Smile Inc. Dr. Claudia Hernandez

05/14/2026

Last week Smile Inc. was proud to share its passion with future leaders at Patricia S. Garza Elementary's Career Day, inspiring young minds.

05/14/2026

The team at Smile Inc. enjoyed attending the 2026 City of Weslaco Employee Fair and appreciated the chance to showcase our services.

05/04/2026

04/05/2026

Happy Easter!

02/15/2026

The mouth is connected to everything.
A February 4 study in mice showed that common oral bacteria don't stay local. They migrate and actively contribute to tumor development elsewhere in the body. Dental health is whole-body health.
Source: Cancer Research

02/13/2026

Late-night smartphone scrolling is not just a sleep problem — it may also influence your oral environment.

Blue light emitted from phones and tablets suppresses melatonin production, a hormone regulated by the circadian rhythm and normally released at night.

Multiple chronobiology studies confirm that evening exposure to short-wavelength light significantly reduces nocturnal melatonin secretion and delays biological night onset.

Melatonin is not only a sleep hormone. It is also detected in saliva and is involved in:

• Regulation of circadian rhythm in oral tissues
• Antioxidant defense within the oral cavity
• Modulation of inflammatory responses
• Potential influence on oral microbial balance

When circadian rhythm is disrupted:

• Salivary flow patterns can change
• Salivary buffering capacity may decrease
• Night-time oral clearance becomes less efficient
• Acidogenic bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans may gain a metabolic advantage

At night, saliva naturally decreases. If melatonin is suppressed and sleep timing is delayed, the oral environment may remain acidic for longer periods — particularly if late-night snacking or sugary drinks are involved. This combination increases demineralization risk.

Recent literature in sleep and chronobiology research suggests that circadian disruption is an emerging behavioral risk factor for dental caries, especially in children and adolescents with irregular sleep schedules.

This does not mean smartphones directly “cause” cavities.

But chronic late-night blue-light exposure + delayed sleep + nocturnal snacking creates a biological environment more favorable to caries development.

Clinical takeaway:
• Avoid screen exposure at least 60–90 minutes before sleep
• Complete oral hygiene before bedtime
• Eliminate late-night sugar intake
• Maintain consistent sleep timing

Your body clock regulates more than sleep. It also influences saliva — and saliva protects your teeth.

01/24/2026

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01/07/2026

A natural molecule found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage has been shown to fight the bacteria that cause cavities.

Hidden in these everyday vegetables is a compound that could play an important role in the future of dental care. This molecule is called 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM).

Scientists have found that DIM can weaken and break down the defenses of Streptococcus mutans, the main bacteria responsible for tooth decay. These bacteria normally protect themselves by forming a sticky layer, known as a biofilm, that helps plaque cling to teeth.

In laboratory studies, DIM was able to reduce up to 90% of these bacterial biofilms by stopping this sticky layer from forming. Without this protection, harmful bacteria become much easier to remove, making it harder for cavities to develop.

Researchers believe DIM could one day be added to toothpaste, mouthwash, and other oral care products. Because it comes from plants, DIM is considered low in toxicity and may target harmful bacteria without disturbing the healthy balance of the mouth.

Beyond oral health, DIM is also known for its anti-cancer properties, making it a promising natural compound with benefits that go beyond dental care. This discovery highlights a growing shift toward natural, multi-purpose ingredients that support both daily hygiene and long-term health.

📄 Source: Qvartz K., Cohen G., Kushmaro A. Antibiotics — Laboratory study on DIM and Streptococcus mutans biofilms.

01/01/2026

We wish you a Happy New Year! Our office will be closed on January 1st and will resume regular business hours tomorrow.