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.

 

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.