Dr. Lauren Stennis, a general dentist in New Orleans, is urging residents to spot early warning signs and act sooner, especially around preventive oral health.
NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESS Newswire / February 4, 2026 / Dr. Lauren Stennis, founder of Smile Philosophy Dental Care in the Bayou St. John and Mid-City area, is issuing a public alert about a common and avoidable mistake: treating dental care as something you only do when something hurts.
The trap is simple. Many people delay routine exams and cleanings until pain forces a visit. By then, small problems can turn into bigger, more expensive issues that take more time to fix.
Stennis's practice focuses on family and general dentistry, including routine cleanings and exams, fillings and crowns, root canal therapy, whitening and cosmetic dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and gum disease treatment and prevention. Her community work includes free screenings, oral health workshops in local schools, and partnerships with local nonprofits to support uninsured and underinsured residents.
As Stennis has said in public-facing materials, "We believe dental care should be accessible, respectful, and empowering," and "For us, it's not just about treating teeth, it's about treating people with dignity and giving them the tools to take control of their health."
Why this matters: the risk is widespread
The wait-for-pain habit is common, and the data shows it:
About 25.9% of U.S. adults ages 20-44 had untreated dental cavities (2015-2018).
About 13.2% of children ages 5-19 had untreated cavities (2015-2018).
An estimated 42% of dentate U.S. adults age 30+ had periodontitis, including 7.8% with severe periodontitis.
The share of adults ages 18-64 who had a dental visit in the past year fell from 65.5% in 2019 to 62.7% in 2020.
Globally, oral diseases are estimated to affect nearly 3.7 billion people.
The avoidable mistake
Waiting for pain can create two problems at once:
Disease progresses quietly. Gum disease and cavities do not always hurt early on.
Prevention gets replaced by repair. Instead of simple maintenance, people may need more complex treatment.
This is why Stennis has publicly emphasized preventive oral health, including a January 2026 published call for action focused on prevention.
Self-check quiz: Are you falling into the wait-for-pain trap?
Answer Yes or No.
Have you skipped routine dental cleanings or exams for over 12 months?
Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss?
Do you avoid flossing because it feels uncomfortable or messy?
Do you have tooth sensitivity to cold, sweets, or pressure?
Do you have bad breath that returns quickly even after brushing?
Have you had a filling, crown, or root canal and never went back for follow-up prevention?
Do you snack or sip sugary drinks often throughout the day?
Do you clench or grind your teeth, or wake up with jaw tension?
Have you put off care because you feel anxious, embarrassed, or worry you will be judged?
If you have kids, have they missed routine dental visits or preventive checkups?
What to do next: a simple decision tree
Start here:
If you answered YES to pain, swelling, or a broken tooth
Treat it as urgent.
Seek dental care as soon as possible.
If you answered YES to bleeding gums or sensitivity (even without pain)
Do not wait.
Schedule an exam and cleaning so issues can be caught early.
If you answered YES mainly to habits (snacking, skipping floss, inconsistent brushing)
Pick one change you can keep for 30 days.
Add daily flossing, reduce frequent sugary sipping, and keep routine checkups.
If you answered YES because of anxiety or embarrassment
Choose a practice that explains care clearly and sets expectations upfront.
Bring a short list of questions to keep the visit structured.
If cost or insurance is the barrier
Look for community clinics, local nonprofit partnerships, and screening events in your area.
Ask about preventive-focused options first.
If you answered YES to 3 or more questions overall
Treat prevention as a priority this month.
Make a plan, then stick to it.
Public reminder
Stennis's stated approach is built around accessibility, respect, and prevention, with the goal of helping patients take control before problems escalate. As she has put it, "We're here to help New Orleans smile, strong, proud, and pain-free."
Run the self-check today. If you spot warning signs, take one clear next step. Share the quiz with a friend or family member who keeps putting dental care off.
About Dr. Lauren Stennis
Dr. Lauren Stennis is a New Orleans-based general dentist and the founder of Smile Philosophy Dental Care in the Bayou St. John and Mid-City area. She provides family and general dentistry services and supports community access through screenings, school oral health workshops, and nonprofit partnerships. She studied at Xavier University of Louisiana and the University of Tennessee, where she earned The Dean's Certificate of Achievement.
Media Contact
Dr. Lauren Stennis
info@drlaurenstennis.com
https://www.drlaurenstennis.com/
SOURCE: Dr. Lauren Stennis
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
