"The Smile Worth a Thousand Miles"

Chapter 1: The Overseas Grind

Jose "Jojo" Mendoza had spent the last six years working in Dubai as an electrician, sending money back home to his family in Pampanga. The pay was good—far better than anything he could earn in the Philippines—but the cost of living was high, and luxuries like dental care were painfully expensive. A simple tooth extraction in Dubai could cost him a week’s salary, while a crown or implant? Forget it. That was a month’s wages gone.

Fever after a tooth extraction can be concerning for many patients. As a dentist practicing in Singapore, I often reassure patients that a mild rise in temperature can occur, but it is important to know when it signals something more serious.

Understanding the difference between normal healing response and infection is essential for a safe recovery.

By: Dr. Maria Santos, DMD | Sponsored by Cebu Dental Implants

Manila, Philippines – For many Manileños, the day doesn’t start until that first sip of rich, aromatic coffee. Whether it’s a quick 3-in-1 sachet from the neighborhood sari-sari store or a crafted latte from a trendy café in BGC, coffee is deeply ingrained in Filipino culture. But while that daily cup of joe keeps you energized through Manila’s hectic streets, it might be silently harming your teeth.