Delaware Division of Public Health - DPH

Delaware Division of Public Health - DPH Public Health touches the lives of everyone in our State and includes a wide range of programs.

Summer adventures are better with peace of mind!Delaware dog owners:  license your pup and get a FREE DocuPet tag June 1...
06/01/2026

Summer adventures are better with peace of mind!

Delaware dog owners: license your pup and get a FREE DocuPet tag June 14–21 with code FREEDELAWARE.

DocuPet’s HomeSafe® provides 24/7 lost‑pet recovery, so you can relax at the beach or BBQ knowing your furry friend is protected.

Claim yours at bit.ly/DelawareFreeTag or scan the QR code.

May is Trauma Awareness Month. Trauma can affect the mind, body and mouth. Trauma may come from difficult life experienc...
05/31/2026

May is Trauma Awareness Month. Trauma can affect the mind, body and mouth. Trauma may come from difficult life experiences such as abuse, violence, accidents, combat, or injuries to the mouth and face. These experiences can affect oral health in many ways. People who have experienced trauma may:

- Avoid the dentist because of fear or anxiety
- Have trouble keeping up with brushing or flossing during stressful times
- Grind or clench their teeth from stress
- Experience cavities, gum disease, jaw pain, or broken teeth
- Feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed during dental visits

Injuries to the mouth or jaw can also make it harder to eat, speak, smile, or feel confident.

Research shows that trauma can affect oral health through physical, emotional, and social stress. Experiences such as childhood trauma and long-term stress are linked to higher rates of gum disease, TMJ disorders, and untreated dental problems.

That is why many dental professionals are working to provide “trauma-informed care.” This means:
- Listening without judgment
- Helping patients feel safe and respected
- Explaining procedures clearly
- Supporting patient comfort and trust

Taking even small steps toward caring for oral health is something to be proud of, and compassionate oral health care is available.

Need help finding a dentist? Call the DE Dental Help Line at 302-318-8850.

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/19424396.2024.2426247

Call 911 at the first signs of stroke. Don't delay going to the hospital. Have someone drive you or call a taxi or rides...
05/30/2026

Call 911 at the first signs of stroke.

Don't delay going to the hospital. Have someone drive you or call a taxi or rideshare. Learn more at cdc.gov/stroke.

May 29 is World Digestive Health Day. Did you know digestion starts in your mouth? Before food ever reaches the stomach,...
05/29/2026

May 29 is World Digestive Health Day. Did you know digestion starts in your mouth?

Before food ever reaches the stomach, your mouth begins the important work of breaking it down.
- Teeth help chew food into smaller pieces
- The tongue mixes food and helps with swallowing
- Saliva starts chemical digestion and helps protect the mouth

Saliva contains special enzymes that begin breaking down starches and fats right away. It also helps wash away bacteria and protects teeth and gums. That means a healthy mouth supports a healthy digestive system.

When oral health problems happen, digestion can be affected too:
- Missing or painful teeth can make chewing difficult
- Dry mouth can affect digestion and increase the risk of cavities and infections
- Sugary and acidic foods can damage enamel and oral tissues

Healthy habits help protect both your mouth and your digestive health:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss every day
- Drink water throughout the day
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks
- Visit the dentist regularly for preventive care

Your mouth is more than just a smile, it’s the first step in keeping your whole body healthy.

Winter, spring, summer or fall – no matter the season, one of the biggest components to a wedding celebration is the foo...
05/29/2026

Winter, spring, summer or fall – no matter the season, one of the biggest components to a wedding celebration is the food! Weddings traditionally serve food prepared by a catering vendor or homemade by friends and family. Whichever avenue you choose, make sure that food safety is at the top of your checklist during the menu planning stage.

If you’re hiring a caterer, it’s important to select a company that has all the necessary food licensing with a staff trained in food safety, or an individual who has acquired their food safety certification. Here are some questions to ask the caterer to ensure they have food safety top of mind:

- Where will the food be prepared?
- What steps are taken during food preparation to avoid cross-contamination?
- If the food is being prepared offsite, how will it be transported to the wedding venue?
- How and where will it be stored until it is time to serve?
- When will the food be served and how long will it sit?
- Will food temperatures be monitored?
- Can we take the leftover food? If so, how will it be packaged and stored until the end of the event?

See more to consider at https://tinyurl.com/3krummp6.

The FDA is investigating multiple recalls and outbreaks tied to possible Salmonella contamination in food and supplement...
05/28/2026

The FDA is investigating multiple recalls and outbreaks tied to possible Salmonella contamination in food and supplement products, including moringa powders, capsules, superfood products, and chocolate almond bites.

One major investigation involves products containing moringa leaf powder. Nearly 100 people across more than 30 states became sick in a multistate Salmonella outbreak connected to contaminated moringa ingredients used in dietary supplements. More than two dozen people were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Health officials say several recalled products were linked to contaminated moringa leaf powder used in supplements and super greens products. Consumers are urged to check their homes for recalled items because many have long shelf lives.

The FDA also announced a recall involving select lots of MOGO Moringa capsules after investigators linked the supplements to another Salmonella outbreak. Officials say consumers should immediately stop using the recalled capsules and throw them away or return them.

In a separate recall, Total Nutrition Incorporated pulled certain TNVitamins and Doctor’s Pride Ultra Potent Complete Green Superfood products because of possible Salmonella contamination. Consumers are advised not to use the affected products and to contact the company for refunds.

Another recall involves SkinnyDipped dark chocolate coconut almond bites sold under the Bazzini brand due to possible contamination concerns.

Salmonella symptoms can include diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk for severe illness. The FDA says consumers should review recall notices, stop using affected products immediately, and sanitize surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with contaminated products.

For more information:
https://bit.ly/4u1yEdU
https://bit.ly/4fMsUkE
https://bit.ly/4dR7mB1
https://bit.ly/4dDgUkg

May is Military Appreciation Month. This month, we honor the bravery and dedication of those who serve our country every...
05/28/2026

May is Military Appreciation Month. This month, we honor the bravery and dedication of those who serve our country every day. In many ways, protecting our oral health is also a daily battle happening right inside our mouths. Bacteria in dental plaque feed on sugars from food and drinks, producing acid that attacks tooth enamel, the strong outer layer of the teeth. Over time, this process can lead to cavities or tooth decay. One of the earliest warning signs is the appearance of white spots on teeth, caused by mineral loss. Early damage can often be stopped or even reversed with healthy habits and preventive care.

Fight back against cavities by:
- Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing every day to remove plaque between teeth
- Limiting sugary snacks and drinks
- Visiting the dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups
- Asking about dental sealants, which help protect the chewing surfaces of teeth from decay.

Just like military service members work every day to protect our communities, small daily actions help protect our smiles and overall health.

According to womenshealth.gov, more than one in five women in the United States experienced a mental health condition in...
05/27/2026

According to womenshealth.gov, more than one in five women in the United States experienced a mental health condition in the past year, such as depression or anxiety.

Many mental health conditions, such as depression and bipolar disorder, affect more women than men or affect women in different ways from men.

Most serious mental health conditions cannot be cured. But they can be treated, so you can get better and live well.

Earth Day may have been last month, but saving the planet is something to smile about every day, and you can start right...
05/26/2026

Earth Day may have been last month, but saving the planet is something to smile about every day, and you can start right at your bathroom sink!

Did you know something as simple as turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can make a difference?

Leaving the water running while brushing can waste up to 4 gallons of water each time — that’s over 200 gallons a month if you brush twice a day! With less than 1% of the Earth’s water safe to drink, every drop matters.

Wasting water goes beyond the bathroom. It takes energy to treat and deliver water. The more we waste, the more energy is used, increasing greenhouse gas emissions and putting stress on our rivers, lakes, and ecosystems.

Using less water can lower your water bill and even reduce energy costs tied to heating water.

Simple Ways to Start Today: Turn off the tap while brushing—only turn it on to rinse; use a cup to control how much water you use; Fix leaks. Those small drips add up fast!

Healthy habits for your mouth can also be healthy for our planet.

Address

417 Federal Street, Jesse Cooper Building
Dover, DE
19901

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+13027444700

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