Smiles of Hope

05/16/2026

Most parents think baby teeth “don’t matter” because they eventually fall out.
But dentists have known for years that severe decay in baby teeth can sometimes affect the permanent teeth developing underneath.

When cavities in primary teeth become deep or infected, the bacteria and inflammation may interfere with the enamel formation of the adult tooth below.

Research has linked severe decay in baby teeth with developmental enamel defects, discoloration, delayed eruption, and structural changes in some permanent teeth. Early loss of baby teeth can also contribute to crowding and alignment problems later in life.

Primary teeth help guide jaw growth, maintain space for incoming adult teeth, and support normal chewing and speech during childhood. Keeping them healthy is an important part of protecting long-term oral development.

📄 References:
1. Lo ECM et al. SAGE Journals — Does Caries in Primary Teeth Predict Enamel Defects in Permanent Successors?

2. Carvalho JC et al. NIH/PMC — Dental caries in deciduous teeth associated with delayed permanent tooth development

05/14/2026

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV) Pray without ceasing.

As you go about your day today — driving to work, washing dishes, folding laundry, sitting in traffic, or taking the kids to school — would you dedicate just 10 minutes to pray for America?

Leading up to Rededicate 250 on May 17th, let’s unite our hearts in prayer and ask God to bring renewal, revival, repentance, and hope to our 'One Nation Under God'!

05/07/2026

PSA.
Get treated for infections.

This skull from ancient Egypt shows the damage a severe untreated tooth infection can cause. The large holes in the jaw were created by chronic dental abscesses that spread deep into the bone and slowly destroyed the surrounding structure.

Without antibiotics or modern dental treatment, this person likely lived with constant pain, swelling, and difficulty eating. In the ancient world, infections like this could become life-threatening if the bacteria spread into the bloodstream.

This remarkable discovery shows that serious dental disease existed thousands of years before modern sugar and processed food. Today, early dental care can stop tooth infections before they destroy bone and affect overall health.

05/07/2026

Matthew 7:7 (KJV) Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

04/22/2026

A new printer, copier, fax, and scanner have been generously donated by Osborne Office Equipment in Cape Girardeau.
Don Osborne's father honorably served in World War II and the Korean War as a Submariner.
Don and his family value our contributions to the community, particularly in support of veterans. Our thanks go to Don and his team.

04/21/2026

04/21/2026

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe made a stop in Dexter, Missouri today as part of his “Mansion on a Mission” initiative >>> https://tinyurl.com/5xbezy6u

04/16/2026

Exciting times!

JUST IN

**MISSOURI GOVERNOR AND FIRST LADY TO MAKE A STOP IN DEXTER TODAY**

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe and First Lady Claudia Kehoe will be in Southeast Missouri today.

The First Family will be making a stop this afternoon at Smiles of Hope Dental Clinic in Dexter for their Mansion on a Mission initiative.

According to the Missouri Government website, Mansion on a Mission is a community-based initiative dedicated to serving Missourians as the First Family leads efforts to provide resources and support to those in need of a helping hand.

(Photo: Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe and First Lady Claudia Kehoe dropping off supplies during a Mansion on a Mission event in November. Photo courtesy of the Missouri First Lady's Website.)