By Rowena Cruz Daycare students and their mothers in Tagkawayan, Quezon during the free dental care and education on September 5, 2024, as p...
 |
| Daycare students and their mothers in Tagkawayan, Quezon during the free dental care and education on September 5, 2024, as part of the Tagkwayan LGU and Provincial Health Office's (PHO) proactive initiative to promote good oral hygiene from a young age. (Photo from Tagkawayan Teleradyo) |
TAGKAWAYAN, Quezon - Seven out of 10 Filipinos, or 72 percent of the population, suffer from dental caries or tooth decay, the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) said in a recent report. This alarming statistic underscores the importance of initiatives like the one recently undertaken in Tagkawayan.
Daycare students in Tagkawayan received free dental care and education on September 5, 2024 in cooperation with the Provincial Health Office's (PHO) proactive initiative to promote good oral hygiene from a young age.
The "Ngiting Maningning, Sagipin Unang Ngipin" (Smile Shine, Save First Tooth) Dental Caravan on September 5, 2024, equipped children with free toothbrushes, toothpaste, and preventive treatments such as oral prophylaxis and Duraphat fluoride application.
This event was part of the broader Preventive Dental Caravan and Bright Smiles, Bright Future Program, which strives to bring comprehensive oral health care services to the community. Led by the PHO-Oral Health Unit under Dr. Olga Muñoz, the program focuses on early intervention and education to combat tooth decay and establish healthy habits.
Dr. Muñoz emphasized that promoting proper oral hygiene practices from a young age can drastically reduce the risk of future dental problems. "By providing these services to children, we hope to create a generation with healthier smiles and better overall oral health."
She also urged parents to schedule regular dental check-ups for their children and monitor their brushing and flossing habits at home. This proactive approach can prevent the development of serious dental issues later on.
"Regular dental check-ups can catch any potential issues early on, preventing more serious problems down the line. Parents play a crucial role in ensuring their children maintain good oral hygiene habits for a lifetime of healthy smiles," she added.
Meanwhile, about 50 percent or five out of 10 Filipinos suffer from various gum or periodontal diseases. These are advanced conditions that affect not only the gums but also the bones beneath them. Department of Health Maternal Child and Adolescent Health Division chief Manuel Vallesteros stressed that dental and oral problems are highly preventable.
“We always think that dentistry is expensive, but it is dental neglect that is expensive. That’s why we need to strengthen dental home or oral health primary care,” Vallesteros said.
He emphasized that oral health, which encompasses the teeth, gums, lips, jaws, and salivary glands, must be prioritized by every Filipino. Vallesteros advised Filipinos to familiarize themselves with all available dental services.
No comments