Dr. Palacio-Alleyne ToothFairy Dental Center SM Sucat

02/08/2026

One of Dentistry's Oldest Filling Materials Is Gradually Being Phased Down.

For more than 180 years, dental amalgam (silver fillings) has been a reliable way to restore decayed teeth. Today, many countries are gradually reducing its use—not because it has suddenly become unsafe, but because tooth-colored alternatives have improved, and global efforts are aiming to reduce mercury pollution.

The Minamata Convention on Mercury, an international environmental treaty signed by more than 140 countries, encourages a gradual phase-down of dental amalgam while promoting effective mercury-free restorative materials where appropriate.

The transition is expected to occur over many years, and existing amalgam fillings that are intact generally do not need to be replaced solely because they contain mercury. Dentists recommend replacing fillings only when there is a clinical reason to do so.

Sources: WHO • UNEP Minamata Convention • ADA • FDA • FDI World Dental Federation

23/07/2026

Because pain isn't always the first sign of a problem.

Many wisdom teeth don't have enough room to erupt normally. Instead, they may remain impacted, grow at an angle, or only partially emerge through the gums. Even without pain, these teeth can quietly cause problems that are easier to prevent than treat later.

Common reasons a dentist may recommend removal include:

• An impacted tooth that may damage the healthy tooth beside it, contribute to bone loss, or, in rare cases, be associated with a cyst.

• A partially erupted wisdom tooth that leaves a flap of gum where food and bacteria become trapped, increasing the risk of repeated infections.

• An unfavorable angle of growth that can place pressure on the neighboring second molar and increase the risk of decay, gum disease, or damage over time.

• A hard-to-clean position at the very back of the mouth, making wisdom teeth more prone to cavities and gum disease.

• Preventing future complications. When removal is necessary, it is often easier and recovery may be smoother in younger adults before the roots are fully developed and the surrounding bone becomes denser.

This doesn't mean every wisdom tooth should be removed. Many remain healthy and can simply be monitored with regular dental examinations and X-rays. The decision is made on an individual basis, considering the tooth's position, available space, X-ray findings, and overall oral health.

No pain doesn't always mean everything is healthy. Regular dental checkups can detect hidden problems before they become more serious.

🦷Educational purposes only.

15/04/2026

15/04/2026

A simple sealant today could save you from a painful cavity tomorrow.

14/04/2026

Braces don't clean themselves, every angle matters when you brush!

12/04/2026

Gum disease may be more than a dental problem—it could impact your heart.

A recent scientific statement from the American Heart Association, published in Circulation, reports that periodontal disease is associated with higher risk of heart attack, stroke, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and other vascular diseases. The link is thought to involve chronic inflammation and oral bacteria entering the bloodstream, potentially affecting blood vessels.

Gum disease affects over 40% of adults and can progress from gingivitis to bone loss if untreated. It’s more common in people with diabetes, smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure.

While a direct cause-and-effect is not confirmed, maintaining gum health may help reduce overall inflammatory burden and support heart health.

📄Source: doi: 10.1161/cir.0000000000001390

12/04/2026

A child’s jaw is a remarkable structure, containing two sets of teeth at once. While baby teeth are visible, adult teeth are already forming underneath, carefully growing inside the jawbone and preparing to emerge in the future. This dual development highlights the important biological role of baby teeth.

Baby teeth do more than just provide a temporary smile they guide jaw and facial growth, maintain space for adult teeth, support clear speech, and ensure proper adult tooth eruption. Early loss due to cavities or injury can cause crooked teeth, delayed growth, or increased need for braces later on.

Prioritizing the care of baby teeth protects a child’s adult smile before it even appears. Healthy baby teeth lay the foundation for lifelong dental wellness.

Source: Pediatric dentistry and oral health research

05/04/2026

81 teeth — an extremely rare hyperdontia case that left dentists speechless!

29/03/2026

This may be the oldest recorded case of jaw surgery in human history.

Researchers have discovered evidence of advanced dental care in a 2,500-year-old Scythian mummy. The woman’s jaw showed signs of a primitive prosthetic, suggesting early attempts to repair severe damage.

Using CT scans, scientists examined the skull in detail. They identified a structured modification in the jaw, indicating intentional surgical intervention rather than natural changes.

Importantly, the bone showed healing, meaning the woman survived the procedure. This suggests a level of skill and understanding far beyond what is usually assumed for that time.

The finding highlights that early humans were already experimenting with complex dental and surgical treatments, reshaping our understanding of ancient medicine.