Baguio Dentist : Erker-Salcedo Dental Clinic

21/01/2026

09/01/2026

06/01/2026

🆘 Problems to Watch for in Growing Children

During childhood, dental and facial growth occurs rapidly, making early detection of oral problems essential. The conditions shown in the image represent common signs that may benefit from early evaluation by a pediatric dentist or orthodontic specialist.

🔺 Alterations such as crossbite (anterior or posterior), crowding, open bite, protrusion, deep bite, and underbite can affect chewing, speech, facial growth, and long-term oral health. Many of these problems are associated with growth imbalances or oral habits like thumb sucking or finger sucking.

👉 Early diagnosis allows for interceptive orthodontic treatment, helping guide proper jaw development and reducing the need for more complex procedures in the future.

30/12/2025

26/12/2025

🎄🦷 What Is Bruxism? Causes, Symptoms, and Dental Implications 🦷🎄

Bruxism is a parafunctional oral habit characterized by the involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth, most commonly occurring during sleep (sleep bruxism) but also present during wakefulness (awake bruxism). This condition can affect patients of all ages and is closely associated with stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, malocclusion, and certain neurological or systemic factors.

🟩 From a clinical perspective, bruxism is a major cause of pathological tooth wear, enamel fractures, dentin exposure, tooth hypersensitivity, and even pulp complications. Over time, excessive occlusal forces may also contribute to temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), masticatory muscle pain, headaches, and facial discomfort.

🟢 Early diagnosis is essential. Dentists often identify bruxism through signs such as flattened occlusal surfaces, cracked teeth, abfraction lesions, muscle hypertrophy, and patient-reported symptoms like morning jaw pain or fatigue. Management typically includes occlusal splints (night guards), stress control strategies, behavioral therapy, and addressing underlying risk factors.

👉 Raising awareness about bruxism is key to preventing long-term oral and functional damage—especially during stressful seasons when symptoms may worsen 🎅✨.

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25/12/2025

Braces are an important step toward a confident smile, but they demand extra attention to oral hygiene. Brackets and wires create tight spaces where food particles and plaque easily collect, making daily cleaning more challenging than usual.

When oral care is neglected, enamel decalcification can appear as white spots around brackets early signs of mineral loss that may become permanent. Plaque buildup also increases the risk of cavities and ongoing gum inflammation, which can affect both dental health and orthodontic results.

Protecting your smile requires consistent habits: brushing after meals with orthodontic or electric brushes, flossing daily with special aids, and scheduling regular professional cleanings. Strong hygiene practices ensure healthier teeth during and after braces.

(Credit: American Association of Orthodontists / Dental Health Guidelines)

25/12/2025

👶 Age of Tooth Eruption (Baby Teeth)

🔹 The lower central incisors usually appear first, around 6 to 10 months.

🔹 Upper central incisors follow between 8 and 12 months.

🔹 Upper lateral incisors come in around 9 to 13 months.

🔹 Lower lateral incisors show up between 10 and 16 months.

🔹 First molars on the top erupt between 13 and 19 months.

🔹 Lower first molars arrive around 14 to 18 months.

🔹 Upper canines (also called cuspids) come in between 16 and 22 months.

🔹 Lower canines erupt between 17 and 23 months.

🔹 Lower second molars appear between 23 and 31 months.

🔹 Upper second molars finish the set, coming in between 25 and 33 months.

25/12/2025

Many people believe that brushing harder cleans better, but in reality, excessive pressure can damage teeth and gums. Enamel, the protective outer layer of your teeth, wears down when brushed too aggressively. Once enamel is lost, it cannot regrow, leading to increased sensitivity, discoloration, and higher susceptibility to cavities.

Hard brushing also affects the gums, causing them to recede and exposing sensitive tooth roots. Over time, this can compromise gum support and even loosen teeth, creating long-term oral health issues.

Proper brushing focuses on technique rather than force. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, apply gentle pressure, and move in short, circular motions. If bristles splay quickly, it’s a sign to lighten up and protect your smile.

(Source: Dental health guidelines and professional oral care recommendations)