Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Are you considering a smile makeover?

What is a Smile Makeover?

A Smile Makeover is a procedure that uses a combination of individual dental treatments to improve the appearance and health of your smile. Your teeth can be straightened, re-shaped and whitened using a range of techniques. A smile makeover for one person may be completely different for another – making the choice very personal.

What are the options available to you?

Whatever the reason you have for disliking your teeth or gums, there are a variety of cosmetic dental options available to help you achieve your perfect smile. A combination of procedures such as fillings, veneers or teeth whitening are normally used to straighten and whiten your teeth. It is even possible for your dentist to create a wax mock-up to show you what your new smile will look like prior to any dental treatment.

Smile Makeovers at Britannia - The Enclave?

At Britannia Medical Center - The Enclave, we consider all available options to help improve the appearance and health of your smile. We treat each smile makeover individually and no two smile makeovers are ever the same. This is due to the level of commitment, finance and requirements you may have available to you.

Our team are equipped to design the smile you’ve always wanted and work to satisfy these requirements as fully as possible.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SMILE MAKEOVERS

Make an appointment by calling 0925-567-5329 • 0908-865-5662 • 0917-566-1932 • 458-0717 and schedule a consultation today.

Visit us at BRITANNIA MEDICAL CENTER - The Enclave
Enclave Complex, Fil-Am Friendship Road, Angeles City.
britanniamed@gmail.com || www.britanniamedicalcenter.ph || britanniamedicalcenter.blogspot.com

Friday, August 19, 2016

Are you embarrassed by the gaps in your teeth?

For some people having a gap or gaps between your teeth can affect their confidence. If the gap in your teeth is particularly large it can make your teeth poorly aligned and lead to issues with your bite causing pain and tooth problems. For many people gaps in the teeth do not affect dental hygiene and can cause no issues. If however you are concerned about gaps in your teeth then it can helpful to know the options available to you.

What causes gaps in your teeth?

In Children: As a child’s mouth outgrows their baby teeth they may develop gaps. These will typically close as the child’s adult teeth push through and fill in the space. Dental gaps are normal as a child grows and acquires a full set of adult teeth.

In Adults: Typically diastemas (gaps in the teeth) is caused by simply having too much space in your jaw to accommodate your teeth. Gaps can occur between any teeth but are typically noticed most when they occur between the front two teeth. They generally do not cause any dental issues but can be worsened if you develop a habit of pushing your tongue against them.

Gaps in your teeth may also occur due to a tumour in your mouth or because of gum disease. Periodontal (gum) disease results in the loss of the bone that supports the teeth. For people who have lost a lot of bone, the teeth can become loose. This movement can result in gaps between the front teeth. If you feel any pain or find an abnormal lump in your mouth contact your dentist immediately so they can assess the cause.

Gaps in the teeth can also be caused through an incorrect swallowing reflex. Instead of pressing the tongue against the roof of the mouth, some press their tongue against their front teeth which over time can cause the teeth to move.

Lastly, you may have a gap in your teeth if you have lost a tooth perhaps through it being knocked out in an accident or through poor dental care which has resulted in the tooth needing to be removed.

How can you close the gaps in your teeth?

Whatever the reason for your having gaps in your teeth, there are a number of dental procedures you can undertake to close them.

Dental Implants

Dental implant treatment can be used to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth depending on the requirements. A dentist replaces the root of the missing tooth with a titanium screw and a crown is usually placed on top for a natural finish that fits in with your existing teeth. Dental implants are a preferred way of replacing missing teeth are they can be fitted without affecting adjacent teeth and as they fuse into the bone structure as a stable procedure.

MORE ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS VISIT US!

Dental Veneers

A dental veneer can be used to improve the position, shape and colour of your teeth. It involves placing a shell over your tooth and looks natural once completed. It will not only close the gaps in your teeth but can help straighten and whiten your smile.

MORE ABOUT DENTAL VENEERS VISIT US!

Braces and Retainers

There are a variety or dental braces and retainers available that can help close the gaps between your teeth. In some cases all that will be necessary is a removable retainer. Braces and retainers may be your preferred choice as they are cheaper and do not involve adding anything to your natural smile. Advances in cosmetic dentistry have introduced clear braces to the dental market. These are often used by adults who want to undergo treatment without others noticing.

Oral Hygiene

If the gap in your teeth is caused by gum disease your dentist will assist you in improving your dental hygiene, possibly recommending a course of antibiotics and for you to have your teeth deep cleaned every 3-6 months.

Do you have more questions?

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Is teeth grinding stressing you out?

Teeth grinding (or bruxism) affects around 6 million people in the UK. While episodes may come and go for many of us, persistent grinding can lead to discomfort, tension and further health problems.

What is teeth grinding?

In 80% of cases, teeth grinding occurs during sleep and you or your partner may have been woken by this habit. Bruxism can also occur during the day if you’re concentrating hard or feeling anxious, but this form is more common as jaw clenching.

Why do I grind my teeth?

About 70% of teeth grinding that happens at night is caused by stress and anxiety. However, these aren’t the only causes and dentists often refer to two kinds of tooth grinding:

Primary bruxism – caused by health issues (e.g. stress, sleep disorders and obstructive sleep apnoea)
Secondary bruxism – caused by lifestyle factors (e.g. regularly drinking alcohol, smoking, some medications, recreational drugs and drinking a high amount of caffeine)

Why does my child grind their teeth?

It is thought that 1 in 5 children aged up to 11 grinds their teeth. This often comes on when each set of teeth come through. After this, it should calm down, but may carry on into adulthood for the same reasons as adults experience bruxism.

Does teeth grinding damage my teeth?

Many people who experience teeth grinding don’t notice any problems. However, if you’ve been grinding your teeth for some time, you may notice:

Wear to the teeth (sharpened points, fractures and increased sensitivity)
Jaw pain, clicking and difficulty opening the mouth
Headaches
Facial pain
Earache
Neck stiffness

How do I stop grinding my teeth?

Most cases of teeth grinding are only temporary. But if yours is ongoing and causing problems, your dentist may be able to fit you with a mouth splint or mouth guard to be worn during sleep. These don’t stop teeth grinding, but they do provide a shield to prevent further damage.

The only way to stop teeth grinding for good is to try to discover the cause. If you suspect stress or medication is to blame, it’s just as important to speak to your GP. They may be able to suggest alternative medications as well as counselling.

It might even be as simple as making small lifestyle and dietary changes. Prioritising time for yourself, meditation and breathing techniques, writing down your thoughts, walking and yoga are all positive ways to relieve stress and anxiety.

Don’t let teeth grinding grind you down!

If you suspect teeth grinding is causing your mouth issues, book a check-up as soon as possible. Our dentists at Britannia Medical Center - The Enclave will be able to assess any damage and suggest the next steps for you.

Do you have more questions?

Friday, July 29, 2016

3 Reasons To Take Care Of Your Smile

3 Reasons To Take Care Of Your Smile

Do you ever reflect on the knowledge that you can receive restorative dental care when something goes wrong? Does this lead you down a complex rabbit hole, leading you to the sudden thought that perhaps caring for your oral health is a complete waste of time? Why brush and floss when you can avoid dental hygiene sessions and then visit us for repairs? Actually – it’s a bit more complex than this.

Allow us to offer some helpful reasons to remain dedicated to preventive dental care

Reason #1: Daily Maintenance Yields Long-Term Results

As you likely know, we suggest that you brush your teeth every day (two times, that is), floss your smile once daily, and schedule a time to see us twice a year for an exam and cleaning. The more you remain consistent with this method, the longer your teeth remain whole and healthy.

Reason #2: Avoiding Problems Is More Comfortable

If your smile is free of problems like tooth decay or infection and your teeth are undamaged, your nerves will remain unexposed, calm, and comfortable. As a result, you won’t need to worry about problematic sensitivity or discomfort. Keeping your oral health in good shape means you will enjoy a smile that functions successfully and feels just fine.

Reason #3: A Healthy Smile Is A Budget-Friendly Smile

Let’s say you take great care of your oral health – you will need to spend money each year on toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, and two preventive care visits. Now, let’s say you avoid caring for your smile – the cost of your restorative care treatments will exceed the cost of prevention (which you will continue to require even if you receive restorations). Keep your wallet full by protecting the well being of your smile.

Do you have more questions?

Sunday, July 17, 2016

Beauty marks, Moles or Skin Cancer?

Beauty marks, Moles or Skin Cancer?

Moles which are cancerous tend to pose a serious threat especially if diagnosed late without taking advantage of proper treatment options. It is however very important to understand the fact that not all moles are cancerous though all normal moles can turn to be cancerous in the long run especially when the skin is overly exposed to the UV rays from the sun.

As an adult, in the event that you notice that the number of moles on your skin is increasing, you should take precautions since moles rarely grow during adulthood. Failure to do might easily lead to cancer of the skin.

How to establish the cancerous nature of moles

First off, these type of moles are usually pink, brown and tan like. They also tend to appear flat and smooth sometimes raised. Some may look flat in the beginning and then elevate eventually. Take note, moles which are normal tend to be oval in shape or in some cases circular. Remember, cancer moles are completely different from normal moles both in terms of color, shape, size and appearance.

Symptoms of Cancer Moles

They include:

Height – these moles tend to be overly elevated and quick to change in size. Taking this into consideration, in the event that you start to notice any increase or decrease in the diameter, color or shape of the mole or in case it starts to bleed, you should immediately consult a medical specialist.

Size – the average size of any more is 6mm on average. You should therefore have your mole checked by a doctor in case it seems bigger than normal.

Asymmetry – moles tend to look alike even when they are divided. Picture this, you divide the mole into two equal parts and then make a comparison. In case you notice that the two look different. Consult your dermatologist immediately.

Shade – normal moles have the same color throughout. Taking this into consideration, any mole which has varied colors should be treated as very suspicious. Take note, a scalp of moles which is cancerous can easily have different shades such as brown, red, black etc. this symptom is quite striking hence should always be addressed immediately.

Precautionary steps for cancer moles

In case you have a history with moles then it is strongly advised that you carry out a monthly check on your body. Remember, moles on the back are very common amongst males while moles on the lower section of the body have been found to be common in women. It is however recommended that you check the whole body especially after taking a shower or whenever your skin gets wet. In the process of checking, it is strongly advised that you closely check on regions such as the armpits and neck as well as the back of the knees.

Treatment for cancerous moles

Removing a tissue is done for the purpose of testing. This is clearly evident from the fact that when a mole is detected as having been cancerous then the dermatologist would go ahead and get rid of the entire mole from the affected area.

Almost all skin cancers are curable if diagnosed early. So if you notice changes in your skin, it is worth looking into. You should be doing a monthly skin cancer self-exam, and better still you can always snap a pic of a mole or mark each month to note any changes.

You should be doing a monthly skin cancer self-exam, and better still you can always snap a pic of a mole or mark each month to note any changes.

Plan to make an appointment with a dermatologist and finally get these moles and marks checked out.

Do you have more questions?

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

9 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR CHILDREN’S TEETH HEALTHY

No kid enjoys sitting in a dentist’s chair with an adult’s latex-gloved hands in their tiny mouth. Cavities always prolong the experience, and often include some scary instruments that would make anyone cringe.

The best way to keep your child’s dental visits as quick and painless – and to keep their smiles healthy as they grow up – is to help your child to develop healthy habits early on. These 9 tips, along with regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, will help you do just that.

Don’t share food and drink. Because cavities are caused by bacteria, they can actually be contagious! Not sharing food and drink will ensure that any cavity causing bacteria you or your child’s friends may have is not passed along to your child.
Avoid frequent snacking. A constant influx of foods, and especially sugary foods, creates the perfect environment for the growth of bacteria-causing cavities. Wherever possible, limit your child’s snacking to healthy foods only, and encourage them to brush their teeth or gargle with water whenever possible after they are finished.
Eat crisp, water-dense fruits. Fruits with high water content such as watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, and peaches can help keep your child’s mouth hydrated, and are particularly useful in a lunchbox meal.
Avoid unnecessary sugars. Ok, this one is a no-brainer, but especially where teeth are concerned. Soda, candies, and other high-sugar foods should be consumed in moderation, if at all.
Keep fruit juices to a minimum. While they are a much healthier alternative to sodas, fruit juices can be both acidic and sweet, two qualities that can wreak havoc on a child’s teeth. Encourage your child to consume them in moderation.
Drink lots of water. Water should always be the drink of choice. While bottled water is fine, drinking fluoridated tap water is best for your child’s dental health.
Consider a dental sealant. Talk to your dentist about placing dental sealants on your child’s teeth. These thin, plastic coatings on the chewing surface of your child’s teeth can protect them from tooth decay and prevent cavities down the line.
Avoid sticky foods. Foods that are sticky, such as fruit rollups, candies, and cookies can linger in the mouth and create growth opportunities for sugar-feeding bacteria that cause cavities.
Lean towards cheeses and nut butters. Nuts and cheeses have ingredients that can help remineralize a child’s teeth, and are great additions to any lunchbox. If your child has a nut allergy, soy nut butter may be an option. However, be sure to talk to your child’s allergist to determine if soy nut butter is safe for your child to consume.

Do you have more questions?

Make an appointment by calling 0925-567-5329 • 0908-865-5662 • 0917-566-1932 • 458-0717 and schedule a consultation today.

Visit us at BRITANNIA MEDICAL CENTER - The Enclave
Enclave Complex, Fil-Am Friendship Road, Angeles City.
britanniamed@gmail.com || www.britanniamedicalcenter.ph || britanniamedicalcenter.blogspot.com

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD OVERCOME HIS FEAR OF DOCTORS

Be around your child

Having a parent around makes the child feel comfortable. Sometimes, you may have grandparents accompany them to the pediatrician’s. But thinking from a child’s perspective, they need to see their mommy or daddy around. The last thing a child wants to see is that he or she is around unfamiliar faces which may render another round of those unbearable tantrums.

Distraction is the remedy

This may not be a do-all but certainly assists in keeping your kid’s panic under control. Keep them distracted by reading them the ‘Goldilocks’ or buy them the doctor’s kit and coat so they can play and pretend what might happen in the doctor’s room. This may help take off the doctor’s fear from the child’s mind. Best would be to bring their favorite stuffed teddy or the miniature car along.
Avoid talks that confuse them

Let’s face it – we fear doctor shots as much as kids do. No matter what you say, your child is hardly going to be the obedient one about it. Better refrain from using words that may confuse them. ‘Don’t be afraid’, ‘It won’t hurt’, ‘Don’t cry’, ‘She won’t do anything to you’, are words that make kids’ minds think exact opposite. Try and be positive around them. Pacify them by saying, ‘You’re a strong kid’, ‘It will be over before you know’, etc.

Coat it up with sweets and candies

Provide your kid something to look forward to. This much is clear that nothing but how you wrap it up for your child can make the doctor’s visit pleasant. Praise them, hug them, and shower them with kisses. Try taking them to a candy or ice-cream shop to win them over. This might just make the next trip a lot easier.

Don’t feel terrible if your child is not a model patient. More importantly, never let your child feel guilty for being anxious. With careful guidance and enough patience, your kid will soon find trips to the pediatrician wonderful instead of frightening.

Do you have more questions?