Cleene CLIO makes Clean Teeth possible for Families this World Oral Health Day 2022.

As someone who has had problems with her teeth (almost) all her life, I strongly encourage everyone, especially the young ones, to take care of your teeth and pay particular attention to your oral healthcare. And I'm saying this because my teeth and gums have been through a lot - splint, metal braces, retainer, deep scaling, gingivectomy, periodontal surgery, even gingival hyperplasia. Name it, and I most likely have been through it. 

Currently, I'm receiving treatment/therapy to correct my malocclusion (I have a horrendous overbite which causes damage to my gums), and having to wear an EF appliance for six hours a day everyday and overnight while sleeping can be very uncomfortable. Who would have thought that after wearing braces for almost six years, I'd be having issues with my teeth again? 

I certainly wouldn't want my son, or any other child for that matter, to experience these kinds of pain and discomfort, that is why I'm making oral health my new advocacy. As such, I am excited and very much honored to be part of the Mommy Bloggers Philippines community and Cleene Clio's campaign for World Oral Health Day.

On World Oral Health Day, Cleene CLIO invites everyone to celebrate by practicing proper oral healthcare with their families.

A product of proudly Filipino company PHILUSA Corporation, Cleene CLIO has been an ardent supporter of this global oral health initiative, especially with oral care given less priority during the pandemic when accessibility to dentists and visits to oral health facilities were challenging at the height of the lockdowns.

To emphasize the importance of good oral health practices at home, Cleene CLIO has partnered with Manila Water Foundation and Philippine Dental Association to provide oral health kits to various barangays and schools as part of this year’s World Oral Health Day activities. Over 2,000 health kits containing Cleene CLIO toothbrushes and Dental Floss Premium from Cleene CLIO and PHILUSA were distributed to 12 barangays and to the chosen hygiene facility in Dinalaonan Elementary School in Pangasinan.

And as a special treat for World Oral Health Day, selected Cleene CLIO products will be sold at 20% off exclusively in Mercury Drug stores nationwide until April 15, 2022. Cleene CLIO continues to be the partner of every Filipino family in promoting good oral hygiene by offering a wide range of affordable and quality toothbrushes.

Cleene CLIO toothbrushes are made with MicroFine Soft Bristles that help penetrate and clean hard to reach areas for better interdental cleaning and a gentle brushing experience. The tapered bristles penetrate between teeth and gums for thorough cleaning, while the rounded shape of the bristles remove plaque and prevent teeth and gum damage.

There is a Cleene CLIO toothbrush for every member of the family that is affordable and has world-class quality. For those wanting extra care and protection for your teeth, Cleene CLIO offers its Refreshing Green Tea and Ultimax Charcoal under their Special care line. While for those needing specialized care, Cleene CLIO has its Kiddie and Junior as well as 40+ for sensitive gum and teeth. It also has its economy toothbrushes for general oral health care for any age.

Cleene CLIO is available at Mercury Drug, leading supermarkets, drugstores and other retail stores nationwide as well as on all leading ecommerce websites: Shopee, Lazada, and the PHILUSA Online Store.

Whiter and Brighter Teeth with PureSmile Teeth Whitening Trays.

It's been more than a year since this pandemic started and so many aspects of our daily lives have changed since then. Work from home became the norm for most companies and employees. Kids also learn at home via online classes, modules, or TV and radio-based instruction. Travel has stringent precautions, gyms and recreational venues remain closed, and mass gatherings are still a big no-no. 

Gone are the days when we could freely take the kids to the mall, sing and dance at concerts with fellow K-pop fans, enjoy the movies with the rest of the family (senior citizens included), or simply leave the house to run errands or do the groceries without fear of being infected with the coronavirus. My simple, occasional joys of getting a massage or getting my nails done have long been a thing of the past. Truth be told, I have not seen my dentist in over a year! And despite being fully vaccinated (I got my second dose of the COVID vaccine last weekend), I still have qualms about going to the dentist - with the coronavirus still on a rampage and the Delta variant being prevalent in neighboring countries.

This is exactly the reason why I now consider teeth whitening trays a blessing. I've recently discovered them through the PureSmile website, and they're exactly what Yue and I need right now since I don't have plans of seeing our family dentist just yet.

PureSmile Teeth Whitening Trays.

PureSmile is Australia's trusted one-stop shop for dental health, teeth whitening, and teeth straightening. They're currently based in New South Wales, but have clinic partners all over the country - from Perth all the way to Gold Coast. PureSmile offers an array of dental services, plus they have an online shop so you can enjoy superior teeth cleaning and teeth whitening right in the comforts of your own home.

The PureSmile Teeth Whitening Trays, for instance, is a take home kit that helps lighten teeth and remove stains caused by smoking or drinking beverages like coffee, cola, wine, or tea. Now I haven't smoked in over a decade, but as you all know, I'm a huge coffee drinker and caffeine sort-of runs through my veins. This is why I need one of 'em teeth whitening trays all the more - no dentists visits in over a year, plus the countless cups of coffee consumed throughout the pandemic... Imagine the state of discoloration my teeth are in right now!

Each box is good for a 7-day treatment in the comforts of your home.

Each box of the PureSmile Teeth Whitening Trays contains individually packed, pre-filed thermo-forming trays that mould to the shape of your teeth. The whitening trays are good for a 7-day treatment, and you only need to wear the trays for 45 minutes each day. Each tray is good for single use, and you don't need LED lights or messy syringes to make your teeth whiter and brighter. The best part? These trays are vegan and cruelty-free, meaning they have not been tested on animals. 

Just to give you an idea on how these teeth whitening trays work...

The PureSmile Teeth Whitening Trays retail for $79 AUD, but they're currently on sale now at $69 AUD! They also ship for free within Australia. I asked my friend in Melbourne to kindly buy me a few boxes of these teeth whitening trays, and I can't wait for the parcel to arrive here on my end and try these for myself! She said they worked well for her, so I have great confidence that these will work for me, too! Pearly whites, here we come!

Dental Care - 5 Important Things You Might Be Doing Wrong.

Oral hygiene is an essential part of good health and well-being, and there are many different ways to promote good oral health. The way you brush your teeth, for example, has an effect on the cleanliness inside your mouth, which is why, as children, we were taught correct brushing techniques. For many people, incorrect brushing technique has a negative effect on general oral hygiene, as trapped food particles remain after brushing, which leads to the onset of tooth decay. If you would like to ensure that your daily oral hygiene practices are effective, take note of these things that you might actually be doing wrong.

Photo credit: Friendly Dental Group.

1. Incorrect Brushing Technique 
If you were never taught the correct way to brush your teeth, this might well be the cause of any dental issues you might have. It is not effective if the bristles merely travel over the tooth enamel, as the correct brushing technique requires that the fine bristles come into contact with every part of the teeth surfaces, thus removing minute particles of trapped food.

2. Type of Toothbrush 
If you are the kind of person who buys a toothbrush based on aesthetics, this has very little to do with its ability to clean. Soft, medium, or hard bristles are available and the general consensus of professional opinion is that medium is the best for effective brushing. A soft bristle toothbrush will not be able to remove trapped particles and this will result in bad breath and the onset of tooth decay. If you are in need of a BUPA dentist Brisbane locals trust, an online search will reveal the whereabouts of local dentists.

3. Shape and Size of Brush Head 
The size and shape of the toothbrush head is another consideration, and a dentist will tell you that small and slightly tilted is best, as this allows you good maneuverability when brushing. In fact, it is a good idea to ask your dentist to recommend a toothbrush, and they will likely stock some of the better brands. Effective brushing will keep your teeth and gums clean and this will prevent the onset of tooth decay.

4. Flossing 
It is possible that you are not using dental floss in the correct way, or even worse, that you don’t actually floss at all! Flossing reaches those otherwise impossible regions, especially between the teeth, where bacteria can thrive and if you are unsure about the correct flossing technique, there are plenty of instructions online that you can follow.

5. Brushing Frequency 
If you only brush your teeth in the morning and before sleeping, this is not sufficient. Of course, both morning and evening brushing in necessary, but you should also brush after every meal. Simply carry a travelling toothbrush that also has some toothpaste and you can easily pop into the restroom after lunch.

By ensuring that all of the above are addressed and that you adopt these practices on a daily basis, your teeth and gums will always be in good condition. And with regular dental check-ups, should there be a problem, it can promptly be treated.

Hello 2017, Goodbye Baby Teeth!

For years, I took pride in my son's picture-perfect teeth. All the more because I take extra care of his pearly whites and pay particular attention to his dental health. I take him to the dentist at least twice a year, veer him away from candies (though I allow him to binge a little during Halloween), and make him enjoy brushing whether with an ordinary toothbrush or the travel electric toothbrush with case that he always takes along whenever we go abroad.

Yue at 20 months old.

But alas, that picture-perfect smile could only last for so long! He was two months shy of his seventh birthday when one of his teeth - one of the maxillary central incisors - first fell out. From then on, his teeth alignment went from perfectly aligned to a complete disarray.

September 2015.

Three of his lower incisors fell out in the months to follow, but the permanent teeth that replaced them seemed to be leaning towards different directions which made them look crooked. To date, he has lost only five baby teeth, including one of his maxillary central incisors. And mind you, the permanent maxillary incisor erupted first before that baby tooth came out. The same thing goes for his other maxillary central incisor - the permanent teeth has already erupted, and we're still waiting for that wiggly baby tooth to finally fall off.

Christmas 2016.

I was actually worried that there might be something wrong with my son's tooth transition, so I asked my dentist about it. She stated that there's no cause for concern, and that in contrast, I should be relieved that my son's teeth are pretty strong. Also, the timing of tooth transition varies between children, and while Yue's may seem to be a bit late than some of his peers, I need not be worried since he only turned eight last November.

She also assured me that the gaps in between his teeth are normal during Yue's age. This is the transitional period that dentists refer to as the 'ugly ducking stage'. And under normal circumstances, when the upper jaw develops well and the canines on both sides erupt, the front teeth will align with the rest and the gap will close up.

With regards to permanent teeth erupting first, she told me that patience is the key and the baby teeth will exfoliate by itself. The tip of the tongue will push the permanent front tooth forward into the space vacated by the baby tooth. Therefore, there is no need to extract the deciduous front tooth.

Have you had the same experience with your kids' teeth and tooth transition? How did you go about it?

Top Tips to Improve Your Smile.

The way your teeth look plays a huge role in how you look when you smile, speak and generally open your mouth. If you’re like a lot of people though, you don’t really love the way your teeth look. Perhaps you never really have.

While there are some options out there for many people, not everybody knows what they can do to improve their smile. Some things might be common sense, but everybody needs a reminder sometimes.

Keep reading to learn a few tips you can use to improve your smile. A better smile will also lead to increased confidence and self-esteem, which is something everybody could use from time to time.

Photo credit: Rockstar White.

Floss Often
Everybody knows that they are supposed to be flossing at least once per day. Still, many people slack off when it comes to using the dental floss.

If you want the healthiest possible teeth, you want to be flossing at least once before bed. Ideally, you should be flossing about twice per day, usually after lunch and again before bed. Do this along with brushing regularly and you’ll see your teeth become healthier in relatively short order.

Eat Right
Eating healthy, nutritious food is something you already know you should do. Perhaps you even strive toward that goal every single day and get pretty close most of the time. That doesn’t mean you’re eating all of the right foods for your teeth.

Apples, for example, are known to help clean the teeth. This makes them an ideal afternoon snack when you may not be able to brush until a few hours later. Protein-rich foods like chicken are also excellent for your teeth. When considering your meals, don’t forget about your dental health. There’s more to it than just brushing and flossing after everything you eat.

Consider Cosmetic Work
There are a lot of people who get cosmetic dentistry in Brooklyn, and if it’s something you’re considering, there’s no shortage of qualified dentists in your area. What you choose to get done doesn’t have to completely break the bank either.

From a simple whitening treatment, to partial veneers and more, there are lots of options your dentist can provide to you these days. Don’t be afraid to seek consultations for cosmetic dentistry to improve your appearance and how you feel about your teeth.

Spotlight | SpiruMint Plus Toothpaste.

If you're into health supplements and all-natural products, then chances are, you must be familiar or have heard about 'spirulina'. It's a form of blue-green algae that springs from warm, freshwater bodies. Heralded as a 'super food', spirulina is a valuable source of protein as it contains more of this nutrient than beef, chicken, and soy combined.

Spirulina.

One of the oldest life forms on Earth (it's been said that this is a staple food source for the Aztecs in 16th century Mexico), spirulina has been found in studies to successfully treat a wide range of ailments - including arsenic poisoning, candida overgrowth, and allergic rhinitis. It has also been seen to potentially lower stroke and cancer risks.

Knowing all these, I got all excited when these spirulina-derived products came in the mail a few weeks ago. They were sent by my good friend (thanks, Ros!), who is now part of the Evergreen Network - one of the largest high-grade spirulina producers in the world. I'll do a review of all three products, with the SpiruMint Plus Toothpaste taking the spotlight first.

Hand and body lotion, soap, and toothpaste from Evergreen Spirulina.

In some of my previous blog posts, I mentioned that I've been through all sorts of dental procedures, including a gingivectomy. And since then, I've been using a special toothpaste for my gums as per my dentist's recommendation. Now because this toothpaste is a tad expensive and rarely available at the local supermarket, I've been on the lookout for an alternative that's cheaper, and if possible, organic.

SpiruMint Plus Toothpaste.

This SpiruMint Plus may just be the alternative that I have long been looking for. It comes in a 120 gram tube and sells for Php 220 - a few pesos cheaper than the brand recommended by my dentist. It's made with spirulina, ganoderma, and mint, and has anti-microbial and natural cleansing effects which contribute to a healthy oral immune system.

Aside from being rich in protein, spirulina is also incredibly high in calcium with over 26 times the calcium in milk. And as we all know, calcium is essential for the formation and maintenance of teeth and bones. In addition, spirulina’s phosphorus content makes it helpful as part of a tooth remineralization regimen.

Made with spirulina, ganoderma, and mint.

Ganoderma, on the other hand, is a medicinal mushroom that's also known for its health benefits. This includes antibacterial and antiviral effects that protect the gums from infections and prevent them from bleeding.

Product benefits.

Product description + usage directions.

Now here's how SpiruMint Plus looks like.
The consistency and texture is no different from the regular toothpaste, but what sets it apart is the scent and the taste. Sure, it contains mint like most commercial toothpaste do, but SpiruMint Plus has a milder scent, and has a slightly sweet and more gentle taste. I reckon that this mildness can be attributed to the absence of fluoride in the product. In addition, this toothpaste doesn't leave a burning sensation on the tongue. Hence, my five-year-old was able to use this without complaining or whining that 'the toothpaste stings'. All the while he thought he was brushing with his usual kiddie toothpaste, haha!

Brush, brush, brush three times a day!

What I love:
- It contains spirulina, which is known for its countless health benefits.
- Effectively cleans teeth.
- Freshens breath.
- Gentle on the gums.
- Has a mild taste that even kids can tolerate.
- Certified organic.
- Chemical-free.

What you might not like:
- Not widely available; can only be bought through registered distributors.

Have you tried this toothpaste, or other Evergreen Spirulina products before? How was it? :)

To learn more about spirulina, visit the Evergreen Network website and like the Spirulina PH Facebook page.

Spotlight | Swish Fresh Breath Saver Pack.

Once upon a time, I was a smoker. And not just any smoker, mind you. I was a chain smoker. What started out of curiosity during my sophomore year in high school became one big bad habit that lasted for thirteen years. If not for my little man, I would have not been able to quit cold turkey. I stopped smoking in 2008 - the moment I learned I was five weeks pregnant with my son.

Receiving this Fresh Breath Saver Pack from Swish reminded me of the days when I used to smoke one pack (perhaps even more) of cancer sticks per day. Ugh. Kids, do not try that (I mean smoking) at home, or anywhere else for that matter. Lol.

Swish Breath Saver Pack + Vanity Pouch.

Back then, you'd always find a bottle of mouthwash or a breath spray stashed in my bag - together with a pack of cigarettes, a lighter, a hand sanitizer (you know, to keep my hands from smelling like burnt cancer sticks), and a bottle of perfume (to mar the smell of smoke on my hair and clothes).

Swish Breath Spray, Php 109 each.

Breath sprays, such as this one from Swish, make for a quick breath fix. Just one or two pumps would be enough to eliminate bad breath caused by smoking. They come in a handy dandy packaging that fits even tiny fob pockets (as in the right-hand hip pocket in your jeans). Hence, they're pretty easy to lug around wherever you go.

Fits even fob pockets!

Mouthwashes, on the other hand, provide longer lasting fresh breath. This one from Swish is equipped with the Surefresh Technology which not only helps kill bacteria that causes bad breath, but also prevents plaque build-up, gum disease, and tooth decay.

Swish Mangosteen Mint 120 mL, Php 78.

Like the other Swish Mouthwash variants, the Mangosteen Mint flavor is alcohol-free, which allows you to gargle for a good 30 seconds without the burning, stinging sensation in your mouth. Gargling with it twice a day leaves your mouth with round-the-clock freshness.

Now just because I've been nicotine-free for five years now doesn't mean that I have no use for these products anymore. I still keep a breath spray in my bag, and mouthwash bottles are a common sight in our bathroom.Because you know, bad breath is not caused by smoking alone. It can also be caused by eating and drinking.

With that in mind, Swish launches its 'Say Swish Campaign 2013'.
Swish will be having several 'Say Swish booths' set-up in leading supermarkets and drug stores nationwide. Customers can try the different variants of Swish for free at the Say Swish booths. There are five flavors to choose from, each with varying levels of mint:

Icy Choco Mint - sweet, minty sensation

Mangosteen Mint - fruity, minty sensation

Peppermint Fresh - strong mint

Cinnamon Blast - super strong mint

Arctic Chill - intense, strong mint

Freebies such as photobooth souvenirs and other premium items will be given upon purchase of any Swish product. And if you're really lucky, you can chance upon Swish endorser Ryan Agoncillo during the 'Say Swish' activities.

Say Swish!

Get to know more about Swish products and the 'Say Swish Campaign' by liking the Swish Philippines Facebook page!

Show the world what you're made of in the OraCare Ang Galing Challenge!

Whether it's singing or dancing or playing an instrument, or some extreme stunt, let the world see how talented you are by joining the OraCare Ang Galing Challenge! Your talent may just win you some cold, hard cash, or the latest Apple gadgets!

Be confident and show off your Ang Galing! talent with OraCare - a no alcohol, no sting mouthwash with Stabilized Chlorine Dioxide that gets rid of bad bacteria and neutralizes volatile sulfur compounds which cause strong mouth odors.

Showcase your skills!

Here's how it works:
1. Like the OraCare Facebook fan page.
2. Click the OraCare Ang Galing Challenge tab (found just below the cover photo) and allow access to your profile.
3. Accomplish the registration form by indicating your full name, email address, mailing address, and contact number.
4. Head over to YouTube, upload your audition video in your YouTube account, and share the link of your video in the OraCare Ang Galing Challenge app. Don't forget to write a short description of your video, and the talent that you're showcasing.

Video submissions will be from March 20 to April 12, 2013.

Participants whose videos passed the auditions will be notified, and they will form part of the Eliminations Round. Their videos will then be uploaded in the OraCare Talent Gallery, and will be eligible for voting. The ten videos with the most votes will move on to the Finals Round, hence the contestants are encouraged to promote their videos and get as much likes as they can.

In the Finals, the ten videos will still be eligible for voting. At the end of the campaign period, the video with the highest number of votes will be declared the Grand Winner. Four runner-ups will also be chosen.

As for the prizes, here they are:

Grand Prize - Php 25,000

1st Runner Up - iPad 2

2nd Runner-Up - iPod Nano

3rd and 4th Runner-Up - 1 iPod Shuffle each

So what are you waiting for? Visit the OraCare Facebook fan page now and send in your audition videos!