Dr Steven Van Wicklen

08/29/2025

Our office entrance supporting & remembering the families & those affected by the recent Texas floods.
Thank you for sending us this beautiful ribbon to share our support 💚💚💚

08/01/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BsWeCzKWu/?mibextid=wwXIfr

A new scientific bombshell: what’s happening in your mouth could shape the fate of your brain. Researchers have now linked gum disease, specifically the bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis, to the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s. This microscopic menace doesn’t just cause bad breath or bleeding gums. Scientists have found it in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, and in lab animals, it actually invades brain tissue, igniting the buildup of toxic amyloid beta, the same protein that destroys memory and cognition.

Even more alarming: these bacteria release harmful enzymes that show up in the brain years before any clinical signs of dementia, hinting that chronic gum infection could trigger Alzheimer’s long before symptoms appear. The discovery is so powerful, it’s shifting how experts approach the disease. A new drug, COR388 from Cortexyme, is already showing promise in blocking both the bacteria and the deadly protein tangle it creates in animal models.

With no major breakthrough in dementia treatments for over a decade, this new mouth-brain connection is a wake-up call. Good oral hygiene, brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups, may be one of the most important (and overlooked) ways to protect your brain for years to come. Sometimes the first line of defense against memory loss starts with your toothbrush.

Source: Dominy, S.S., et al., Science Advances, 2019; mouth-brain research, new Alzheimer’s treatment developments.

07/15/2025

Remember our beautiful patient Sarah (a few posts back)? Sarah was all smiles on her wedding day thanks to her “in office” ZOOM whitening treatment. Congrats Sarah and we wish you both a wonderful new chapter in your life! 🥂



😊





#78704

07/09/2025

Our hearts go out to the recent families affected by the floods. To show our support and love, on behalf of the office of South Austin Dentist, these kind staff members (Jamie, Cree and Valerie) donated toothbrushes and toothpaste to a couple of local drop off locations: The Park at Monterey Oaks and also 💙💚💜💔

05/22/2025

Photos Dr VW took on a recent trip down to Rockport, TX🌴
Hoping your summer includes a day at the beach, so good for the soul right?☀️

05/12/2025

Our lovely patient Sarah came in for Zoom whitening, because she’s a month away from her wedding. 💍💎
Swipe ↔️ to see her fab Before & After results. I’d say she looks dazzling and ready for her big day!
Want to get Zoomed in ONE visit without the sensitivity?
Shine bright like a diamond!
Call us:
📲 512-448-3131
(Ask about our current special too

05/05/2025

🌮🌺🪇Happy Monday & Cinco de Mayo!🪇🪇🪇

05/01/2025

Book your appointment today for your teeth cleaning & checkup….. AND ask about our fabulous “in office” Zoom whitening special! Instant pearly whites for the upcoming celebration!🪇🌸🪇

04/15/2025

Wishing Valerie a very happy birthday today! 💓🌸🎂

02/14/2025

Sending all of you lots of love today from South Austin Dentist❤️💞❤️






#78704

02/11/2025

Happy birthday today Luke
Van Wicklen! Time has truly flown by⚡️🎂🎉🎂💙🎂



#1999

02/04/2025

A shout out to a special bday girl today! Happy birthday to Jamie, our fab Dental Hygienist!🎊🎂💐