Although the rate of tooth decay has decreased for most Americans over the last 40 years, tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease in both children and adults. Nationally, 92% of adults 20 to 64 have had cavities in their permanent teeth. Locally, 60% of children in Arizona have had at least one cavity. […]
The Team
Sandi Perez
Contributor
Sandi Ernst Perez, Ph.D., joined Delta Dental of Arizona in 2006 and has a dual role as vice president of community benefit and executive director of the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation. A champion for the mouth-body connection in health and wellness, she works to fulfill the Foundation's mission to improve the oral health of underserved and uninsured populations across the state by educating the public, increasing awareness and providing grants, leadership and technical assistance. Originally from Ohio, she has lived in Arizona since 1992 with her husband, two children (one still in braces) and four rescue dogs. That translates into 296 teeth to take care of!
[Editor's Note: Sandi is no longer a current DDAZ employee.]
Recent blog posts written by Sandi Perez
When Pica Strikes: Substances Not for Snacking
When you reach for a snack, you may grab an apple, a cup of yogurt or cheese and crackers – not a stick of chalk. But for people with pica, an eating disorder that causes cravings for nonfood substances, those unorthodox eats are all too real. Pica can be caused by depression, stress, anxiety and […]
Which Do Kids Hate More: Brushing Their Teeth or Eating Vegetables?
Think it’s tough to get kids to eat their vegetables? It may be even tougher to get them to brush their teeth. That’s a finding from a new survey of more than 1,300 parents released by Delta Dental. Nearly half of parents (45 percent) say getting kids to brush their teeth is one of the […]
Mouth Madness: 3 Tips for Improving Your Oral Health Game
It’s that time of year again when the whole country goes a little mad – mad for basketball tournament brackets, obscure college mascots and Cinderella stories. When you’re not busy updating your wins and losses this month, take a few moments to consider how you can improve your oral health game. Sport a mouthguard. Whether […]
Got Dental Insurance? Use Your Preventive Benefits
When it comes to the health of your teeth and gums, preventive dental care is key. Brushing and flossing help to remove plaque from teeth and a healthy diet keeps your whole body—including your teeth and gums—in good shape. But it’s the routine dental exams and regular cleanings that help to reduce the likelihood you’ll need higher-cost treatments such as periodontal surgery, root canals, extractions and fillings.
Why Diabetics are at Higher Risk for Gum Disease
When most people around the Thanksgiving dinner table are happily enjoying pecan pie, candied sweet potatoes, and pumpkin bread, it’s easy to forget that people with diabetes have to be mindful of the high sugar content of every forkful. Unfortunately, that’s not the only thing they have to worry about. Whether they’re type 1 or […]
Denture Care Do’s and Don’ts
Nearly 45% of Arizonans 18 and older have had permanent teeth extracted – and 13% of Arizonans 65 and older have had all of their teeth extracted. Fortunately, there are many options for replacing lost teeth, whether it’s a few, or all. However, even if the teeth are artificial, they still need some TLC. Here […]
8 Great Books to Read on International Talk Like a Pirate Day
There’s one activity most families do each night after they brush their teeth and before they turn in at night: read a bedtime story! In honor of International Talk Like a Pirate Day on September 19, we’ve chosen 8 books about these notoriously toothless swashbucklers that you’re sure to enjoy! Several even mention pirates’ horrible […]
Pack a Mouth-healthy Lunch Your Child Will Actually Eat
School’s been in session for a month and you’ve finally gotten back into a rhythm. After you’ve double-checked your children’s homework, you’re likely to start prepping the next day’s lunch. Are you loading that lunchbox with tooth-friendly foods? While we know daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing are essential to a healthy smile, nutrition […]
Mouth Healthy Recipe: Sugar-free Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients 1 large egg 1 cup Splenda (or other artificial sweetener) 1 tsp baking powder ½ tsp vanilla extract 1 cup creamy natural peanut butter 1 tsp water Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Use an electric mixer to beat the egg, Splenda, baking powder, and vanilla together for about a minute. Add peanut butter and […]