Healing Smiles

06/02/2026

🦷➡️❤️ A Danish study of 568K+ people found that kids with severe tooth decay or gum disease were significantly more likely to develop heart disease as adults.

Brush those little teeth — it matters more than we thought.

Danish study points to the importance of oral health interventions to protect future cardiovascular health

06/01/2026

Searched the webThis is why corporate dentistry is a problem. 🦷 The California Attorney General just settled with Aspen Dental — a private equity-owned chain — for allegedly taking control of dental practices away from licensed dentists and running misleading ads. The settlement includes $2 million in penalties and $300,000 in patient restitution. At our practice, clinical decisions are always made by Dr. Chronister — not a corporation.

Aspen Dental allegedly exceeded its business management and administrative services role.

05/29/2026

Dentists are fighting back. ⚖️ Class-action lawsuits have been filed against Delta Dental in California, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Massachusetts, alleging the insurer suppressed reimbursement rates and blocked competition — costing dental providers an estimated $13 billion. It's exactly why Dr. Chronister no longer accepts Delta Dental Insurance — when insurers put profits over patients and providers, everyone loses.

Dentists file class action lawsuits against Delta Dental in four states by Noah Levine May 13, 2026 Dentists have filed new class action lawsuits against Delta Dental organizations in four states, seeking class-wide relief under state law while a federal antitrust case continues on an individual bas...

05/28/2026

Your dentist might help save your brain 🧠 A new study suggests that treating periodontal (gum) disease after a stroke may reduce the risk of having a second one. Another great reason to keep up with your dental care — it's about way more than your teeth.

For adults who have had a stroke staying on top of dental care may prevent a second stroke, according to research co-authored by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and presented at the American Heart Association International Stroke Conference.

05/27/2026

Your mouth health affects more than your smile 🦷 Research links gum disease and harmful oral bacteria to a higher risk of precancerous stomach lesions. Brush, floss, and keep up with your dental checkups — it could protect more than your teeth.

Probiotics are specially designed to recolonize the mouth and gut with healthy bacteria.

05/26/2026

Colorectal cancer is now the #1 cancer killer under 50 — and it's rising fast. Scientists suspect our disrupted gut microbiome, driven by ultra-processed foods and modern lifestyles, may be to blame. Don't ignore symptoms, and talk to your doctor about early screening. 🔬

Unlike many cancers, colorectal cancer has become more lethal for people at younger ages. Doctors are sleuthing out why.

05/22/2026

Memorial Day is more than a long weekend — it's a day to honor the heroes who gave everything for our freedom. We are forever grateful for their sacrifice. 🇺🇸
Dr. Chronister's office will be closed Monday, May 25th and will reopen Tuesday, May 26th. We wish you and your family a safe and meaningful holiday.

05/21/2026

Big news in dentistry — the California Attorney General just settled with Aspen Dental for $2 million after they were accused of violating corporate practice laws and false advertising. Among the allegations? Paying hygienists cash incentives to sell patients clear aligners. 😬
At Dr. Chronister's office, your treatment is never driven by sales goals — just what's best for you. There's a real difference between a locally owned practice and a corporate chain. 🦷

Aspen Dental allegedly exceeded its business management and administrative services role.

05/20/2026

Turns out dentistry is older than we thought — WAY older. Researchers just discovered a 59,000-year-old Neanderthal tooth that appears to have been drilled out to treat a cavity using a sharpened stone tool. Basically a root canal — no anesthesia, no chair, no elevator music. Just a cave, a sharp rock, and a whole lot of courage. 😬 Houston Public Media
Dr. Chronister is grateful for a few things that have changed since then. 😄 We'll stick with modern technology, thank you very much. 🦷

Scientists dug up a Paleolithic tooth that shows signs that these hominins may have been capable of executing a precise dental procedure.

05/19/2026

With measles cases hitting a 34-year high and a major outbreak spreading across Utah, now is a great time to make sure you and your family are protected. The MMR vaccine is safe, highly effective, and your best defense against a disease that is making a serious comeback across the country.
Dr. Chronister encourages all of his patients to talk to their primary care physician about vaccination and to make sure their family is up to date on their MMR shots. Protecting your health starts with prevention.

Nearly 600 people have been sickened across the state, which has seen an increase in vaccine exemptions among children in recent years.