Kimberly Dryden Pitts DDS PC

05/27/2026

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Many parents are surprised to learn that babies are not born with the primary bacteria linked to cavities. One of the main bacteria associated with tooth decay, Streptococcus mutans, is commonly transferred from caregivers through saliva during daily activities such as sharing utensils, tasting food, blowing on hot meals, or kissing on the lips.

Once these bacteria establish themselves in a child’s mouth, the likelihood of early childhood cavities can increase significantly. This means a caregiver’s oral health plays an important role in shaping a child’s long-term dental health beyond genetics alone.

Dentists often encourage caregivers to maintain strong oral hygiene habits and reduce saliva-sharing behaviors during early childhood. Small daily choices can help lower bacterial exposure and support healthier teeth as children grow.
Credit: Pediatric dental and oral health research findings

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for our country. Their courage and dedication inspire us to cherish our freedom. Let us take a moment to reflect on their legacy and the values they fought to uphold.

05/24/2026

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When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area no longer receives the stimulation it depends on to stay strong.

Every day, teeth transmit tiny forces into the jaw during chewing and swallowing. These forces travel through the periodontal ligament — the tissue that connects the tooth to the surrounding bone — helping the jawbone continuously remodel and maintain its strength. But once a tooth is missing, that stimulation disappears.

The body then begins to break down the unused bone in that area — a process called bone resorption. First, the bone that once supported the tooth starts shrinking in width, then in height, and gradually in overall volume. Research shows the jawbone ridge can lose up to 25% of its width within the first year after tooth loss, with the fastest changes often occurring during the first 6–12 months.

As the bone shrinks, the gum tissue can also recede. Nearby teeth may begin to shift, chewing efficiency may decrease, speech can change, and bite problems may develop over time. The more teeth that are lost, the greater the loss of support and function.

And the changes may not stop there. As bone loss progresses, the deeper jawbone beneath it can also begin to resorb. Over time, the lower face may lose structural support, causing the cheeks to appear more sunken and the distance between the nose and chin to shorten, contributing to a prematurely aged appearance.

Replacing missing teeth early, especially with options that help restore normal chewing forces, can help preserve jawbone strength, facial support, and long-term oral function.

📄 References:
•doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0501.2011.02375.x.
PMID: 22211303.

•doi: 10.1177/1758736012456543. PMID: 22924065

05/17/2026

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Scientists have discovered that Porphyromonas gingivalis — a major bacterium involved in gum disease — has been detected in the brains of some patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers believe toxins released by these bacteria may contribute to inflammation and protein changes linked to neurodegeneration. The study does not prove that gum disease causes Alzheimer’s, but it adds to growing evidence that oral health and brain health may be closely connected.

Inflamed or bleeding gums may allow harmful bacteria and inflammatory molecules to enter the bloodstream and potentially affect other organs over time.

Healthy gums are about more than protecting teeth. They may also play a role in long-term systemic health.

📚 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aau3333
Dominy SS, et al. Porphyromonas gingivalis in Alzheimer's disease brains: Evidence for disease causation and treatment with small-molecule inhibitors. Sci Adv. 2019

05/13/2026

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Wisdom teeth can sometimes silently damage the healthy tooth beside them — even before any pain develops.

Many impacted wisdom teeth grow in a tilted position toward the second molar, creating a deep area that is very difficult to clean properly. Food particles, plaque, and bacteria can become trapped there for years without obvious symptoms.

Over time, this hidden space may lead to cavities, gum inflammation, bone loss, and damage to the neighboring molar — an important tooth for long-term chewing function. In many cases, the problem is only discovered on dental X-rays after significant damage has already occurred.

By the time symptoms appear, the nearby tooth may already require a filling, root canal treatment, crown, or even extraction in severe cases. Impacted wisdom teeth may also increase the risk of recurrent swelling, bad breath, gum infection, and repeated food trapping.

Not all wisdom teeth need removal. However, when a wisdom tooth is pressing against the adjacent tooth or increasing the risk of decay and periodontal damage, early removal may help prevent more serious complications later on. Pain is not always the first sign of dental disease.

▪️Disclaimer: This content is for educational and awareness purposes only.

05/05/2026

Happy Birthday, Zoe! 🎂✨

We are so lucky to have you as our Lead Dental Assistant. Your hard work, positive attitude, and the way you care for our patients and team do not go unnoticed.

Thank you for everything you do to keep us running smoothly, you truly make our office a better place every day! 💕

04/28/2026

Happy Birthday, Dr. Luke Philipose! 🎉

Today we celebrate not only an incredible doctor, but someone who brings kindness, positivity, and dedication to our team and patients every single day. Your kindness, dedication, and genuine care make a lasting impact on both our team and the patients you serve every day.

We are so grateful to have you as part of the Kimberly Dryden Pitts DDS family and appreciate everything you do.

Wishing you a year filled with happiness, success, great memories, and plenty of chocolate cake! 🍫🎂

We hope you have the best birthday ever! 🥳✨

04/22/2026

Happy Administrative Professionals Day to the heart of our office 💙

These amazing women keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes, handling the chaos, supporting our patients, and making every day better for our team.

We are so grateful for all that you do!

04/22/2026

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Teeth are built to handle the pressure of chewing food, not the sharp, uneven force created when they are used as tools. Actions like opening bottle caps or tearing packaging with teeth can place extreme stress on small areas of enamel, especially along edges and biting surfaces.

Over time, these repeated micro-stresses create tiny cracks in the enamel that are often invisible and painless at first. As the damage progresses, it can extend deeper into the dentin, weakening the overall tooth structure. Eventually, a simple bite can cause a visible fracture or chip.

Dentists frequently treat these issues with fillings, crowns, or more advanced procedures, all of which could often be avoided by breaking the habit early.

04/21/2026

Happy Birthday to the BEST boss and dentist around Dr. Pitts! 🥳🦷

You keep us smiling (and our patients too 😉) every day! Thank you for your leadership, your heart, and for making our office such a great place to be.

We hope your day is as amazing as you are! 🎉✨

01/13/2026