DOH: Avoid sweets on Valentine’s Day

What would Valentine's Day be without chocolates?

The modern celebration of the day has people giving their dear ones gifts that include a box of chocolates and candies or a designer bouquet made of fresh fruits slathered with chocolate.

But the Department of Health in Central Visayas has advised the public to avoid eating too much sweets on Valentine's Day to avoid dental problems.

"It's customary that people give sweet treats to their significant other on February 14. But the consumption of sweets has to be lessened to prevent oral health problems,” said Doctor Rick Man Cabello, Dentist II of DOH's Oral Health Department.

He urged the public to observe proper oral hygiene to keep mouth, teeth and gums healthy.

Not observing proper oral hygiene – like regular tooth brushing, flossing, and brushing the tongue – is the quickest way to welcome cavities.

In line with the observance of the National Dental Health Month this February, DOH7 highlights the importance of raising dental health consciousness among the Filipinos.

Cabello, one of the guest speakers during the Kapihan sa PIA-7 forum last Tuesday, said they are tapping the local government units and private sectors to intensify the health department's campaign against oral health diseases.

Experts said brushing the teeth at least twice a day specially before going to sleep help in the prevention of oral diseases which can cause serious diseases in the kidneys, lungs and the heart.

Cabello said DOH is advocating and encouraging people to observe proper oral hygiene to prevent diseases that can be developed from bad teeth as they stressed the importance of taking care of the teeth.

DOH said this year-round program, including information dissemination, encourages people to give importance to their teeth which is tagged as the most neglected part of the body even if they are very essential to people's lives.

"We teach people, especially those who can't afford to visit a dentist, home remedies that are helpful in maintaining healthy teeth and gums,” he said.

Aside from brushing and visiting the dentist, Dr. Felix Asoy, president of the Philippine Dental Association- Cebu Chapter, said unhealthy diet could affect one's oral health.

He stressed the need to eat the right foods and avoid foods that can cause toothaches like sodas or sticky and sweet foods which are high risks in dental caries.

“Prevention is better than cure when it comes to dental health,” he said.

He said eight out of 10 Filipinos are suffering from oral health problems and that he said is “alarming.”

PDA will conduct dental mission and dental lectures on oral health to communities and schools in time for the Oral Health Month.