The Power of Smile ™ Blog
Meet The Clinicians
Learn about current topics and trends in dentistry and the importance of oral health as it relates to overall health from our team of experts.
Eileen Crespo, MD
Dr. Eileen Crespo is the Vice President of Medical Services at Delta Dental of Minnesota. Dr. Crespo is a practicing pediatrician of 20 years. She is currently a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and a member of the Board of Directors at Children’s Dental Service and the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
R. Bruce Templeton, DMD
Dr. Bruce Templeton is an oral surgeon and has served both on the board and as a medical consultant for Delta Dental of Minnesota since 2011. Dr. Templeton has served as both the Chief of Dentistry and Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, and as a clinical professor at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.
James O'Meara, DDS
Dr. James O’Meara is the Vice President of Dental Services at Delta Dental of Nebraska. Dr. O’Meara is also an Associate Professor of Adult Restorative Dentistry at the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry. He practiced General Dentistry In Des Moines, Iowa for thirteen years and also was an Associate Professor of General Dentistry at the Creighton University School of Dentistry for 21 years.
Dr. Cindy McGregor, DDS
Dr. Cindy McGregor is the Vice President of Dental Services at Delta Dental of Minnesota. Dr. McGregor is a 1998 graduate of the University of Minnesota-School of Dentistry. She has been a hygiene instructor and practiced in both a small and large group practices in the Metropolitan area of Minnesota. Dr. McGregor has been a member of the Minnesota Dental Association as well as the American Dental Association for over 25 years.
This information in this post is for general educational purposes only and does not warrant or represent any information as related to health as specifically appropriate for you. It is not intended to be medical advice or replace the relationship that you have with your health care providers. You should always seek medical advice on any diagnosis or treatment from a qualified health care provider. The information is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied.
Recent Blog Articles
Oceans, pools and oral health
Swimming is a great way to enjoy the summer sun, but how do your teeth feel about it? Learn about the effects that ocean and pool water can have on your smile.
Getting married? Here's how your dental coverage can change.
When it comes to your dental coverage, marriage is considered a “qualifying life event.” After a qualifying life event, you can make changes to your dental plan within a specified amount of time. If your change isn’t requested in time, you may have to wait for open enrollment – the window of time when you can make changes to your dental coverage. Be sure to check your dental coverage to see when the adjustment will take effect.
Are you using the right dental floss?
No matter what kind you’re using, flossing is important – and you should do it! But did you know there are different types of dental floss for different kinds of teeth?
How the sun can keep your smile shining
Relishing in the sun isn’t just fun and relaxing – it also provides a healthy dose of vitamin D! That’s good for both your overall health and your oral health – as long as you’re taking the proper precautions to protect your skin (and lips). Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Breaking down the cost of brightening your smile
Thinking about brightening your smile for a big summer event? You’re not the only one! Below, we take a look at the most common whitening methods from least to most expensive.
Toddlers and cavities: Yes, it happens. Yes, it matters.
It happens to all of us: Skipping our little one’s toothbrush time when we’re rushing to get them out of the door in the morning (or struggling to get them into bed at night). After all, how important can it really be for a two-year-old to brush? Do toddlers actually get cavities – and if they do, does it even matter? The answer to both is yes – and here’s why.
What can you do to prevent opioid abuse in someone you love?
Opioid abuse is a crippling epidemic in Minnesota and across the United States. Death from opioid overdoses have increased to alarming levels. It is now estimated that 116 people in the US die every day from opioid overdoses. The Midwest region alone saw a 70 percent increase in opioid overdoses from July 2016 to September of 2017.
‘Tis the season for farmers markets! Check out these tooth-friendly foods
It’s officially the first day of summer, and we at Delta Dental of Minnesota are celebrating with a trip to the farmers market! Did you know farmers markets are packed with delicious – and tooth-friendly – foods?
Why dental benefits matter
Dental benefits are designed to promote and get the most value out of preventive care. Preventive care not only helps to keep a person’s mouth healthy ongoing, but it is crucial when catching ailments before they become serious – saving not only money on treatment, but time out of the office.