Category: Education

A viral social media trend encouraging adults to use pacifiers is raising red flags among dental experts. A leading dentist has warned that prolonged use of adult pacifiers can lead to misalignment, jaw issues, and long-term dental damage. While the trend gains popularity for its supposed stress-relief benefits, professionals caution that the risks to oral health far outweigh any short-term comfort. Here’s what experts want you to know before following the latest TikTok craze.

Discover the truth behind viral DIY teeth whitening hacks that promise a brighter smile but may cause lasting damage to your enamel and gums. Learn the hidden risks of using baking soda, lemon juice, and charcoal treatments, and explore dentist-approved, safe alternatives for effective whitening. Keep your teeth healthy and radiant with expert guidance on what really works—and what to avoid.

DIY teeth whitening tricks trending on social media may promise a brighter smile, but dental experts warn that many of these at-home hacks can seriously damage your enamel and gums. From using household products like hydrogen peroxide and baking soda mixtures to rubbing acidic fruits on your teeth, these risky methods can cause sensitivity, enamel erosion, and long-term harm. Instead of resorting to untested shortcuts, dentists recommend professional whitening treatments or safe over-the-counter options designed to protect your oral health while delivering real results.

A Rochester woman’s life took a joyful turn after receiving a life-changing dental makeover at the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Eastman Institute for Oral Health. Once self-conscious about her teeth, she now radiates confidence with her new smile. The transformative experience not only improved her appearance but also boosted her emotional well-being, inspiring others to explore the power of restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Discover how expert care and modern dental techniques can deliver more than just a brighter smile—they can restore confidence and change lives.

In *Queer Eye* Season 3, the Fab Five deliver one of their most heartfelt makeovers yet with Jones Bar-B-Q sisters Deborah “Little” and Mary “Shorty” Jones. The Kansas City pitmasters not only revitalize their family business but also experience powerful personal transformations—especially Deborah’s emotional dental makeover that restores her confidence and smile. This inspiring episode captures the essence of self-love, resilience, and empowerment, making it one of the most memorable moments in *Queer Eye* history.

In *Queer Eye* Season 3, the Fab Five travel to Kansas City to help sisters Deborah “Little” and Mary “Shorty” Jones revamp their beloved family business — Jones BBQ. The emotional makeover goes beyond a restaurant glow-up, as the duo receives life-changing support, confidence, and even brand-new smiles that symbolize their hard-earned success. This unforgettable episode celebrates resilience, sisterhood, and the powerful impact of self-love — proving that good food and good hearts are the true recipe for transformation.

Local residents in Las Cruces are discovering newfound confidence through the Smile Again program, an initiative offering free dental restorations and full smile makeovers to those in need. Led by New Mexico Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, the program provides life-changing treatments that restore both oral health and self-esteem. Applicants share inspiring stories of how a revitalized smile opens doors to personal and professional opportunities, showcasing the profound impact of giving back through community-focused dental care.

The American smile has evolved from a symbol of good health to a powerful cultural marker that reflects optimism, confidence, and social status. As cosmetic dentistry and pop culture shaped the ideal of straight, white teeth, this aesthetic became not just a personal choice but a global export of American identity. Exploring the historical roots, media influence, and psychological impact of the “perfect smile,” this deep dive reveals how something as simple as a grin came to define beauty standards and social perception in the modern world.

A 28-year-old man from New York recently made headlines after undergoing surgery to remove 21 retained baby teeth caused by a rare genetic condition called Cleidocranial Dysplasia (CCD). Performed by specialists at the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Eastman Institute for Oral Health, the complex procedure highlights both the challenges and remarkable advances in dental and craniofacial care for individuals with rare congenital disorders. This groundbreaking case not only sheds light on the importance of early diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment but also offers hope to others living with CCD and similar developmental conditions.

Las Cruces resident Gina Perea’s life changed dramatically after being selected as the winner of the “Smile Again” program — a community-driven initiative offering a $70,000 full-mouth restoration by local dental professionals. The program, designed to help individuals regain confidence and improve oral health, brought together dentists, surgeons, and local sponsors to make Perea’s dream smile a reality. Her transformation not only restored her dental health but also renewed her self-esteem, showcasing the powerful impact of compassion, collaboration, and community support in Las Cruces.