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Good oral health plays a vital role in your daily life. Not only do healthy teeth allow you to eat without pain, but they allow you to smile confidently, bolstering your self-esteem and making a good impression on others. Everyone knows that the key to good oral health is brushing your teeth regularly, but your lifestyle can also have a big impact on your teeth. This is especially true if you abuse drugs or alcohol, substances that can have wide-ranging negative effects on your whole body, including your mouth.
- Teeth and Drug Use
- Effects of Drugs on the Mouth
- How Drugs Affect Dental Health
- Stimulants and Oral Health
- Oral Health Effects and Care for Drug Abusers
- Methadone and Oral Health
- Stratford, CT, Dentistry
- Oral Manifestations of Drug Abuse
- The Relationship Between Oral and General Health
Cannabis
Smoking cannabis, either as marijuana or hashish, can have serious adverse effects on overall oral health. It has been a significant cause of oral cancer among users as well as periodontitis and dry mouth. Reports have shown that those who use these substances are at risk of developing leukoedema or thrush.
Alcohol
Although alcohol is legal, it can be very addictive, and it’s unhealthy on many levels. Alcohol itself can dry out your mouth, and some alcoholic drinks, like beer, are acidic, which can further damage your teeth. In addition, many alcoholic drinks are served with sugary mixers like fruit juice or soda, which can contribute to plaque buildup. Regular alcohol consumption also raises your risk of oral cancer.
Tobacco
Tobacco has long been the most well-known drug to be associated with oral health problems, ranging from cancers of the mouth, tongue, lip, and throat to tooth discoloration. Whether you smoke or chew tobacco, you’re likely to do significant damage to your mouth and teeth. In addition, smoking tobacco is associated with dry mouth, which can result in gum disease and halitosis.
- Tobacco and Oral Health
- Oral Health Benefits of Quitting Tobacco
- Tobacco or Oral Health?
- Smoking, Gum Disease, and Loss of Teeth
Opiates
This group of substances includes heroin and morphine. Opiate users often crave sugary substances like candy and soda, which can damage the teeth. In addition, using these substances can cause people to grind their teeth, which can cause serious damage to the teeth and jaw. And since opiates reduce the sensation of pain, people who use these drugs may not notice dental problems like cavities and gum disease before it’s too late to save their teeth.
Cocaine
Cocaine is a stimulant and is associated with a range of oral health problems. For starters, it is very acidic, and if it comes in contact with the teeth, it can wear down the enamel. Smoking crack cocaine can be especially detrimental, but another especially dangerous practice is rubbing powdered cocaine into the gums, which can cause sores in the mouth that could get infected. Cocaine use can also lead someone to grind their teeth or clench their jaw, which can cause cracked teeth and damage to the gums and jaw. Over time, people who snort cocaine can also develop palatal perforation, which is when the tissue between the roof of the mouth and the nose is damaged and dies, leaving a hole behind. When this happens, it can become difficult for the person to eat, drink, or talk.
Thankfully, all of these problems are easily avoided by most people. For those who are already addicted, it’s important to take steps to stop, including getting help from medical professionals to deal with the addiction and its side effects, which may include dental treatments or sleep apnea therapy. Stratford residents who do not abuse drugs or alcohol should avoid doing so, and they should also take steps to ensure that they and their families practice good oral hygiene, including regular visits to specialists in adult or pediatric dentistry. Stratford, CT‘s smiles will be safe with proper preventive measures.
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Office Hours
- Monday 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Tuesday 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
- Wednesday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Select Saturdays* 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
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Making Stratford Smile
Very friendly staff from the front desk to the hygiensts. Dr. kurzner is awesome! Friendly, takes her time to explain everything. Very caring! 11/2-Just went back here for my ZOOM whitening. Shannon was awesome! Explained everything thoroughly, was super personable and sweet and made sure I was comfortable every minute! I also love the results!!
May L.
I have using light house dental for a couple of years now and always have a great experience! Dr. Samuel and Julie have excellent chairside manner are very personable and friendly. The office is very clean and the front desk staff are very friendly! I would recommend light house to anyone !
Candice W.
Maggie is a very special and wonderfully nice person at this facility. My whole experience from Dr. Samuels providing me with perfect dentures in 2015 which are to this day a blessing in my life.
William S.
I love Lighthouse Dental! Maggie and Leona are fabulous hygienists. Dr. Samuals and his associates are outstanding dentists!!!
Candice D.
My Dentist, Dr. Joy, is the best, and my dental hygienist, Maggie, is great. Together they have saved my teeth and gums. They are personable and friendly. They take the time to know something about you as a person, not just your teeth and gums.
Raymond L.
One stop office for all my dental needs. Extremely pleased with the friendly interaction with the staff at Lighthouse.
William Q.
I brought my children to the office Last week and had a great experience! Between the front office staff and everyone in back was extremely nice and very helpful. Maggie was very gentle with my kids and their cleanings. Would recommend this office to anyone.
Rebekah M.
I have been with Lighthouse for more than 35+ years. Dr. Samuels stands by his work and patient satisfaction and comfort is his primary concern. The office extends itself to accommodate your busy schedule which is reflective in its posted office hours. It is always a pleasant and friendly experience to visit his practice. Patty Ulatowski
Patricia U.
Lighthouse Dental Care is an outstanding professional office. It is a place where you always feel welcome, the front counter associates acknowledge as you walk into the waiting room. My family has been using Light House Dental and Dr. Samuel for over 30 years!! All ll the hygienists are great, and they love their job!
Lili M.
Friendly staff, very professional, courteous and caring. We are a family of 4 and are all customers there. While doing a cleaning this past November, Courtney decided to ask D.M.D Joy Cocchiola to double check a lump underneath my jaw. That lump turned out to be the beginning of throat cancer (never smoke in my life). Without that early detection, God knows what would have happen. I’m under…
Heli C.
Very good ! Maggie is awesome !
Daniel C.
Gina makes the whole day better!
Nick B.
I’ve been coming to Lighthouse Dental for years, they are always so kind and helpful. Great place.
Steve J.
Great job! Getting a crown
Ed B.
I’ve been going to Lighthouse Dental since I was a kid and they’ve always been great. Everyone is friendly and good at their jobs.
James L.
Julie the dental hygienist is amazing! She was so thorough and explained everything she was doing as she did it! I had dental surgery two months ago so I was nervous. It she was awesome! Very mindful of when something was sensitive and made my teeth feel and look soooo great! She is awesome!
Alisa D.
I’ve been a patient here for years and have always had a good experience.
Glenn H.
Lighthouse dental provide great service and care. Gina and Diane, they are fantastic! Help you as they can! Thank you so much, Mike!
Deven Y.
My family and I Ihave been coming to Lighthouse for years. great place to bring your teeth !
Gabrielle G.
I’ve been going here since I was a child and I wouldn’t go anywhere else! The staff is great and my mouth is always taken good care of!
Lisa F.
Lighthouse Dental is the best! They have the friendliest staff!!
Payton B.
What a wonderful place to get your teeth taken care of!! The ladies at the front desk are lovely as well as the dental hygienists. Would 100% recommend Lighthouse Dental!!
Hannah L.
Everyone here is incredibly nice! My teeth always feel so clean when I leave here. Would definitely recommend- this place makes the dentist a great experience!!
Rebecca L.
I have been a patient at lighthouse for at least 10 years and Dr. Samuels is a very good and skilled dentist and have recommended him to many friends and co workers. Thank you to Dr. Samuels and his staff!
Christie P.
Pleasant staff, minimal waiting time and honest service
Alexandra M.
The staff and services are outstanding.
Richard A.
Maggie is awesome!
Mary H.
Been seeing dr. Joy for years and she’s awesome!
Megan S.
Magie is terrific, she goes the extra mile to make sure I’m comfortable and always does a great cleaning & truly cares! The front office staff always is kind & courteous.
Elizabeth Z.
Lighthouse Dental is the best!! I’ve been going here over 30 years. Dr. Samuels is knowledgeable, kind and sensitive to my needs. He is always up on the latest dental technology. Maggie my hygienist is super!! My teeth always feel fabulous when I leave and she always reminds me how to brush and floss properly. I can’t imagine going anywhere else for my dental needs.
Linda K.
Lighthouse Dental is the best!! I’ve been going here over 30 years. Dr. Samuels is knowledgeable, kind and sensitive to my needs. He is always up on the latest dental technology. Maggie my hygienist is super!! My teeth always feel fabulous when I leave and she always reminds me how to brush and floss properly. I can’t imagine going anywhere else for my dental needs.
Linda K.
The staff is great and friendly as well as familiar faces which means it is a great company with happy employees
Doug B.
My Experience at Lighthouse dental has been great! The staff are friendly, the facility is clean and my Dr, Dentist Joy is excellent! Very nice place to be :)
Adria P.
The staff is wonderful and thorough…very gentle and kind! Great sense of humor and truly care about your well being.
Amy F.
I’m 52 and have moved a lot in my life so I’ve had many dentists. Dr. Joy Cochiella is the absolute best I have ever come across – along with all the other support crew!
David S.
Julie is my hygienist, and she’s awesome!
Erica C.
Great experience!! Love all the doctors, nurses and staff!
2014Kayla R.
the ladies at the desk are the sweetest! they are super accommodating and know how to make you feel at home. even when they’re busy, they do their hardest.
Dii L.
Best dentist around!
Cori N.
No staff has ever treated me better. Dr. Joy Kurzner and Maggie exceed my expectations at every visit, from their knowledge to their genuine interest in my well-being, in dentistry and my daily life. The facility besides is spotless, and never had I before heard of or thought to use sunglasses during procedures, nor that I might select a TV channel to watch meanwhile.
Timothy O.
I’ve been under Dr. Joy’s care for years. I wouldn’t go anywhere else. I’ve even followed her to her new practice site which is farther from my house. Best. Care. Ever.
Nadine S.
Love all the staff and docs, very personable and professional. Been a patient for 20+ years!
Kristie M.
Maggie is the greatest.. Always takes really great care of me.. Not to mention I really like and appreciate all the folks at LightHouse Dental.. Gina you rock too..
Kwesi W.
Have been seeing Dr. Joy for several years. Always happy with the service.
Christine B.
Super friendly staff at lighthouse dental. Mrs leona is wonderful! She takes her time and makes sure you are truly comfortable. Definitely check this office if you are looking for a new place
Alfredo F.
Just had some fillings done. Didn’t feel a thing! Staff is great. Very fast and efficient!
Melissa R.
I had a great experience with Lighthouse and I always do. Julie was very nice and very imformal. She is one of the best. Thank you!
Danielle N.
Light house dental care is awesome. Dr Samuels is very thorough great dentist !!
Chris O.
Thanks Maggie, awesome as usual.
Patti B.
Excellent Dentist! Dr. Samuels is the best! Been a patient for 8 years.
Gregory S.
My hygienist Leona is amazing. The staff are great and so welcoming. I would recommend this office to all my friends and family.
Giovanny M.
Love lighthouse dental
Jammie M.
Light House dental is the absolute best! Very warm and patient great experience overall! Highly recommended!
Haley G.
Leona my hygienist is the best!
Holly H.
In complete honesty, I have worked in this field for over a decade and Dr Samuels is one of three I would ever let work on my mouth. And Leona, is one of three I would recommend to a family member to have their preventive hygiene appointment! Thank you for making me proud to know another colleague does what they are supposed to do :-)
Elicia L.
Julie is awesome!!!
Dominica C.
Best hygienist ever!
Melissa G.
I’ve always had a positive experience here at lighthouse dental julie is the best
Sal C.
Dr kurzner was amazing and patient
Darlene T.
Maggie and Dr. Samuels are awesome! They are both very proffessional, thorough, and friendly. I would recommend them to everyone.
Denise V.
Everyone in the office is super friendly! Enjoyable visit
Brianna M.
Love the office staff . Excellent people!!
Jodi Z.
Outstanding service…..I had dental work done their 7 years ago and whenever I have an issue they immediately take you in and fix it…Dr Samuels is a very distinguished expert in the field of dentistry I could not recommend Lighthouse Dental more… They are simply the bes!t!!!
J K.
Been going to Maggie for years! Love her.
Sharon F.
Very friendly and pleasant environment. Lovely and professional!!!!!
Ramon P.
I’ve been seeing Dr. kurzner since I was a child. Julie was my hygienist. Both are great!!
Mark W.
superb as always .Maggie really does love her work.
Tres T.
Really like this dentist practice!
Samantha M.
Very friendly staff from the front desk to the hygiensts. Dr. kurzner is awesome! Friendly, takes her time to explain everything. Very caring!
May L.
I have been going to Lighthouse Dental since 2004. My first experience at Lighthouse Dental was for a cleaning with Dental Hygienist Maggie. She was so amazing and so patient with all my Dentist Phobias. She took really good care of me and I have been with her ever since. She knows me and she really makes me feel like she cares about the health of my teeth and gums! Dr. Jarmon was my Dentist and a…
Nicole H.
Keep up the fine work!
Brian R.
Everything was great, fun nice people and great care!
Ryan K.
Great dentists and hygienists! Highly recommend.
John M.
Great experience, every time! They are very accommodating, with early and late hours available!
Sofia L.
I have been visiting Lighthouse dental for over thirty years now and Dr Samuels is one of the best. His staff is top notch in the field of dentistry. My wife and I normally visit at least two times per year to maintain total health. Highly recommended.
Frank R.
I have been under the dental care of Dr.Samuels and his staff for well over 25 years, very professional and personable, always look forward to my visit…
Antonio L.
Maggie is the best! I have been coming here since I was little and would highly recommend! Great staff, always friendly and extremely accomodating. I love going to the dentist because of my experience here :)
Abigail B.
Dr. Joy is the absolute best! I have been seeing her as far back as I can remember! She is extremely professional, honest and very reliable! Her knowledge is above and beyond and always makes me feel extremely comfortable everytime I visit. The office staff is always a pleasure and always answers all my questions thouroughly. I highly reccomend Dr. Joy and the Lighthouse Dental team without any re…
Danny B.
I saw Maggie today and my experience is beautiful as always. I definitely recommend Lighthouse Dental for anyone.
Joylette R.
TRULY AMAZING! My whole life I struggled with the insecurity of my smile. It was really bad. I was absolutely shocked at how fast my teeth started moving. Dr. Samuels, Shannon and the whole staff are miracle workers. They are very friendly and make you feel at home. If I could give them 10 stars I would.
Aysia Q.
Maggie is the best, she been working on my teeth for the last 4 years. She make sure your comfortable, and you leave with your teeth feeling good and clean.
Shinika S.
Maggie my hygienist she’s superbly very nice woman , I am very proud to have her for my hygienst she’s always doing super job. Thanks Maggi
Viergela G.
Maggie is awesome!
Edwin C.
The office visit was very good
Stanley M.
Another excellent experience at Lighthouse Dental. I had my bi-yearly cleaning with Maggie this time. She was very pleasant , answered all my questions and made me relax thru the procedure. Everyone is very kind and friendly, from the minute you walk in the door until your visit is done. This says a lot(about the owners/Dentists and the entire staff) , and I appreciate that.
Charles K.
Excellent experience every time I go in for an appointment. Great staff!
David T.
excellent in all aspects
Tom G.
Very nice visit with Maggie. All needs addressed and teeth are shiny and sparkly!!!
Patricia F.
Dr. Harmon and Julie are the BEST! Professionals to the highest level. Very caring and compassionate.
Edith B.
Everyone here is fantastic! The friendliest staff on earth. And Dr. Samuels is very informative and helpful. The service here is great and they make you feel very comfortable while working with your schedule. I would highly recommend lighthouse dental to anyone looking for great service and professional care!
Daehi H.
Great environment, with friendly service from a professional staff.
Natalie B.
Maggie always does an amazing job! She is so thorough and accommodating.
Fernando F.
Great experience all the time @Lighthouse Dental. I had a cleaning this morning with Irena. Very warm and professional.
Stephenie R.
I have been a patient for over 10 years. The staff is awesome and the hygienists are amazing. They’ve seen me go through marriage and pregnancy. So they’re like a part of the family. Lighthouse Thanks for helping me maintain a beautiful smile.
Alicia T.
Maggie and crew are great!
Latisha D.
My experience at Lighthouse Dental was (as always) excellent!
Venita D.
Dr. Kurzner and Maggie are awesome! It’s always a pleasure having them make my teeth bright and shiny!
Fourtyfour H.
great time
Haronne C.
Dr. Kurzner is awesome , I have been going to her for years , never any discomfort at all and quick appointments!! Highly recommend!
Nancy T.
Irena always performs excellent workmanship/cleaning on my teeth. She wants the client to walk away with a smile which she has high expectation of self conscientiousness. It is inspiring to look in the mirror and know a manicure effort was performed. I guess I will have to wait for my next appointment. Too bad she does an excellent job now I have to wait longer until my next appointment.
John P.
Hygienist was awesome, down to earth while wholly professional. Scheduled my next appointment with her again because she’s great.
David R.
Dr Joy and the entire office are super kind and professional Thank you
Guillermo H.
extremely pleased
Stephen P.
The best staff and approach to the patient. Will not go anywhere else for any dental work and highly recommend to anyone, especially anyone with bad past dental experience.
Katarzyna K.
Great experience, Andrea made very comfortable
Michael K.
Maggie is professional and the best
William P.
As always, excellent.
Robert S.
Very good, feel very comfortable with the service I received. Thanks so much
Martin Q.
I have been a patient for over 10yrs, and I love it. Wouldn’t go anywhere else. They are professional, gentle and accommodating. Never a wait, highly recommend.
Taisha R.
This is my second time coming here to leave a review for Lighthouse Dental. I just had an appointment. After coming home, I realized again that I feel genuine trust and admiration for their work. I have recommended Lighthouse to others and continue to do so. Previous review: Feeling safe and well cared for is a pleasure that I get from Lighthouse Dental Care. I would recommend them to people that…
Robert A.
Lighthouse dental has been my dental office for 5 years the dental treatment is excellent
Silvia J.
Staff is always a pleasant.Office very clean.
Maxine M.
I had my teeth cleaned the other day and walked out feeling great. Sue the hygienist did a great job and the front desk staff were very helpful especially Gina.
Tara M.
July is amazing, she did such a good job cleaning my teeth
Victoire R.
Everyone is so wonderful in this office !! I would recommend them to everyone. Great experience and my teeth look and feel great !
Kim M.
Great experience as always.
Katharine W.
Absolutely painless, got into the chair on time, was out on time and couldn’t be happier
Kim T.
Friendly staff and very clean place!
Miguel S.
Julie is a delight, it’s actually fun to come get my teeth cleaned! She always does an excellent job and works harder because I’m a smoker. I wouldn’t go anywhere else. The office staff are helpful and professional and I appreciate so much how they’ve worked with me financially.
Andrea R.
The dental technician was excellent.
Glenda K.
It was a great experience. Leona took care of me and she’s great. Answered every question and made me comfortable. Definitely would recommend anyone.
Giovanny M.
Always a good experience with Irena.
Raymond M.
Julie takes such good care of me during my visits. She treats her patients like family which is why I have stayed with Lighthouse Dental for over 20 years.
Christine W.
These girls are the best!! Friendly and caring!! Highly recommend Lighthouse!!!
Lori D.
Have been going to Lighthouse for 10 years and love the team there. Maggie is a great hygienist with a gentle touch!
Amy R.
I have been going to Dr. Samuel’s office for several decades. I have never had a bad experience with him or his staff. I would highly recommend anyone looking for a dentist to go to him.
Douglas T.
As always- another great visit! Thanks Maggie & Staff!
Stacy L.
As always it is a pleasure to spend time with my love Irena. She’s an angel. She also cleans my teeth to perfection. I LOVE getting my teeth cleaned by her. Can never say enough how lucky you are to have her and your staff in general. Everyone is friendly and nice as can be.
Joanna R.
I absolutely love lighthouse dental everyone is so friendly and helpful! Maggie is my favorite hygienist, she does a fabulous job cleaning my teeth! Doctor Samuels is the best dentist in the world! I was his 7th new patient when he started to practice with his dad and now my whole family goes to him!!! Keep up the great work!!!!
Corinne K.
Love this dental office, and their staff. They are so friendly, kind, and professional. I reccomnend them to anyone!
Christopher L.
Julie is always a pleasure to see! I especially like how well they take care of my teeth and how reasonable they are on what procedures I need. My last dentist was always trying to sell me on a pricey procedure. Lighthouse Dental Care let’s you know if something is necessary and are realistic.
Dina B.
Everyone was polite, and professional from the start. The staff seems happy which is a good sign.
Charles E.
As usual, the staff is outstanding!!
Richard A.
My visit today was for a cleaning, and I thoroughly enjoy the time I get to spend with Irena, and the job she does cleaning my teeth! She is extremely personable, and does an outstanding job. She is a credit to her profession, and the the Lighthouse staff!! It is always a pleasure to see Mark, especially when no additional work is required!!
Normand D.
Our family has come to Lighthouse Dental for over 30 years. The staff is as friendly and proficient as any you will find and very adept at one way conversations ;-)
Ron N.
Dr. Samuels is wonderful! He has great bedside manner and takes his time with you. The assistants and hygienists are all great and do a phenomenal job. The office is clean and comfortable!
Jamie O.
I have been going to Lighthouse Dental Care and seeing Irina and Dr. Samuels for over 20 years. While I can not say going to the dentist is my favorite thing, I am pleased and grateful that I have NEVER had a visit where I am treated with less than great care! The office is very friendly and professional. Dr. Samuels and Irina are great at what they do and have managed to keep me cavity free. It i…
Sam G.
My family and I have been receiving dental care from Lighthouse Dental Care for several years now. Every visit has been nothing short of pleasant; all the staff members are very helpful and overall genuine. In terms of the healthcare itself, the work that I’ve had done thus far surpasses my expectations. The level of professionalism is phenomenal. I would definitely recommend Lighthouse Dent…
Emma V.
Maggie is a very thorough, gentle and caring hygienist. The staff at Lighthouse Dental is very professional and friendly.
Maureen B.
Made the switch to Lighthouse Dental over a year ago after relocating to the area, and have been more than pleased! The office is easily accessible from Route 15, offering convenient appointment times intended to accommodate busy schedules. The dental professionals stick to their schedules, so time spent in their spacious and comfortable Waiting Room is kept to a minimum. The hygienists and dentis…
Kristianne A.
I can honestly say I’ve never had a bad experience at Lighthouse Dental and my 2 most recent experiences confirm this. From my cleaning with Irena to a filling repair by Dr Samuels a few days later, both pain free in a relaxing environment. I highly recommend this office,
Lisa C.
They are amazing !!!have been with Dr.Samuels for 5 years.highly recommend.
Liliya N.
I always feel like I get the best care at Lighthouse Dental. Dr Sammuels is concerned about my comfort as well as my tooth health.
Robin S.
Leona has been my hygienist for, well, forever. I go every six months and each experience has been positive. I feel like my comfort level is of the highest priority. The office is convenient, clean, and professionally staffed. I refer anyone to Lighthouse who’ve mentioned to me that they have had unpleasant dental experiences elsewhere. In my experience, and I’ve been a patient for mos…
Laura D.
Dr Joy was patient and caring with my treatment.
Stanley G.
Everyone was kind and professional and cared about my needs.
Elizabeth A.
Very pleasant environment. Professioal staff and clean office. Maggie was great as always
Darlene L.
Awesome office doctors and staff are very accommodating would not go anywhere else
Jay S.
I have been a patient of Lighthouse Dental Care since I was 13 years old; over 20 years. I now have my own family and they are patients as well. Patient care is outstanding. Appointments are always on schedule, and follow up reminders are always given. My hygienist, Maggie, is Awesome and Amazing!! Lighthouse Dental Care is the Best in CT!
Jessica M.
I came to Lighthouse Dental because I was unhappy with Aspen Dental whom I had been using. Dr. Samuels is extremely thorough and even though I really disliked going to the dentist the staff there is wonderful and makes my visits easy and comfortable. I was cold so they even had a blanket for me! So yes I highly recommend them. Donna Scholz
Donna S.
