Healing Smiles

06/23/2026

Mouth bacteria may be traveling to the gut — and showing up more often in stomach cancer patients.Mouth bacteria may be traveling to the gut — and showing up more often in stomach cancer patients. 🦷➡️🩺
New research found 20 bacterial species present in both saliva and stool, more common in gastric cancer patients than in those with chronic gastritis. Doesn't prove causation, but it's a strong link — and another reason oral health matters more than we think.

Highlighting the oral-gut microbiome in cancer development, research from China suggests a strong association between mouth bacteria and gastric cancer. Doctors weigh in.

06/22/2026

Got ringing in your ears but a normal hearing test? You're not imagining it — and science is finally catching up.

Harvard researchers have found that some tinnitus sufferers have "hidden" hearing loss: nerve damage that standard tests simply can't detect. The brain compensates by generating phantom sounds.

The good news: nerve regeneration has already worked in animal models. A cure may not be here yet, but researchers know where to look.

In the meantime, white noise, mindfulness, and stress reduction can help.

Increasing evidence suggests that some people with tinnitus have "hidden" hearing loss: damage to the auditory nerve that isn't picked up by conventional hearing tests. This hearing loss may explai...

06/19/2026

06/18/2026

Could your mouthwash lower your blood pressure? 🤔

Researchers are exploring a fascinating connection: bacteria in your mouth convert nitrates from vegetables like beets and kale into nitric oxide — a molecule essential for healthy blood pressure. As we age, our bodies produce less of it naturally.

A new clinical trial is now testing whether a nitrate-rich mouthwash could actually help. Early studies on beetroot juice are already showing promising results in older adults.

Your mouth really is a window into your whole body.

The oral microbiome and blood pressure link is drawing growing attention as researchers explore whether nitrate-rich vegetables and mouthwash can boost nitric oxide production and support cardiovascular health in older adults.

06/17/2026

Head and neck cancers are on the rise. Did you know there's a vaccine that can prevent multiple types of cancer?

Gardasil 9 protects against HPV — the virus behind cervical, a**l, throat, and other head and neck cancers. It’s the only vaccine proven to prevent several different cancers, and it works best when given early.

The CDC recommends it for ages 9–26, and it’s approved up to age 45. Don’t wait — the earlier your kids get vaccinated, the better protected they’ll be later in life.

A few major factors are driving new cases of head and neck cancers. Luckily, they are things you can control.

06/16/2026

🦷 Your mouth is a window into the rest of your body — and 1 in 5 adults have an untreated cavity right now.

The good news? Healthy teeth don't require expensive dental visits alone. Small daily habits make a huge difference: brushing properly, flossing, drinking more water, and watching what (and when) you eat.

One surprising tip: wait 30–60 min to brush after eating acidic foods like citrus or wine — brushing right away can actually make it worse.

You might be surprised to know how oral health can affect the rest of your body. Here’s how to keep your teeth and gums in good shape.

06/15/2026

With Utah and Florida banning fluoride in public water — and about 1 in 3 Americans already lacking access to fluoridated supplies — parents are wondering how to protect their kids' teeth. 🦷

Tufts dental experts say fluoride toothpaste, rinses, and professional varnishes can fill the gap. The key? Supervised brushing — because most kids miss spots, especially in the back.

Dentists point to a significant body of evidence supporting the safety of fluorated water and its effectiveness as an oral health booster, particularly for children. “It’s concerning, especially now that we have two states that have banned fluoride in water,” says a Tufts Dental professor.

06/12/2026

Like we said, oral health affects your whole body.

06/11/2026

Alzheimer's can't be cured, but self-care makes a real difference 💙 From staying active and hydrated to using memory aids and making the home safer, small steps can meaningfully improve quality of life for those living with the disease — and for their caregivers.

Alzheimer's disease self-care, such as exercise and memory aids, may help improve health and quality of life. Learn effective self-care tips here.

06/10/2026

Your oral health may affect more than your teeth 🦷 New research finds that bacteria from your mouth — including common strains like Streptococcus — may travel to the gut and be linked to stomach cancer. Scientists found these oral microbes more frequently in the guts of gastric cancer patients, pointing to a surprising mouth-gut connection.

More research is needed, but experts say maintaining a healthy gut microbiome could play a role in reducing cancer risk.

Highlighting the oral-gut microbiome in cancer development, research from China suggests a strong association between mouth bacteria and gastric cancer. Doctors weigh in.