Dental office of Dr. Abubakr Shafi

09/08/2026

Medications that may contribute to TMD and orofacial pain

Persistent jaw pain may be linked to more than temporomandibular disorders alone. This article examines how common medications can contribute to orofacial pain, bruxism, and muscle...

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day!

09/06/2026

Insulin resistance and dental health: Why dentists are the first line of defense

Dentists can play a powerful role in preventing diabetes by recognizing early oral signs of insulin resistance. Learn how gum inflammation, tooth loss, and systemic inflammation...

09/05/2026

Cavities in baby teeth…do not ignore!

A cavity in a baby tooth is not always just a temporary problem.

Beneath every baby tooth, a permanent tooth is developing. When tooth decay progresses deep enough to reach the pulp and cause infection, that infection can spread into the surrounding tissues and affect the developing permanent tooth underneath.

Studies have linked severe infections in primary teeth with developmental disturbances in permanent successor teeth, including enamel defects, altered eruption patterns, delayed eruption, and changes in tooth position.

This is one reason dentists work hard to preserve and treat baby teeth whenever possible rather than simply waiting for them to fall out.

Baby teeth play several important roles:
• Guide permanent teeth into their proper positions
• Maintain space for the adult teeth
• Support normal chewing and speech development
• Help ensure healthy development of the permanent teeth growing below

Ignoring a cavity because “it’s only a baby tooth” can sometimes lead to problems that persist long after that baby tooth is gone.

Good oral hygiene, regular dental examinations, fluoride exposure, and timely treatment of cavities remain the best ways to protect both primary and permanent teeth.

Reference:
Patil N, Vishwakarma AP, Singh R, et al. Effect of Chronic Apical Periodontitis in Primary Molars on Succedaneous Permanent Teeth: An Observational Retrospective Study. Cureus (2023) doi:10.7759/cureus.45275.

09/05/2026

Obesity and periodontal disease: Understanding the inflammatory pathway

Obesity and periodontal disease share a powerful inflammatory connection that extends far beyond the mouth. See how visceral fat, metabolic health, exercise, and muscle mass may...

09/04/2026

Why periodontal disease isn't just a dental problem anymore

Dr. Mia Geisinger joins Pam and Brian to explore the latest science connecting oral inflammation, chronic disease, and the future of preventive care.

09/04/2026

Teeth are actually pretty amazing!!

What you're looking at is a cross-section of a human tooth — one of nature's most remarkable engineering achievements.

The outermost layer, enamel, is the hardest substance in the human body. Composed of about 96% mineral, it protects the tooth from daily wear, chewing forces, and acidic challenges.

Beneath the enamel lies dentin, a living tissue filled with thousands of microscopic tubules. These tiny channels transmit sensations such as heat, cold, and pain toward the center of the tooth.

At the core is the pulp — a living chamber containing blood vessels and nerves that nourish the tooth and keep it responsive throughout life.

The tooth is anchored to the jaw by its root, covered by cementum and connected to the surrounding bone through the periodontal ligament, a specialized tissue that acts like a shock absorber during chewing.

Strong as stone, yet alive and sensitive, every tooth is a masterpiece of biological design. Beyond helping us eat, teeth support speech, facial structure, and overall quality of life.

09/03/2026

Why do hormonal IUDs cause gingivitis?

Managing gingival inflammation in patients using hormonal IUDs requires a layered, multidisciplinary approach that goes far beyond standard oral hygiene counseling. Here are some...

09/02/2026

Bleeding Gums Might Be an Early Sign of Something Much Bigger

"We can no longer view oral health and diabetes as two separate disease areas."

09/01/2026

September is National Gum Care Awareness Month

Healthy Gums Are Vital to a Healthy Body September is Gum Care Awareness Month, and the importance of healthy gums to your physical health can't be overstated…