Friday, August 26, 2016

Dental implants can restore confidence in your smile

Not being able to smile properly due to lack of confidence can cause stress in social situations and make it difficult to interact with people properly. You may also find that daily tasks such as eating can be more painful with damaged teeth.

A dental implant from Britannia Medical Center - The Enclave could be the solution you are looking for to completely transform your life, allowing you to enjoy even the toughest of foods without hesitation and restoring confidence in your smile.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are a cosmetic dentistry treatment that work by inserting an artificial tooth root into the jawbone. This tooth root is then used as a foundation to insert a bridge or crown which is visible above the gum line. They are designed to be fit in with your natural teeth and are the dental procedure that offer the closest option to restoring your own natural teeth. You may have lost or damaged teeth due to previous poor dental care or dental treatment. Alternatively you may be looking for a more permanent alternative or replacement to dentures. Dental implants provide a solution to all of these problems.

Dental implants allow you to enjoy your favourite foods

Precautions must be taken to ensure the transition goes smoothly after surgery. The most ideal way to conduct your dietary lifestyle for the first week after surgery is to stick to soft foods and carefully progress to harder and chewier foods afterwards. If you have damaged or missing teeth you may have been avoiding eating some of your favourite foods as they are too difficult or painful to chew. After a tooth implant, you will notice that after time the inside of your mouth feels relatively normal again, allowing you to be able to enjoy all of your favourite meals again.

Dental implants restore your confidence

Not only will dental implants make everyday tasks like eating more comfortable and enjoyable, but your appearance will also be significantly improved. Having a poor set of teeth can easily cause you to cover your mouth, shy away from photographs or avoid expressing happiness at all. It is easy to be embarrassed about your smile when your teeth are either deformed or missing, and this can have a negative effect on your self-esteem. Dental implants can provide an answer to this simple problem, allowing you to smile with confidence again.

Lifelong dental companions

Unlike bridges and dentures which need to be replaced every few years, dental implants are are a long term teeth replacement solution which will remain with you for life. Unlike dentures, dental implants will not slip around and they do not require augmenting healthy teeth, which is often required with dental bridges. Instead, they provide you with one of the most reliable, natural and easy to maintain dental solutions and can be treated as part of your existing dental hygiene routine.

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, August 24, 2016

Sore throat, cough, fever: Is it a cold, the flu or strep throat?

The common cold

The common cold is an upper respiratory illness, meaning that it affects the nose, throat and sinuses but not the lungs. It is caused by a virus. Although some people think colds are more common in the cold seasons, you can actually get a cold in any season. It is spread from person to person through hands, sneezing, or coughing.

What are the symptoms of a cold?

Sneezing
Stuffy nose
Runny nose
Sore throat
Cough
Low fever (100°F–101°F)
Headache
Feeling tired, achy and unwell

How long does a cold last?

Most colds last 3–10 days, but for some it will be as long as 2 weeks
Colds can last longer for smokers

Influenza, or the flu

Like the common cold, the flu is caused by a virus, but it’s a different kind of virus. It is more common beginning in October and ending in May (flu season). It can make you feel really terrible, and for some people it can cause serious problems. So what are you waiting for? Get a flu shot! You don’t need this kind of trouble in your life.

Symptoms

Fever higher than 100°F
Cough
Headache and body aches
Sometimes a sore throat and runny nose

How long does the flu last?

Most people feel better within 1–2 weeks.

Strep throat

Strep throat is an infection of your throat that is NOT caused by a virus, but by a bacteria called Group A Streptococcus. This is where antibiotics are helpful, because they are made to kill bacteria.

What are the symptoms of strep throat?

Sore throat, especially when swallowing
Fever higher than 100.4°F
Headache
Swollen glands in the sides of your neck
Feeling achy and unwell

When to call your doctor or get emergency help

Have trouble breathing or feel short of breath
Are drooling because you cannot swallow your saliva (spit)
Have swelling of the neck or tongue
Cannot move your neck or have trouble opening your mouth

Illnesses like cold, flu and strep throat can make the winter months a challenge. It helps is to take good care of yourself all year round, so when it’s time for your body to fight off an illness, it has the best possible chance of winning the fight as quickly as possible.

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

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?