Dr.Emily Rodrigo Andres Dental Clinic

29/07/2025

16/07/2025

Dental plaque is a structured biofilm composed of diverse bacterial colonies that adhere to the tooth surface. These bacteria metabolize dietary carbohydrates, producing acidic byproducts that demineralize tooth enamel and initiate the caries process. Over time, repeated acid attacks weaken the enamel, leading to the formation of cavities and increased risk of tooth sensitivity.

In addition to causing enamel erosion, plaque contributes significantly to the development of gingival and periodontal diseases. The bacteria within plaque release toxins that trigger inflammation in the surrounding gum tissues. If not effectively removed through routine oral hygiene and professional care, this chronic inflammation may progress to periodontitis, characterized by connective tissue breakdown and bone loss. Plaque control remains a critical component in the prevention of both dental caries and periodontal disease.

11/07/2025

Even losing just one tooth can set off a chain reaction in your mouth. Each tooth plays a specific role in maintaining your bite and helping distribute chewing forces evenly. When one is lost, the teeth around it can begin to shift into the empty space. This movement may not be noticeable at first, but over time it can lead to misalignment, crowding, or gaps elsewhere in the mouth.

Changes in bite alignment can also affect how your upper and lower teeth come together. This imbalance puts extra pressure on the jaw joints (TMJ), muscles, and remaining teeth. As a result, patients may experience discomfort while chewing, jaw fatigue, or even chronic joint issues.

Moreover, a missing tooth leaves that area of the jawbone without stimulation, which can lead to gradual bone loss. Over time, this may alter the shape of your face and weaken support for adjacent teeth. That’s why it’s important to address even a single missing tooth promptly—whether through implants, bridges, or other restorative options—to protect the overall structure and function of your mouth.

06/07/2025

A new review published in the Medical Research Archives (June 2025) highlights a growing concern in dentistry and medicine: the link between oral biofilms and major systemic diseases like diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and pancreatic cancer. Oral biofilms are structured colonies of bacteria that stick to teeth and gums—commonly seen as plaque. While we’ve long known they cause gum disease, this study shows they may also contribute to much more serious health problems.

Researchers explain that when these biofilms cause chronic inflammation in the mouth (like in periodontitis), bacteria and inflammatory molecules can enter the bloodstream. This can disrupt other organs and systems. In patients with diabetes or kidney disease, this added inflammation may worsen their condition. Even more striking, some evidence suggests biofilm-related inflammation may influence cancer development in the pancreas.

This research reinforces the idea that oral health is directly connected to overall health. Maintaining good oral hygiene—brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits—is not just about protecting your teeth, but possibly about preventing or managing life-threatening diseases too. As dentists, this underlines our role in early detection and prevention beyond the mouth.

📄 Read more: link in the comments 👇

06/06/2025

Prolonged thumb sucking, particularly beyond the age of four, can significantly impact a child's oral and facial development. While it's a natural soothing behavior in infancy, continued thumb sucking as the permanent teeth begin to emerge can lead to several dental and skeletal changes. The repetitive pressure of the thumb against the developing palate, teeth, and jaws can cause the upper front teeth to protrude (overjet), the lower teeth to tip inward, or an open bite to form—where the upper and lower front teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed.

In addition to tooth misalignment, chronic thumb sucking may alter the growth pattern of the upper jaw (maxilla) and the lower jaw (mandible), leading to a narrow palate, speech difficulties, and changes in overall facial symmetry. These effects are more pronounced when the habit continues during the critical years of jaw and facial development.

Pediatric dentists closely monitor such habits and may recommend behavioral strategies or dental appliances to help children stop thumb sucking. Early intervention is key—addressing the habit before permanent damage occurs can minimize the need for extensive orthodontic treatment later. Encouraging positive reinforcement and providing support can make the transition away from thumb sucking smoother and more successful.

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Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace a professional medical evaluation. If you're experiencing symptoms, always consult a healthcare provider. The accompanying image is AI-generated and is for illustrative purposes only.

05/06/2025

Dental care starts before teeth appear.👶🦷

It’s important to gently clean your baby’s gums daily using a soft, damp cloth or gauze. This helps remove milk residue and harmful bacteria, reducing the risk of early childhood tooth decay. Even without teeth, maintaining a clean mouth creates a healthy environment for future tooth eruption. Start this habit early to promote good oral hygiene and get your child comfortable with daily mouth cleaning. A healthy smile begins long before the first tooth.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace a professional medical evaluation. The accompanying image is AI-generated and is for illustrative purposes only.

29/05/2025

beware of DIY..🙃

28/05/2025

🍼🦷 Does Baby Remove Calcium From Mom's Teeth? ❌ F A L E !
During pregnancy many people believe that the baby "steals" calcium from the mother's teeth... but this is a myth 🚫
👉 Actually, the calcium the baby needs comes from the mother's feeding.
And if the diet is not enough, the body takes it from the bones, not the teeth. Teeth do not break down or release calcium like bones 🦴.
😬 And why are teeth damaged during pregnancy?
✔️ Hormonal changes
✔️ Frequent vomiting (acidity that weakens the polish)
✔️ Changes in the diet
✔️ Less oral hygiene for nausea or fatigue
💡 Tips to take care of your oral health at this stage:
🥦 Eat foods rich in calcium: dairy, broccoli, almonds, sardines, tofu
💊 Take supplements if your doctor prescribes them
🪥 Maintain good oral hygiene
👩 ⚕️ Visit to the dentist during pregnancy
👶💚 Taking care of your teeth is taking care of you and your baby's health!
📸 Children's Dentistry

23/05/2025

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13/05/2025

Despite modern advances in dentistry, dental caries remains the most prevalent chronic disease worldwide—even more common than asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.

According to the Global Burden of Disease Study (Lancet, 2020), untreated dental caries in permanent teeth affects more than 2.5 billion people globally.
The culprit? A perfect storm of sugar, poor oral hygiene, biofilm (plaque), and time.

But here’s the breakthrough:
New research highlights targeted biofilm disruption and fluoride-based remineralization as the most effective strategies for prevention—especially in high-risk populations like children and the elderly.

Patient education, and early intervention remain our most powerful tools.
It’s not just about saving teeth—it’s about protecting systemic health.

For your awareness:
This is an AI-generated image created to help illustrate dental concepts and promote oral health education.
Feel free to use and share it with patients for educational purposes.

05/05/2025

Studies suggest a connection between gum disease (periodontitis) and an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Here's what the research indicates:

🦷 Bacterial Invasion: A type of bacteria commonly found in gum disease, Porphyromonas gingivalis, has been detected in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. These bacteria may enter the bloodstream through inflamed gums and reach the brain.

🦷 Brain Inflammation: Once in the brain, these bacteria can trigger inflammation and contribute to the formation of amyloid plaques, which are characteristic features of Alzheimer's disease.

🦷 Cognitive Decline: Individuals with gum disease have been observed to experience faster cognitive decline compared to those with healthy gums.

Learn More: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12043021/

19/04/2025

happy easter✨

Happy Easter Sunday!