Acosta Clinic Medical and Dental Services

09/08/2025

Why Toothache Gets Worse at Night — The Real Reason Behind It.

Many people notice their toothache feels more intense when they lie down — especially at night. It’s not psychological. It’s biological.

When you lie flat, gravity shifts blood flow toward your head. This increases blood volume around the infected tooth, raising internal pressure in the pulp chamber — a closed space that can't expand.
The result? Throbbing, pulsing pain that worsens even if you’re resting.

In cases of irreversible pulpitis or deep decay, the inflamed nerve tissue reacts more aggressively when the body is in a horizontal position. Add to that the lack of distractions at night, and the pain feels magnified.

If your tooth hurts more when lying down, it's a red flag that the pulp may be severely inflamed or infected — and likely needs immediate dental treatment such as root canal therapy.
Delaying may lead to abscess, bone infection, or facial swelling.
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This post is for public awareness. It does not replace professional dental advice. If you notice any symptoms—pain, swelling, sensitivity—please consult your dentist promptly.

09/08/2025

Most people think of a cavity or toothache as a localized problem — something limited to the mouth. But in reality, when tooth decay progresses into the deeper layers of the tooth, it can become a dangerous infection with body-wide consequences.

When a cavity reaches the innermost part of the tooth — the pulp — bacteria can invade the root canal system and enter the surrounding bone. From there, these pathogens can find their way into the bloodstream, especially if the infection leads to an abscess. Once in the blood, bacteria from the mouth don’t just stay put — they can travel to critical organs like the heart, brain, lungs, or even joints, triggering serious health complications.

Scientific research has consistently shown links between untreated dental infections and systemic diseases. For example, infective endocarditis, a life-threatening heart condition, can result when oral bacteria colonize damaged heart valves. Similarly, oral bacteria like Fusobacterium nucleatum have been detected in brain abscesses, lung infections, and even complications during pregnancy.

What makes this especially concerning is that a tooth infection may not always cause intense pain in its early stages. It can quietly spread — all while the immune system is battling it from behind the scenes. Delaying treatment not only increases dental costs, but also raises the risk of a medical emergency if the infection breaks into systemic circulation.

That’s why early dental intervention isn't just about saving teeth — it's about protecting your overall health. Infections that begin in the mouth can turn deadly if ignored. Dentistry is preventive medicine, and in this case, it may be lifesaving.

23/05/2025

23/05/2025

When a tooth is lost and not replaced, the surrounding teeth gradually shift into the empty space, disrupting the natural alignment of the bite. This misalignment can lead to bite collapse, which affects chewing efficiency and jaw function. More critically, the absence of a tooth means the underlying jawbone no longer receives the necessary stimulation from chewing forces. Without this stimulation, the bone begins to deteriorate—a process known as bone resorption. Over time, this can lead to significant bone loss, altering facial structure and complicating future dental treatments. Replacing missing teeth promptly is essential to preserve oral health and function.

Read more; check first comment
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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.

06/03/2025

New research shows Alzheimer’s disease may be linked to an unexpected culprit — gum disease.

A study discovered the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacteria responsible for chronic periodontitis, in the brains of deceased Alzheimer’s patients.

Researchers found that when mice were infected with the bacteria, it colonized their brains and triggered the production of amyloid beta, a protein commonly associated with Alzheimer’s. This evidence strengthens the hypothesis that the disease could have infectious origins rather than being solely a neurodegenerative disorder.

The study also revealed that toxic enzymes from the bacteria were present in individuals who had Alzheimer's-related brain changes but had not yet been diagnosed with dementia, suggesting the infection may begin years before symptoms appear.

This discovery opens the door to new potential treatments. A pharmaceutical company, Cortexyme, developed a compound called COR388, which showed promise in reducing both bacterial infection and amyloid beta accumulation in animal trials. While human trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness, the study underscores the importance of oral hygiene in brain health. Scientists remain cautiously optimistic, emphasizing that with no new dementia treatments in over 15 years, investigating all possible causes is crucial. While more research is needed, the link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s highlights a simple yet vital message: taking care of your teeth might help protect your brain in the long run.

Learn more: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aau3333

28/01/2025

Effects of missing teeth...
We should explain this to every patient...

27/01/2025

The bacteria that cause gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis can travel through the bloodstream, leading to inflammation and damage in your blood vessels.

For diabetics, the connection is even more serious — high blood sugar can damage your teeth, and in turn, dental issues can make blood sugar harder to control.

It’s a vicious cycle that many people don’t realize.

The result? Cavities can literally lead to heart disease and even death — especially in those with preexisting health conditions. But despite how crucial dental health is, teeth are often treated as “luxury bones.”

And if a tooth infection spreads, it can quickly become a life-threatening issue by traveling to the brain or bloodstream.

Learn more: https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/gum-disease-and-the-connection-to-heart-disease

26/01/2025

No Medical Clinic from Jan 25 to Feb 2.
Only Dental Clinic is open.

25/12/2024

No Clinic on December 29,30,31 and January 1

24/12/2024

Merry Christmas to All!

17/12/2024

No Clinic on December 24 and 25

17/12/2024