New technologies — from AI diagnostics to regenerative medicine — are reshaping dentistry. A promising breakthrough from researchers in South Korea reports a microneedle patch that can stimulate tooth stem cells to regenerate enamel and even form new tooth buds. For Filipino patients, this raises hope: less drilling, fewer implants, and more biological solutions. But before we celebrate, a dose of critical thinking is needed.

Understanding the Parts of the Mandible (Lower Jaw) and Their Functions

The mandible, or lower jawbone, is the largest and strongest bone of the face. It holds the lower teeth in place and forms the lower part of the facial skeleton. Understanding its parts helps both dental students and patients appreciate how complex and important this bone is in chewing, speaking, and facial movement.

Scott’s Bleeding Gums – A Wake-Up Call from Argao, Cebu

In the Philippines, many people delay dental visits — not because they don’t care, but because procrastination has become part of the culture. Most Filipinos put oral health aside, often saying “next time nalang” — especially when finances are tight.

Scott, a 32-year-old from Argao, Cebu, was one of them. Every morning, he’d see a hint of blood when brushing. “Normal lang siguro,” he thought. He blamed it on brushing too hard and moved on with his day.

Across the Philippines, many still believe that using more toothpaste means getting cleaner, whiter teeth. We’ve all seen it on TV — commercials showing someone squeezing a thick line of toothpaste across the brush, promising a sparkling smile. For years, brands like Close-Up and other ads have shaped that image.

But the truth? You only need a small amount — about the size of a pea.

To understand this better, let’s follow two friends — Mario and Mike.

For decades, dentists have lived with one undeniable truth — once tooth enamel is lost, it never grows back. In every dental clinic across the Philippines, that belief has shaped the way we treat cavities, erosion, and sensitivity. Traditional restoration methods, such as fillings, crowns, and bonding, only replace what was damaged — they never truly bring enamel back to life.

But the world of dentistry is changing fast, and the Philippines must keep up with this new wave of innovation.