Healing Smiles

🚭 Secondhand smoke doesn't just harm little lungs — it harms little teeth too.

Research found that children exposed to to***co smoke at 4 months old had roughly DOUBLE the risk of cavities by age 3. Smoke can inflame oral tissue, disrupt saliva, and help cavity-causing bacteria thrive. 🦷

The best protection? A smoke-free home + good oral care habits started early. 💙

Tooth decay risk doubles in children exposed to secondhand smoke - Smiles By Shields Dentistry Compared with having no smokers in the family, exposure to to***co smoke at 4 months of age was associated with an approximately twofold increase in the risk of caries. The effect of maternal smoking during pregnancy was not statistically significant.

👀 Your gums and your eyes are more connected than you think! Inflammation from gum disease may raise eye pressure and contribute to glaucoma. Healthy gums = healthier vision.

Your Mouth Might Improve Your Vision | Beffa Dental Looking for a healthier you this year? It starts with your gums, and teeth – of course! A healthy mouth will keep you healthier this year; especially, if you can steer clear of gum disease, or reduce and control its symptoms. We talk a lot about the health risks associated with periodontal disease...

A new UC San Diego study in To***co Control finds that cannabis may be responsible for about 13% of new regular to***co use among U.S. youth and young adults — flipping the old "gateway" script. Among 12–17-year-olds who used cannabis, 32.7% became regular to***co users four years later, roughly 15 points higher than their non-using peers.

Major Study Reveals Cannabis as Gateway to To***co Addiction Among Young People Major study shows cannabis gateway to to***co effect accounts for 13% of new to***co use cases among American youth and young adults.

Pregnant? Your oral health matters for two. 🤰🦷

Hormone changes cause swollen, bleeding gums in 40–60% of pregnancies — and moms can pass cavity-causing bacteria to babies just by kissing them. tprtpr
Brush, floss, sip water, and snack on cheese (it fights decay!). Sugar bad, cheese good. 🧀

Why good dental hygiene during pregnancy can matter after birth A North Texas dental expert explains the importance of good oral health during pregnancy, and how it can matter during the life of the child.

Did you know your overall health can affect your dental implants? ⚕️🦷

Conditions like obesity and diabetes are linked to chronic inflammation and a reduced ability to fight infection — which raises the risk of peri-implantitis, an infection that can lead to bone loss and implant failure.

The good news? It's largely preventable: brush and floss daily, keep up with regular cleanings, avoid to***co, and manage your weight and blood sugar. Your body and your smile are connected.

How to Prevent Peri-Implantitis | Chicago Dental Implants If you are considering dental implants, it's important to be aware of the risks associated with peri-implant diseases. This type of disease can occur after