Can You Find True Love In the Dentist?

 

February—it’s the time of the year when lovers find more excuse to be mushier and the single lads and gals either wallow in self-pity, shut themselves from the rest of the world, eat to their heart’s content to mask their sadness, or say, “Who cares about this stupid holiday that business owners invented to get people to spend”, and proceed with their regular activities. For the record, we at Beduya Dental fully support those who do this.

 

For those who are in happy relationships, Valentine’s is just another holiday they get to spend with their loved ones. For the rest of us, however, the endless string of promos, happy, smiling lovers, and cheesy advertisements are enough to bring one question to mind—”Will I ever find true love?”

 

Well, that depends on your definition of true love.

 

At Beduya Dental, we believe that any form of legitimate concern and care qualifies as true love. Think of that one friend who never leaves you no matter how sticky the situation gets, or that one colleague who never told on you during those many occasions you went a little over lunch break because milk tea is life.

 

This is why we are proud to say that with us, you can experience true love—if we are on the same page about its definition. From the moment you enter our doors, you can expect that we’ll be taking care of your every need, may it be refreshments, a warm smile or some local TV entertainment. Our clinic is designed in such a way that communication is easy and you never feel intimidated. In fact, some of our patients attest that one of the reasons they chose to trust us is because they’ve found a family in our staff.

 

At the end of the day though, we are an oral care facility, and we will stop at nothing to make sure that we provide you with the best medically-proven, treatments we can. From cleaning, extraction to more complicated matters like orthodontics and TMJ management, we are equipped with the knowledge and experience to provide you with the best smile that we can.

 

So this Valentines’ Day, instead of focusing on the things that you don’t have, why not give us a visit or a call, and see how we can make life better for you.

 

Beduya Dental is located at Unit 110 Pacific Regency, 760 P. Ocampo St, Malate, Manila, 1004. To book an appointment, you may contact (02) 354-5388 and look for Mari.

 

Over the years, white teeth, much like lighter skin, has been associated with both health and wealth. And why shouldn’t it?Celebrities, models, socialites, have pearly whites.And toothpaste commercials always saythat brushing your teeth regularly helps you get whiter teeth.

 

On the other hand, some experts believe that whiter does not always mean healthier? Yes, it looks prettier, but that doesn’t mean that having a brighter smile means your teeth are stronger than the next person—in fact, it could mean the opposite.

 

So what’s the real score?

 

“Well, it really depends on the reason for the teeth color”, explains Dr. Edward Beduya. “Healthy teeth are white, but not all white teeth are healthy. The outer cover of the teeth, the enamel, is naturally white. Typically, as long as the enamel remains intact—in other words, healthy—the teeth stays white. But this does not mean that a discolored tooth is unhealthier compared to a whiter tooth. Again, it all boils down to the reason for the change in color.”

 

According to Dr. Beduya, there are four general reasons for teeth discoloration: intrinsic, extrinsic, age-related and genetic. Intrinsic discoloration is essentially what happens when the layer beneath the enamel, the dentin, darkens due to exposure to fluoride and other elements. As its name suggest, this darkening happens from inside the enamel. On the other hand, extrinsic discoloration is caused by food and other substances that essentially stain the teeth, like coffee, tea and acidic beverages.

 

Then there’s the age-related discoloration. This one does not need a lot of explanation. Normally, as you age, your teeth, much like any other part of your body, will undergo the process of decay (believe us, blatant is the best way to put this).

 

“Let’s also never forget about genes. There are people who are born with a couple of number of teeth that have a more yellow tone compared to the rest of their teeth. There are also somewho are just predisposed to having darker teeth due to their lifestyle. But it does not automatically mean that their teeth are inferior or weaker when compared against a person with a perfect set of pearly whites, especially if the latter has undergone countless procedures or has used a lot of products to help whiten his teeth. What we need to understand is that not all teeth whitening products or services are healthy. Yes, they may remove or in some cases cover the stains and help improve the appearance of your smile, but they may also damage your teeth,” Dr. Beduya adds.

 

So what’s a good teeth whitening solution?

 

Dr. Beduya says, “For the best and safest results, going to a professional is still the best option. And professionals usually recommend getting Laser Teeth Whitening. It’s a professional procedure that essentially uses bleach and laser to remove stains on the surface of the teeth. Under experienced hands, laser teeth whitening may deliver tremendous results while keeping the health of your teeth intact.”

 

Dr. Edward Beduya is a seasoned dentist and TMJ-specialist and aesthetic dentist whose roster of clients include celebrities, businessmen, models and politicians. Visit him to know how you can take advantage of his expertise and enjoy the confidence of having beautiful, healthy teeth. Call (02) 354-5388 to book an appointment. Beduya Dental Clinic is located at Unit 110 Pacific Regency, 760 Ocampo St, Malate, Manila, 1004.

 

Have you—at any point in your life—ever asked, “Is there a fool-proof way to get a perfect smile?”

 

The answer is: there is a lot! Modern science and medicine have provided us with so much options to help address all sorts of aesthetic and functional issues that have to do with one’s teeth. And one of those solutions is veneers.

 

Veneers do not come cheap, and getting them installed isn’t exactly what you’d call fast. But they really are worth the price tag as they do not just revamp your smile by giving you naturally good-looking teeth, they also help maintain the overall function of your mouth.

 

There are different kinds of veneers for all sorts of needs. We’ve provided a quick cheat guide below to help you decide which one fits your needs more.

 

1. Porcelain Veneers—

Considered as a “crowd favorite” porcelain veneers are for people who want to achieve highly-natural looking picture-perfect smile. Each veneer is made of a durable, high-quality ceramic that can be matched to the shade and shape of your surrounding teeth for a seamless look. Considered as a minimal-prep procedure, it is perfect for anyone who wants to achieve generally better looking smile without any major existing issues.

 

2. Lumineers®—

For people who have extra cash to spare, Lumineers® give you the option of dramatically improving the appearance of your smile at a fraction of the time it takes to install porcelain veneers. Lumineers® are also thinner than porcelain veneers, which means they provide you extra comfort. But that doesn’t mean that it falls behind in terms of strength since it’s made of Cerinate® ceramic—a specialized ultra-thin material that easily be placed without the need for drilling or injections.

 

3. Composite Resin—

Want to get veneers but a bit tight on the budget? Then composite resin veneers may be the solution for you. This type of veneer acts largely and provides the general benefits as porcelain veneers, at a fraction of the cost. It doesn’t, however, promise the same kind of strength, and may need replacement within 5-10 years, depending on your lifestyle.

 

4. Zirconia—

Zirconia porcelain veneers are the most ideal solution for individuals who have severely damaged or decayed teeth. It provides stronger restoration than traditional porcelain veneers, and offer structural reinforcements to a compromised tooth. The catch? Not all dentists can perform this procedure, plus it takes time to be installed.

 

 

Dr. Edward Beduya is a seasoned dentist and TMJ-specialist who has helped countless individuals get back their confidence to smile using veneers. Visit him to know how you can take advantage of his expertise and enjoy the confidence of having beautiful, healthy teeth. Call (02) 354-5388 to book an appointment. Beduya Dental Clinic is located at Unit 110 Pacific Regency, 760 Ocampo St, Malate, Manila, 1004.

 

Better Teeth Care During the “Ber Months”

 

Seems only yesterday when the whole world was celebrating the arrival of 2018, and now the final months of the year (a.k.a. the “ber months”) are finally here. A lot of things change during this time of the year. The temperature drops, traffic gets heavier, and there seems to be an endless string of activities happening wherever you go.

 

For most people—especially for Filipinos, this time of the year is nothing more than just another quarter rolling by. But truth is, it’s a critical period that exposes your whole body to more damages.

 

Here are simple things you can do to minimize teeth damage, and the probability of pain, starting today til the New Year’s.

 

1. Consider using a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. A lot of people report experiencing sudden, sharp blast of pain as the temperature drops. This means that you have sensitive teeth. While the cause of it can vary from rough brushing or the constant intake of acidic food, to something as serious as plaque buildup or even eating disorder, managing the pain is as easy as purchasing toothpaste that provide therapeutic benefits (although if the pain persists, you should really consider seeing a dentist).

 

2. Watch what you eat. We understand. With all the celebrations happening, the time for binging. But do note that excessive eating can cause your body to produce acid in levels that are higher than normal, which can damage your teeth.In addition, doing so also supports plaque buildup. So be a dear to yourself, and practice self-control. Chances are, you’d also regret overeating once you feel your clothes getting tighter.

 

3. Get your teeth cleaned. Amidst everything that’s happening around you, it is recommended that you find time to visit your dentist for professional teeth cleaning. Teeth cleaning offers so much benefit for everyone, especially for those wearing braces. It removes stains that make teeth look dull, helps prevent gum disease, and also allows your dentist to detect early signs of other problems or arising complications (hello, free checkup!). So pick-up that phone and book that appointment.

 

Got questions for Dr. Edward Beduya or want him to to take a personal look at your oral health? Call (02) 354-5388 or send an email to edwardkeith@beduyaclinics.com to send your questions or book an appointment today.

 

 

What’s Stopping You from Taking Care of Your Teeth?

By Dr. Edward Keith S. Beduya

 

When it comes to health and wellness priorities, it is not uncommon knowledge that a majority of Filipinos take dental health the least seriously. In fact, according to a report released by the DOH in 2011, it was revealed that 87% of Filipinos suffer from tooth decay, and about 77% have never even been to a dentist. (https://www.rappler.com/brandrap/stories/83854-oral-health-more-attention-ph)

 

The report does not detail the reasons, but a quick probing among family and friends revealed that, in general, Filipinos just do not understand its importance, andwould rather spend their money on services and subscriptions that focus on the aesthetics like salons, skincare centers, and gym memberships.

 

As a dental professional, I find this attitude, more than anything else, to be alarming, because while I understand that others simply choose to prioritize investing in things that affect their looks, it also sends the underlying impression that schools and homes—the two institutions that directly affect our understanding of health and wellness—are not equipped with the knowledge and understanding needed to preach the importance of proper oral care.

 

And if there was any better indication of such, there aren’t any major projects dedicated to addressingthis persisting issue that—for its magnitude—somehow remains to be quiet.

 

For those of you reading this, please allow me a couple more sentences to lay down a couple of important reasons why you should put more attention to your oral care. First, tooth decay is a silent process. You’ll never really notice it unless its already causing major problems. And it can lead to problems that affect more than just your mouth, but other functions of your body as well. The same goes for gum problems.

 

In addition to these, a poor oral health can also lead toaestheticissues, like tooth loss, yellowing of the teeth, and even facial deformation (which by the way, is getting more and more common nowadays); issues that, in turn, affect one’s confidence.

 

I end this piece with a short piece of advice. Regardless if you’re feeling OK, look for a dentist near you and book an appointment. Just let him or her check for any arising issue. It’s not that expensive. If you can afford a monthly gym membership or a meal at a fancy café, you can definitely afford this.

Do this at least twice a year. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and use a dental floss.

 

Do these not for anything else, but for your own sake.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s a question that most dentist is often asked: How important is professional teeth cleaning and how often do I have to do it?

 

Truth is, teeth cleaning by professionals (whether by a dentist or a registered dental hygienist) is essential in maintaining not just your oral health, but that of so many other functions of your body. As you may very well know, the different parts of the human body are all linked together, and that the state of one can very well affect that of others.

 

Look at teeth cleaning as sort of facial cleaning for the mouth. A way to rid the mouth of nasty things that won’t be achieved by brushing or flossing (although these are very very important as well).

 

By going in for professional teeth cleaning regularly (which should be every 6 months), you are able to reap the following benefits: prevent cavities and tooth loss through removal of plaque buildup; improve the appearance of your smile; keep your mouth fresh and your gums healthy, and; give your dentist the opportunity to detect early signs of more serious dental issues.

 

It is also important to note that there is a strong link that exists between gum problems and cardiovascular diseases. Needless to say, keeping your gums healthy can significantly reduce the chances of acquiring deadly cardiovascular diseases in the future.

 

One thing you should know about professional teeth cleaning is that there exists more than one kind, and each one is tailored depending on the different lifestyles and oral issues that exist today.

 

At Beduya Dental, we offer seven kinds of professional cleaning services, namely UltraClean.This service is perfect for those with active periodontal diseases as it removes plaque, tartar and bacteria from the surfaces of the teeth below the gum line. The service is finished off with the application of fluoride or medication on the teeth, depending on your condition.

 

Orthoprophy is a deep cleaning service that is performed on people wearing braces. It involves several steps to ensure that every nook and cranny of your teeth are clean and free from tartar buildup. It is ideal that orthodontic patients go in for this service every quarter to prevent the formation of “stains”.

It is also important to get your teeth clean after you have your braces removed—to make sure that you completely remove any build up that might have been hidden by your brackets; buildups that, if left alone, can cause significant damage. For this, Beduya Dental offers Brace-Free, a special cleaning service post-braces.

 

PediaCare is another kind of teeth cleaning service that is especially designed for children. It is less intense and is meant to maintain the overall oral health of children aged 4 to 10. Meanwhile, people who wear crowns and/or bridges can keep them looking nice and bright with ClinBridge, a service which includes cleaning between corners and in places hidden from plain sight.

 

Finally, smokers can say goodbye to the stains on their teeth with Stain-Free (for light smokers and coffee drinkers) and Ultimate Stain-Free (for seriously stained teeth due to heavy smoking). These two services are guaranteed to give you significantly cleaner and brighter teeth, plus a fresher breath, instantly.

 

With all the different benefits and options available for you, there is no reason for you to skip on dental cleaning services.

 

As a final note, we urge that you only go to duly-registered professionals and clinics, like Beduya Dental, for any oral services you may need.

 

 

Did you know that school affects your child’s oral health in more ways than you can imagine?

 

Think about it. How many hours per week does your child spend inside his school? During this time, you are not able to monitor or supervise his eating, which to say the least, is very much influenced by the people around him—his teachers and classmates. So how do you make sure you keep his teeth in tiptop condition while in school? Here are three things you can do:

 

1. Regular Visits to the Dentist. And we mean, the same dentist, because you can’t really monitor his how his teeth are doing if you keep switching doctors. Start with one session before he goes back to school. Make sure to take note where his oral health is at this point—what he needs work with and what are the positive points. The goal is to make sure the good points remain positive, and you are able to address the things he needs work with moving forward so as to reduce chances of getting distracted at school or being absent due to tooth decay, toothache and other oral health-related issues.

 

2. Pack His Lunch. We understand giving him lunch money may be the easy thing to do, but if you really want to work on your child’s health (not just his oral health), then we suggest making his lunch for him as much as possible. Make sure he gets enough serving of grains, vegetables, fruits, lean meat and yoghurt. This is also a great way to train him to choose food benefits his body over sugary treats.

 

3. Require After-School Brushing.You really can’t supervise him while he’s outside of your home, so why not do it when gets back? Always ask your kid to clean himself and brush his teeth upon arriving from school. This way, you create a healthy behavior that he will most likely take with him when he grows up.

 

It may also be a good idea to consult a specialist about the chances of your child acquiring temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) in the future—just so you’ll be able to prevent it. Most people don’t know this, but unless caused by an accident, a person develops TMJ slowly, and more often than not, the patient is unable to learn that he already has it until it gets to the more advanced stages. So why not take that extra step and take your child to a dentist who also specializes in TMJ management, like Dr. EdwardBeduya?

 

It’s summer! For most kids, this means getting time off school and finally having time to enjoy the warmth of the sun. For others though, the season will—in the future—be remembered as the one summer that was tarnished with multiple visits to the dentist for their orthodontic treatment.

 

Everyone knows that summer is the best time to get braces, and for good reasons (see: http://beduyadental.com/best-time-dental-braces). The biggest worry some parents have when it comes to the treatment though is the trauma that follows. Installation of braces, by nature, is not the most comfortable dental procedure out there. And it doesn’t help also that the initial discomfort is followed by weeks of muscle stress.

 

Luckily, there are things you can do to help make the experience more pleasant for your kids. These may be minor tweaks, but will make the world of difference when followed correctly.

 

1. Manage His Expectations. Make sure that you talk him or her through the entire process. Also, explain why it’s important that your kid gets braces now. Knowing the benefits of the procedure will help him better appreciate all the efforts you put into taking care of his smile.

 

2. Myofascial Treatment. You can expect your kid to feel muscle strain after getting him braces. This is normal. During this period, the muscles are still adjusting to the presence of the braces. You can help ease the strain with myofascial treatment. Don’t know any myofascial therapist? Ask your dentist! Chances are, he has a colleague he can recommend.

 

3. Know Which Foods Are Bad for Braces. Nothing will make your child’s orthodontic journey worse than an unnecessary trip to the dentist. It’s bad enough that he needs to go regularly for adjustments. Now he also needs to go because he ate an apple? Try to research which foods are braces friendly, and which among your child’s favorites need tweaking before he can enjoy it.

 

4. Encourage Playtime. Nothing helps draws a child’s attention from discomfort better than good ‘ol playtime. It is encouraged therefore that you give your child reasons to go outside and be active during this time. Perhaps, invite his cousins over and host an afternoon party?

 

As one of the most established TMJ Specialists in the country, Dr. Beduya is also known for providing comprehensive orthodontic treatments that are tailored according to the needs of each individual. His clinic is certified by the Department of Tourism and caters to some of the most esteemed local personalities, including celebrities, politicians and people from prominent families. To know more or book an appointment, you may call (02) 354-5388.Beduya Dental Clinic is located at Unit 110 Pacific Regency, 760 Ocampo St, Malate, Manila, 1004.