The Surprising Mouth–Brain Connection

For decades, Alzheimer’s disease has been considered purely a brain disorder — a tragic decline of memory and cognition caused by mysterious changes deep in the mind. But recent research is painting a new and startling picture: the story might actually start in your mouth.

Scientists have discovered that the same bacteria responsible for chronic gum disease, Porphyromonas gingivalis, may travel from the mouth to the brain. Once there, it can set off harmful changes that resemble — and may even cause — Alzheimer’s disease.

Bridging Distances: How Teledentistry and Smart Payment Plans are Democratizing Dental Care in the Philippines

The Unexpected Link: How Your Gum Health in the Philippines Could Affect Your Heart's Rhythm

A Smile Can Hide a Fluttering Heart

Maria, a 58-year-old nanay from Quezon City, always prided herself on her resilience. She managed her household, doted on her apos, and navigated the busy streets of Manila with ease. But lately, a new, unsettling feeling had taken hold—a occasional, fluttering sensation in her chest, like a bird trapped in a cage. It was brief, but it scared her.

My name is Sarah, and this is the story I wish I had read before my second trimester. It’s not just a dental story; it’s a pregnancy story, a mother’s fear, and a crucial lesson about a connection I never knew existed.