A lot of people think that going to the dentist would be expensive. It’s not like you don’t brush your teeth everyday anyways, so why should you go to the dentist, right? Well, Dr. Randolph Mencias, a local dentist stationed within the area of Parang, Marikina, has something to say.

Dr. Mencias obtained his bachelor’s degree in Dentistry at the Manila Central University (MCU) in 2004, specializing in Dental Technology. While working in dental laboratories during his stay in MCU, he realized that he wanted to be a dentist. In 2010, Dr. Mencias graduated after further studies in the University of the East, and passed the National Board Dental Examinations in the same year.

Dental Misconceptions

When people experience symptoms of the cold or the flu, they would immediately go to the physician to get it checked. But when it comes to toothaches, people rarely go to the dentist until it’s too late. This is caused by the misinformed notions people have of the dentist.

Dr. Mencias shares that a common misconception people have is that going to the dentist is either expensive or painful. “As early as they turn a year old, take your child to the dentist. Going to the dentist doesn’t always mean you’re getting a tooth extracted. It can also be a simple dental check up where we can teach you how to brush your teeth properly.”

When asked what the most common dental problems people approached their clinic for, Dr. Mencias easily replied that most of their patients usually approach them for extractions, prophylaxis, or dentures. “Since we’re near the marketplace, we tend to lower our rates compared to the average within the area,and go up from there, depending how grave their condition is,” he adds.

Dr. Mencias recounts how some of his patients approach him for extractions as a result of cavities. “People tend to come to the dentist only when it’s too late. This usually means that instead of saving the tooth, we result to extraction,” he narrates.

The basic definition of a cavity is a hole or space, and in dentistry, this pertains to the tooth decay which happens when specific kind of bacteria produce acid that destroy the tooth’s enamel and dentin, which are the first two layers of a tooth.

“Tooth decay makes the hard enamel soft,” Dr. Mencias explains, “Thus causing cavities, which can also grow over time if not treated immediately.” Tooth decay is caused by the food that was left by improper or irregular brushing.

Dr. Mencias advises us that proper brushing with the right kind of toothbrush and toothpaste, as well as a prophylaxis every six months will surely prevent any tooth decay. “Going to the dentist is not expensive, nor is it painful; negligence is.”

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

To prevent most oral diseases, cavities and mottling included, the easiest and simplest way is to brush your teeth properly and regularly. “It’s easy to say that brushing alone can save your teeth, but at the same time we have a lot of misconceptions about them such as the amount of toothpaste and the motions we should use when brushing. So we also have to remember that we should be aware of the proper methods,” Dr. Mencias says.

Dentistry has come a long way from how it was done before. They have new machines and equipment to help better their services. “Me and my wife, who is also a dentist, is really in the digital phase. Our x -rays and chartings are now digital, which makes it convenient for us, as well as our patients.”

As one of the practitioners available on SeeYouDoc, Dr. Mencias says that, “they were able to manage their appointments even more.” Walk-ins and scheduled appointments were deviated more evenly between the couple who shares the Tan-Mencias Dental Clinic, which made their waiting are less crowded.

To book an appointment with Dr. Randolph Mencias, just register at SeeYouDoc and visit his profile!