jburks@madhatmaven.com 
Most likely, you’ve been drilled (pardon the pun) on the health benefits of brushing and flossing your teeth every day, but do you know why it’s so important? Practicing good dental hygiene removes plaque from your teeth. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into a substance called dental tartar, which can cause serious … Read more
A trip to the dentist can be challenging for people with high levels of dental anxiety. Some patients may even skip cleanings or delay important dental procedures because of dental phobia. Fortunately, gentle sedation dentistry has helped many dental patients overcome dental anxiety. So, if sedatives help prevent panic at the dentist, why do some … Read more
Not everybody passes on a bowl of ice cream because they’re watching their waistline. Some of us are more concerned about how our teeth respond to excessively cold or hot food or drinks. It’s estimated that one in eight of us experience discomfort from sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity can happen at any time, but experts … Read more
As we age, we gain a lot of wisdom but we also lose a few things—including our teeth! By age 50, most people in the U.S. have lost at least 12 permanent teeth. It is easy to think that if the lost tooth isn’t noticeable visually that it is not worth replacing. After all, it … Read more
Did you know that 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth? Missing teeth are a common problem, especially for people aged 65 and older. But many of the problems that can lead to missing teeth don’t happen overnight. No matter how old you are, there are steps you can take today to avoid … Read more
For patients looking for long-lasting, natural-looking tooth restoration, dental implants are the way to go. Dentures and dental bridges are typically less expensive than dental implants, but the security and longevity of implants make them the preferred choice for patients who can afford the cost and the time involved. Dental implants are safe and are … Read more
Ever wonder what is your bodies’ strongest substance? Believe it or not, it’s your tooth enamel. This superhero protects your teeth against erosion, temperature extremes and damage, preventing the onset of tooth decay. Unfortunately, your tooth enamel has its kryptonite and can be compromised. However, with the proper hygiene routines, your tooth enamel can continue … Read more
Healthy Gums are Key Gums are the foundation for a healthy mouth. Sparkling white teeth are useless without firm, well-maintained gums, so it is important to include them in your oral care routine. Signs of Gum Distress If your gums feel tender or are red and swollen, you may need to amp up your gum … Read more
Do you ever grind your teeth when you’re feeling stressed or concentrating deeply on something? Many people do, often without even realizing they’re doing it. It’s usually not a problem, but excessive teeth grinding can create serious health issues. Here are some of the dangers you may face and how to know when it’s time … Read more
Why is it that actual pain often doesn’t harm us as much as the fear of pain? For many, the mere mention of “root canal” instills the kind of anxiety that can keep them away from the dentist until the pain is unbearable. However, as technology advances and the options for oral care expand, the … Read more
Sally’s favorite part about working with the team at LifeSmiles is the fun she has with her co-workers. Additionally, she appreciates working with Dr. Randy Mitchmore because much like her, he values whole-body health for his patients. She’s proud to be part of a team that does such high quality work.
Outside of the office: Sally enjoys being with her children and grandchildren and uses writing as a creative outlet. On the weekends, she can be found doing all things outdoors including hiking and biking.
Bucket List: Going to Europe, exploring every US state, and zip-lining.
Hero: The Highest Power of them all!
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer.”
Toni’s favorite thing about working at LifeSmiles is the beautiful scenery. When patients are having anxiety about their dental appointments, she creates a fearless atmosphere with her charisma and warmth. She is passionate about helping every patient achieve their dental health goals. She says she truly loves being part of a team where she can grow professionally and personally.
Outside the office: Toni loves spending time with her husband and their sons. She also likes to show off her green thumb with her work in her garden.
Bucket list item: Travel around the world and learn about other cultures and regions.
Your hero: Harriet Tubman because she was passionate and a fearless leader unafraid of any of life’s challenges.
“Smiling is contagious”
Mike began his career at LifeSmiles seeking an opportunity to expand his skillset and advance his career. Today he works at Dr. Michmore’s side through dental procedures and surgeries. He loves working at LifeSmiles because the entire team is continually learning and keeping up to date with the newest advancements in dentistry.
Outside the office: Mike enjoys barbecuing on his patio, traveling, and spending time with his family. He’s a dog dad of two: Tati and Tito.
Bucket list item: To visit Thailand and Dubai and to try skydiving!
Your hero: Mike looks up to his parents and is forever grateful for the life lesson they taught him; respect, manners, strength, and to be a go-getter. He continues to carry these things with him with everything he does.
Sandra is 44 years old and is a star athlete for the Special Olympics. At LifeSmiles, Sandra stocks patient rooms and the coffee bar. She does all kinds of special projects like decorating for holidays and preparing awesome gifts for our patients.
Sandra loves being around all her friends and is proud to wear a LifeSmiles shirt, jacket, and name badge. You’ll always find her smiling and helping make our patients smile too.
Outside the Office: Sandra likes to go fishing with her family, swim, go to dances, and walk the mall with her friends. She is very active in the Special Olympics and won second place in the state volleyball tournament (go, Sandra!) in 2020. She sings in her church choir and attends international performances with them.
Spirit Animal: Butterfly. She likes them because they are pretty.
Andie is married with one son, Logan and now lives in The Woodlands. She grew up in Sugar Land and has followed in her mother’s footsteps – she has been in dentistry for over 35 years. Andie actually started out working in the office with her mom and learned many things from the way she worked.
Andie has been a Lead Dental Assistant for most of her career. She has worked for many specialists including oral surgeons and periodontists. She has extensive training in all facets of dentistry but especially enjoys the surgical and cosmetic side. As a science nerd, dentistry fascinates Andie and gives her a sense of accomplishment.
At LifeSmiles, she is our “Director of Details”. Andie is known for being a perfectionist because she likes to gather as much information as possible and go the extra mile to match Dr. Mitchmore’s high standards. She truly loves being part of our dedicated team of professionals who go above and beyond for our amazing patients.
Outside of the Office: Andie is addicted to Lagree fitness and loves to go off-shore fishing.
Your Hero: Her Mom. She is the most selfless person Andie knows.
John became a new patient of LifeSmiles in 2008. He likes to tell people he was not allowed to leave. John worked down the street for 14 years before joining the team. He has a passion for meeting new people and extending genuine hospitality.
Often the first person people meet on the phone and when they walk in the door, you can count on John for a warm welcoming smile. You can even ‘hear’ it over the phone. He says, “I believe everyone deserves the red carpet treatment and love seeing other people smile.”
John hears stories every day how someone’s smile is holding them back. He can barely contain his excitement when shouting the praises of Dr. Mitchmore and the entire team. He shares passionate stories of how the transformations people have received at LifeSmiles, changed their lives.
Outside the Office: John loves being outside. He enjoys sharing a beach house with friends and family. He loves entertaining, throwing a party and cooking at home. He can start a conversation with anyone, anywhere. He’s an amateur stand-up comic.
Bucket List Item: To live in a foreign country for one year, somewhere near the beach. Take some time to write an epic love novel loosely based on my large Italian family.
Your Hero: “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”. While fictional, the character incorporates admirable qualities from real life people. She believes in the goodness of everyone, keeps on going and moves forward despite any obstacle. She is able to find humor in other people’s quirks, accepts them and makes sense of it all. Plus, she’s a little outrageous too.