Dentistry by Doc Val

14/02/2026

Dental FYI folks

A toothache can radiate pain to the ear, jaw, temple, and even cause one-sided headache.

This is not coincidence.
It is neuroanatomy.

Your teeth are connected to the trigeminal nerve — the largest sensory nerve in the face. This nerve has three major branches supplying:

• Upper jaw (maxillary region)
• Lower jaw (mandibular region)
• Forehead, eye, and scalp areas

When a tooth becomes inflamed — due to deep decay, pulpitis, or infection — the pain signals travel through these trigeminal pathways to the brainstem.

But here is the key:

The brain does not always distinguish precisely where the signal started.
Multiple areas of the face, jaw, ear, and head share overlapping neural pathways within the trigeminal system. Because of this convergence, the brain may interpret the signal as coming from nearby regions.

This is called referred pain.

That is why:

• A lower molar infection can feel like ear pain
• Upper tooth inflammation can trigger temple or sinus pain
• Severe pulpitis can cause one-sided headache
• Jaw muscles may feel sore even when the problem is inside a tooth

The ear and the jaw are especially connected because the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve lies close to the ear structures and temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

In some cases, patients seek treatment for “ear pain” when the true source is a dental infection.

Toothache is not isolated discomfort.
It is a neurological event processed by shared cranial nerve pathways.

If pain spreads, throbs, or radiates, it is often a sign that inflammation is affecting deeper tissues — not that the problem is imaginary.

Persistent radiating pain requires evaluation.

Delaying care allows infection to extend beyond the tooth into bone and surrounding structures.

Pain spreading to the ear or head is not coincidence.
It is anatomy.
—
This content is for educational purposes. Seek professional evaluation for diagnosis and treatment.

08/02/2026

Mind your unerupted wisdom teeth esp when you're beyond 20's

No pain does not mean no problem when a wisdom tooth is impacted.

An impacted wisdom tooth is a tooth that fails to fully erupt into the mouth.
Instead of growing into a clean, visible position, it remains partially or completely trapped under the gum or jawbone.

This creates a deep, closed space where bacteria accumulate and remain undisturbed by brushing or flossing.

In many people, modern jaw size is simply too small to accommodate wisdom teeth.
As a result, these teeth erupt at abnormal angles, remain tilted, or stay buried inside bone.

Partial eruption is especially dangerous — it allows bacteria to enter while preventing proper cleaning.

Over time, this leads to chronic inflammation and infection around the tooth, commonly known as pericoronitis.

The damage often progresses silently.
An impacted wisdom tooth frequently presses directly against the healthy second molar in front of it.

This constant pressure, combined with trapped bacteria, can cause collateral damage.

In some cases, the body begins to dissolve the root of the healthy neighboring tooth — a process called root resorption.

In others, deep cavities form in areas that are impossible to clean or restore, placing an otherwise healthy tooth at risk of loss.

There is also a lesser-known but serious complication.

Every wisdom tooth develops within a soft tissue sac.
When the tooth remains impacted, this sac can fill with fluid and slowly expand into a cyst.

Over time, such cysts can hollow out sections of the jawbone, damage nearby nerves, weaken bone structure, and displace surrounding teeth — often without early symptoms.

Locally, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to:
• Persistent gum infection
• Recurrent swelling
• Jawbone involvement
• Nerve irritation
• Facial pain
• Abscess formation
• Destruction of adjacent teeth

Beyond the mouth, chronic oral infections contribute to sustained inflammatory stress on the body.

Persistent inflammation places a burden on the immune system and increases systemic inflammatory markers — the same biological pathways involved in many chronic diseases.

This is how a hidden dental problem becomes a whole-body health issue.

One of the most dangerous aspects is the absence of pain.

Many people feel nothing for years.
But infection does not need pain to cause damage.

By the time symptoms appear, the disease process is often advanced.

This is why impacted wisdom teeth are evaluated based on risk, not symptoms.

X-rays reveal what the mouth cannot.

Early assessment allows preventive management before infection spreads or complications develop.

A tooth you cannot see can still affect your jaw, your immune system, and your overall health.

Oral health is not separate from systemic health — it is part of it.

08/02/2026

Caption this 😊
HABANG MAY BUHAY - MAY PAG-ASA

We will come-up with an uncomplicated and best possible treatment plan for your problem.

Dm or Pm us

06/02/2026

NAG TUTBRUSH KA NA BA ???

The Pediatric Dentistry Center Philippines (PDCP) together with the DOH supports National Dental Health Month by promoting simple, effective toothbrushing habits that help protect children's oral health from an early age.

The S.I.P.I.L.Y.O. guide breaks down proper brushing in a clear, child-friendly way—from using the right amount of fluoride toothpaste, brushing each tooth properly, to building a consistent daily routine at home.

Through easy-to-follow guidance like this, PDCP continues its commitment to preventive care and to helping children develop healthy habits that leadto confident, lifelong smiles.

04/02/2026

Case: 2-cycle WHITENING //
IN- OFFICE PROFESSIONAL WHITENING

Are you considering teeth whitening to help reinvigorate a smile tainted by discoloration? Professional, in-office teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dental procedure in the world today. Unlike home-use systems that incorporate low-dose bleaching agents, in-office whitening takes place under carefully monitored conditions which allow for the safe, controlled, pain-free use of a relatively high concentration of bleaching gel – yielding results that are visible immediately.

04/02/2026

ORAL PROPHYLAXIS

It’s typically recommended you visit the dentist at least twice a year, regardless of whether you have anything wrong with you. This is casually referred to as a “check up and clean” in many places. The technical name is oral prophylaxis and along with brushing and flossing at home, it is one of the most important things you can do to keep your mouth healthy.

02/02/2026

TMJD
Temporo-Mandibular Joint Disorder

Jaw Clicking When You Open Your Mouth — What It Really Means

If you hear or feel a click, snap, or crunch
when opening or closing your mouth,
it isn’t random — and it shouldn’t be ignored.
_______________________

What’s happening inside the jaw?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
is one of the most complex joints in the human body.

It allows you to
talk, chew, yawn,
and express emotions.

Inside this joint is a small but essential structure called the articular disc.

This disc is made of cartilage
and works like a shock absorber,
cushioning the skull and jaw
so movement stays smooth and controlled.
_______________________

Why does the clicking sound happen?

In a healthy joint,
the disc moves in sync with the jaw.

When the disc slips out of its normal position, that coordination is lost.

As you open or close your mouth,
the jaw suddenly jumps back onto the disc.

That sudden movement is what causes the clicking or snapping sound many people notice.

It may not hurt at first —
but it is not normal and often signals a temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
_______________________

Common causes:

• Teeth grinding or clenching (often during sleep)

• Chronic stress and muscle tension

• Poor bite alignment (incorrect occlusion)

• Trauma or impact to the jaw

• Forced or prolonged mouth opening

• Poor neck and cervical posture
Symptoms that may accompany it

• Clicking or snapping when opening or closing the mouth

• Pain in front of the ear or along the jaw

• A feeling of the jaw getting “stuck”

• Difficulty opening the mouth fully

• Headaches, neck pain, or ear pain

• Accelerated tooth wear
_______________________

What happens if you ignore it?

Over time, the disc may stop repositioning itself.

This can lead to:
• Persistent and limiting pain
• Chronic joint inflammation
• Reduced jaw mobility
• Degenerative changes in the TMJ
• Difficulty eating, speaking, or even yawning
_______________________

Key takeaway:

A clicking jaw doesn’t always hurt —
but it almost always warns.
Addressing it early can prevent
chronic pain and more complex treatments later.
_______________________
Essential reminder:
This content is for educational purposes only. It does not replace a medical or dental consultation.

02/02/2026

DENTAL FYI
A combination flexible and metal framework denture (hybrid denture) integrates a rigid, durable cast metal framework with flexible, nylon-based gingival-colored clasps to provide maximum stability, superior comfort, and improved aesthetics. This design reduces the visibility of traditional metal clasps while ensuring, strength, even force distribution, and a better fit.
✅Key Advantages and Features
Best of Both Worlds: Combines the strength and stability of a metal framework with the aesthetic, gum-colored, and flexible nature of nylon-based materials.
✅Improved Aesthetics: Flexible, tissue-colored clasps replace visible metal clasps, making them blend naturally with the gums.
✅Enhanced Comfort: Flexible material provides a lighter, more comfortable fit compared to traditional metal partials.
✅Superior Stability: The metal framework prevents excessive movement or flexing, reducing damage to abutment teeth.
Ideal Usage: Suitable for cases where high stability is needed (e.g., missing multiple back teeth) but aesthetic concerns exist regarding metal clasps.







DM or PM

01/02/2026

✅Flossing regularly is associated with a reduced risk of stroke, major cardiovascular events and irregular heart rhythms
✅Flossing Removes Hidden Plaque: Brushing only covers about 60% of the tooth surface. Floss cleans the tight, hidden spaces, preventing the buildup of bacteria.
✅Flossing Prevents Cavities: By removing plaque from between teeth, you prevent decay in those hidden areas, known as dental caries or cavities.
✅Flossing Protects Overall Health: Studies indicate a relationship between periodontal disease and systemic health issues like heart disease, making daily flossing important for long-term health.

31/12/2025