In my years at Smile Maker Dental Clinic, one lesson has grown ever clearer—the battle against cavities begins not with the brush, but with balance. Balance of habits, balance of diet, and, most profoundly, balance of saliva pH. Dentistry has long celebrated the toothbrush and floss as its warriors, but the true battlefield lies in […]
Tag: dental health
Dental caries remains a pervasive global health challenge, driven primarily by the cariogenic bacterium Streptococcus mutans, which forms robust biofilms that adhere to tooth surfaces, metabolize dietary carbohydrates, and produce enamel-eroding acids. Despite the efficacy of mechanical plaque removal and chemical antiseptics such as chlorhexidine and fluorides, the persistence of plaque-related diseases underscores the need […]
Neuromuscular Dentistry & Myocentric Mandate: Boosting Systemic Health Beyond Occlusion
In over two decades of clinical practice, I have learned that dentistry is rarely just about teeth. Our patients do not present “isolated dental problems” — they present complex, interconnected dysfunctions of the stomatognathic system: teeth, temporomandibular joints, masticatory muscles, and the neuromuscular pathways that coordinate them. When one element is misaligned, the entire […]
Dental Occlusion and TMJ: The Interrelationship – Fundamental Concepts, Finer Details, and Clinical Implications
Introduction Dental occlusion and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are fundamental pillars in dentistry. Their intricate biomechanical relationship governs oral function, structural stability, and overall patient well-being. A deep understanding of occlusal dynamics and TMJ physiology is paramount for diagnosing, treating, and preventing a spectrum of dental, muscular, and joint disorders. This comprehensive guide will elucidate […]