Sta Ana Hospital Dental Department

23/05/2026

Most people think wisdom teeth only become a problem when they hurt.

But impacted wisdom teeth can quietly damage the healthy tooth beside them long before any pain starts.

When a lower wisdom tooth grows sideways or gets stuck under the gums, it can trap bacteria and food between the teeth — creating an area that is extremely difficult to clean properly.

Over time, this can lead to cavities forming on the back side of the second molar, often hidden deep below the contact point.

A clinical study published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry found that distal decay in the second molar occurred in about 1 in 4 cases involving impacted lower wisdom teeth. The risk was especially high when the wisdom tooth was horizontally impacted and touching the neighboring tooth near or below the gumline.

The dangerous part is that this damage can remain completely silent in the early stages.

Many patients discover the problem only after:
• deep decay develops
• food gets stuck constantly
• the second molar becomes painful
• root canal treatment is needed
• or the healthy tooth beside the wisdom tooth can no longer be saved

That’s why regular dental X-rays are important — especially if you still have impacted wisdom teeth.

Sometimes, the tooth that hurts the least can cause the most damage.

📄 Reference:
Marques J, et al. Impacted lower third molars and distal caries in the mandibular second molar. Is prophylactic removal of lower third molars justified? J Clin Exp Dent. 2017;9(6):e794-e798.

17/05/2026

Flossing may do more than protect your teeth and gums — new research suggests it could also be linked to a lower risk of certain types of stroke and an irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation (AFib).

Researchers followed more than 6,000 adults for 25 years and found that people who flossed at least once a week had a lower risk of ischemic stroke, especially cardioembolic stroke — a type caused by blood clots traveling from the heart to the brain.

The study also found a lower risk of AFib among regular flossers. AFib is a common heart rhythm disorder that can increase stroke risk.

Scientists believe one possible reason is inflammation. Poor oral health and gum disease can trigger chronic inflammation in the body, which may affect blood vessels and heart health over time.

Compared to non-flossers, regular flossers showed:
• 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke
• 44% lower risk of cardioembolic stroke
• 12% lower risk of AFib

Researchers also noted that flossing alone is not enough to prevent stroke, but it may be one small part of an overall healthy lifestyle alongside proper diet, exercise, blood pressure control, sleep, and good oral hygiene.

Your mouth is connected to the rest of your body more than many people realize.

📄 Source: American Heart Association News. Research presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2025.

05/05/2026

Visit your dentist once or twice a year.

Researchers have identified a potential link between oral health and how severely the brain is affected during a stroke.

Evidence presented at the American Stroke Association International Stroke Conference highlights a genetic connection between chronic oral conditions—such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss—and worse brain outcomes after stroke. Individuals carrying genes associated with poor oral health showed more extensive structural brain changes following a stroke compared to those without these genetic patterns.

One of the key findings was a greater loss of white matter. This is significant because white matter enables communication between different regions of the brain, and its damage can impair memory, processing speed, attention, and overall cognitive function—factors that strongly influence recovery after a stroke.

This relationship may be driven by shared biological pathways. Chronic oral disease is associated with long-term inflammation and changes in the oral microbiome, both of which can affect vascular health and the brain’s response to injury. In simple terms, oral health may play a role in how the brain handles stress and damage.

It’s important to be clear: this research does not prove that improving oral health will directly prevent or reduce brain damage from stroke. However, it suggests that oral health could be one of the modifiable factors influencing brain resilience.

Maintaining good oral hygiene—brushing effectively, cleaning between teeth, reducing frequent sugar exposure, and supporting a balanced oral microbiome—is not just about preserving teeth. It may contribute to broader systemic health, including brain health.

📑Source: Poor oral health may contribute to declines in brain health — American Stroke Association International Stroke Conference 2023, Abstract 126

29/04/2026

That's why

If your tooth pain feels worse at night, you’re not imagining it—there’s a real reason behind it.

When you lie down, blood flow to the head increases, raising pressure inside an already inflamed tooth. Because the dental pulp is enclosed in a small, rigid space, even a slight rise in pressure can intensify pain signals.

At the same time, pain becomes more noticeable at night. With fewer distractions and reduced sensory input, the brain focuses more on discomfort—making the toothache feel sharper and more persistent.

There’s also a circadian effect. Pain sensitivity tends to increase at night, and as the effects of pain relief wear off, underlying issues like pulp inflammation, deep decay, or infection become more evident.

This is more than just discomfort. Persistent or night-time tooth pain is often a sign of an underlying dental problem that needs timely evaluation.

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

20/03/2026

Your oral health is a gateway to your overall well-being. This World Oral Health Day, we’re shedding light on the vital connection between a healthy mouth and a healthy body.

Neglecting your teeth and gums can lead to complications that affect your quality of life far more than you might realize. At Sta. Ana hospital dental department our team of dental and oral surgery experts is dedicated to providing specialized care that goes beyond the surface, ensuring your smile remains your strongest asset.

Prioritize your health from the very first bite. Visit for consultation with Sta. Ana Hospital Dentistry and Oral Surgery expert today.

17/03/2026

Pericoronitis🦷

05/03/2026

Common oral hygiene mistakes, "Oral Care Red Flags".
Flossing and Brushing Habits: Avoiding flossing and not spending enough time brushing are significant issues.

Technique and Products: Using DIY whitening methods, not replacing toothbrushes regularly, and rinsing immediately after brushing can harm oral health.

Timing: Brushing immediately after eating can damage enamel, and skipping daily flossing allows plaque buildup.

Overall Maintenance: Good oral hygiene requires consistent habits to prevent tartar, gum disease, and tooth decay.

20/02/2026

Small habit. Whole body impact.

Flossing may lower your risk of more than 50 systemic diseases.

Most people see flossing as a small hygiene step — something that just prevents cavities or stops gums from bleeding.

But gum inflammation is not just local irritation. It is biologically active. Inflamed gums release inflammatory mediators, and harmful oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream during everyday activities like chewing. This phenomenon, called transient bacteremia, is well documented in medical literature.

Over time, untreated periodontal disease has been associated with serious systemic conditions, including:

• Cardiovascular disease and stroke
• Poorly controlled type 2 diabetes
• Pregnancy complications
• Respiratory infections
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease
• Chronic kidney disease

The connection is inflammatory and microbial.

When plaque builds up between teeth, it creates an oxygen-poor environment where pathogenic bacteria thrive. The immune system responds continuously. That chronic inflammatory burden can influence blood vessels, insulin regulation, endothelial health, and even brain tissue.

Flossing physically disrupts that bacterial biofilm in areas a toothbrush cannot reach.

It reduces the bacterial load.
It lowers gum inflammation.
It decreases repeated episodes of bacteria entering the bloodstream.

This is not cosmetic dentistry. It is preventive health care that starts in the mouth.

Oral health and systemic health are biologically connected. A simple daily habit — interdental cleaning — is one of the most practical, evidence-based steps you can take to protect both.

Small habit. Whole-body impact.

04/02/2026

🦷✨ Celebrating Dental Health Month at Sta Ana Hospital! ✨🦷
February is National Dental Health Month, and we're excited to help our community achieve healthier smiles!
Join us at the Sta Ana Hospital Dental Department for FREE Oral Screenings & Fluoride Varnish Applications for all ages!
🗓️ When: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Throughout February 2026)
📍 Where: Sta Ana Hospital Dental Department
🚶 Details: Walk-ins Welcome!
Pangalagaan ang inyong oral health para sa mas malusog na pangangatawan. (Take care of your oral health for a healthier body)
Let's make dental health a priority this month and all year round! See you there!
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07/01/2026

A natural molecule found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage has been shown to fight the bacteria that cause cavities.

Hidden in these everyday vegetables is a compound that could play an important role in the future of dental care. This molecule is called 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM).

Scientists have found that DIM can weaken and break down the defenses of Streptococcus mutans, the main bacteria responsible for tooth decay. These bacteria normally protect themselves by forming a sticky layer, known as a biofilm, that helps plaque cling to teeth.

In laboratory studies, DIM was able to reduce up to 90% of these bacterial biofilms by stopping this sticky layer from forming. Without this protection, harmful bacteria become much easier to remove, making it harder for cavities to develop.

Researchers believe DIM could one day be added to toothpaste, mouthwash, and other oral care products. Because it comes from plants, DIM is considered low in toxicity and may target harmful bacteria without disturbing the healthy balance of the mouth.

Beyond oral health, DIM is also known for its anti-cancer properties, making it a promising natural compound with benefits that go beyond dental care. This discovery highlights a growing shift toward natural, multi-purpose ingredients that support both daily hygiene and long-term health.

📄 Source: Qvartz K., Cohen G., Kushmaro A. Antibiotics — Laboratory study on DIM and Streptococcus mutans biofilms.