Category: Addiction

Substance abuse takes a toll on every inch of your body, and your mouth is no exception: Teeth can become riddled with cavities, cracks, sensitivity and staining and in extreme cases an addict can lose teeth and end up with devastating damage to gums as well. Thanks to modern dentistry, though, more people in recovery are getting another chance at healthy teeth and a brighter grin. “Empowering recovering addicts with a beautiful smile reinforces the strength and courage needed to persevere and continue on their personal journey,” says Meredith Gantos, DDS, a dentist in San Antonio, Texas. The “Meth Mouth” Phenomenon Methamphetamine in particular is known to be extremely destructive to teeth because it’s highly acidic — after all, battery...

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Unlike many of us, Brian Thompson doesn’t take his teeth for granted. After decades of dental neglect caused by drug addiction, he had his teeth pulled during an eight-year stint in prison for drug-related bank robbery. But a few years ago he bumped into someone at an AA meeting who offered him a brand new set of chompers, all expenses paid. He says it’s radically altered his life and helped keep him on the road to recovery—and as the effects of dental work are psychological as well as physical, many other people struggling with or overcoming addiction find it similarly crucial. Brian, 52, grew up on the Lower East Side and started using alcohol and other drugs as a teen....

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Smiling and laughing aren’t just reactions to something that makes you feel good: they’re a scientifically proven way to boost your mood and your health. If you have damaged or missing teeth, you may feel self-conscious and hesitate to share your smile with others. Through cosmetic dentistry, you can not only improve the appearance of your smile, but you can benefit your mental health as well. The mental health benefits of a beautiful smile can range from making social situations easier to maintaining steady employment.  Some examples are: A natural, healthy smile can make you feel more comfortable in social situations. Smiling releases endorphins and dopamine, which boost your mood and facilitate relaxation. A confident smile can decrease social anxiety...

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Self-esteem is what provides the confidence for everything. This could be something like a presentation or even just a first impression. Often, appearance ranks highly when discussing what impacts self-esteem, and when you dig a bit deeper, it is a smile and the condition of your teeth that are one of the most critical factors. Maintaining a happy and healthy smile is typically easy to do, but sometimes daily oral care just isn’t enough. Luckily, new advancements in technology have allowed for cosmetic dentistry to be an option for consumers who need more than an average dental checkup. Cosmetic dentistry is often seen as a great move for a complete mouth overhaul. Whether dealing with major repairs or even just...

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