Interaction Between Mastication, the Central Nervous System, and the Autonomic Nervous System As people age, losing healthy teeth one by one can be a significant emotional loss. While individuals may eventually adapt to chewing with their remaining teeth, research indicates that losing a single molar can reduce masticatory function by 10–30%. This finding is worth…
Periodontitis: A Degenerative Disease Commonly referred to as gum disease, periodontitis derives its name from “inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth.” Teeth are anchored to the gums and the jawbone by their roots, which are connected through a network of fine fibrous tissue called the periodontal ligament. In essence, periodontitis is an inflammatory disease…
Teeth Need Armor! Natural teeth are protected by a natural armor called enamel. Enamel is fully formed before the tooth erupts into the oral cavity. After eruption, it adapts to the oral environment and gradually hardens over several years. However, over a lifetime, enamel does not regenerate and slowly weakens as it undergoes aging. The…
Root Canal Treatment Root canal treatment (endodontic therapy) is a procedure performed to save a tooth when the nerve and blood vessel tissues (pulp) inside the tooth are infected or damaged. The treatment involves removing the infected tissues, thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the inner space, and filling it with a special material to restore the…
My Tooth Broke! One day, an elderly gentleman visited our dental clinic. He mentioned that he had never needed dental treatment throughout his life because his teeth were so strong. Every dentist he had ever met told him that his teeth were in perfect health. But now, he was here because one of his teeth…
Factors and Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) refer to dysfunction in the jaw joint and surrounding structures, leading to pain and functional limitations. TMD is closely related not only to the jaw joint itself but also to the neck and spine. Imbalances or tension in the cervical spine can exert abnormal forces on…
Jaw (Maxillofacial) Growth and Malocclusion After the age of 4, when the primary dentition is completed, the growth of a child’s jaw significantly impacts the alignment of teeth. If the jaw (maxillofacial bones) does not grow properly, teeth may not align correctly, leading to malocclusion. Malocclusion is a condition where the teeth are improperly aligned…
Bruxism and Snoring Bruxism (teeth grinding) and snoring are caused by different factors but often occur together, significantly impacting sleep quality. Bruxism is primarily caused by stress or unconscious jaw movements, while snoring results from the narrowing of the airway. Both conditions can be worsened by factors such as sleep apnea, oral structure issues, physical…
Vitamins about our Health Essential vitamins are vital for both overall and oral health. Here’s a breakdown of the key vitamins important for maintaining oral health and their broader impacts on the body: 1. Vitamin C: Essential for gum health, aiding in collagen formation, preventing gum bleeding, and promoting the healing of oral wounds. A…
A Cavity? But it didn’t hurt! Oral diseases often progress without pain in the early stages, making it common for patients to be unaware of them. Cavities and gum disease, in particular, typically cause little to no discomfort initially, which makes it easy for these problems to go unnoticed until they become severe. Additionally, some…
