Galliano Family Dentistry

01/23/2026

Many people think gum disease only affects the mouth — but its impact can extend throughout the body.

Periodontal (gum) disease is more than bleeding gums or loose teeth.
It is a chronic inflammatory infection that allows oral bacteria and inflammatory mediators to enter the bloodstream, influencing multiple organ systems.

Scientific research has linked untreated periodontal disease with:

🔹 Cardiovascular disease – increased risk due to chronic inflammation

🔹Diabetes – a bidirectional relationship affecting blood sugar control

🔹Respiratory diseases – aspiration of harmful oral bacteria

🔹Rheumatic conditions – inflammation-related joint involvement

🔹Neurodegenerative disorders – including associations with Alzheimer’s disease

The mouth is not separate from the body.
It is a gateway to systemic health.
Maintaining healthy gums through professional dental care, daily oral hygiene, and early periodontal treatment is not cosmetic dentistry — it is preventive medicine.

01/21/2026

When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area stops receiving normal chewing stimulation. Without this mechanical signal, the body begins to gradually break down the unused bone — a natural process known as bone resorption.

Studies indicate that as much as 25% of the jawbone volume can be lost within the first year if a missing tooth is not replaced. This loss primarily affects the alveolar bone, the part of the jaw that holds the teeth in place, and it occurs most rapidly during the first 6 to 12 months after tooth loss.

As bone resorption continues, neighboring teeth may shift, bite alignment can change, facial contours may alter, and placing dental implants later can become more challenging. What may seem like a minor issue — one missing tooth — can slowly compromise overall oral function and stability.

Timely replacement of missing teeth, particularly with solutions that restore natural chewing forces, plays a critical role in preserving jawbone density, facial support, and long-term oral health.

01/19/2026

Today, we honor the dream and recommit to building a future rooted in love, justice and equality. 🙌🏻

12/10/2025

A tooth that feels manageable during the day can suddenly become extremely painful at night. There are clear biological reasons for this change — and they all make nighttime pain feel more intense.

Here’s what happens when you lie down:

🔹 Increased blood flow/pressure in the head and teeth
When lying flat, gravity no longer helps pull blood downward, so more blood pools in the head and jaw.
Inside an inflamed tooth, the pulp (the soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels) is swollen but trapped inside rigid dentin.
More pressure on the already irritated nerve endings = stronger pain signals.

🔹 Fewer distractions, more focus on pain
During the day, your brain is occupied with noise, activity, and visual input — which reduces attention to minor pain.
At night, in a quiet, dark environment, the brain has fewer distractions and focuses more on internal sensations, making pain feel more severe.

🔹 Inflammation becomes worse
Pain and inflammation follow a circadian rhythm.
Cortisol — the body’s natural anti-inflammatory hormone — drops at night, while inflammatory mediators become more active.
This increases swelling and heightens nerve sensitivity inside the tooth.

🔹 Sinus pressure increases (especially upper teeth)
If you have congestion, lying down can worsen sinus pressure.
The roots of upper molars lie very close to the maxillary sinus floor, so pressure in the sinus cavity can amplify or mimic tooth pain.

🔹 Nerve sensitivity peaks at night
With less sensory competition and nighttime changes in hormones/neurotransmitters, pain pathways become more reactive.
Even mild stimuli can feel much more intense.

****Call the office at 225-296-0212 if you are having any pain or sensitivity, we offer painless dentistry and can help you get out of pain and smiling for the holidays!

12/09/2025

Who doesn’t ❤️ our R.D.H. Kaitlyn McCreary Slaven?! Happiest Birthday Kaitlyn! 🎂🎉🎉🙌🏻🙌🏻 .D.H.

11/12/2025

Thank you Veterans! ❤️🤍💙

11/11/2025

“Change your smile”

❤️One of my favorite people, one of my favorite cases

10/29/2025

10/12/2025

Another nightmare story about medical tourism. This is what happens. People have no recourse. They go somewhere thinking they’re going to get a bargain, and what they get back is a nightmare.

10/08/2025

10/07/2025

Our dental family had the sweetest time celebrating Kaitlyn McCreary at her wedding shower! From laughter and love to cake and confetti, it was a beautiful reminder of how lucky we are to share life’s big moments together- both in and out of the office.