Dr. Felino Caro Columnas

25/09/2025

A fascinating new study suggests that toothbrushing does more than just freshen breath and protect against cavities. Researchers found that saliva collected shortly after brushing had a significantly stronger ability to neutralize the influenza virus in lab tests. In simple terms: keeping the mouth clean may actually strengthen saliva’s natural defense system, at least for a short time.

Saliva isn’t just water. It’s loaded with protective proteins, enzymes, and antibodies that form the first line of defense against germs entering through the mouth and nose. The study showed that after a thorough 5-minute brushing session, these natural antiviral properties were boosted — likely because brushing reduces harmful bacteria that can interfere with saliva’s protective functions.

The effect, however, was temporary. Antiviral activity was highest just 5 minutes after brushing and gradually reduced after an hour. That means oral hygiene alone cannot prevent flu infection — vaccines, hand hygiene, and masks remain essential. But this research highlights an important point: maintaining good oral health doesn’t just protect teeth and gums, it may also support the body’s wider immune defenses.

📄Research paper:
Kubo, Y., Iwamoto, T., Tobe, S. et al. Enhanced anti-influenza virus activity of saliva following toothbrushing. BDJ Open 11, 68 ( Published 19 july, 2025).

24/09/2025

Tooth loss is often dismissed as a minor issue, especially if it’s just one tooth. But dentistry and medical research show a very different reality. The mouth functions as a connected system where every tooth supports the balance of chewing, speech, and jaw health. Losing even one disrupts this delicate harmony.

When a tooth is missing, the neighboring teeth begin to drift into the empty space. This shifting alters the way the upper and lower teeth meet, disturbing bite alignment. Over time, misalignment can lead to uneven wear, jaw joint strain (TMJ issues), and difficulty chewing certain foods. Patients may also notice changes in facial aesthetics as teeth tilt or move forward.

Beyond the visible effects, the jawbone beneath the missing tooth begins to shrink — a process called bone resorption. Without the natural stimulation that teeth provide during chewing, the bone loses density and volume. This not only weakens the foundation for surrounding teeth but also makes future treatments like implants more complex and expensive.

The key message is prevention and timely replacement. Options such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures help preserve both function and bone health. Protecting every tooth is not just about a perfect smile — it’s about maintaining bite balance, jaw strength, and overall oral stability for life.
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Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace a professional medical advice or diagnosis.

22/09/2025

🦠 New research shows mouth bacteria can hide in artery walls and raise heart attack risk.🫀

This startling finding comes from a new study that strengthens the long-suspected connection between oral health and cardiovascular disease. Far from being confined to the mouth, certain bacteria appear capable of traveling through the bloodstream and embedding themselves deep within arterial plaques—the very blockages that can lead to heart attacks.

In research from Tampere University, Finland, scientists examined clogged arteries from both living patients and those who died suddenly of heart disease. They found genetic traces of viridans streptococci—a common group of oral bacteria—in more than 40% of arterial plaques. Even more concerning, these microbes weren’t sitting on the surface; they were organized into biofilms, shielded from the body’s immune defenses, lying dormant until triggered.

These hidden bacterial colonies may spark inflammation when the body is stressed by another infection, poor diet, or chronic illness. That inflammation can destabilize artery plaques, making them rupture and block blood flow—one of the main causes of sudden heart attacks. In other words, bacteria that start in the mouth may be silent accomplices in life-threatening cardiovascular events.

Protecting oral health is about much more than preventing cavities or gum disease. Brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups may also safeguard the heart. This study offers powerful new evidence that a healthier smile could truly mean a healthier life span.

🧠Source:
Karhunen, P., et al. (2025). Oral Streptococci in Coronary Atheromas and Their Association With Sudden Death. Journal of the American Heart Association, 10 September 2025.

📄Research paper:
P. Karhunen, et al. "Viridans Streptococcal Biofilm Evades Immune Detection and Contributes to Inflammation and Rupture of Atherosclerotic Plaques" JAHA. (2025).

22/09/2025

🦠Oral bacteria don’t just stay in the mouth — they can invade vital organs.

Tooth decay is not just “a hole in the tooth.” When a cavity progresses deep enough to reach the pulp (the tooth’s living center), harmful bacteria gain direct access to tiny blood vessels inside. From here, they can enter the bloodstream — a process called bacteremia. While the immune system usually fights back, persistent or repeated bacterial entry raises the risk of infection spreading far beyond the mouth.

Recent studies show that oral bacteria, especially Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, are frequently detected in heart valves, artery walls, and even the brain. These microbes don’t simply hitch a ride — they can actively contribute to inflammation, plaque buildup in arteries, and in severe cases, endocarditis (a dangerous infection of the heart’s lining). Researchers are increasingly linking untreated cavities and gum infections with cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

The science is clear: a “small” cavity can have consequences that ripple through the entire body. The safest way to break this chain is early detection and timely dental treatment. Regular professional check-ups, cleanings, and proper oral hygiene are not just about protecting the smile — they’re about safeguarding systemic health.

📄Source:
Fang, Y., Chen, X., Chu, C. H., Yu, O. Y., He, J., & Li, M. (2024). Roles of Streptococcus mutans in human health: Beyond dental caries. Frontiers in Microbiology, 15, 1503657.

21/09/2025

🦷Ignoring cavities in baby teeth risks infecting the smile of the future.👶

Many people think that cavities in baby teeth don’t matter because “they will fall out anyway.” This is one of the most dangerous myths in dentistry. Baby teeth, also called primary teeth, are not only important for chewing and speaking — they also act as natural placeholders, guiding the proper growth and alignment of the permanent teeth that develop right beneath them. When decay in a baby tooth is ignored, infection can pe*****te through the roots and spread to the underlying permanent tooth bud, which is still forming inside the jawbone.

Scientific studies have shown that untreated cavities in children can lead to developmental defects in permanent teeth, such as discoloration, weak enamel, or even structural malformations. In severe cases, the infection can cause abscesses, swelling, and pain that require urgent medical attention. Beyond damaging the future tooth, untreated decay also increases the risk of misalignment, since the early loss of a baby tooth disrupts the spacing and growth pattern of the jaw.

Preventing this cascade of problems is simpler than treating them later. Regular dental checkups, fluoride use, proper brushing, and limiting sugary snacks play a key role in protecting baby teeth. Parents should remember: cavities are not “just cavities” — they are infections. And infections, if left unchecked, will spread. Protecting a child’s baby teeth is essentially protecting their future permanent smile.
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This post is for public awareness. It does not replace professional dental advice.

21/09/2025

🚫 Maxillary exostosis and mandibular torus at their most severe.

👉 Their cause is unknown, although they may be related to genetic and environmental factors, such as bruxism or excessive chewing.

21/09/2025

Bahala kayo dyan, Share na din kayo ng cavities!

▪️Nakakahawa ba ang cavities? No!
Pero yung bacteria na nagcacause ng Cavities, Yes!
“STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS”

Kaya ingat kayo sa pagpili ng partner!
Alam nyo san maganda mag first date?

Sa DENTAL CLINIC 😂😂

p.s. pati sa mga anak nyo pwede mahawa.
kaya habang magjowa plang kayo.

Visit your DENTIST NOW! ☺️

20/09/2025

A cavity is never just a “small hole in one tooth.” Scientific studies show that oral bacteria spread easily through saliva and plaque biofilm, moving from one tooth surface to another. When a decayed tooth is left untreated, the bacterial colonies it harbors act as a reservoir. These microbes release acids that not only continue damaging the original tooth but also colonize neighboring teeth, significantly increasing the risk of new cavities.

Over time, this chain reaction can compromise multiple teeth. The decay process weakens enamel, spreads deeper into dentin, and if unchecked, may even reach the dental pulp—causing pain and infection. Bacteria can also travel below the gumline, contributing to gum disease, which further destabilizes teeth and accelerates the risk of tooth loss. What began as a single, neglected cavity may silently transform into a multi-tooth problem.

Modern dentistry emphasizes early intervention for this very reason. Regular check-ups, professional cleanings, and timely fillings break this cycle before bacteria spread. Research consistently confirms that preventive care is more effective—and far less costly—than treating advanced decay across several teeth. Protecting one tooth means protecting the entire mouth.
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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.

20/09/2025

Did you know the wisdom tooth is the most commonly extracted tooth worldwide?

The main reason is its high tendency to become impacted — a condition where the tooth fails to erupt in its correct position due to lack of space or abnormal angulation.

An impacted wisdom tooth often remains partially or completely trapped within the jawbone or gum. This creates an ideal environment for plaque and bacteria to accumulate, leading to decay of the adjacent second molar, gum infections, cyst formation, and even bone loss around the jaw. In many cases, the damage occurs silently, with no obvious symptoms until significant harm has already developed.

Common signs may include pain, swelling, foul taste, bad breath, or difficulty opening the mouth. However, many cases remain asymptomatic and are only discovered through routine dental X-rays.

The most effective approach is timely diagnosis and management. While some impacted wisdom teeth can be monitored, those associated with decay, infection, cysts, or damage to neighboring teeth are best treated through surgical removal. Early intervention usually results in fewer complications and faster recovery.

Regular dental check-ups and panoramic radiographs play a crucial role in identifying these problems before they escalate, protecting both teeth and jaw health.
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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.

20/09/2025

Aggressive brushing doesn’t clean better — it slowly destroys the teeth and gums.🪥🦷

Excessive pressure, stiff bristles, or scrubbing motions can wear away the enamel and push the gums back, exposing the root surface. Enamel never grows back, so this damage is permanent.

Over time, aggressive brushing can lead to gum recession, sensitivity to hot and cold, darker-looking roots, and notching at the necks of teeth. These changes are much harder to fix than they are to prevent.

Research confirms that using gentle pressure, soft bristles, and the correct technique removes plaque just as effectively — without the risks. Healthy brushing is about consistency and technique, not force.

🧠 Source:
Sutor S, Graetz C, Geiken A, et al. Effect of a powered and a manual toothbrush in subjects susceptible to gingival recession: A 36-month randomized controlled clinical study. Int J Dent Hygiene. 2024;23(1):26–36. PMID: 38863249.

19/09/2025

🦷A Visit to Your Dentist Could Save Your Life!

Most people think of a dentist as someone who only checks teeth and gums. But in reality, dentists often act as frontline health detectives. Many serious medical conditions leave early warning signs in the mouth, sometimes long before symptoms appear elsewhere in the body.

Bleeding gums, slow-healing sores, eroded enamel, or even loose teeth can point toward hidden problems like diabetes, acid reflux, osteoporosis, or immune issues. Dentists are also trained to spot red or white patches that could signal oral cancer, and they may notice signs of sleep apnea by examining the tongue, bite, and throat area. These early discoveries can be life-saving, because treatment started at the earliest stage is always more effective.

That’s why a dental check-up is never “just a cleaning.” It’s a chance to catch hidden health issues before they silently progress. By visiting your dentist regularly and sharing your full health history, you give yourself the best chance at protecting not only your smile — but your overall life and wellbeing.

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This post is for public awareness. It does not replace professional dental advice.

18/09/2025