Dr Faizan Nasir Virk

Dr Faizan Nasir Virk Dentist, Implantoligist & Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

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31/10/2025

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🥦 Compound Found in Broccoli Kills 90% of Cavity-Causing BacteriaA natural molecule from vegetables could transform dent...
31/10/2025

🥦 Compound Found in Broccoli Kills 90% of Cavity-Causing Bacteria

A natural molecule from vegetables could transform dental care.

Scientists have discovered that a molecule produced when we eat cruciferous vegetables — like broccoli, kale, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts — can wipe out the bacteria that cause cavities. The compound, known as 3,3′-Diindolylmethane (DIM), killed 90% of Streptococcus mutans biofilms in lab tests, according to a new study by Ben-Gurion University, in collaboration with researchers from Singapore and China.

Streptococcus mutans is the main culprit behind plaque and tooth decay. It forms sticky biofilms on tooth enamel, which trap acids that erode the surface and cause cavities. DIM appears to disrupt the bacteria’s ability to form those films, effectively dismantling their protective layer and leaving them vulnerable.

The findings are still preliminary — the experiments were conducted in vitro, not yet in humans — but researchers believe DIM could someday be added to toothpaste or mouthwash to prevent decay naturally. Beyond its dental potential, DIM is already being studied for its anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, making it one of nature’s more versatile molecules.
So while it’s too early to swap your toothpaste for kale juice, this study offers a promising glimpse into how compounds from plants might power the next generation of oral health care.

Read the study:
Baruch, Y., et al. “3,3′-Diindolylmethane (DIM): A Potential Therapeutic Agent against Cariogenic Streptococcus mutans Biofilm.” Antibiotics, 6 June 2025.

📸 Credit: Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Many people hear “radiation” and instantly feel uneasy, but dental X-rays are actually among the safest medical imaging ...
31/10/2025

Many people hear “radiation” and instantly feel uneasy, but dental X-rays are actually among the safest medical imaging procedures available today. The amount of radiation is tiny — comparable to natural sources we encounter every day without realizing it.

Eating a banana exposes you to natural background radiation from potassium. A single dental X-ray gives about the same dose as eating a few bananas.

Spending a few minutes outdoors in sunlight gives you more natural radiation exposure than a dental X-ray.

A short airplane flight exposes your body to several times more radiation than a full-mouth series of dental X-rays.

Thanks to modern digital sensors, today’s X-rays require up to 90% less radiation than old film systems, yet they produce sharper, clearer, and more diagnostic images.

Dentists also take strict safety measures — lead aprons, thyroid collars, and careful adherence to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable). Every X-ray is taken only when it has a clear clinical benefit.

In short, the radiation from dental X-rays is minimal, carefully regulated, and far outweighed by their diagnostic value. They help protect your oral and overall health — not put it at risk.

Disclaimer: This post is for educational awareness only and is not a substitute for a professional medical or dental evaluation.

Because patients ask for a number — and the fairest answer is a range with context, not a guarantee.Bottom line (say thi...
30/10/2025

Because patients ask for a number — and the fairest answer is a range with context, not a guarantee.
Bottom line (say this chairside)
Composite fillings: expect many last 7–12+ years; 5-year survival typically >90%, but drops with high caries risk and large multi-surface cavities.
Tooth-supported crowns (porcelain-fused-to-metal or modern all-ceramic): ~93–96% survive 5 years; around ~90% at 10 years, material-specific complications vary (e.g., chipping with veneered zirconia).
Root-canal-treated teeth (the tooth, not the filling): survival commonly ~86–93% over 2–10 years, and big data show ~97% still present at 8 years; in real-world general practice, median survival ≈11 years (and 1 in 4 make it past 20). Coronal coverage matters.

A radix entomolaris is an anatomical variant in which a mandibular molar has an extra, supernumerary root located distal...
25/10/2025

A radix entomolaris is an anatomical variant in which a mandibular molar has an extra, supernumerary root located distally on the tongue side (distolingual). While most mandibular molars have two roots (one mesial and one distal), the presence of a radix entomolaris can complicate dental procedures, particularly root canal treatment.

Many parents let their baby fall asleep with a milk bottle in the mouth — thinking it’s harmless or comforting. But what...
14/10/2025

Many parents let their baby fall asleep with a milk bottle in the mouth — thinking it’s harmless or comforting. But what begins as a sweet bedtime habit often ends with severe tooth decay called Baby Bottle Caries or Nursing Bottle Caries.

When milk or juice stays pooled around a child’s teeth during sleep, bacteria in the mouth feed on the sugars. This produces acid that slowly erodes the enamel — especially on the upper front teeth, which are most exposed. Over time, these teeth turn brown, crumble, and may decay down to the roots, often before the child even turns two.

Pediatric dentists now call this a silent epidemic. Studies show that early childhood caries can affect a child’s nutrition, speech, and confidence — and even increase the risk of dental problems later in life. The decay is often rapid and painful, requiring extractions or crowns under general anesthesia.

The solution is simple yet powerful: Never put a baby to bed with a bottle containing milk, juice, or sweet liquids. Offer only plain water after brushing at night. Clean your baby’s teeth and gums daily, and schedule their first dental visit by age one. Early prevention saves not just teeth — it preserves smiles, confidence, and health.

A zirconia crown is a dental cap made from zirconium dioxide, a strong, durable, and biocompatible ceramic material know...
29/09/2025

A zirconia crown is a dental cap made from zirconium dioxide, a strong, durable, and biocompatible ceramic material known for its realistic and translucent appearance. Used to restore decayed, discolored, or fractured teeth, these CAD/CAM-manufactured crowns offer superior strength, a natural look, and are a versatile option for both front and back teeth, as well as dental implants.

26/09/2025

Digital Impression at Serene Dental Aesthetics

24/09/2025

Digital Impression for screw retained crowns of Dental Implants

Aggressive brushing doesn’t clean better — it slowly destroys the teeth and gums.🪥🦷Excessive pressure, stiff bristles, o...
19/09/2025

Aggressive brushing doesn’t clean better — it slowly destroys the teeth and gums.🪥🦷

Excessive pressure, stiff bristles, or scrubbing motions can wear away the enamel and push the gums back, exposing the root surface. Enamel never grows back, so this damage is permanent.

Over time, aggressive brushing can lead to gum recession, sensitivity to hot and cold, darker-looking roots, and notching at the necks of teeth. These changes are much harder to fix than they are to prevent.

Research confirms that using gentle pressure, soft bristles, and the correct technique removes plaque just as effectively — without the risks. Healthy brushing is about consistency and technique, not force.

🧠 Source:
Sutor S, Graetz C, Geiken A, et al. Effect of a powered and a manual toothbrush in subjects susceptible to gingival recession: A 36-month randomized controlled clinical study. Int J Dent Hygiene. 2024;23(1):26–36. PMID: 38863249.

Impacted wisdom teeth are the third molars that fail to erupt properly, often because there isn’t enough space in the ja...
13/09/2025

Impacted wisdom teeth are the third molars that fail to erupt properly, often because there isn’t enough space in the jaw. While some may never cause problems, they are more difficult to clean and therefore carry a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease compared to other teeth.

When wisdom teeth are impacted, they may press against the second molar, damaging it or increasing the risk of infection. In some cases, they grow sideways or remain trapped in the jawbone, leading to crowding or shifting of nearby teeth. They can also form cysts within the jawbone, which may damage bone, nerves, or surrounding teeth. Partially erupted wisdom teeth, in particular, tend to trap food and bacteria, making them more prone to cavities and gum infections such as pericoronitis.

Not every impacted wisdom tooth causes pain, but when problems do occur, symptoms may include swollen or bleeding gums, jaw pain, swelling along the jawline, bad breath, or difficulty opening the mouth. Because these issues often develop silently, many dentists recommend early monitoring with X-rays and, in some cases, preventive removal before major complications arise.

The best way to protect oral health is through regular dental visits. Six-monthly checkups and cleanings allow dentists to track the growth of wisdom teeth and detect impaction before symptoms appear. Addressing impacted wisdom teeth early can prevent pain, infection, and long-term damage to otherwise healthy teeth.

When a tooth is lost and not replaced, the mouth doesn’t stay the same for long. The opposing tooth often begins to over...
13/09/2025

When a tooth is lost and not replaced, the mouth doesn’t stay the same for long. The opposing tooth often begins to over-erupt into the empty space, since teeth naturally seek contact. At the same time, the neighboring teeth drift or tilt toward the gap, gradually collapsing the alignment. This shifting creates irregular spaces that easily trap food, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease between adjacent teeth.

As the space closes unevenly, it also becomes more difficult to place an artificial tooth later—whether an implant, bridge, or denture—because the available room and proper bite support are lost. Functionally, missing teeth reduce the efficiency of chewing, forcing other teeth to take extra load, which can cause wear, fractures, or jaw strain over time.

Beyond function, missing teeth also affect speech clarity and facial aesthetics. The lips and cheeks lose proper support, which can make a face look sunken and older. If multiple teeth are missing, the bite may collapse, altering jaw position and leading to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort.

Replacing missing teeth promptly is therefore not just about restoring a smile—it’s about protecting oral health, function, and long-term stability.

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