Important Details on our New Small Business Dental Plans
Small business owners have a lot on their plates. That's why Delta Dental of Iowa recently introduced five new small business dental plans designed to be simple and straightforward.
If your business has one to 50 employees, the new options make it easier for you to understand your choices, select coverage and offer a valuable benefit to your employees.
Simplicity Starts With the Names
The five new plans have simple names that indicate their levels of coverage:
- Essential (the most economical plan)
- Core
- Signature
- Elite
- Prestige (the richest plan)
The one-word plan names are easier to remember, and you don't have to compare endless options to get started.
More Orthodontia Coverage
Orthodontic treatment can be a big expense for employees. The new small business plans include $2,500 in standard orthodontia coverage, up from $1,500 on previous plan options.
Less Complexity. Less Paperwork.
Small businesses usually don't have dedicated benefits departments, and every hour spent managing benefits is an hour away from running your business.
The new plans have a clear-cut enrollment and paperwork process, making it easier to add dental benefits without adding unnecessary administrative work.
A Simple Benefit Can Make a Difference
Dental insurance is more than another item on a benefits checklist. Offering dental coverage can help small businesses attract and retain employees while giving workers access to preventive and restorative care.1
Although we’re launching new plans, existing small business customers don’t have to switch if they don’t want to. Current small business plans remain available. The new options are simply another choice to help you provide straightforward, quality dental coverage for your employees.
Are One of These New Plans Right for Your Business?
Ryan Stulken, Delta Dental of Iowa's Small Business Account Executive, works with Iowa small businesses to help them understand their benefits options.
Contact Ryan at [email protected] or 515-261-5613 to discuss your goals and find the right plan for you and your business.
REFERENCES:
- American Dental Association. Tools for Employers: Choosing a Dental Benefits Plan for Employees. https://www.ada.org/resources/community-initiatives/dental-benefits-plan-for-employees
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Soothe a Sore Throat With These Tips
A scratchy, painful throat is an unwelcome sign of cold and flu season. While you're looking for relief, don't forget about another important part of your health: your mouth.
Illnesses like sore throats, along with dehydration and some medications, can cause dry mouth. And when your mouth doesn't produce enough saliva, it increases your risk for cavities and other dental problems.1
Fortunately, some simple tips can soothe a sore throat and help keep your mouth healthy. And the best part is you can do them all at home.
Gargle With Salt Water
Mix about a half a teaspoon of salt into 8 ounces of warm water and gargle before spitting it out. You can do this several times a day to temporarily soothe a sore throat.1
Keep the Drinks Flowing
Staying hydrated helps keep your throat and mouth moist, which eases pain. Water also helps wash away food particles and bacteria from your teeth and gums. If your tap water contains fluoride, drinking it can provide an added oral health benefit by helping protect against tooth decay.1
Warm, caffeine-free tea and broth can also be soothing. If you add honey, remember that honey contains sugar, so enjoy it in moderation and rinse your mouth with water afterward.
Try Something Cold to Ice Out the Pain
Ice chips, sugar-free popsicles or other cold treats can provide temporary relief for a sore throat.2 Choosing sugar-free options can help you avoid exposing your teeth to extra sugar while you're under the weather.
Fight Dry Mouth
A cool mist humidifier can add moisture to dry indoor air and may help ease throat irritation. You can also try chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production. Saliva naturally helps protect your teeth, so keeping your mouth moist is important.1
Don't Stop Brushing and Flossing
When you have mouth or throat pain, brushing and flossing may not be at the top of your list. But maintaining your routine is especially important when you're experiencing dry mouth. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
Also try to avoid tobacco, alcohol and excessive caffeine, which can contribute to dry mouth and dry out your throat.3
When to See Your Doctor
Most sore throats get better with some time and at-home care. But you should contact your doctor if you have a severe sore throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, a high fever (over 101 degrees) that lasts over 24 hours, a rash, or swollen tonsils or lymph nodes.1
Taking care of yourself when you're sick includes taking care of your mouth. A little extra hydration and attention to your oral health can help you feel more comfortable while keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
REFERENCES:
- Delta Dental Plans Association. What are healthy ways to soothe a sore throat? https://www.grinmag.com/2024-wellness/what-are-healthy-ways-to-soothe-a-sore-throat/
- Cleveland Clinic. (2024, August 22). Sore throat (pharyngitis). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8274-sore-throat-pharyngitis
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Dry Mouth. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/dry-mouth