Baguio City Dental Clinic

09/08/2026

Impacted wisdom teeth can sometimes cause no pain or swelling while quietly creating problems for nearby teeth. A 2024 study in The Saudi Dental Journal examined 1,591 panoramic X-rays and found carious lesions associated with nearly 40% of impacted lower wisdom teeth.

The greatest risk occurred with mesioangular impaction, where the wisdom tooth tilts toward the neighboring second molar. This position can trap plaque, bacteria, and food debris in difficult-to-clean areas.

Regular dental examinations and appropriate imaging can help identify hidden decay early and protect neighboring teeth.

Bottom Fact
The adjacent second molar may develop decay even when the impacted wisdom tooth itself appears unaffected.

Source
Demyati AK. Patterns of mandibular third molar impaction and its relationship with distal caries in the adjacent mandibular second molars. Saudi Dental Journal. 2024.

PMID: Not provided.

Disclaimer
An impacted wisdom tooth does not automatically require removal. Dental treatment should be based on individual examination, imaging, symptoms, risks, and professional clinical judgment.

04/08/2026

🚨 A Tooth Infection Can Spread Beyond the Mouth and Become Life-Threatening

A tooth infection is more than a painful tooth. If left untreated, bacteria can spread beyond the tooth into nearby tissues and, in severe cases, enter the bloodstream, triggering a dangerous body-wide inflammatory response.

Most tooth infections begin when bacteria enter the pulp through deep decay, a cracked tooth, trauma, or a leaking restoration. As the bacteria multiply, they can form a dental abscess—a pocket of pus at the root of the tooth or in the surrounding gum.

Warning signs that require prompt dental evaluation include: • Severe, persistent, throbbing tooth pain • Swelling of the face, jaw, or gums • Fever • Pain while chewing or biting • Difficulty swallowing or breathing

Although uncommon, a severe untreated dental infection can spread into deeper tissues. In rare cases, bacteria may enter the bloodstream and contribute to sepsis—a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Early dental care, including drainage of the infection, root canal treatment, or tooth extraction when necessary, can stop the infection from spreading and help prevent serious complications.

▪️Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental or medical advice.

30/07/2026

A baby isn't born with the bacteria that cause most cavities. Those bacteria are usually acquired from another person's saliva.

As a baby's first teeth begin to erupt, everyday saliva-sharing habits—such as kissing on the lips, sharing spoons, tasting food before feeding, or cleaning a pacifier with the mouth—can transfer cavity-causing bacteria.

One of the primary bacteria involved is Streptococcus mutans. Once it reaches newly erupted teeth, it attaches to the enamel, feeds on sugars from food and drinks, and produces acids that gradually dissolve the tooth surface. Over time, this can lead to Early Childhood Caries (ECC)—one of the most common chronic diseases affecting children worldwide.

This doesn't mean parents and caregivers should stop showing affection. Kissing on the forehead or cheek, cuddling, hugging, and other loving interactions are generally considered safe. The goal is simply to reduce unnecessary saliva sharing during infancy and keep caregivers' mouths healthy, since good oral health in parents and caregivers can help support good oral health in children.

Small preventive habits during the first years of life can make a lifelong difference to a child's smile.

• Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice.

28/07/2026

A clinical trial published in the European Heart Journal suggests that treating severe gum disease may do more than improve oral health.

Researchers followed patients for 2 years and found that intensive periodontal treatment reduced systemic inflammation, limited bacteria entering the bloodstream, and slowed the progression of carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT)—an early marker of atherosclerosis associated with future heart attacks and strokes.

The findings do not mean gum treatment prevents cardiovascular disease or replaces medical care. However, they add to growing evidence that chronic oral inflammation may influence blood vessel health and that maintaining healthy gums could play an important role in overall well-being.

As research continues to uncover links between the mouth and the rest of the body, oral health is increasingly being recognized as an important part of whole-body health.

📄Source: Orlandi M, Masi S, Lucenteforte E, et al. Periodontitis treatment and progression of carotid intima-media thickness: A randomized clinical trial. European Heart Journal. 2025.

24/07/2026

🚫 Can Hypertensive Patients Take Ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is one of the most commonly used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for managing pain and inflammation in dental practice. However, in patients with hypertension, its use requires careful consideration due to its potential impact on blood pressure and cardiovascular health.

☑️ Why Can Ibuprofen Be Risky for Hypertensive Patients?

NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, can interfere with renal blood flow regulation and fluid balance by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. This may lead to:

◽️ Increased blood pressure (typically 3–5 mmHg).

◽️ Reduced effectiveness of antihypertensive medications, especially ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and diuretics.

◽️ Sodium and fluid retention, increasing circulating volume.

◽️ Higher cardiovascular risk, particularly when hypertension is not well controlled.

For these reasons, ibuprofen is not strictly contraindicated, but it should be avoided whenever possible in hypertensive patients unless indicated and monitored by a physician.

☑️ When Can Ibuprofen Be Used in a Hypertensive Patient?

Ibuprofen may be used with caution only in specific situations, such as:

◽️ Well-controlled blood pressure.

◽️ Very short-term use (1–2 days).

◽️ Careful evaluation of the patient's cardiovascular risk.

◽️ No comorbidities like kidney disease, heart failure, or fluid retention.

Even so, in dental settings, safer alternatives are preferred.

☑️ Safer Analgesic Options for Hypertensive Patients

1. Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)

First-line option for mild to moderate pain. It does not significantly affect blood pressure.

2. Metamizole (Dipyrone)

Effective for moderate to severe pain and does not noticeably alter blood pressure.

3. Selected Combination Therapies

Acetaminophen + Metamizole or Acetaminophen + Tramadol may be used under proper clinical evaluation.

👉 Hypertensive patients can take ibuprofen, but it is not the preferred option. Its use should be limited, short-term, and closely supervised, due to its potential to elevate blood pressure and interfere with antihypertensive therapy. In dental pain management, acetaminophen or metamizole remain safer and more appropriate choices.

15/07/2026

This is why prolonged pacifier use is not recommended.

Pacifiers can help soothe infants during their first year of life. However, when the habit continues beyond the recommended age, it can begin to influence the normal development of the jaws and teeth.

Persistent pacifier use applies gentle but continuous pressure to the developing mouth. Over time, this may contribute to an anterior open bite, increased overjet, narrowed upper dental arch, posterior crossbite, and changes in jaw growth. The risk increases with the duration, frequency, and intensity of the sucking habit.

The good news is that many early bite changes can improve naturally if the habit stops while the jaws are still developing. However, prolonged use into the preschool years makes spontaneous correction less likely and may increase the need for orthodontic treatment later.

Most pediatric dental organizations recommend gradually discontinuing pacifier use between 2 and 4 years of age, with earlier weaning generally reducing the risk of long-term dental effects.

A pacifier can be helpful during infancy—but knowing when to stop is important for healthy jaw and dental development.

📄Sources: • American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
• American Dental Association (ADA)

13/07/2026

So everyone may know

07/07/2026

A recent Australian study found that children who continued bottle-feeding to sleep beyond 12 months had a higher risk of early childhood tooth decay and were also more likely to become overweight.

During sleep, saliva production decreases, allowing sugars from milk or sweetened drinks to remain on the teeth longer. This creates an environment where cavity-causing bacteria can produce acids that damage developing teeth.

Experts recommend gradually transitioning away from bedtime bottles, offering water when appropriate, and brushing a child's teeth before sleep once the first tooth appears.

BOTTOM FACT
Saliva naturally decreases during sleep, reducing the mouth's ability to wash away sugars and neutralize acids that can harm teeth.

SOURCE
Cheng H, John J, Scott J, et al. Bottle feeding to sleep beyond 12 months is associated with higher risk of tooth decay and overweight in Australian children: Findings from the Healthy Smiles Healthy Kids cohort study. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health. 2025;49(2):100224. PMID: 40158940

DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational purposes only. The study found an association and does not mean bedtime bottle-feeding alone causes tooth decay or overweight. Parents should consult their pediatrician or dentist for personalized guidance.

26/06/2026

𝗕𝗮𝗸𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗶𝘅𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗴𝗮 𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀? 💸

After all, kung pareho namang “bunot,” “pasta,” o “root canal,” bakit minsan magkakaiba ang presyo?

The simple answer is: 𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙣𝙤 𝙩𝙬𝙤 𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙢𝙚. 💯

Just because two patients need the same procedure doesn’t mean the treatment will have the same level of difficulty.

For example, a tooth extraction can be very simple for one patient.

Pero sa ibang pasyente, the tooth might be badly broken, impacted, infected, or positioned in a way that requires more time, more instruments, and a more complex approach.

Pareho silang extraction.

Pero magkaiba ang condition.

Magkaiba rin ang treatment requirements.

That’s why dental fees are not based solely on the name of the procedure.

They’re also influenced by:

🦷 The condition of the tooth and surrounding tissues
🦷 The complexity of the case
🦷 The materials that will be used
🦷 The instruments and equipment required
🦷 The time needed to complete the treatment
🦷 The clinical expertise needed to achieve a safe and predictable result

Sa dentistry, hindi siya parang restaurant menu na may iisang price para sa lahat. 👎

Every smile is unique.

Every patient has different needs.

And every treatment plan is customized based on what is actually happening inside the mouth.

That’s why a proper consultation is important.

Because before we can determine the most appropriate treatment—and its corresponding fee—we first need to evaluate your specific dental condition.

At the end of the day, you’re not just paying for the procedure itself.

You’re also paying for the diagnosis, treatment planning, sterilization protocols, quality materials, professional expertise, and the care needed to achieve the best possible outcome.

✨ Because in dentistry, one fixed price simply cannot fit every patient.

21/06/2026