Briones-Co Dental Clinic

21/01/2026

Restorative Fillings done.
Small details, big difference. 😁🦷

03/01/2026

A rotten tooth is never just a tooth
A damaged or decaying tooth is not only about pain, cavities, or bad breath.
It can be a silent, chronic inflammatory focus that persists for months or even years.
Even when it doesn’t hurt.
Even when you’ve “gotten used to it.”
The body does not ignore it.
The lymphatic system carries the burden.
What “rotten tooth” really means
In medical and dental terms, this often includes:
Deep dental caries
Pulp infection (pulpitis)
Periapical abscess
Advanced periodontitis that has reached the bone
A dead tooth with no obvious symptoms (often the most dangerous)
In all these cases, bacteria do not remain localized.
They leak into surrounding tissues and enter the lymphatic network, spreading inflammatory signals far beyond the mouth.
The lymphatic system: the drainage network that pays the price
The oral cavity is directly connected to:
Submental lymph nodes (under the chin)
Submandibular lymph nodes
The cervical lymphatic chain
Tonsillar and pharyngeal tissues
The lymphatic system tries to:
Transport bacteria away
Remove toxins
Filter inflammatory byproducts
Prevent pathogens from entering the bloodstream
But when the infection is continuous, the lymphatic system becomes overloaded.
What happens when lymph flow is blocked or overwhelmed
Chronic overload can lead to:
Swollen or painful lymph nodes
Sluggish lymphatic drainage
Toxin accumulation in the face and neck
Low-grade chronic inflammation
Persistent fatigue with no clear cause
Brain fog
Headaches at the base of the skull
Facial swelling or pressure
Flu-like symptoms without an actual infection
In advanced cases, bacteria may even enter the bloodstream.
When a dental infection becomes a whole-body problem
This is not theory. It is documented.
Chronic oral infections have been associated with:
Cardiovascular disease
Elevated CRP (C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation)
Rheumatoid arthritis
Autoimmune flare-ups
Neuroinflammation and cognitive fatigue
The tooth was only the starting point.
What recent scientific research (2025) confirms
A large scientific review published in 2025 confirmed that chronic oral infections act as a constant source of systemic inflammation.
The study showed that pathogenic oral bacteria and inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α can migrate from the oral cavity into the lymphatic and vascular systems, keeping the immune system in a permanent state of alert.
Researchers highlighted that:
Inflammatory markers rise throughout the body
The lymphatic system becomes functionally exhausted
Chronic inflammation affects distant organs
Early dental intervention significantly reduces systemic risk
In simple terms:
A silent dental infection can keep the entire body unwell—even without pain.
Signs your lymphatic system is “calling for help”
Common warning signs include:
Swollen glands under the jaw or near the ears
Heavy feeling in the neck or cervical tension
Persistent bad breath
Metallic taste in the mouth
Chronic sinus pressure
Facial puffiness or swelling
Unexplained exhaustion
Recurrent inflammation without a clear cause
These symptoms are often treated separately, while the real source remains hidden.

22/12/2025

SEASON'S GREETINGS!!!
Here's our CLINIC SCHEDULE for the HOLIDAYS:

02/12/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1As5ntvn3X/

Brushing before bed does more than keep your mouth clean — it may also support your heart. Overnight, oral bacteria multiply and can slip into the bloodstream, triggering inflammation that plays a role in heart disease.

Maintaining a nightly brushing habit lowers bacterial buildup, keeping gums healthier and reducing the chance of these microbes entering circulation. A cleaner mouth means less internal stress on the heart.

Research from the National Library of Medicine links consistent nighttime brushing with a lower risk of cardiovascular complications. A small daily habit could contribute to stronger long-term heart health.

27/11/2025

Message us for appointments and Inquiries!

10/10/2025

Only legitimate dental professionals can practice Dentistry. Breaking the law can put you in jail.

NEWS UPDATE: A court in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat has convicted a 24-year-old woman for violation of the Philippine Dental Act of 2007 (RA 9484) and sentenced her to three years of imprisonment.

The woman was arrested in an entrapment operation on August 14, 2025, for offering unauthorized dental services online.

“This conviction serves as a strong reminder that those who exploit the online platform to deceive and endanger the public will face the full force of the law. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and report any illegal online activities to the nearest ACG office," PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group Acting Director, Brigadier General Bernard Yang, said.

| Courtesy: PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group

04/10/2025

ORTHODONTIC PROGRESS
Ongoing Case

Upper teeth: 8 weeks into treatment (open coil spring was used in the first 4 weeks to open up space for linguoverted upper left lateral incisor, wire ligature only on 2nd month)
Lower teeth: 4 weeks into treatment (started with wire ligature for the first 4 weeks, changed into rubber ligature upon wire progression, bite block lingually placed on lower left lateral incisor)

03/10/2025

Scan the QR Code for an appointment or online consultation.

Important: In most cases, face to face dental visit is necessary after the initial online consultation.

04/09/2025

🚫 Periapical Lesions: The Silent Damage Hidden in Untreated Dental Abscesses

This skull offers a striking example of the destructive power of untreated dental infections. Around the first molars of both the upper (maxillary) and lower (mandibular) arches, we can clearly see periapical lesions—dark, hollow areas caused by long-standing abscesses.

Periapical lesions form when bacteria from deep dental caries or pulp necrosis spread beyond the root canal into the surrounding bone. Without treatment, the infection causes chronic inflammation, bone resorption, and destruction of surrounding tissues. Over time, this can compromise the stability of the teeth, leading to pain, swelling, tooth loss, and even systemic complications such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes aggravation, or in rare cases, life-threatening sepsis.

What makes this case so impactful is how visibly the lesions have altered the bone structure—an unmistakable reminder of why endodontic treatment or extraction is essential once an abscess is diagnosed.

👉 This image is not just a look into the past, but a lesson for modern dentistry: prevention, early diagnosis, and timely treatment are critical in protecting oral and overall health.

12/06/2025

The Bolinao Skull is an ancient human skull discovered in 1901 in Bolinao, Pangasinan, Philippines.
Estimated to be around 1,000 years old, it is significant for its unique characteristics, including a pronounced forehead and the absence of a pronounced brow ridge, suggesting a possible link to early Austronesian peoples.
Notably, the skull contains gold teeth, which are thought to be decorative and indicative of social status, highlighting the advanced metallurgy and cultural practices of the society at the time.
The presence of these gold dental adornments suggests that the ancient people of the Philippines had access to precious metals and engaged in practices that reflect sophistication in craftsmanship and artistry...

08/06/2025

Pregnant women should always inform their dentist about their pregnancy before undergoing any dental treatment, no matter how minor it may seem. This is extremely important for several key reasons:

1. Protecting the Developing Baby

During pregnancy—especially in the first trimester—the baby's vital organs are forming. Certain dental procedures, medications, or even X-rays can potentially affect the developing fetus if not managed with proper precautions.

2. Modifying Treatment Plans

When pregnancy is disclosed, the dentist can adjust or postpone non-urgent treatments until after delivery or during the second trimester, which is generally safer. Emergency procedures can still be performed but with extra care to ensure maternal and fetal safety.

3. Safe Use of Medications

Some painkillers, antibiotics, and anesthetics are not recommended during pregnancy. If the dentist is informed, they will prescribe only those medications that are known to be safe for both the mother and the baby.

4. Caution with Dental X-rays

Although modern dental X-rays involve minimal radiation, it is standard practice to limit or delay their use during pregnancy—especially in the early months. When necessary, additional precautions such as lead aprons and thyroid collars are used to protect both the mother and the fetus.

5. Managing Pregnancy-Related Oral Conditions

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to conditions such as pregnancy gingivitis, gum bleeding, or swelling. Informing the dentist allows these symptoms to be correctly interpreted and safely managed.

6. Emergency Preparedness

In the event of complications such as fainting, nausea, or discomfort during a procedure, knowledge of the pregnancy enables the dental team to respond appropriately and safely.

Pregnancy alters the body’s response to dental care. Informing the dentist—whether the pregnancy is confirmed or suspected—is crucial. It ensures that all care provided is not only effective but also safe for both the mother and the developing baby.

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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.

06/06/2025