Dental Health 101 by Labitan Dental Cebu

16/10/2026

Researchers at Peking University report that periodontitis may push immune cells in the bone marrow into a highly inflammatory state, offering new insight into how gum disease could be linked to conditions such as diabetes.

In the study, published in the International Journal of Oral Science, periodontitis shifted bone marrow neutrophils toward an inflammatory profile. The team traced this to a pathway involving type I interferon signaling and an enzyme called Chac2, which causes glutathione to build up inside these cells and sustains their inflammatory activity.

In diabetic animals with periodontitis, these reprogrammed cells were linked to poorer blood sugar control and impaired pancreatic function. Silencing Chac2 improved both, pointing to the pathway as a potential therapeutic target for periodontitis-associated inflammatory conditions.

This was a mouse study, so further research is needed to confirm whether the same mechanism operates in people.

Source: Niu et al., International Journal of Oral Science, 2026. DOI: 10.1038/s41368-026-00451-6

16/10/2026

16/10/2026

Brushing harder doesn't mean cleaner teeth. It can damage the very tissues you're trying to protect.

Excessive brushing pressure, particularly when combined with abrasive toothpaste or aggressive scrubbing, can contribute to tooth surface wear and gum trauma. Over time, this may contribute to gum recession, although recession has multiple causes and cannot be attributed to brushing alone.

When gums recede, the root surface becomes exposed. Unlike the crown, the root is covered by a thin layer of cementum rather than enamel. This surface can wear away, exposing the underlying dentin and increasing the risk of sensitivity to hot, cold, and touch. Exposed roots are also more vulnerable to root cavities.

The solution? Brush smarter, not harder.

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Apply gentle pressure with controlled movements.
• Avoid forceful horizontal scrubbing along the gumline.
• Consider a powered toothbrush with a pressure sensor.

Lost tooth structure does not regenerate naturally, and receded gum tissue does not simply grow back on its own. Prevention matters.

Effective brushing is about removing plaque thoroughly—not applying maximum force.