Oral Systemic Link

Dental Emergencies During the Coronavirus/COVID-19 Pandemic

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The team at Smile for Life Dental want to be here for you in cases of a dental emergency during this unprecedented and challenging time. While our office is currently closed for routine procedures and other elective dental care options, our dentists are on standby for dental emergencies and can treat patients who are suffering from concerns that require immediate attention. In many cases, what qualifies as a dental emergency may vary; however, here is... Continue Reading

At-Home Dental Care and Oral Health Tips During the Coronavirus/COVID-19 Crisis

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Many of us across the United States are under shelter-in-place orders or are simply doing our part to follow social distancing guidelines by remaining at home as much as possible. In fact, to achieve maximum levels of risk-management during the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, Smile for Life Dental has temporarily closed, with the exception of treatment availability for dental emergencies. Since routine and preventative dental care options are so limited for individuals across America during this extraordinarily... Continue Reading

Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Floss?

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Gums that bleed while flossing can be due to a number of issues; however, if it is a common occurrence, it may likely be a sign of periodontal (gum) disease. To be sure, bleeding gums while flossing and performing daily oral hygiene routines could be caused by factors other than gum disease. These include a vitamin deficiency, a reaction to certain medications, ill-fitting dentures, or even the fact that you may have just started flossing... Continue Reading

How to Get Rid of a Tooth Infection

A tooth infection can endanger your oral health and your general health. Caused by a buildup of bacteria that affects the nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues inside the tooth’s pulp, a tooth infection can result from severe decay, an untreated cavity, a fracture in the enamel, or even just poor oral hygiene routines. Some of the symptoms of a tooth infection include extreme pain and/or pressure in the tooth, an abscess that creates a... Continue Reading

Oral Health and Throat Cancer—Is There a Link?

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According to a recent study published in Cancer Prevention Research, your chances of developing throat cancer may be linked to the quality of your oral health. Researchers in Houston analyzed data collected from a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and reported infection from the oral human papillomavirus (HPV)—a main cause of throat cancer—could be related to gum disease and other conditions brought on by poor oral health. What is throat cancer? Throat... Continue Reading

A Patient’s Powerful Story

Taralyn D. first came into Smile for Life Dental with tears streaming down her face. The pain and sensitivity she had been enduring on the left side of her mouth was just too much handle; that, and the sinus infections and migraines that came along with it. “Everyone was super sweet and when I came in, and they were really sympathetic to my problem,” she says. She sought our help and we were more than... Continue Reading

Probiotics Ensure Your Mouth Stays Healthy

As health science research in the field of dentistry continues to advance, the relationship between the body's oral and overall health continues to become more evident. What we do (or don't do) to take care of our mouths and teeth can have a direct impact on the rest of our bodies. Recent research has shown that probiotics are extremely beneficial to both oral and overall health and are an especially great weapon in the fight... Continue Reading

How Gum Disease Wreaks Havoc in Your Smile

At Smile for Life Dental, we constantly emphasize the importance of the oral systemic link where your oral health directly correlates with your overall health. Studies have shown that periodontal (gum) disease can lead to severe health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, premature birth, and much more! Now, beating gum disease altogether is becoming possible every day, especially with this new study. Performed at the University of Michigan, scientists have discovered the culprit that causes... Continue Reading

New Study: Gingivitis Bacteria can Affect Your Immune System

Research shows that more than 75% of American adults have some form of gum disease but most are unaware of it. Learning About Gingivitis In order to understand the significance of this statement some important questions need to be answered, including: What is gingivitis?—Inflammation resulting in gums that are red, swollen, and bleed easily. What causes gingivitis?—Inadequate brushing and flossing, resulting in thriving bacteria that form plaque and tartar on your teeth, which in turn... Continue Reading

Methamphetamine and Your Oral Health

A few years ago, a National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that 1.2 million American ages 12 and older had tried methamphetamine at least once throughout the year. It was also determined that 1.2 percent of eighth graders, 1.6% of tenth graders and 1.0% of twelfth graders were abusing methamphetamine. What Is Methamphetamine Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant that has various street names including speed, meth, ice, chalk, fire, crank, glass, crystal, and Tina.... Continue Reading