Dentistry by Doc Val

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

07/12/2025

A tooth that feels manageable during the day can suddenly become extremely painful at night. There are clear biological reasons for this change — and they all make nighttime pain feel more intense.

Here’s what happens when you lie down:

🔹 Increased blood flow/pressure in the head and teeth
When lying flat, gravity no longer helps pull blood downward, so more blood pools in the head and jaw.
Inside an inflamed tooth, the pulp (the soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels) is swollen but trapped inside rigid dentin.
More pressure on the already irritated nerve endings = stronger pain signals.

🔹 Fewer distractions, more focus on pain
During the day, your brain is occupied with noise, activity, and visual input — which reduces attention to minor pain.
At night, in a quiet, dark environment, the brain has fewer distractions and focuses more on internal sensations, making pain feel more severe.

🔹 Inflammation becomes worse
Pain and inflammation follow a circadian rhythm.
Cortisol — the body’s natural anti-inflammatory hormone — drops at night, while inflammatory mediators become more active.
This increases swelling and heightens nerve sensitivity inside the tooth.

🔹 Sinus pressure increases (especially upper teeth)
If you have congestion, lying down can worsen sinus pressure.
The roots of upper molars lie very close to the maxillary sinus floor, so pressure in the sinus cavity can amplify or mimic tooth pain.

🔹 Nerve sensitivity peaks at night
With less sensory competition and nighttime changes in hormones/neurotransmitters, pain pathways become more reactive.
Even mild stimuli can feel much more intense.

02/12/2025

WISDOM TEETH are often removed because they are impacted, meaning they become trapped under the gums or in the jawbone, which can lead to pain, infection, cysts, and damage to nearby teeth. Other reasons for removal include causing tooth decay, gum disease, or crowding of other teeth. In some cases, removal is recommended preventively, especially before orthodontic treatment like braces, to avoid future problems.

01/12/2025

A good complete denture can restore various oral functions, improve appearance, and enhance overall quality of life for individuals who have lost all of their teeth. A good denture is custom-fitted, comfortable, and stable, allowing the wearer to resume daily social interactions and routines with renewed confidence.

Come and visit us at
• Wilson Badminton Center
Speaker Perez QC
• Accuteqs Diagnostic Center
A. Bonifacio Ave QC
• Mary Johnston Hospital
Moriones Tondo Manila

PM or DM
SMS or call. 09985710816

01/12/2025

This DECEMBER 2025
Our limited-time specials on high-value or elective procedures ---
TEETH WHITENING and BRACES

DM or PM Dentistry by Doc Val
or SMS 09985710816
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Clinic location
Wilson Badminton Center, Speaker Perez QC
Mary Johnston Hospital, Moriones,Tondo,Manila
Accuteqs Diagnostic Center
A. Bonifacio QC

29/11/2025

WHAT YOUR TONGUE SAYS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH

Tongue conditions include surface abnormalities like geographic tongue and black hairy tongue, pain or soreness from issues like canker sores or injuries, and underlying health problems like nutritional deficiencies or infections. Some conditions are harmless and require no treatment, while others, like sudden swelling due to an allergic reaction, can be medical emergencies. A persistent lump, discoloration, or sore on the tongue can also be a sign of oral cancer and should be evaluated by a doctor or dentist

29/11/2025

The impact of braces on the DIGESTIVE SYSTEM extends far beyond aligning teeth for aesthetic purposes. Ensuring proper dental alignment, the entire process of breaking down food becomes more efficient, significantly reducing stress on the digestive tract and promoting better overall digestive health.