The Tooth Clinic

31/08/2026

Don’t forget the routine!😉

03/08/2026

We’re back from renovations!
Pls feel free to contact us at 09174902798.

Clinic hours still at 10:00am to 6:30pm.
See you!❤️

03/08/2026

We’re back from renovations! Feel free to contact us at 09174902798.
Clinic hours still at 10:00am to 6:30pm.
See you! ❤️

31/07/2026

Third molars eruption time comes at age 16-21. Have your xrays done if it’s not out yet.

03/07/2026

🦷 A mother's stress during pregnancy may influence when her baby's first teeth appear.

A recent study suggests that babies born to mothers with higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol during late pregnancy tended to develop their first baby teeth earlier than other babies. By six months of age, infants whose mothers had the highest cortisol levels had about four more erupted teeth on average than those whose mothers had the lowest cortisol levels.

The researchers followed 142 mother–child pairs from pregnancy until the children reached two years of age. Maternal saliva samples were analyzed for hormones, while trained dentists examined the children's teeth at regular intervals. Higher cortisol levels showed the strongest association with earlier tooth eruption, suggesting that prenatal stress may influence early dental development.

Scientists believe cortisol may affect fetal growth and the biological processes involved in tooth formation, including calcium and vitamin D regulation and bone remodeling. The researchers also suggest that earlier tooth eruption could be an early marker of accelerated biological aging, although much more research is needed to understand its long-term health implications.

Importantly, this study does not prove that stress directly causes earlier teething. The timing of baby teeth is influenced by many factors, including genetics, nutrition, birth weight, and overall health. Most babies who erupt teeth earlier are perfectly healthy, and parents should not be alarmed. Managing stress during pregnancy remains important for the health and well-being of both mother and baby.

📚 Source:
Meng Y, et al. Prenatal maternal salivary hormones and timing of tooth eruption in early childhood: a prospective birth cohort study. Frontiers in Oral Health. 2025;6:1663817. doi:10.3389/froh.2025.1663817

18/05/2026

When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area no longer receives the stimulation it depends on to stay strong.

Every day, teeth transmit tiny forces into the jaw during chewing and swallowing. These forces travel through the periodontal ligament — the tissue that connects the tooth to the surrounding bone — helping the jawbone continuously remodel and maintain its strength. But once a tooth is missing, that stimulation disappears.

The body then begins to break down the unused bone in that area — a process called bone resorption. First, the bone that once supported the tooth starts shrinking in width, then in height, and gradually in overall volume. Research shows the jawbone ridge can lose up to 25% of its width within the first year after tooth loss, with the fastest changes often occurring during the first 6–12 months.

As the bone shrinks, the gum tissue can also recede. Nearby teeth may begin to shift, chewing efficiency may decrease, speech can change, and bite problems may develop over time. The more teeth that are lost, the greater the loss of support and function.

And the changes may not stop there. As bone loss progresses, the deeper jawbone beneath it can also begin to resorb. Over time, the lower face may lose structural support, causing the cheeks to appear more sunken and the distance between the nose and chin to shorten, contributing to a prematurely aged appearance.

Replacing missing teeth early, especially with options that help restore normal chewing forces, can help preserve jawbone strength, facial support, and long-term oral function.

📄 References:
•doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0501.2011.02375.x.
PMID: 22211303.

•doi: 10.1177/1758736012456543. PMID: 22924065

13/05/2026

Have your third molars checked now.

Wisdom teeth can sometimes silently damage the healthy tooth beside them — even before any pain develops.

Many impacted wisdom teeth grow in a tilted position toward the second molar, creating a deep area that is very difficult to clean properly. Food particles, plaque, and bacteria can become trapped there for years without obvious symptoms.

Over time, this hidden space may lead to cavities, gum inflammation, bone loss, and damage to the neighboring molar — an important tooth for long-term chewing function. In many cases, the problem is only discovered on dental X-rays after significant damage has already occurred.

By the time symptoms appear, the nearby tooth may already require a filling, root canal treatment, crown, or even extraction in severe cases. Impacted wisdom teeth may also increase the risk of recurrent swelling, bad breath, gum infection, and repeated food trapping.

Not all wisdom teeth need removal. However, when a wisdom tooth is pressing against the adjacent tooth or increasing the risk of decay and periodontal damage, early removal may help prevent more serious complications later on. Pain is not always the first sign of dental disease.

▪️Disclaimer: This content is for educational and awareness purposes only.

18/04/2026

Avoid pacifiers for babies.

16/04/2026

Treat your perio pocket now.

04/04/2026