SIU Community Dental

05/20/2026

We love our work and our patients have a lot to smile about when they are happy with the result! Thank you for trusting us to create a beautiful 3 unit bridge!

05/18/2026

Flossing may do more than protect your teeth and gums — new research suggests it could also be linked to a lower risk of certain types of stroke and an irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation (AFib).

Researchers followed more than 6,000 adults for 25 years and found that people who flossed at least once a week had a lower risk of ischemic stroke, especially cardioembolic stroke — a type caused by blood clots traveling from the heart to the brain.

The study also found a lower risk of AFib among regular flossers. AFib is a common heart rhythm disorder that can increase stroke risk.

Scientists believe one possible reason is inflammation. Poor oral health and gum disease can trigger chronic inflammation in the body, which may affect blood vessels and heart health over time.

Compared to non-flossers, regular flossers showed:
• 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke
• 44% lower risk of cardioembolic stroke
• 12% lower risk of AFib

Researchers also noted that flossing alone is not enough to prevent stroke, but it may be one small part of an overall healthy lifestyle alongside proper diet, exercise, blood pressure control, sleep, and good oral hygiene.

Your mouth is connected to the rest of your body more than many people realize.

📄 Source: American Heart Association News. Research presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2025.

04/21/2026

Ancient Maya dental work wasn’t just decorative—it may have helped protect teeth from decay.

Over 1,000 years ago, during the Classic Maya period (250–900 AD), skilled practitioners were placing gemstones like jade into carefully prepared cavities in front teeth. Using early rotary techniques—likely copper tubes with abrasive minerals—they achieved precise drilling while often avoiding the pulp.

But the real sophistication wasn’t just in the technique—it was in the seal.

Studies of these inlays show that the adhesive was a complex natural mixture, likely made from plant resins and mineral components. More importantly, this material appears to have had antibacterial properties.

Instead of creating a weak point, the sealed interface may have reduced bacterial growth around the cavity—potentially limiting the risk of decay.

While these modifications carried cultural and symbolic significance, they also reveal something unexpected: an early understanding of how materials can interact with the biological environment of the tooth.

Some of these restorations have remained intact for more than a millennium.

Not just ornamentation—early functional dentistry.

📄 Source: Kemeny R. et al. Ancient Maya dental sealants and antibacterial properties. Science

03/26/2026

03/20/2026

We're pleased to report another successful outcome with 6 crowns that not only met but exceeded our patient's expectations, who now finds visiting the dentist enjoyable and fun! We love to see this type of smile leaving our dental practice!

02/11/2026

A single gum disease bacterium has been linked to serious conditions far beyond the mouth.

Research now shows that P. gingivalis can influence inflammation, immune responses, and disease processes throughout the body — challenging the idea that gum disease is only a dental problem.

◾Periodontitis
This is the primary and undisputed disease caused by P. gingivalis. It acts as a keystone pathogen, driving gum tissue destruction, bone loss, and chronic oral inflammation.

◾Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
This is the strongest systemic link. P. gingivalis uniquely produces the PAD enzyme, triggering abnormal protein citrullination — a central mechanism in autoimmune joint damage.

◾Cardiovascular disease
DNA and antigens from P. gingivalis have been identified in atherosclerotic plaques, where chronic exposure contributes to vascular inflammation and plaque instability.

◾Alzheimer’s disease
Studies have detected P. gingivalis and its toxic enzymes (gingipains) in brain tissue, supporting an active inflammatory role rather than a simple association.

◾Type 2 diabetes
The relationship is bidirectional: chronic infection worsens insulin resistance, while diabetes increases susceptibility to gum disease.

◾Adverse pregnancy outcomes
Associations include preterm birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia, linked to bloodstream spread and placental inflammation.

Key takeaway:
Gum health is not cosmetic — it is part of systemic and immune health.

01/28/2026

We are now open for business as of 10am. We kindly request your patience as our staff work to resolve the current phone system issue. Calls can be made, but unfortunately, we are not receiving them and cannot access voicemails at this time. Our technical experts are actively resolving the problem.

01/26/2026

Notice to all scheduled patients: Community Dental service will be closed on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, due to hazardous road conditions and extreme cold. Please prioritize your safety. Upon our return, our staff will accommodate rescheduling at the earliest opportunity.

01/25/2026

Due to the inclement weather conditions, Community Dental will be closed on Monday January 26. To all our patients Stay safe and warm at home !

01/19/2026

Even a single missing tooth can initiate a domino effect, leading to significant dental and structural changes over time.

1️⃣ Bite Disruption
Your teeth are designed to function as a single, balanced unit to maintain proper alignment and chewing efficiency.

🔹Shifting teeth: When a tooth is lost, neighboring teeth begin to drift or tilt into the empty space due to the loss of contact and support.

🔹Supra-eruption: The opposing tooth may start to over-erupt toward the gap because it no longer meets resistance during biting.

🔹Malocclusion: These changes disturb bite harmony, causing uneven tooth wear, jaw strain, TMJ stress, jaw pain, and even chronic headaches.

2️⃣ Jawbone Weakening (Bone Resorption)
The jawbone depends on regular stimulation from tooth roots to maintain its strength and density.

🔹Loss of stimulation: After tooth loss, the bone in that area no longer receives chewing forces.

🔹Rapid bone loss: Studies show that up to 25% of the surrounding bone volume can be lost within the first year if the tooth is not replaced.

🔹Structural instability: Progressive bone loss weakens the support of nearby teeth, increasing the risk of further tooth loss.

3️⃣ Gradual Facial Changes
Although subtle at first, long-term bone loss and bite collapse can alter facial appearance.

🔹Sunken look: Reduced bone support can cause the cheeks and lips to lose fullness.

🔹Premature aging: Loss of facial height contributes to deeper wrinkles and thinning lips.

🔹Collapsed jaw profile: Advanced lower jawbone resorption may rotate the chin forward or upward, creating an aged or collapsed facial appearance.

Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Always consult a dental professional for diagnosis and treatment.

12/16/2025

Community Dental center will be closed today, Tuesday December 16, 2025 due to a water main break. We are working diligently to reschedule all appointments for today. Thank you for your patience and understanding.