Jaclyn N Smith DDS PC

01/07/2026

Nighttime brushing is crucial! Too many people falling asleep in the recliner or couch and forgetting to brush! We have seen tooth decay drastically increase from poor dental habits! Brushing should be part of everyone’s morning and nightly daily routine! 🦷

Skipping nighttime toothbrushing is more than a dental concern. Large clinical studies show that people who do not brush before bed face a higher risk of cardiovascular events over time.

During sleep, saliva flow decreases. Without brushing, dental plaque and harmful oral bacteria remain active longer, increasing gum inflammation and allowing inflammatory byproducts to enter the bloodstream.

Scientific evidence links periodontal disease with systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and atherosclerosis—key biological pathways involved in heart disease and stroke.

Brushing before sleep is a simple, evidence-based habit. It protects gum health, reduces oral bacterial load, and may contribute to better cardiovascular health as part of daily preventive care.

📄 Source: PMID: 37380762
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37738-1

01/04/2026

Happy 3 Year Work Anniversary, Mary! We are grateful for all you do to take care of our patients and keep the office running smoothly! 🦷🤗

01/01/2026

12/28/2025

Happy 7 Year Work Anniversary, Kayla! Thank you for your dedication to our patients oral health and to our Team! We could not take great care of our dental family without you! You rock! 🦷🎉

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas! May you find the joy of the season!

12/22/2025

Need a last minute gift? We have waterpiks and sonicare toothbrushes for kids and adults!

12/22/2025

We hope everyone is getting ready for Christmas! Splashways lights are amazing. If you have time go check them out and visit with Santa!🎄
Reminder: We will be in the office this week and next week Monday and Tuesday only.

12/19/2025

Just because your tooth does not hurt does not always mean it’s healthy! When is the last time you’ve had your grooves in your teeth checked?!

This is what an untreated cavity really looks like — from the inside.

The dark area at the top is advanced dental caries, where bacteria have destroyed the enamel and dentin. Beneath it lies the pulp chamber, rich in nerves and blood vessels — shown here inflamed and exposed.

Once decay reaches this depth, pain is no longer just “toothache.” It is nerve infection, inflammation, and a gateway for bacteria to enter the bloodstream.

At this stage, a simple filling is no longer enough. Treatment usually requires root canal therapy or extraction — both more complex, costly, and invasive than early care.

12/13/2025

Happy 7th Work Anniversary to Debra Wick and Elizabeth Wenske! Thank you both for your hard work and dedication to our Patients and the Team! You both have a passion to make a difference in someone life! 🦷❤️

12/08/2025

🎄Presents packed full of necessities and goodies for two residents at HNRC! 🎁
Don’t forget to stop by the French Simpson Memorial Library to get an ornament on the tree to make a special someone happy this Christmas!

12/05/2025

We have had these discussions with a few moms! Definitely need to try to get rid of the pacifier and finger sucking by 2.

Thumb-Sucking and pacifier use are natural soothing habits in infancy. However, when the habit continues for too long, it can place constant pressure on developing teeth and jaws. This may negatively affect the bite and change how the teeth and jaw grow, especially if the habit continues beyond age 3. In some cases, bone changes can begin as early as 18 months.

Common Dental Problems Caused by Prolonged Thumb-Sucking or Pacifier Use

🔹 Protruding front teeth
Constant sucking pressure can push the upper front teeth outward. This may make it difficult for children to close their lips comfortably, contribute to speech challenges, and increase the risk of trauma to the front teeth.

🔹 Open bite
If the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap properly, a gap remains when your child bites down. An open bite can interfere with normal swallowing patterns and speech development.

🔹 Crossbite
Excessive sucking can cause the upper teeth to sit inside the lower teeth. If not corrected early, a crossbite can shift the jaw to one side, leading to asymmetrical jaw growth and long-term dental issues.

How to Help Your Child Break the Habit

Most children naturally stop thumb-sucking or pacifier use between ages 2 and 4. If the habit continues, try these supportive strategies:

1. Bitter Taste Nail Solutions
These specially designed products taste unpleasant and discourage children from putting their fingers in their mouths.

2. Bandages or Finger Wraps
Gently wrap your child’s finger(s) at bedtime to reduce nighttime thumb-sucking.

3. Modify the Pacifier
For children aged 3–4 who still rely on a pacifier, cutting the tip removes its suction effect, making it less satisfying to use.

4. Consult a Dentist
If home strategies are unsuccessful, seek guidance from your dentist. Depending on your child’s needs, they may recommend gentle orthodontic appliances to help stop the habit and guide healthy jaw development.

12/01/2025

Wow! We are feeling love today! Thank you to Gulf Coast Periodontics for Crumble! If y’all see us moving faster today, it’s because we are on a sugar high!😂