.
Safer procedures
Continuing education keeps you current on topics like infection control, sedation safety and advanced care. Following these standards helps lower the risk of complications.
Informed treatment planning
Many CE courses review real patient cases. You’ll get a first-hand look at what works, what fails and why. That experience helps when planning treatment for similar patients. Some CE courses also introduce new techniques to help your skills stay sharp and current.
Better patient understanding
Continuing education may include case presentation and communications training. Your patients are more likely to accept treatment when they understand their options.

The Business Impact of Continuing Education

It’s true that continuing education may take time away from your patients, but it’s a short-term trade-off that will help support the long-term success of your practice.

As a dentist, you’ve likely had a patient hesitate or say no to treatment plan because they were confused or unsure. Continuing education can help you give patients a clear, consistent message focused on overall oral health. When you learn new techniques and stay current, you feel more confident explaining procedures, costs and outcomes. That confidence helps patients trust you, move forward with treatment and they will keep returning to you as their dental home.

Continuing education positively impacts your business. It improves your clinical skills and everyday practice operations. Over time, this helps your days run smoother, supports your team as they engage your patients and supports your practice growth in a way that feels manageable and rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Continuing education (CE) is structured learning completed after dental school to maintain an active license and stay current in clinical practices. CE courses provide credit hours required by state dental boards for license renewal.

Continuing education requirements vary by state. Most state boards require between 20 and 50 CE hours during each renewal cycle. Some states also require specific coursework in areas such as infection control, ethics or risk management.

Qualifying continuing education must be finished through ADA-recognized or state-approved providers. Courses can be offered online, in person or through hands-on training and they must provide documented credit hours for renewal.

Yes. Many states allow dentists to complete some or all required CE hours online through approved providers. However, certain states limit the number of credits that can be earned virtually, so it’s important to review your state’s guidelines.

Dentists can stay informed through continuing education providers and state dental boards.

Yes! As an in-network provider, Delta Dental of Arizona provides access to free certified CE resources. This is just one of the ways we partner with in network providers to keep you on top of your educational and clinical game.

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How to Prevent Oral Thrush from an Inhaler

Vivien Tran — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 17:45:51 +0000

Key takeaways

Some inhalers can leave small amounts of medication in your mouth, which can increase the risk of oral thrush.
Oral thrush is a yeast infection that causes white patches, soreness, burning or changes in taste.
Good inhaler technique and rinsing your mouth after use can lower the chance of medication staying behind.
Easy habits like brushing, flossing and regular dental visits help keep your mouth healthy while using an inhaler.

For many people, inhalers are part of their everyday life. If you live with asthma or another respiratory condition, using your inhaler regularly helps you breathe. You probably know how to take care of your inhaler. But what about your mouth?

Certain inhalers contain corticosteroids. These are anti-inflammatory medications that help reduce swelling in the lungs. When small amounts of this medicine stay in the mouth, they can increase the risk of oral thrush—also called oral candidiasis. Oral thrush is a yeast infection. It happens when Candida, which is a type of yeast that normally lives in small amounts in the mouth, grows out of balance.

Symptoms of oral thrush can include:

Unpleasant taste
Loss of taste
A burning sensation
Redness or soreness
White patches on the tongue or cheeks

If you notice these signs, contact your dentist right away. When caught early, oral thrush is usually quick and easy to treat. And don’t worry, it’s not contagious.

How Does Using an Inhaler Lead to Oral Thrush?

Your inhaler delivers medication directly into your lungs through your mouth. While we’d all like to think that the medicine goes exactly where it’s needed, that’s not always the case. If you don’t inhale deeply enough or use a spacer when recommended, some of the medication can stay in your mouth. That leftover medication can build up on your tongue, inside your cheeks or even between your teeth.

4 Ways to Prevent Oral Thrush from an Inhaler

When that medication lingers in your mouth, it can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and yeast. The good news is that preventing your inhaler is pretty easy:

Rinse your mouth after using an inhaler

This simple action of sipping water after you use your inhaler can significantly decrease your risk of developing oral thrush. Simply rinse with water and spit it out. This helps flush away any remaining medication and clear out residue left behind. Plus, water stimulates saliva, which naturally helps protect your teeth and maintain a healthy balance in your mouth.

Consider a spacer

A spacer is an attachment for your inhaler that helps deliver the medication more effectively. First, spacers improve hand-breath coordination. If you’ve ever had trouble inhaling deeply enough or holding your breath long enough, spacer can make that easier.

Second, it reduces the amount of medicine that settles in your mouth. Less medication left behind means a lower risk of developing oral thrush.

Brush and floss regularly

Did you know the best way to keep food and leftover medication from hanging around longer than it should? Surprise! It’s brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once per day. It’s one of the simplest ways to remove plaque and any leftover medication after using your inhaler.

Visit your dentist

A trip to the dentist is about more than X-rays and a cleaning. Your dentist can check for signs of oral thrush and other changes in your mouth. During a routine exam, they look closely at your gums, tongue and soft tissues to make sure everything looks healthy.

Regular visits to your dentist can help them become familiar with what’s happening inside your mouth.

Need to find a dentist? Use our search tool to connect with a provider near you.

The Bottom Line

Using an inhaler shouldn’t come with surprises for your oral health. The good news? Preventing oral thrush is straightforward. A quick rinse, good brushing and flossing habits and the right inhaler technique can go a long way in keeping your mouth healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Some inhalers contain corticosteroids. Small amounts of the medication can stay in your mouth after you use it. Over time, that leftover medicine can increase your risk of oral thrush.

Rinsing your mouth with water after each use is one of the easiest ways to prevent oral thrush. Using a spacer, brushing and flossing regularly and seeing your dentist can also help.

Yes! Rinsing and spitting out water washes away any medication that is still in your mouth.

Oral thrush appears as white patches on your tongue or inside your cheeks. Some people also find redness, soreness a burning feeling or changes in their taste.

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Foundation Spotlight: Valleywise Health Making Oral Care Part of Hospital Care

Barb Kozuh — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:08:17 +0000

When you’re in the hospital with a serious health condition, brushing your teeth might seem like the last thing you need to worry about. But not taking care of your teeth during a hospital stay can actually make recovery more difficult.

It’s a connection many patients don’t know about, which is why the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation worked with Valleywise Health to keep oral health part of the conversation.

About Valleywise Health

Valleywise Health cares for some of Arizona’s most vulnerable communities. Many of their patients often have limited options in finding healthcare.

But dental care and medical care don’t always connect, especially when someone is in the hospital. Patients might brush their teeth when staff remind them, but without supplies or reinforcement, it’s easy to forget.

From a Simple Ask to Everyday Practice

Valleywise staff started making it a priority to ask patients to brush their teeth twice a day as part of their care. A simple request, but in a busy hospital, even small tasks can get overlooked. The goal was clear: reduce oral bacteria so patients’ bodies could focus on healing.

Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation donated 10,000 toothbrushes to help get this program started. Having supplies readily available gave nurses a practical way to support patients and make brushing a consistent part of care, instead of something that might be skipped.

Why This Approach Works

What makes this initiative different is that toothbrushing is part of the patient’s medical care. Hospital patients are already working with a care team, so it’s easy to incorporate toothbrushing into the patient’s daily routine. When medical providers tell patients to brush their teeth, that makes oral care more of a priority.

Building Healthier Communities

The Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation funds programs that help people understand the connection between oral health and overall health. The link is real—not taking care of your teeth has been connected to heart disease, diabetes complications and infections. When patients understand how taking care of their teeth affects the rest of their body, they’re more likely to make it a priority.

Improving oral health outcomes for all Arizonans doesn’t always look like a big event. Sometimes it’s a nurse asking a patient to brush their teeth today. Done day after day, one patient at a time, those small actions are what help create healthier outcomes in our community.

To learn more about our Foundation and some of the organizations we support, check out these other articles:

Or, to read more about how we impact the community, visit us online at deltadentalaz.com/foundation.

The post Foundation Spotlight: Valleywise Health Making Oral Care Part of Hospital Care appeared first on Delta Dental of Arizona Blog - Health & Wellness Tips.

Mouth-Healthy Recipe: Broccoli, Cheese and Egg Muffins

Vivien Tran — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 20:46:00 +0000

Here’s a nutritious treat that your kids will find fun and tasty to eat on-the-go. Not only do the cheese and broccoli provide teeth-strengthening calcium, but the eggs are packed with vitamin D that’s vital for strong teeth.

Ingredients:

Olive oil cooking spray
1 cup broccoli, chopped
8 eggs
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut, soy or almond milk
2 teaspoons thyme
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon pepper
3/4 cup Monterey Jack shredded cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 F.
Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
Add broccoli to the muffin tin.
Whisk eggs, milk, thyme, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
Spread egg mixture evenly into the muffin tin, filling each spot about 3/4 full.
Top each muffin with cheese.
Bake for 20 minutes.

The post Mouth-Healthy Recipe: Broccoli, Cheese and Egg Muffins appeared first on Delta Dental of Arizona Blog - Health & Wellness Tips.

Standing Desks at Work: Do They Improve Health and Productivity?

Vivien Tran — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 18:32:00 +0000

Key takeaways

Standing desks at work can help reduce long stretches of sitting.
Standing all day isn’t healthier than sitting all day. Changing positions is what matters.
Comfort, energy and focus may improve when employees switch between sitting and standing.
Standing desks don’t replace exercise or fix chronic pain.

You sit down with coffee, open your laptop and ease into your to-do list. A meeting runs long. Another task replaces the one you just finished. By the time you look up, hours have passed, and you’re rolling your shoulders back, trying to undo all the tension you’ve built up during the day.

And that’s why standing desks are getting more attention in the workplace. Employees want to move more during the day without sacrificing their productivity.

Research shows that standing desks can help!

Is Standing Better Than Sitting at a Desk?

It’s easy to treat this like a competition. As if standing is always better than sitting while you work. But the research doesn’t support that kind of either-or thinking.

Sitting isn’t the problem. In fact, our bodies are built to sit, just not for a long time without movement. But, if you replaced eight hours of sitting with eight hours of standing, you’re not solving the problem because standing for too long can lead to sore feet, joint pain and more pressure on your back.

What matters most is movement. Switching between sitting and standing helps reduce pressure on your back and keeps your posture feeling easy and relaxed. You can also burn more calories by changing positions throughout the day. So it’s not really about standing versus sitting, it’s about staying active.

How Standing Desks Affect Comfort, Energy and Focus

No one switches to a standing desk and suddenly becomes a different employee. But you might notice more comfort in long meetings when you’re not sinking into your chair for an hour (or more!) and that standing for a few minutes makes it easier to stay present. You might also notice that using a standing desk at work and changing positions throughout the day helps ease lower back pain. That’s because you’re no longer asking your body to hold the same posture for hours.

You may find that you have more energy when you use a standing desk to move more. Even small movements help your blood flow and stop your body from getting stiff. Your focus can improve too. Things like talking, brainstorming or teamwork can feel easier while standing. When your body moves, your energy and focus move with it, and the day feels less stuck.

What Standing Desks Don’t Fix

Standing desks are a tool not a solution. Unfortunately, they don’t fix:

Poor posture habits
Weak muscles or imbalances
Physical stiffness
Overall activity level

Your body needs more movement in every day. In addition to using a standing desk, try going for a walk at lunch, stretching between calls or riding your bike to work! Standing desks can help you spend less time in one position and make moving around easier. But they don’t change everything about how much—or how little—you move during the day.

Are Standing Desks Worth It for Employees?

If you spend most of your day at a computer, standing desks are great! They make it easier to change positions and can help relieve pressure from your body after staying still (standing or sitting) for too long. Not only do they provide comfort, but they can boost your energy and help you focus.

Employers who provide standing desks might not see big health changes in their employees. But with the right setup and a workplace that encourages movement, standing desks can support overall employee wellness. In offices where people sit most of the day, they’re a helpful part to a bigger plan focused on comfort and long-term productivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, when used correctly. Standing desks can help reduce long stretches of sitting and ease lower back discomfort by encouraging employees to switch between sitting and standing. They are most effective when paired with good ergonomics and regular movement throughout the day.

Most experts recommend standing for 15 to 60 minutes at a time before switching positions. Alternating every 30 to 60 minutes can help reduce continuous pressure on the spine and improve comfort.

They may help with mild lower back discomfort caused by prolonged sitting. However, standing desks do not treat chronic back pain or underlying medical conditions.

Some studies have found employees feeling more engaged when switching between sitting and standing. But standing desks do not automatically mean measurable productivity gains. The impact depends on the type of work being done and the employee.

Standing all day isn’t necessarily healthier. When you stay in one position too long (sitting or standing), your body starts to feel it. Movement, not just posture, is what matters most.

Wellness initiatives like offering standing desks are helpful, but they’re just one piece of the puzzle. Voluntary benefits give employees access to preventive care, helping small issues from turning into bigger problems. Download our white paper to learn more about how voluntary benefits are so valuable for employees’ well-being.

The post Standing Desks at Work: Do They Improve Health and Productivity? appeared first on Delta Dental of Arizona Blog - Health & Wellness Tips.

Mouth-Healthy Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers

Vivien Tran — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 19:57:44 +0000

Get your Philly cheesesteak fix without the starchy bread that can cause tooth decay. Here’s another win for your mouth: The calcium-rich cheese helps build strong teeth and the peppers are packed with vitamin C that can protect your gums.

Ingredients:

2 large bell peppers, halved lengthwise, seeds removed
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, halved and sliced
8 ounces mushrooms, thinly sliced
12 ounces top round steak, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon ground pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
4 slices provolone cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Place pepper halves on a baking sheet.
Bake 30 minutes or until peppers are tender but still holding their shape.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
When onions start to brown, add mushrooms and cook about 5 minutes until mushrooms are soft and juices release.
Add steak, Italian seasoning, pepper and salt.
Cook the steak to your liking, about 3 to 5 minutes, continuing to stir frequently.
Remove from heat and stir in Worcestershire sauce.
Turn your oven to broil.
Divide the filling between the pepper halves and top each with a slice of cheese.
Broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

The post Mouth-Healthy Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers appeared first on Delta Dental of Arizona Blog - Health & Wellness Tips.

Delta Dental of Arizona Blog – Health & Wellness Tips

What Are Misaligned Teeth and What You Can Do About Them

Do Blue Light Glasses Work (And Are They Worth It)?

Key takeaways

What Blue Light Glasses Are and How They Work

What Research Says About Blue Light Glasses?

Do Blue Light Glasses Help with Eye Strain?

Do Blue Light Glasses Help with Headaches?

Do Blue Light Glasses Help with Sleep?

Is Blue Light From Screens Harmful to Your Eyes?

When Blue Light Glasses May Be Worth Trying

How Much Do Blue Light Glasses Costs?

When Vision Insurance May Cover Blue Light Glasses

Other Ways to Reduce Eye Strain from Screens

Frequently Asked Questions

Are blue light glasses a scam?+

Do kids need blue light glasses?+

Are blue light coatings the same as anti-reflective lenses?+

Are blue light glasses good for gaming?+

What’s the difference between blue light glasses and computer glasses?+

Does vision insurance cover blue light lenses?+

Mouth-Healthy Recipe: Roasted Fennel with Garlic and Herbs

Eye Exams 101: Why You Need One Even If Your Vision is 20/20

Key takeaways

What 20/20 Vision Actually Measures

What a Comprehensive Eye Exam Can Detect

Eye Conditions

Signs of Broader Health Conditions

Vision Screening vs. Comprehensive Eye Exam

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?

The Bottom Line: 20/20 Vision Doesn’t Equal Perfect Eye Health

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you have 20/20 vision and still have eye disease?+

If I’ve had LASIK eye surgery, do I still need eye exams?+

Can an eye exam detect diabetes or high blood pressure?+

Are school or workplace screenings enough?+

How often should adults have an eye exam?+

Does DeltaVision® include comprehensive eye exams?+

Continuing Education for Dentists: Why It Matters for You and Your Patients

Key takeaways

What Is Continuing Education for Dentists?

Meeting Licensing and Regulatory Requirements

Expanding Clinical Skills and Services

How Continuing Education Improves Patient Outcomes

The Business Impact of Continuing Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is continuing education for dentists?+

How many CE credits do dentists need?+

What qualifies as dental continuing education?+

Can dentists complete continuing education online?+

Where can dentists stay informed about continuing education opportunities and industry updates?+

Does Delta Dental of Arizona offer continuing education for dentists?+

How to Prevent Oral Thrush from an Inhaler

Key takeaways

How Does Using an Inhaler Lead to Oral Thrush?

4 Ways to Prevent Oral Thrush from an Inhaler

Rinse your mouth after using an inhaler

Consider a spacer

Brush and floss regularly

Visit your dentist

The Bottom Line

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an inhaler cause oral thrush?+

How can I prevent thrush from an inhaler?+

Do I need to rinse my mouth after using an inhaler?+

What does oral thrush look like?+

Foundation Spotlight: Valleywise Health Making Oral Care Part of Hospital Care

About Valleywise Health

From a Simple Ask to Everyday Practice

Why This Approach Works

Building Healthier Communities

Mouth-Healthy Recipe: Broccoli, Cheese and Egg Muffins

Ingredients:

Directions:

Standing Desks at Work: Do They Improve Health and Productivity?

Key takeaways

Is Standing Better Than Sitting at a Desk?

How Standing Desks Affect Comfort, Energy and Focus

What Standing Desks Don’t Fix

Are Standing Desks Worth It for Employees?