Link Between Your Oral Health & Overall Wellness

by smilecitadel.com | Aug 19, 2025 | Blog

As professionals, our emphasis on maintaining your overall health is always there. But most people do not realize how connected your entire body’s health is with each part. Oral hygiene, for instance, is often neglected or simply thought of as an issue with your dentals. But you’d be surprised to know how severely it can harm your entire body if not taken proper care of.

Why Oral Health Needs Attention?

CDC reports that nearly 47% of adults above the age of 30 suffer from a form of periodontal disease here in the US. And we do not just mean gum or teeth issues, but also more severe issues like chronic inflammation, which may lead to dire consequences if left unattended. But due to factors like socioeconomic disparities, lack of insurance coverage, unawareness, etc. millions of Americans are at risk, especially those belonging to low-income communities.

Heart Health: An Unknown Connection

I have seen the surprise on many people’s faces every time they found out that their oral health is directly connected to their hearts. It mostly involves chronic gum inflammation, which can cause harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream and lead to the development of atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of arteries. Studies have shown a direct link between periodontal diseases and an increased risk of strokes and cardiac arrests.

Diabetes & Oral Health: An Interconnected Path

As surprising as the connection between heart diseases and oral health were, the relation between oral health and diabetes would be equally expected, I’m sure. Naturally, severe gum diseases make it difficult to manage your diabetes and a poorly managed diabetes will eventually impact your oral health and hygiene. Since high blood sugar creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive in.

With over 37 million Americans living with diabetes, it begs the question, how soon should we consider the need for routine dental check-ups as a part of diabetes treatment?

Oral Hygiene’s Impact on Pregnancy

Diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis are directly linked to complications like premature birth and a low birth weight of the child during pregnancy. This has led to organizations like March of Dimes and the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologist advocating for dental checkups as a part of prenatal care.

Since pregnancy is a very vulnerable stage for both the mother and the child, where even the smallest things can severely affect either’s health long-term.

Respiratory Health Risks

As you get older and your immune system starts weakening, the chances of you contracting various diseases increases significantly. Pneumonia, for example, is also associated with your oral hygiene. As bacteria present in you can travel all the way to your lungs, leading to infections. This is common among the older population as other, more prominent issues that come with age leads to a complete neglect of one’s oral health.

Lack Of Dental Care In America

A significant portion of the American population lacks dental insurance, which makes them unable to afford routine dental care or urgent treatments. This is due to the fact that dentals are not a standard coverage in many health insurance plans in the US.

Access to good dentists is also severely uneven across the whole country. Especially in rural areas, which makes the cost of treatment rise more than the community can afford.

Preventive Measures For Better Hygiene

Fortunately, improving your oral health is often about being consistent, rather than complex procedures:

Brush twice daily using fluoride toothpaste
Floss at least once a day to remove plaque between teeth
Visit your dentist at least twice a year, even if nothing seems wrong
Manage systemic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
Be proactive if you experience bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or dry mouth

Additionally, it is always advised to seek out your healthcare providers regarding dental insurance options, or simply visit local and affordable dental schools and clinics.

Final Thoughts

Your mouth is a mirror to your overall health. It’s not just about teeth and gums—it’s about your heart, your lungs, your brain, your emotional wellbeing, and even your future quality of life. As dental professionals practicing in the U.S., we urge every American to view dental care not as an elective, but as essential.

I hope through this blog you must have realized the importance of oral hygiene and how your mouth is a reflection of your overall health. It is crucial to understand that underlying health issues can arrive from anywhere and can impact not just you but your entire life too, along with those around you. So make sure to start visiting your dentist regularly.

3D Printing in Dentistry: How It’s Changing Crowns and Aligners

by smilecitadel.com | Jul 29, 2025 | Blog, Dental Care, Dental Procedures

If you’ve been to a dentist lately to get your crowns or aligners done, then you might have noticed that the entire process and the technology being used have changed quite a bit. The waiting periods are shorter, and you don’t have to deal with imperfect fits or goopy molds for aligners. Well, if you have noticed any of these, then you can thank 3D printing for making your visits easier and efficient. 3D printers’ integration in the dental field has made treatments faster, cheaper, and way more comfortable for the patients. Since the change, it has brought in the making of crowns and clear aligners has been substantial.

So let’s dive a bit deeper into the nooks and cranny of 3D printers’ impact on the dental world.

3D Printed Crowns: A Faster, Cheaper Solution?

Before 3D printers, getting a crown was often a multi-day process. You’d get a messy impression taken, wait for a few days while it gets made in some lab and then shipped, then schedule another visit, only to find out pretty often that there are still some size issues with it. Thankfully, due to the development in technology, dentists can now take a perfect scan of your dentals with an intraoral scanner, design the crown digitally, and let a 3D printer make it right in the lab. The best part being that the time taken for all this has been reduced to just a few hours, even as short as 15 mins too in some cases.

Because systems like SprintRay Pro S, can print up to 6 crowns in under 15 minutes using durable, ceramic-filled resins that perfectly imitate your real teeth. Meaning that you can get checked, scanned, and have your crowns fit in just one visit. And due to how accurate digital scans are, the printed crowns fit you like a glove, reducing the annoying adjustment processes.

The greatest benefit of this technology is the reduction in cost! Traditionally, crowns would involve labs, shipping, adjustments, multiple visits, and loss of manual labor. But 3D printers cut out the rest of the middlemen between you and your dentist, so the cost reduction can be as big as almost 80% in some cases. Additionally, since 2023, many insurance plans now cover 3D printed crowns as permanent restorations too. Meaning, your savings can get additional savings of their own!

Regardless of all the benefits and cost-effectiveness of 3D printed crowns, they are still far from perfect. Apart from being unable to fully print super-durable materials like zirconia, they also require a final polish to bring about that natural, glossy look. But for most people, the speed, affordability, and perfect fitting is more than a satisfaction for them.

Clear Aligners & Their Impacts

Aligners have greatly replaced metal braces as a more comfortable option for aligning jagged teeth. Clear aligners like Invisalign are probably something you’ve heard of if you’ve looked into or thought of getting aligners ever. Turns out, Invisalign produces around 8 million orthodontics annually thanks to 3D printers.

The process for 3D printing aligners starts with a scan of your teeth where a computer maps out the pattern and adjustments your teeth need to have. The machine then designs an accurate aligner mold for each step, which is then 3D printed. Your aligners are then created on top of these printed molds. This whole process has made aligners so efficient that oftentimes the work is in just a matter of hours, allowing you to receive your aligners sooner. Some practitioners even make them in-house, which reduces the cost and time even further.

How much cost effective are 3D printed aligners you might ask. 3D printers have become quite trendy with time, and after seeing their effectiveness at cutting cost and other middlemen, more and more dentists are opting for it. The clear aligner market already surpassed $4 billion in 2022, meaning that 3D printing is allowing the creation of personalized aligners on a large scale. And thus, reducing the reliance on large labs and manufacturers, which will drive down the cost even further.

However, the R&D on clear aligners isn’t over yet. Researchers are now looking to create aligners using eco-friendly materials, since you need 10-20 per treatment, the waste produced is quite major.

Why Does This Involve You?

So, why should you care about 3D printing in dentistry? Mainly, because they are cost effective, easy to get, and reduce the treatment time. And since about 27% of Americans do not have dental insurance, being able to get treatments of crowns and aligners in a cost effective manner is a huge deal.

This also opens up the door to bigger trends in the industry. During the pandemic, some also handed out at-home impression kits for aligners, which made dental care more accessible and extremely convenient for most people. Integrate AI in that even further, using which you can spot early issues more easily and we’ve got a much smarter, convenient, accessible dental experience than ever before.

What’s Next?

While the advancements in dentistry have been huge in just the past few years, they are far more being over. With new technologies constantly emerging and their versatility towards multiple industries, there may come a time where oral treatments might be on par with some of the most advanced medical treatments available today, with even fewer hassles and reduced costs.

Link Between Your Oral Health & Overall Wellness

by smilecitadel.com | Jul 29, 2025 | Blog

As professionals, our emphasis on maintaining your overall health is always there. But most people do not realize how connected your entire body’s health is with each part. Oral hygiene, for instance, is often neglected or simply thought of as an issue with your dentals. But you’d be surprised to know how severely it can harm your entire body if not taken proper care of.

Why Oral Health Needs Attention?

CDC reports that nearly 47% of adults above the age of 30 suffer from a form of periodontal disease here in the US. And we do not just mean gum or teeth issues, but also more severe issues like chronic inflammation, which may lead to dire consequences if left unattended. But due to factors like socioeconomic disparities, lack of insurance coverage, unawareness, etc. millions of Americans are at risk, especially those belonging to low-income communities.

Heart Health: An Unknown Connection

I have seen the surprise on many people’s faces every time they found out that their oral health is directly connected to their hearts. It mostly involves chronic gum inflammation, which can cause harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream and lead to the development of atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of arteries. Studies have shown a direct link between periodontal diseases and an increased risk of strokes and cardiac arrests.

Diabetes & Oral Health: An Interconnected Path

As surprising as the connection between heart diseases and oral health were, the relation between oral health and diabetes would be equally expected, I’m sure. Naturally, severe gum diseases make it difficult to manage your diabetes and a poorly managed diabetes will eventually impact your oral health and hygiene. Since high blood sugar creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive in.

With over 37 million Americans living with diabetes, it begs the question, how soon should we consider the need for routine dental check-ups as a part of diabetes treatment?

Oral Hygiene’s Impact on Pregnancy

Diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis are directly linked to complications like premature birth and a low birth weight of the child during pregnancy. This has led to organizations like March of Dimes and the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologist advocating for dental checkups as a part of prenatal care.

Since pregnancy is a very vulnerable stage for both the mother and the child, where even the smallest things can severely affect either’s health long-term.

Respiratory Health Risks

As you get older and your immune system starts weakening, the chances of you contracting various diseases increases significantly. Pneumonia, for example, is also associated with your oral hygiene. As bacteria present in you can travel all the way to your lungs, leading to infections. This is common among the older population as other, more prominent issues that come with age leads to a complete neglect of one’s oral health.

Lack Of Dental Care In America

A significant portion of the American population lacks dental insurance, which makes them unable to afford routine dental care or urgent treatments. This is due to the fact that dentals are not a standard coverage in many health insurance plans in the US.

Access to good dentists is also severely uneven across the whole country. Especially in rural areas, which makes the cost of treatment rise more than the community can afford.

Preventive Measures For Better Hygiene

Fortunately, improving your oral health is often about being consistent, rather than complex procedures:

Brush twice daily using fluoride toothpaste
Floss at least once a day to remove plaque between teeth
Visit your dentist at least twice a year, even if nothing seems wrong
Manage systemic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
Be proactive if you experience bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or dry mouth

Additionally, it is always advised to seek out your healthcare providers regarding dental insurance options, or simply visit local and affordable dental schools and clinics.

Final Thoughts

Your mouth is a mirror to your overall health. It’s not just about teeth and gums—it’s about your heart, your lungs, your brain, your emotional wellbeing, and even your future quality of life. As dental professionals practicing in the U.S., we urge every American to view dental care not as an elective, but as essential.

I hope through this blog you must have realized the importance of oral hygiene and how your mouth is a reflection of your overall health. It is crucial to understand that underlying health issues can arrive from anywhere and can impact not just you but your entire life too, along with those around you. So make sure to start visiting your dentist regularly

Link Between Your Oral Health & Overall Wellness

by smilecitadel.com | Jul 3, 2025 | Oral Health Tips

As professionals, our emphasis on maintaining your overall health is always there. But most people do not realize how connected your entire body’s health is with each part. Oral hygiene, for instance, is often neglected or simply thought of as an issue with your dentals. But you’d be surprised to know how severely it can harm your entire body if not taken proper care of.

Why Oral Health Needs Attention?

CDC reports that nearly 47% of adults above the age of 30 suffer from a form of periodontal disease here in the US. And we do not just mean gum or teeth issues, but also more severe issues like chronic inflammation, which may lead to dire consequences if left unattended. But due to factors like socioeconomic disparities, lack of insurance coverage, unawareness, etc. millions of Americans are at risk, especially those belonging to low-income communities.

Heart Health: An Unknown Connection

I have seen the surprise on many people’s faces every time they found out that their oral health is directly connected to their hearts. It mostly involves chronic gum inflammation, which can cause harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream and lead to the development of atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of arteries. Studies have shown a direct link between periodontal diseases and an increased risk of strokes and cardiac arrests.

Diabetes & Oral Health: An Interconnected Path

As surprising as the connection between heart diseases and oral health were, the relation between oral health and diabetes would be equally expected, I’m sure. Naturally, severe gum diseases make it difficult to manage your diabetes and a poorly managed diabetes will eventually impact your oral health and hygiene. Since high blood sugar creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive in.

With over 37 million Americans living with diabetes, it begs the question, how soon should we consider the need for routine dental check-ups as a part of diabetes treatment?

Oral Hygiene’s Impact on Pregnancy

Diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis are directly linked to complications like premature birth and a low birth weight of the child during pregnancy. This has led to organizations like March of Dimes and the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologist advocating for dental checkups as a part of prenatal care.

Since pregnancy is a very vulnerable stage for both the mother and the child, where even the smallest things can severely affect either’s health long-term.

Respiratory Health Risks

As you get older and your immune system starts weakening, the chances of you contracting various diseases increases significantly. Pneumonia, for example, is also associated with your oral hygiene. As bacteria present in you can travel all the way to your lungs, leading to infections. This is common among the older population as other, more prominent issues that come with age leads to a complete neglect of one’s oral health.

Lack Of Dental Care In America

A significant portion of the American population lacks dental insurance, which makes them unable to afford routine dental care or urgent treatments. This is due to the fact that dentals are not a standard coverage in many health insurance plans in the US.

Access to good dentists is also severely uneven across the whole country. Especially in rural areas, which makes the cost of treatment rise more than the community can afford.

Preventive Measures For Better Hygiene

Fortunately, improving your oral health is often about being consistent, rather than complex procedures:

Brush twice daily using fluoride toothpaste
Floss at least once a day to remove plaque between teeth
Visit your dentist at least twice a year, even if nothing seems wrong
Manage systemic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
Be proactive if you experience bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or dry mouth

Additionally, it is always advised to seek out your healthcare providers regarding dental insurance options, or simply visit local and affordable dental schools and clinics.

Final Thoughts

Your mouth is a mirror to your overall health. It’s not just about teeth and gums—it’s about your heart, your lungs, your brain, your emotional wellbeing, and even your future quality of life. As dental professionals practicing in the U.S., we urge every American to view dental care not as an elective, but as essential.

I hope through this blog you must have realized the importance of oral hygiene and how your mouth is a reflection of your overall health. It is crucial to understand that underlying health issues can arrive from anywhere and can impact not just you but your entire life too, along with those around you. So make sure to start visiting your dentist regularly.

Spotting The Signs: Awareness Towards Oral Cancer

by smilecitadel.com | Jul 3, 2025 | Dental Care

Oral cancer is one of the leading forms of cancer that is often overlooked due to a lack of awareness & knowledge of symptoms for it. The American Cancer Society states that more than 54,000 people in the U.S. get diagnosed with it every year. Fortunately, the probability of curing oral cancers is very high if detected early.

In this blog, we’ll be looking at the early symptoms, causes & treatments of oral cancer.

What is Oral Cancer?

Any form of cancer, whether in the form of a sore or growth, appears in any region of your oral cavity, including lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, floor of the mouth, hard & soft palate or even the throat. Early detection significantly increases the chance of a successful treatment, but if neglected, it can also turn life threatening.

Among the many types of oral cancers, squamous cell carcinoma is the most common. It makes up about 90% of all oral cancer cases. Some of the other types which are less common include verrucous carcinoma, minor salivary gland carcinomas & lymphomas.

Symptoms & Causes

Common Symptoms

Oral cancer comes in many forms & the symptoms can be hard to identify. But the key to recognising them is to notice if any of the below symptoms last for more than 2 weeks. If they do, it is better to consult a doctor immediately:

Persistent sores or ulcers in your mouth or lips.
Red or white patches inside your mouth.
Lump or thickness in your cheeks.
Any form of difficulty in chewing or swallowing.
Feeling numbness in your tongue or any other part of the mouth.
Pain or experiencing stiffness in your jaw.
Sore throat or hoarseness
Sudden unexplained weight loss

Leading Causes & Risk Factors

Several risk factors can increase your chances of developing oral cancer:

Excessive use of tobacco in the form of cigarettes or cigars.
Consuming alcohol in large quantities on a regular basis.
Human Papillomavirus or HPV, particularly HPV-16 is often found linked to oral cancer in the throat.
Prolonged exposure to the sun has been stated to be the cause of certain cancer types.
Even a poor diet might end up becoming a cause for your oral cancer.

Treatment for Oral Cancer

The process for treating a patient suffering from oral cancer depends entirely on the stage of cancer, its location, and the patient’s overall health. But some of the common ways it can be treated are:

1. Surgery

The first & usually the most reliable approach, especially if the cancer has spread. The ideal process & purpose when doing a surgery is to remove a bunch of healthy tissues along with the whole cancerous one. Some situations may also require the surgeons to remove the lymph node present in the neck.

2. Radiation Therapy

Another common but reliable approach, ideally done after the surgery to remove any remaining cancer cells by using high energy radioactive rays to kill them. In cases where a surgery is not viable or needed, radiation therapy can be another possibility.

3. Chemotherapy

Usually done alongside radiation therapy, chemotherapy involves the consumption of drugs to kill the cancer cells present.

4. Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is another way of stopping cancer cell growth, but compared to something like chemotherapy, these are done in a more precise manner with way less side effects.

5. Immunotherapy

Certain cases require immunotherapy to deal with oral cancer. Here, the idea is to boost your body’s immune system to help them recognize & fight the cancer cells more effectively.

Early Detection is Important

We’ve already mentioned to schedule an appointment with your dentists regularly. Because that is the key factor in determining how quickly your oral cancer will be detected and how its treatment will go.

Ideally, you should visit your dentist at least twice a year, but depending on your oral health conditions, more visits might be needed.

Final Thoughts

Oral cancer or any other kind of oral disease is a serious matter which can seriously hamper your normal life. While completely treatable, it is best to follow precautions & prevention measures to save yourself the hassle of taking any form of burden, whether health related or financial.

So if you have never had an oral screening even once in your life, then it is the best time to get checked.