Pinay dentist shares tooth care tips, advocates for 'balik-ngiti'

Written by: Josh Mercado

According to the Philippine Dental Association (PDA), dental caries -- also referred to as tooth decay -- is the main issue faced by patients, closely followed by oral cancer and gingivitis.

Reiterating her commitment to promoting oral health awareness, Filipina dentist Sam Bernardo recently spoke with ABS-CBN News during her dental mission at Happyland in Manila.

She said, “Common is sirang ngipin talaga na kailangan bunutin, at namamagang gilagid na kailangang linisin na. Very important ang oral health because it contributes the overall well-being of the patient.”

“Katulad nga rin na ‘pag sumasakit ang ngipin, sumasakit din ang ulo at di makatulog ang tao na nakaka-experience nito. At the same time, it will affect the speech function. Ganoon din sa pag kain at nguya na magdudulot din na bababa lalo ang nutrition sa katawan,” she added. 

Running her own clinic AweSam Smile, Bernardo shared these tips, emphasizing that visiting the dentist should not only happen when someone experiences tooth pain.

“Ang number one is siyempre ay regular visit sa dentista. Kung maagang maagapan, mas madaling masolusyunan. Always brush your teeth 2 to 3 times daily. Avoid natin ang matatamis, acid, and lalo na ang pagsisigarilyo,” she said. 

According to Bernardo, brushing for a minimum of two minutes and covering all surfaces of your teeth thoroughly helps tackle most oral care issues. 

Underscoring the importance of proper brushing techniques, she always believes that a healthy smile starts with proper oral care.

“Minsan naiisip natin na ‘ngipin lang 'yan, malayo ‘yan sa bituka.' Pero di nila alam na hindi lang ito nagbibigay-ngiti or appearance, na dapat maganda ako because maganda ang ngipin ko,” Bernardo expressed.

The advocate continues to champion dental health among Filipinos, particularly those in underserved communities. 

Driven by her long-standing commitment to organizing outreach programs, she spearheaded her largest dental mission in Manila.

“Very fulfilling at nakakataba talaga ng puso kasi right after the bunot, you can see na at least natanggal na ‘yung pain, na very need nila ‘yung procedure na ‘yun. Kahit mahirap ‘yung set up, pumila sila. Makikita mo pa rin after na very thankful sila habang ginagawa ‘yun,” she said. 

Bernardo has been passionate about conducting outreach programs since she graduated and began her practice.

She hopes to visit more underserved communities.

“Dito sa Pilipinas, actually marami talagang hindi alam kung ano ba ang kahalagahan ng ngipin, ang dental health natin,” she said.

“Although siyempre, kailangan din talagang intindihin na siyempre uunahin nila ang kanilang basic needs katulad ng pagkain, lahat. So, kaya kami, dito namin talaga napag-decide-an na rito kami sa Happyland para lang at least makatulong din lalo na may mga nararamdaman silang sakit ng ngipin,” she ended.