Taking Care of Your Oral Health While on Quarantine

It’s the second week of the Luzon-wide community quarantine issued by the president of the Philippines. Being at home and having nothing much to do except lie down and stare at your phone, it’s easy to take for granted some of the things you’d normally do when you’re required to go out and meet people—including taking care of your oral health.

Below, we listed down some guidelines to help you maintain the overall wellness of your mouth during this trying time.

1. Keep brushing at least 3x a day—This is easier to do now since you have easier access to the things you need to perform the act. As a rule of thumb, you should brush your teeth, at the very least, on these instances: after waking up, after lunch, before going to bed. You may also do more brushing as you see fit (especially after consuming sugary snacks) but be sure to not overdo it.

2. Keep snacking at a minimum—We understand that the temptation is there, especially since there’s nothing much to do. But remember, you’re not just putting your oral health at risk when you consume too much food; you’re also putting your figure and life on the line. Here’s a neat trick we think helps a lot. Next time you feel the urge to grab that cupcake or bag of chips, drink water first. More often than not, our body confuses boredom with hunger. We find that if you drink water when you’re bored, that would offset the desire to snack.

3. Wear your splint, dentures, and/or retainers—For those whose dentists made them wear oral splints, dentures or retainers, please wear them all the time or as advised. This would ensure that your treatment remains as on track as possible. Also, be sure to keep these fixtures clean by brushing them with toothpaste or soaking them in mouthwash for 2 minutes.

4. Schedule a consultation—Just because everyone’s on quarantine, does not mean you can’t schedule that consultation, most dental practitioners now offer online consultation, which can be scheduled in advance. This allows your doctor to check on how you’re doing without having to meet personally. Most dentists even go beyond their primary responsibility and try to check your respiratory health as well. 

For Beduya Dental, this can be done by contacting 0932-927-6311 or by sending a message to @beduyadental on Facebook or Instagram. 

Times are hard and the best thing everyone can do at this point is stay at home, lessen physical contact with others, and wash your hands. We at Beduya Dental believe that if we all work together, we can beat COVID-19. This situation is but temporary and look forward to seeing you in our clinic again soon.

Oral Care Alternatives: Pantry Products You Can Use to Maintain a Healthy Mouth

Planning a grocery run isn’t as easy as it used to be. Since COVID-19’s global outbreak (and the many quarantines and guidelines released by governments to help contain the virus), getting one’s hands on supplies have become significantly more time-consuming. Where before one can easily walk into a supermarket, now you need to fall in line for about two hours just to get in. Add to that the time you need to allot for check out, and you’re looking at spending half a day for every trip to the grocery.

This is one of the reasons why most of us try to lessen our grocery runs (the other is of course fear of getting the virus).

Understandably, this may cause some to find themselves lacking oral care products in the coming days. It is for this reason that we came up with a list of acceptable alternatives one can easily find in their kitchen. They may not be as efficacious as the ones you normally get, but they should get you through until your next visit to the supermarket.

1. Table salt and water as mouthwash. A saltwater rinse has many benefits, including soothing mouth sores and as a breath freshener. In a study conducted in 2010 among 45 children, those who gargled with a saltwater rinse twice a day for 21 days had significantly reduced levels of mouth bacteria. To create the mixture, simply mix ½ teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water. Swish around your mouth for 10-12 seconds.

2. Baking soda as toothpaste. Although far from the real thing, baking soda is a mild abrasive as well as a mild bleach and can neutralize cavity-causing acids. These properties along with its antibacterial effects make it a good temporary replacement for toothpaste should you run out of it. Just place a bit of baking soda on your wet toothbrush and brush the same way you do with a toothpaste. A word of precaution—don’t use baking soda for long periods of time as it can erode your teeth’s enamel surface, causing damage to them.

3. Floss as floss. Removing food that’s stuck between your teeth is a very important part in maintaining your oral health. And while others say you can use a piece of string for when you run out of floss, this is just something we can’t get behind. What one needs to remember is that a dental floss is designed to do this job in a hygienic manner, so there is no close substitute for it aside from more advanced options like an interdental brush or a water pick (both options being more expensive).

Keep in mind that the items listed above are only meant to be temporary alternatives for the real thing. We always recommend using products that are formulated to do specific jobs so as to maintain your oral health. If you have questions or want to schedule an online consultation, you may do so by contacting 0932-927-6311 or by sending a message to @beduyadental on Facebook or Instagram.

Read This Before Getting Root Canal Treatment

Has your doctor told you to get a root canal? Before you do, make sure you understand what to expect and exactly what you’re getting yourself into. And because we at Beduya Dental want to make things easier for you, we’ve rounded up and simplified all the important deets below.

1. What exactly is root canal? In essence, root canal or endodontic treatment addresses issues that exist in the pulp or INSIDE your tooth—mainly where blood vessels, nerves and connective tissues are. So when your endodontist tells you you need root canal, that probably means that the pulp of your tooth is inflamed or infected (or both!). 

2. How do you know if you need a root canal? Well, an endodontist (a dentist who specializes in the study and treatment of the pulp) should be the one to tell you. But how do you know it’s time to see one? When you experience severe pain while chewing or biting onto something, pimples on the gums, a lingering sensitivity of the teeth to hot or cold food, swollen or tender gums and deep decay or darkening of the gums. A chipped or cracked tooth is also a good indication to book that appointment.

3. What is root canal and how does it work? Simply put, during a root canal treatment, the endodontist rids the tooth of its inflamed or infected pulp, thoroughly but carefully cleans the inside of the root canal, then fills and seals the space. After this initial procedure, you must return to your dentist so that he/she can perform restorative treatments on your tooth. It is important to note that while the pulp is highly important during the development stage of the tooth, a fully-grown tooth can survive and function properly without it.

4. Will there be pain during the treatment? As with most modern dental procedures, minimal discomfort may be expected, but most people who has undergone this says that they felt comfortable the entire time. It is important to remember that your teeth may remain sensitive for a few days following the treatment—this is completely normal.

5. Can all teeth be saved by root canal and how much does it cost? Most teeth can be treated by root canal. Few exceptions include: when the root canal is not accessible, the tooth does not have adequate bone support, or if the tooth is severely fractured. As for the cost, this will depend on a number of factors, but PH average is around 6,000php/canal.

As a seasoned specialist, Dr. Edward Beduya is well-equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to assess, recommend and perform root canal treatment. Our clinic, conveniently located in Manila City, is the go-to clinic of people seeking world-class dental services performed by competent, duly licensedprofessionals. For more information or to book your appointment, please contact us at (02) 8354-5388.

Better Dental Implants Are Coming

We at Beduya Dental are always on the lookout for industry developments, and we can’t be more excited to share with you the latest in dental implant technology.

A U.S.-based prosthodontist, Dr. Avinash Bidra, has received a patent for a technology which alleviates major issues with dental implant bridges. Released this September, the patent makes the technology’s (named Bidra Conversion Smart Polishing Cap) commercial availability so much faster.

What does this mean for people with or are getting dental implants?

The technology developed by Dr. Bidra improves on the current standards of implants by adding a component that creates a more exact fit for dental implant pieces.

It prevents the acrylic resin added during fabrication of the implants from coming in contact with other components that could be scratched, damaged, or interfere with the fit of the bridge. Reducing damages at this point also greatly reduces possibilities of soft tissues damage and bone loss by preventing bacteria and plaque proliferation.

Simply put, safer and more comfortable implants can be expected from institutions who will take advantage of the new technology.

Dr. Avinash Bidra is an alumnus at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He is also the school’s director of Prosthodontics Residency Program.

We have a new service—and it’s so revolutionary, it
will change the way you look at veneers forever! It’s called Componeer
Brilliant.

Componeer Brilliant, in essence, is like the 2019
version of veneers. Made from pre-fabricated nano-hybrid-composite enamel
shells, they combine the best advantages of direct composite restorations and
lab-made veneers.

In normal words, that means you enjoy the benefits of
having custom-made lab veneers (which is stronger, customized for your specific
needs and looks more natural) but installation is so much faster, less tedious
and invasive, and is completed in one session!

And if you’re asking, yes, that also means no more
laboratory necessary!

This technology was developed by Swiss company,
Coltene, who are considered to be world leaders in dental technology and
innovation. It’s economical and ushers in a new age for veneer systems! You’ll
enjoy amazing results, every time, all the time!

Want to know more? Call us today to book your
appointment.

If you’re reading this article, chances are you’ve
already considered getting dental braces. In fact, you may have even visited an
orthodontic and already planned out how you intend to pay for the treatment.

What you may not have done, however, is consider the
very reason why you’re getting braces in the first place. And yes, while it is
known most seek the treatment for aesthetic purposes, the underlying reason for
the pursuit of beauty still remains unaddressed.

Simply put, many believe that getting braces will allow
them to live happier lives by helping them find potential life partners, become
better at socializing, or land that dream job. And while at some degree, this is
undoubtedly true, what people tend to forget is that having a beautiful smile
is but a single aspect and does not necessarily dictate the outcome of your
pursuits.

The purpose of this article, like many others written
in this site, is to help you take a step back so you may better assess your
needs before moving forward. It does not intend to stop you from getting
orthodontic treatment. As an institution that’s trusted by hundreds of
Filipinos, we at Beduya Dental, take pride in making sure that our patients have
a very clear idea about what they are getting themselves into.

Clearly identify why you wish to undergo this treatment.
Why? So that whatever happens to you later on in life, getting braces is not
something you’d ever regret—and you shouldn’t really; because more than just
for aesthetics, braces help correct a myriad of oral functions that would
otherwise lead to the deterioration of your teeth and gums if not addressed
properly.

Orthodontic treatment or getting braces is wonderful.
But people tend to not see it for what it actually is—a way to healthier mouth and
more beautiful smile; not a means to find happiness in life. Because at the end
of the day, your happiness is highly dependent on how you choose to perceive
and deal with situations; on the people you choose to become part of your life;
of the way you choose to use your time.

Happiness is subjective to choices. But getting
braces? The only thing that’s sure about it is that it can mess you up if you
choose the wrong doctor. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again, choose a
duly-licensed orthodontist that has corrected others’ smiles before—one who
will make sure you will get your money’s worth by providing you the highest
level of care he can.

If you’re still searching for one (just in case you
are), feel free to get in touch with us by dialing 354-5388 or 0932-9276311 /
0922-8947838 and scheduling a consultation today. We promise you’ll get world-class
care with our friendly payment terms.

 

STDs and Oral Sex

 

As a healthcare facility founded on the principle of aiding everyone, we at Beduya Dental are never to shy away from topics that others may find too sensitive to discuss, including the relationship between oral sex and certain types of STDs. And just because we think its timely, we’re giving you information you need to avoid contacting these diseases—or recognize them on the onset.

 

Gonorrhea

A bacterial infection that mostly affects mucous membranes, gonorrhea has very mild symptoms, which can make it very hard to detect. It’s not uncommon though. Most people who contracted the disease report soreness or burning in their throat and having swollen mouths. Additional symptoms may include swollen glands and occasionally white spots in your mouth.

If left untreated, gonorrhea can have serious impacts not just in your mouth but your overall health. If you suspect yourself of contracting it, get a throat culture swab test and talk to a physician for further testing and to know how to address your issues.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

 

HPV is a term used to identify one of the most widespread STDs today. There are currently around 40 types of this virus that can be contracted through sex, and most of them can be cured by the body’s immune system without causing much harm, but some can cause some major problems, including certain types of cancers and genital warts.

 

The bad news? A person infected by HPV can infect you even if he/she is not showing any symptoms. But the good news is there is a way you can protect yourself from contracting it in the first place. Yes, there is a vaccine for it and it is very effective and safe.

 

Syphilis

 

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is very much treatable in its early stages where it usually appears as sores on your lips, the tip of your tongue, gums or the back of your mouth. They start out as small red patches before becoming open sores. This disease is very contagious and, if left untreated, can cause long-term damages to your heart and brain.

And yes, there are cases where its symptoms go away, but that does not mean that the bacteria is gone. Unless dealt with, syphilis stays in your body and you become a vessel that can infect other people.

Herpes

Herpes is one of the worst STDs you can contract. It is highly contagious and there is currently no cure for this disease that has two strains—simplex virus type 1, which is associated with cold sores and oral lesions, and simplex virus type 2, which is often associated with genital lesions.

Herpes can be contracted through saliva and through contact with open sores. First thing you’ll notice upon infection are blisters in your mouth, which can either be clear, pink, red, yellow or gray. These blisters will pop and cause you to feel discomfort every time to you try to swallow. At some cases, people also report getting fever and feeling fatigue after getting infected.

If for some reason, you suspect yourself of having herpes, be sure to contact a physician to know how you can best manage the disease.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Yes, you can get HIV during oral sex, especially if you have open wounds in your mouth or brushed rigorously before sex (the latter causes microwounds in the gums, which can give entry to the virus).

There is so much information about HIV available online from credible sources and really the best way to make sure you don’t get infected is by educating yourself. And if you suspect yourself of having HIV, the best thing to do is to go to a facility that provides confidential testing and counseling. They will help you manage the disease.

Whether we like it or not, STDs are a reality. And anyone who is sexually active is prone to infection. Always pay attention to your health and practice safe sex. And never be afraid to consult with a physician if you think you’ve contracted something.

 

Gum Disease and Its More Profound Effects on the Body

 

Can a simple and common gum disease could trigger other more serious illnesses?

 

According to more and more evidence found by international researchers, this seems to be the case. Periodontitis, a widespread gum infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports your teeth, have, over the years been linked to a number of life-threatening illnesses. Read about them below:

 

1. Cardiovascular Diseases

A lot of people with heart diseases also have periodontitis, but not everyone with the gum disease has cardiovascular ailments. So is there more between the two than common victims? Apparently there is. Studies are leading experts to theorize that prolonged gum inflammation can set off a wheel that ultimately leads to an inflammation in the cardiovascular system. Another angle researchers and doctors are looking at is the possibility of bacteria in the gum reaching the cardiovascular system and causing inflammation. Regardless of cause, it’s worthwhile to note that a growing number of evidences show the relation between the two, so if you’re predisposed to heart ailments, better keep your gum health in check.

 

2. Certain Kinds of Cancer

Much like with heart diseases, it is not very clear where the link between gum disease and certain types of cancer exists, but experts have reason to believe that the earlier cause a significant increase in risk for the latter. A study published in 2008 concludes a definitive link between tooth loss and cancer in 48,375 men. A more recent one, with 68,000 adult participants, have found more evident link between gum disease and pancreatic cancer.

 

3. Cognitive Decline

Some of you might go, “What?” And we understand. Hard to believe the gums can even have profound effects to the brain, but researches are showing a link between periodontitis, tooth loss and cognitive function. One particular study concludes the relation of periodontal disease and caries to the cognitive decline of 597 men who were observed for up to 32 years. Periodontal disease is also associated to the build-up of beta-amyloid in the brain, which is considered a neurological hallmark of Alzheimer’s.

 

4. Erectile Dysfunction

A study released in 2016 directly links chronic periodontitis to erectile dysfunction, so much so that it even suggests physicians to refer patients with sexual dysfunction to oral healthcare providers for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment. There are still a lot of grey areas surrounding the two diseases, but the link between them cannot be ignored.

 

5. Respiratory Health Decline

A very recently-published study, which investigated the records of 1,380 men, have found a very significant relationship between chronic periodontitis and a reduction in respiratory function. Another study also found that people suffering from periodontal disease are at an increased risk for lung cancer. While this comes as to no surprise (after all, the mouth is part of the respiratory system), the association between oral and a number of respiratory problems have never been more evident.

 

The great new is periodontitis is completely treatable, if not avoidable. Good oral hygiene and staying away from smoking or heavy drinking can definitely reduce risks of getting it, but if you have it already, many duly-licensed oral healthcare professionals, like Dr. Edward Beduya, are more than capable of ridding you of the disease. Contact one to get yourself assessed. You may be saving yourself loads of money and trouble in the future by doing this today.

Immensely hot sunny days are here. And while it’s easy to think that the best way to beat this weather is by grabbing sugary cold treats, remember that these may not always be the best for your teeth. This is why we’ve made it easy for you and listed down some easy-to-prepare summer treats that will not only cool you down, but also help maintain the health of your mouth.

 

1. Frozen apples and kiwi. This one cannot get easier to prepare. Just cut up these babies and throw them in the freezer for at least an hour. Oh, you might want to put a bit of lime or calamansi juice on the apples to keep them from turning brown. Apples and kiwis are high in fiber. What this means is they help clean the teeth as they’re eaten. Kiwi also has high calcium content which strengthens teeth, while apples help fight bad breath by removing traces of plaque and bad residue from the back of the tongue.

 

2. Yoghurt fruit salad. Mix Greek yoghurt with a little bit of honey. Toss together with your favorite summer fruits and keep in the fridge for about 2 hours before enjoying. Greek yoghurt is filled with calcium, casein and protein, substances that help build stronger enamel and teeth.

 

3. Get one from the supermarket, cut it up and store in the fridge or put in a bowl with ice to enjoy. The amount of fiber in a watermelon not only helps clean the teeth, its water content also helps trigger saliva production, which protects the mouth from all sorts of nasties. But that’s not all. Watermelon is also high in vitamin c, which helps prevent gum diseases.

 

4. Banana-kiwi-strawberry-orange smoothie. 1 cup of banana, 1/2 cup of kiwi, 1 cup of strawberries, ½ cup of oranges and ½ cup of your preferred berry. Put it all in a blender, add about 8 ounces of plain Greek yoghurt and you’re done. This concoction is great for the gums because of the vitamin content of all the ingredients. For maximum pleasure, make sure all your fruits are frozen so you get a really nice, cold smoothie.

 

5. Pineapple-banana-orange-mango-peach smoothie. 1 whole peach, 2/3 of a whole pineapple, 1 banana, 1 orange and half a mango. You can add a bit of honey for extra sweetness or some Greek yoghurt for a creamier consistency. Pineapple is rich in manganese, a trace mineral which helps build strong bones and teeth. One serving of this smoothie is enough to provide you with manganese supply for a whole day. And oh! It’s also rich in Vitamin C, which is great for the overall health of your mouth.

 

The treats mentioned in this article are meant to help reduce the possibility of damage to your oral health while helping you enjoy the best of summer. These do not, however, replace regular brushing or other treatments provided by oral health professionals. In other words, go and make sure you still see your dentist regularly. And if you don’t have a regular dentist yet, remember that you can always contact Beduya Dental at (02) 354-5388 to set up an appointment.

 

2019 Hacks to Keep Your Oral Health In Tiptop Condition While on Vacation

 

What are your plans this summer? Are you going to cooler places with the fambam, taking full advantage of the scorching heat by hitting the beach with the gang, or exploring new, foreign places with the best company ever—yourself?

 

Regardless of your travel plans, maintaining a healthy mouth should never take a backseat. Because what’s worse than going home from a vacation with mouth sores and a heavily damaged set of teeth? And because we at Beduya Dental would love for you to enjoy your vacation to your heart’s content (without having to worry about if you’re putting your oral health at risk), we’ve listed down useful dental hacks for you.

 

1. Put all your mouth care stuff in one pouch. One thing you never want to be caught without is your own set of oral care products. To make sure you never miss a single item, put them all in one pouch. If you can, get a pouch that you write on, so you can list all of its content on the outside and make sure that you never forget anything. You can also do this technique to pack your skin care and other personal hygiene products. That way, you only need to pull out the pouch that you need from your bag and not have to worry about mixing things up.

 

2. Get travel size products and containers. This one is a common knowledge for well-traveled individuals, but we feel the need to mention it here for everyone else. This is a good hack for a number of reasons, but most importantly, products that come in travel size are easier to carry around and manage.

 

3. Water with salt every time. Don’t want to bring a bottle of mouthwash with you? Mix ½ teaspoon of salt with one cup of warm water to rinse your mouth in the morning and at night. Believe us when we say it works just as well. Oh, and if you happen to extend your trip and run out of toothpaste, you can use salt as a substitute too!

 

4. We can’t emphasize the importance of flossing, especially during vacation when one tends to eat more. Bring your floss with you and be sure to do it twice a day, to make sure there are no nasties hiding in between your teeth.

 

5. Bring a pain killer. The thing about tooth pain is that you’ll never know when it will attack, so the best way to deal with it—especially while on vacation—is to be prepared. Bring a couple pieces of dentist-approved pain killer so you can keep enjoying your trip even if pain comes. But be sure to have your teeth checked by your dentist when you get back home.

 

In addition, it’s also a good idea to do research on duly-licensed dentists and dental clinics where you’re headed to just in case you run into an accident. You might also want to check if they are accredited by your HMO policy—just for that extra assurance.

 

The things listed above are general things to remember. If you can manage to, it’s still better if you drop by your dentist before you go on a holiday for care instructions specific to your case. And if you don’t have a regular dentist yet, remember that you can always contact us at (02) 354-5388 to set up an appointment.

 

Ways You Can Help Boost Your Orthodontic Treatment

 

If you’re reading this, chances are, you’re on dental braces or thinking about having it for specific reasons. Orthodontic treatment or the use of braces and other tools to correct the alignment of one’s jaw and teeth is great. If done by a duly-licensed specialist, it will give you that toothpaste-commercial-model smile that you’ve always dreamed of.

 

But here’s the thing—many people who get braces do things that make it hard for their dentist to progress with their treatment. And because timelines are messed up because of these issues, they get frustrated. Below, we provide a quick guide of things you can do and not do to ensure that your orthodontic treatment stays on track.

 

1. Don’t eat what you’re not supposed to. Hard, sticky and chewy food that can very well mess up your braces or cause your brackets to get detached are a no-no. Your dentist will give you a rundown of these and be sure to remember them. For reference, some include corn on the cob, gums, hard candy and nuts.

 

2. Follow your appointment schedule. There’s a reason why your dentist schedules you to go back for a follow-up every few weeks—and no, it’s not just so he or she can make more money out of you. Trust us when we say there are enough patients out there. You need to go back so that proper adjustments can be made to your braces, so that the slow but sure repositioning of your teeth and/or jaw steadily progresses.

 

3. Don’t chew on ice. We understand, it can be tempting at times, especially on a hot day. But it ruins your teeth. Don’t do this, even if you don’t have braces.

 

4. Stop biting your nails. And while we’re on the subject of unwanted biting, please take note to stop biting your nails. They don’t just cause your teeth to shift, they also ruin your nails. Also, persistent nail biting is a clear sign of anxiety. You might want to check with a mental health professional or assess your thought patterns if you keep doing this.

 

5. Use the brush we ask you to use. Dentists prescribe special brushes for those with braces. In case your dentist hasn’t explained to you, this is to help remove foreign objects that can get stuck between the brackets and your teeth, which will be hard to remove using a regular brush.

 

Always remember that dentists are always willing to listen and help their patients. If anything goes wrong, be sure to let us know right away and don’t wait for your next scheduled appointment, because by then the damage may have already caused significant drawback.

 

If you’ve got questions, feel free to drop us a line at (02) 354-5388 so we can set-up an appointment and assess your situation. Our clinic is located at the Ground Floor of Pacific Regency, 760 P. Ocampo St, Malate, Manila.