Proper oral care is one of the best ways to keep your teeth, mouth and surrounding structures healthy. Your first step: making – and keeping – regular dental appointments.

When you visit your dentist regularly, you prevent many oral health problems, including tooth decay, gum disease and halitosis, or bad breath. Identifying issues early can lead to less invasive, more affordable treatments.

Even better – when you improve your oral health, you reduce your risk for more serious health conditions, such as heart problems, diabetes and inflammatory disease. 

Less Sugar, Better Chompers

Between dental visits, take care of your smile by brushing regularly and reducing your consumption of sugary beverages, such as soda, sports drinks, energy drinks and flavored waters. These drinks can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums. Also limit chewing sugary gum, which can trap bacteria in your mouth and lead to tooth decay. The occasional sugar-free chewing gum, however, can have surprising oral benefits. 

Regular dental visits can prevent many oral health problems or help identify them earlier when treatment may be simpler and more affordable. In fact, every dollar you spend on preventive care, such as daily brushing and regular cleanings, may save you money later in restorative care or emergency procedures.

Three Dental Plan Options 

U-M offers comprehensive dentals plans designed to promote regular dental visits and good oral health. 

All three options cover diagnostic and preventive services, including:

• Oral exams twice per calendar year
• Cleanings twice per calendar year
• Emergency treatment to temporarily relieve pain
• Bitewing X-rays once per calendar year and full mouth X-rays once in any five-year period
• Non-surgical services to treat gum disease

To make an appointment with a Delta Dental-affiliated dentist, use the "Find a Dentist" online tool.