Sta Ana Hospital Dental Department

02/09/2026

Future dental professionals, ready for duty!

We recently welcomed the interns from the Centro Escolar University Makati (CEU)- School of Dentistry for their Hospital Infection Prevention and Control Committee (IPCC) Orientation.

🛡️✨Before stepping onto the hospital floor for their Hospital Dentistry Internship Program, these students underwent crucial training to ensure the highest standards of safety, care, and hygiene for our patients and community.

We are highly honored to have been joined by our Medical Center Chief and IPCC Chairman, Dr. Nerissa Isabel Sescon. As an Infectious Disease Specialist and a staunch advocate for infection control, her leadership and presence underscore the vital importance of safety protocols in healthcare.

🩺💙Welcome to Sta. Ana Hospital, Escolarians! We are excited to guide you in your professional journey.

01/08/2026

Our very own Dr. Ma Jen . Congratulations!

31/07/2026

Brushing Your Teeth May Help Protect More Than Your Smile. It May Also Help Protect Your Heart.

Most people brush their teeth to prevent cavities and gum disease.

But growing research suggests that this simple daily habit may also be associated with better cardiovascular health.

A study published in the International Journal of Cardiology—found that adults who brushed their teeth at least twice a day for two minutes had a significantly lower risk of major cardiovascular events. In contrast, people who brushed less than twice daily and for less than two minutes had about a threefold higher risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, heart failure, or stroke, even after adjusting for multiple cardiovascular risk factors.

Scientists believe one possible explanation is inflammation. Poor oral hygiene allows dental plaque to accumulate, increasing the risk of gum disease. Chronic gum inflammation may enable oral bacteria and inflammatory molecules to enter the bloodstream, where they could contribute to blood vessel dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. However, it is important to remember that this study shows an association, not proof that brushing itself prevents heart disease. Other healthy lifestyle factors may also play a role.

The good news is that brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes is a simple, inexpensive habit already recommended for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. It may also support overall health as part of a heart-healthy lifestyle.

📄Sources:
Matsui S, et al. Poor tooth brushing behavior is associated with high risk of cardiovascular events: A prospective observational study. International Journal of Cardiology. PMID: 34979151.

30/07/2026

Flossing may help protect more than just your teeth.

Most people think flossing is simply about preventing cavities or keeping their gums from bleeding. But growing scientific evidence suggests its importance may extend far beyond the mouth.

The narrow spaces between the teeth are some of the easiest places for bacterial biofilm to accumulate. If this plaque is not removed, it can trigger chronic gum inflammation. During everyday activities such as chewing, brushing, or flossing, oral bacteria and their byproducts can occasionally enter the bloodstream—a well-documented phenomenon known as transient bacteremia.

Over the past two decades, researchers have identified links between periodontal disease and numerous systemic conditions, including:

• Cardiovascular disease and stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline
• Chronic kidney disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Respiratory diseases
• Pregnancy complications

Scientists have now reported associations between periodontal disease and more than 50 systemic conditions, reinforcing the growing understanding that oral health and overall health are closely connected.

Flossing helps remove bacterial biofilm from areas a toothbrush cannot reach. By reducing plaque accumulation and supporting healthier gums, it may also help reduce the body's repeated exposure to harmful oral bacteria and inflammatory molecules.

While flossing is not a cure or guarantee against disease, it is one of the simplest daily habits that supports both oral health and overall well-being.

Small habit. Whole-body impact.

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

13/07/2026

Baby's teeth

🦷 Brushing alone isn't enough to protect baby teeth.

Here are 10 evidence-based habits every parent should know.

Together, these simple steps can significantly reduce the risk of early childhood cavities and help build a healthier smile from the very beginning.

1. Clean the gums before the first tooth appears

Wipe your baby's gums with a clean, damp cloth after feeds. This helps reduce harmful bacteria and establishes healthy oral care habits early.

2. Use fluoride toothpaste from the first tooth

• Rice-sized smear for children under 3 years
• Pea-sized amount for children aged 3–6 years

When used in the recommended amount, fluoride safely strengthens enamel and helps prevent tooth decay.

3. Avoid frequent sugary drinks and bedtime bottles

Once teeth erupt, avoid putting your child to bed with milk, juice, or other sweetened drinks. It's the frequency of sugar exposure—not just the amount—that increases the risk of cavities.

4. Watch for white spots

Chalky white areas near the gumline are often the earliest visible sign of tooth decay. At this stage, the damage may still be reversible with fluoride, dietary changes, and early dental care.

5. Schedule the first dental visit by age one

The first dental visit should take place by your child's first birthday, or within six months after the first tooth erupts. These early visits focus on prevention, risk assessment, and guidance for parents.

6. Protect baby teeth from injuries

As children begin crawling and walking, falls become more common. Trauma to baby teeth can sometimes affect the developing permanent teeth underneath.

7. Stop thumb sucking and pacifier use by age 3

Prolonged habits may contribute to an open bite, a narrowed upper jaw, and future orthodontic problems.

8. Nighttime is the highest-risk period

Saliva production naturally decreases during sleep, making teeth more vulnerable to decay. If nighttime feeding is necessary after teeth erupt, clean the mouth afterward.

9. Parents' oral health matters too

Cavity-causing bacteria can be passed from caregivers to children. Avoid sharing spoons, cleaning pacifiers with your mouth, or sharing toothbrushes. Maintaining good oral health as a caregiver also helps protect your child.

10. Never underestimate baby teeth

Untreated decay can cause pain, infection, difficulty eating, speech problems, premature tooth loss, and may increase the risk of future dental disease.

Healthy permanent teeth begin with healthy baby teeth. Early prevention is simpler, safer, and far less expensive than treating dental problems later.

❤️ Share this with every parent, grandparent, and caregiver. A few simple habits today can help protect a child's smile for years to come.

05/07/2026

Trigeminal neuralgia

⚡ One tiny nerve can trigger some of the most excruciating pain a person can experience.

Trigeminal neuralgia, also known as tic douloureux, is a chronic neurological disorder affecting the trigeminal nerve—the main sensory nerve of the face. It is sometimes described as the most excruciating pain known to humanity, causing sudden, intense, electric shock-like attacks that may last from seconds to minutes and recur many times throughout the day.

Because the pain commonly affects the jaw, teeth, gums, lips, or cheek, trigeminal neuralgia is often mistaken for a dental problem. Some patients undergo unnecessary dental procedures, including root canal treatment or even tooth extraction, before the correct diagnosis is made. When facial pain doesn't match the clinical findings in the mouth, a neurological cause should always be considered.

A hallmark feature of trigeminal neuralgia is that even ordinary daily activities can trigger excruciating pain, including:
• Brushing the teeth
• Chewing food
• Talking or smiling
• Washing the face
• Shaving
• Lightly touching the skin
• Even a gentle breeze

In many cases, trigeminal neuralgia occurs when a nearby blood vessel compresses the trigeminal nerve near the brainstem, causing the nerve to misfire. Less commonly, it may be associated with multiple sclerosis, tumors, cysts, facial trauma, or other conditions affecting the nerve.

Although trigeminal neuralgia can be life-altering, effective treatments are available. Medications such as carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine are considered first-line therapy for many patients, while surgical procedures may provide long-term relief when medications are ineffective or not tolerated.

📄 Reference:
American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS). Trigeminal Neuralgia.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or dental advice. Persistent or severe facial pain should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional.

01/07/2026

These 4 everyday brushing mistakes could slowly damage teeth and gums without many people realizing it.

Brushing twice a day is important, but brushing too hard using a back-and-forth (horizontal) motion can gradually wear away enamel near the gumline, cause cervical abrasion, contribute to gum recession, and increase tooth sensitivity. Gentle circular motions are less likely to damage teeth and gums.

Another common mistake is using medium- or hard-bristled toothbrushes. Stiff bristles can be abrasive to enamel and may injure the gums over time. Most dentists recommend choosing a soft or extra-soft toothbrush for effective cleaning with less risk of damage.

A third mistake is rinsing with water immediately after brushing. This can wash away fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite before these ingredients have enough time to protect and remineralize tooth enamel. Instead, spit out the excess toothpaste and avoid rinsing right away.

The fourth mistake is using mouthwash immediately before or after brushing. Doing so may dilute or wash away the active ingredients in toothpaste, reducing its protective benefits. If mouthwash is recommended, it is generally better to use it at a different time from brushing.

Healthy brushing isn't just about brushing twice a day—it's about brushing the right way.

•Disclaimer: Educational content only. For personalized oral health advice, consult a dentist.

23/06/2026

Visitor of the Day! 🏥 👋
Welcoming Dean Ariiel D. Go Dmd and school registrar Sofia Fandagani Roa from Unciano Colleges - College of Dentistry to the Sta. Ana Hospital Dental Department. Great to have you with us!
Affiliated school since 2013.

18/06/2026

Visitor of the day: CEU School of Dentistry-Makati with school Dean and program heads for Hospital Dentistry Internship program.
Our CEU interns are getting a firsthand look at the fast-paced world of hospital dentistry. From oral surgery to patient management, the journey starts now.

".