Itaca Centro Medico & Dentistico

08/11/2025

A new 21-year study from the University of South Carolina has found that people with both gum disease and tooth decay face an 86% higher risk of stroke compared to those with healthy mouths — even after accounting for smoking, diabetes, and other cardiovascular factors.

Researchers followed nearly 6,000 adults over two decades and discovered that chronic oral inflammation and bacterial infection may trigger changes in blood vessels and increase the likelihood of clots — a key cause of ischemic strokes. Poor oral health doesn’t just harm teeth; it may silently strain the brain and heart.

The study also revealed that individuals who visited the dentist regularly were 81% less likely to have both gum disease and cavities, and 29% less likely to have gum disease alone. Routine scaling, professional cleanings, and early treatment of cavities could play a major role in reducing stroke risk.

🔬 Source:
🔍 doi:10.1212/WN9.0000000000000036.

04/11/2025

Recent studies have uncovered a strong link between gum disease and a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Ongoing gum inflammation and bacterial infection may contribute to the accumulation of harmful brain proteins associated with memory loss and dementia.

Research indicates that bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and reach the brain, triggering inflammation that may speed up cognitive decline. This connection highlights oral health as a crucial yet often ignored factor in preserving brain function over time.

Dental experts now stress that maintaining healthy gums through proper oral hygiene, timely dental care, and early gum disease treatment could help protect not just your smile but also your brain. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups play a key role in supporting both oral and neurological health.

This emerging evidence reveals how deeply the mouth and brain are connected — suggesting that caring for gums may be as vital as keeping the mind active. Oral hygiene is no longer just about appearance; it’s a meaningful step toward protecting your memory and overall cognitive well-being.

03/11/2025

If gums bleed while brushing, it’s like your skin bleeding when touched — a clear sign of inflammation, not “brushing too hard.”

Bleeding gums are an early symptom of gingivitis, caused by bacterial plaque that irritates gum tissues and weakens the fine capillaries beneath. Healthy gums never bleed — even slightly.

When left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, where infection damages the supporting bone. This can lead to gum recession, loose teeth, and even tooth loss — often without pain until it’s severe.

The solution isn’t to brush harder. It’s to get a professional cleaning (scaling), improve brushing technique, and floss daily. Once the infection subsides, the bleeding stops — and that’s the real sign of gum health.

🔹 This post is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional dental advice.

02/11/2025

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During sleep or periods of stress, jaw muscles can contract with five to six times the pressure of normal chewing — reaching 250 to 700 psi. That’s enough force to fracture enamel, damage fillings, and even cause teeth to loosen over time.

Unlike normal chewing, which activates protective reflexes, sleep bruxism bypasses the body’s safety limits. The result: micro-cracks, enamel loss, and accelerated tooth wear that may go unnoticed until pain or breakage occurs.

Studies show that chronic grinding not only affects teeth but can also strain the jaw joints (TMJ), trigger morning headaches, and lead to facial muscle hypertrophy — giving a square or bulky jawline appearance.

Common triggers include stress, anxiety, sleep apnea, caffeine, and certain antidepressant medications. Early diagnosis is vital: once enamel is lost, it can’t regenerate.

Dentists often recommend custom night guards, stress-management techniques, and in severe cases, Botox injections to relax overactive jaw muscles.

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

29/09/2025

31/07/2025