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.

How to Fix the Best Porcelain Veneers.

Are your teeth okay, or do they have any issue that is making you uncomfortable smiling in public? Then, you may need to consider porcelain veneers as the best solution.

Unlike most bridges, crowns and implants may be used to restore the complete integrity and function of the teeth; these are used to boost the aesthetics and beauty of people's smiles. This link https://www.thedentalroom.com.au/porcelain-veneers/ has more of the best porcelain veneers you can try.

The medical-grade shells made of ceramic create a transformation that helps fill one with total confidence. In this article, we will be analyzing all you need to know about fixing the best veneers for your teeth.

Veneers.

How Exactly Do Veneers Function?

These are just ceramic pseudo-teeth that can cover existing teeth with a beautiful facade. Imagine covering the side of your home with fancy blocks and bricks. This does not make change what lies underneath. It only changes the overall beauty of the place.

Every specific veneer is a custom-made and thin shell carefully crafted and made to cover the side of any tooth. Once there have been applied to the dentition, the veneers create an improved and new appearance to hide all cracks, chips, stains, and other signs of crooked dentition.

You can always choose the number of these ceramic tools you need and where you want to place them. Some need just one while others need more than one.

Lee Dong Wook in Strangers from Hell (2019).

Who Should Use Veneers?

If your mouth is in great shape, but somehow you feel that you are not happy with the feel and look of your dentition, you might need veneers to be the solution. Dental types can solve a whole lot of dental issues.

They are helpful when orthodox cosmetic treatments such as crowns, braces, and whitening are not good enough to get the desired results.

You might need these to fix your smile when you have;

• Worn or dull enamel.
• Discoloration that traditional methods cannot repair.
• Small cracks and chips.
• General wear and tear.
• Uneven dentition.

If the issues become more complex than usual, one may discard the idea of using veneers. However, it is easy to resolve the underlying problems of all dental issues before using them as a last resort to help improve your smile.

For example, gum disease, untreated decay, or severe misalignment are issues that can be solved before using these tools becomes a real solution. Once you have decided to use veneers, you can then contact a consultant. This page has suggestions for avoiding regular trips to the dentist.

Dindin's famous front teeth in 2 Days 1 Night.

How Does One Keep Veneers in Perfect Condition?

Since these have become a very effective way to replace teeth that cannot be fixed through traditional methods, they look very much like natural dentition, and you should care for them in the same way. You should also realize that they can suffer damage and get fixed just like natural teeth.

It may not be obvious to take proper care of them initially, and we understand that. But investing in your smile should be a priority to help boost your confidence and self-esteem. Below are a few tips to keep these smile-enhancing tools in great shape;

Treat Them as You Treat Your Natural Teeth

Because you use veneers does not mean you should neglect your teeth. They also need to be brushed, rinsed, and flossed like regular dentition. Poor oral health and gum diseases can also occur when they are not taken care of.

If the tooth below them decays, it can also change color. Even though they are not capable of decay, they can be negatively affected by the tooth underneath. However, you need to be extra careful when doing things like eating nuts, crunchy foods, flossing, etc., because if natural teeth can suffer damage, veneers can.

Use Whitening Paste for Your Dentition

These ceramic items can also go off-color or get stained just like natural teeth, so you might want to clean them as they clean natural dentition. You can always engage the services of professionals to match its color to that of your dentition. It allows them to blend in and look natural. Using the right toothpaste will stop porcelain veneers from stains, and it will even make the teeth whiter. However, you should beware of concentrated forms of toothpaste.

Avoid Unhealthy Lifestyle

When you take tobacco and alcohol, it can damage the natural teeth, causing stains and cracks. They can even cause bad breath also. Everything bad that can go wrong with regular teeth can go wrong with veneers. They can be overly stained, broken, and even replaced.

But you have to take care of them just as much as you care for your regular teeth. The concept is if you take care of your natural teeth, your veneers will remain in shape and won't have to be replaced anyhow.

Lee Dong Wook in Strangers from Hell (2019).

In general, the same oral hygiene rules that apply to dentition also apply to regular teeth. However, you might need to use a bit more caution to protect these artificial insertions. Here are a few tips one should keep in mind to expand the lifespan of these insertions; 

•  Try as much as possible not to open packages with your dentition as it may crack or break them. 
•  If inserted in your front teeth, you will do well to chew more complex foods only with the back dentition. Save the covered teeth from the pressure and stress of chewing. 
• Use a splint or mouth guard to guard the veneers against clenching and nighttime grinding. 
• Generally, avoid chewing mindlessly on complex objects, be it fingernails, ice, pens, or other items.

The earlier you realize that they are not as strong as your natural teeth, the better your chances of maintaining them properly. As long as you stick to diligent oral routine care and protect them from stress and direct impact, they can last for years.

Take Away

There are so many benefits of porcelain veneers. They may include a straightforward process of insertion, longevity, and improved natural appearance. With good oral hygiene and maintenance, they may be your best shot at improving your smile. If you are keen on fixing your appeal, self-confidence, and natural appearance, you might want to get them today.

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 Crowns vs. Dental Implants | Which is Better?

Dental Implants and Dental Crowns - both are options that can be utilized to fill up the space of missing teeth. The recommended advice depends entirely on your dentist, to what procedure can be your best option for ideal dental health. Dental Implants work by attaching new teeth to the jawbone, while dental crowns support the natural teeth in your mouth. Both of these procedures almost cost the same expenses, but the final choice will always be yours, which is why you need to know the difference in detail.

Lee Dong Wook as a charming dentist in 'Hell is Different Individuals' -
upcoming Kdrama, 2019.

Dental Crowns
Most dental crowns these days are used for cosmetic purposes, and porcelain or ceramic materials are the first choice of everyone to fix over your pre-existing teeth. When teeth are missing, dental crowns work with the support of bridges. A fixed or cemented bridge fills the gap of the missing tooth. This protects your remaining teeth from breaking or falling off. In case of one missing teeth, two crowns are attached on the ends of a bridge, and replacement tooth is attached in the middle of the bridge for permanent and secure hold in the mouth.

Dental Implants
Contrary to the Dental Crown procedure, Dental Implants sound a bit more terrifying. When you hear about a titanium cylinder, blades and screws inside your jawbone, you feel afraid. This is one under anaesthesia, so there would not be any pain at the time, and implants are always recommended only in extreme cases of missing teeth and damage. After the procedure when the implants are fully attached to your jawbone, the dentist will attach a prosthetic tooth over the implant to create a natural feel as well as to maintain the health of the bone.

Dental Implants are pretty cemented in their place; meaning that they do not have the chance to slip or shift from their place. They are stable and rock hard at their place just like natural teeth, enabling you to eat, chew and speak normally and comfortably. Another advantage of dental implants is that they maintain the shape and contour of your face; because most people having missing teeth face the problem of face shape irregularity.

One Spring Night, 2019.

Implants vs Crown: Which is better?
When it comes to the big debate about dental crowns and implants, it can be pretty tough to figure out the winner. Dental crowns protect the teeth, whereas the dental implants work like natural teeth for regular functioning of the teeth. Implants are known to reduce any strain on teeth as well as offer a variety of combinations in the procedures and materials. Whereas dental crowns can feel a little straining as well as there is not much variety in combinations.

In case you are rooting for dental implants, you should know that in terms of maintenance, you actually might be right about it. This is because cleaning the dental implants is very easy, it works just like our normal teeth so we can clean them along with our regular toothbrush. These also demand less maintenance and are more functional in helping you to chew and eat food easily. This is one of the most prominent contrasts that Implants have with Dental Crowns. Dental Implants, if invested on high quality, can last over a lifetime! But Dental crowns need to be checked, maintained and even change after 15 years at most.

A little drawback here to point out is that dental implants have to be fixed by surgical methods, and dental crowns are relatively easier. So, a complete surgical procedure for a dental implant is necessary, whether you are comfortable with it or not.

I'd choose this dentist any day. :)

Conclusion
In case you are suffering from significant damage such as missing teeth or jaw bone loss, dental implants are highly recommended as they are bound to fix your jawbone and fill the gap of missing teeth as well. This procedure will take about 3 to four appointments to the doctor. The dental implants need to be fixed along with healthy bone for good results and strong teeth set. In case you are suffering from chipped teeth or damaged teeth, dental crowns are ideal. These are less costly, easier to get, less painful and quicker to get done with. The dental crown procedure causes about 2 to 3 visits to the dentist at most. In case you are low on cash, you can go for the crowns, but other than that, dental implants are ideal as they function like natural teeth.

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?

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!