The Hidden Crisis in Our Barangays

Walk through any neighborhood in the Philippines, from bustling cities to isolated provincial areas, and you'll see them—children with bright smiles, but whose baby teeth may already be hiding a silent problem. In many communities, especially those with limited access to dental care, a dangerous myth persists: "Ngipin pang-bata lang 'yan, malalaglag din 'yan." (They're just baby teeth, they'll fall out anyway.)

The Story of Marco: The "Cool" Kid with a Secret Pain

Marco was 16 and thought he had it all figured out. During breaks at his school in Manila, he’d join his barkada behind the building, pulling out his vape. The sweet, candy-like clouds made him feel sophisticated, older, and part of the group. He was cool. He’d seen the ads and heard his friends say, "It's just vapor, 'pre. It's not like cigarettes."

As dentists across the Philippines, we often see a common yet overlooked habit that silently wreaks havoc on oral health: chronic mouth breathing. Many dismiss it as a simple preference or a stuffy nose, but the science is clear—breathing through your mouth instead of your nose is a primary driver of cavities, gum disease, and even long-term changes in facial structure, especially in children.

This isn't just about dry mouth; it's about disrupting the entire ecosystem of your mouth.