Hometown Dentist of Alva

09/25/2025

We are experiencing some service challenges that are affecting the quality of our incoming calls. Please be patient with us at this time while we work diligently to fix the issue. Feel free to visit us in person; we would be glad to help you.

09/24/2025

In the mid-1800s, Lucy Beaman Hobbs faced rejection after rejection — medical and dental schools simply told her “no” because of her gender.

Instead of giving up, she studied privately, opened her own practice, and quickly earned respect from patients and peers. Her determination finally forced the Ohio College of Dental Surgery to admit her, and in 1866 she became the first woman in America to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.

Lucy’s courage reshaped dentistry. By the early 1900s, nearly a thousand women had followed her path. Today, her name remains a symbol of resilience and progress — a reminder that barriers exist only until someone breaks them.

09/22/2025

❓ Did you know the very first toothbrushes weren’t brushes at all?
🌳 Ancient civilizations used frayed twigs, known as “chew sticks,” to scrub and freshen their teeth centuries before modern toothbrushes were invented. It’s amazing how creative people were with dental care back then!
👇 If you lived in ancient times, would you try using a chew stick to clean your teeth? Please comment below and share your thoughts.

09/19/2025

🍁“FALL” into a clean teeth routine! Come see us 🙂

Somehow the end of the year is quickly approaching already! 😲 Make sure you are getting the most of your dental insurance before the end of the year.

Shoutout to our one of our wonderful front desk ladies, Raye Lyn, for putting together our fall display!

09/18/2025

ORAL BACTERIA CAN TRAVEL TO THE HEART 🫀

Scientists have discovered something shocking — bacteria commonly found in dental plaque have been detected inside the arteries and even heart tissue of patients who suffered heart attacks.

How does this happen?
When gums are inflamed or diseased, bacteria can slip into the bloodstream through tiny breaks in gum tissue. Once in circulation, they may contribute to inflammation in blood vessels, accelerating cardiovascular damage.

This doesn’t mean oral bacteria directly cause heart disease, but their presence shows how strongly the mouth and heart are connected. Ignoring gum health could silently fuel risks far beyond the mouth.

Current research suggests that keeping gums healthy through regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings isn’t just about saving teeth — it could also help protect the heart.

🧠Sources:

Lockhart PB, et al. (2012). Periodontal Disease and Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease: Does the Evidence Support an Independent Association? Circulation.

Tonetti MS & Van D**e TE (2013). Periodontitis and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: Consensus Report. J Clin Periodontol.

09/17/2025

The struggle is real! 👅

09/15/2025

🦷✨ Dental Fun Fact For Monday! ✨🦷
Did you know?
🪥 The average person spends only 45 to 70 seconds brushing their teeth... but dentists recommend at least 2 minutes! ⏱️
That’s like watching half a TikTok when you should be watching a whole one! 😂📱
💡 Pro tip: Play your favorite 2-minute song while brushing to make it fun and effective! 🎶🪥
Keep those pearly whites shining! 😁🦷

09/09/2025

We extend our sincerest gratitude to our valued patients for your remarkable thoughtfulness. Your kindness and support are deeply appreciated and bring immense joy to our daily work. We feel truly fortunate to have you all as part of our practice family.

09/09/2025

09/08/2025

🦷Why does a toothache hurt so bad?

It’s easy to think it’s “just a bad tooth,” but the pain runs much deeper. Every tooth is wired with tiny nerve endings that connect straight into the trigeminal nerve — one of the strongest, most sensitive pain pathways in the entire body. Once triggered, it shoots signals to the brain in milliseconds, turning tooth pain into an alarm you simply can’t ignore.

That’s why a toothache can feel:
• Sharp and stabbing.
• Radiating into the jaw, head, or ear.
• Strong enough to disrupt sleep, focus, and even mood.

Tooth pain isn’t random. It’s a survival signal — warning of hidden trouble like cavities, abscesses, or inflammation. What makes it worse is that the brain often struggles to pinpoint the exact source, so the ache spreads across the face, creating the illusion that “everything hurts.”

So if a toothache ever sidelines you, know this: it’s not an overreaction — it’s your nervous system on high alert, trying to protect you.

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⚕️ Reminder: This post is educational only. Ongoing or severe tooth pain always needs a proper dental check-up.

09/01/2025

We are CLOSED today, Monday, September 1st. Business will resume as usual tomorrow, Tuesday, September 2nd.

08/27/2025

📣We are hiring a part-time dental assistant.
🎓This opportunity may be perfect for a college student.
🏢Come in and complete an employment application, or...
📧Send your resume to manager@hometowndentistpc.com.