EnlightenDental

03/25/2026

03/23/2026

My name is Dr. Jimani Blackwell, founder and CEO of enlightenDENTAL in New Orleans.

I established the first biological dental practice in Orleans Parish because I wanted to practice safely. I wanted to create an environment where dental team members could work in a cleaner, more organized, and less toxic space. Most importantly, I wanted my patients to better understand their bodies and join me in thinking beyond the traditional boundaries of the medical system.

Curiosity led me to boldly forge a path toward the future of dentistry.

A future that connects the mouth to the body.
A future that is rooted in identifying and addressing the root cause.
A future that prioritizes prevention above all.

03/19/2026

03/18/2026

A randomized controlled trial on PubMed found that collagen peptide supplementation improved gum inflammation markers:
- Reduced bleeding on probing
- Improved gingival index
- Lower overall periodontal inflammation

Study: Impact of a Specific Collagen Peptide Food Supplement on Periodontal Inflammation

Collagen is foundational:
~60% of gingiva = collagen
70–80% of periodontal ligament = collagen
~90% of bone matrix = collagen

Bone broth contains:
• Collagen
• Amino acids (glycine, proline)
• Minerals

Evidence suggests that collagen peptides improve periodontal inflammation. Therefore bone broth as nutrition supports gum healing.

Also if you have not experienced a Guided Biofilm Therapy dental cleaning… omg you have to. That’s another reason that I love because we have one. Aaah!!

03/12/2026

The first step is understanding your periodontal health status.

During our process, we look beyond the standard quick glance at your gums. We take time to evaluate the health of the tissues that support your teeth, the gums, the bone, and the levels of inflammation present.

A periodontal screening helps us identify:
• Early gum inflammation
• Pocket depths around the teeth
• Signs of bone loss
• Areas where harmful bacteria may be active
We may even offer you an oral microbiome test.
The important thing to know is that periodontal disease often progresses silently.

03/10/2026

Common question: “Should I brush before or after breakfast?”

My answer is BEFORE.

When we wake up in the morning, the mouth and body’s Hyde is reduced and oral bacteria have been metabolizing and multiplying overnight.

If we eat first, we’re giving those bacteria fresh fuel. The bacteria feast and produce acids that temporarily soften the enamel surface. If your breakfast contains carbohydrates and sugars the bacteria produce even more acid. This is partly why sugars can cause cavities.

If you brush immediately after eating while enamel is in that softened state, you can remove some of that outer layer.

Teeth are dynamic structures. They are constantly going through cycles of demineralization and remineralization.

When the right minerals are present on the tooth surface, the enamel has the ability to rebuild and strengthen itself.

One of those key minerals is hydroxyapatite which is the same mineral that naturally makes up the majority of our enamel.

When you brush with hydroxyapatite toothpaste, you’re providing the tooth surface with the same building blocks your enamel is made from, helping support the remineralization process.

That’s one reason brushing before breakfast can be helpful. It allows those minerals to be present on the tooth surface before acids from food are introduced.

If your goal is to support remineralization, strengthen enamel, and protect the oral environment naturally, hydroxyapatite toothpaste can be a great place to start.

Your morning routine matters more than most people realize.

If you are in the New Orleans area and looking for toothpastes that support your oral microbiome and health, feel free to drop into to pick up some of our recommended products.

06/24/2025

Your enamel is strong — but not indestructible!

That’s why remineralization matters — and it doesn’t have to mean fluoride🚫

Hydroxyapatite is a mineral your teeth are already made of. Instead of just coating your teeth, it helps rebuild and strengthen them naturally.🦷

At enlightenDENTAL, we love it because it’s:
🌿 safe
🌿 non-toxic
🌿 biocompatible for all ages (even toddlers!)
🌿 science-backed

Curious about Hydroxyapatite? We’re happy to share more at your next visit 💛

06/23/2025

Missing teeth do more than change your smile, they can change your bone structure too! 👀
That’s where ceramic implants come in. They don’t just sit pretty, they function like real teeth, helping keep your bite strong and your jawbone supported 💪🏼🦷
At enlightenDENTAL, we pride ourselves on offering the safest, most biocompatible long-term solutions — ones that look good, feel natural, and keep your foundation solid. 🦷✨

Because restoring your smile should never mean compromising your health!

06/04/2025

Most people don’t realize how closely connected their gums are to their blood sugar—but we do.

At our office, we go beyond the basics. Our Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) cleanings target the root cause of gum disease with precision and comfort. It’s not just a cleaning—it’s prevention with purpose.

Don’t wait for symptoms to show up—stay ahead.
Our patients leave with more than just a clean smile—they leave with peace of mind.🤍😄😄

05/31/2025

Have you ever noticed that despite following a consistent oral care routine, you still experience cavities, gum issues, or other dental related concerns? 🤔
That’s because oral health goes beyond brushing and flossing, it starts with what you eat!

The nutrients in your food directly impact the strength of your enamel, the health of your gums, and your mouth’s natural ability to defend against disease. We’ve put together a simple, intentional grocery guide to help you choose smile-supporting foods that nourish your body and your oral health.😀🥗💚