PDA, MWF celebrate World Oral Heath Day

MANILA Water Foundation and the Philippine Dental Association inaugurated a three-faucet toothbrushing and handwashing facility in a Dumagat community in Tanay, Rizal, in line with the celebration of the 2021 World Oral Health Day.

With the theme, “Be Proud of Your Mouth,” this year’s World Oral Health Day is led by the Philippine Dental Association and Manila Water Foundation, in a virtual ceremony at Manila Water Foundation’s Facebook and Youtube pages.

During the celebration, experts from the dental and medical fields provided talks that aimed to raise awareness about proper oral health.

FDI World Dental Federation, the world's leading organization representing the dental profession, shared what this celebration is about through a message from its president, Dr. Gerhard Seeberger. Representatives from the Philippine Dental Association also discussed about visiting the dentist in the “new normal” and the proper toothbrushing techniques.

The virtual event is co-presented with the Department of Health and the Department of Education’s Oplan Kalusugan, and corporate partners PHILUSA Corporation, makers of Cleene CLIO toothbrush, and Lamoiyan Corporation, makers of Hapee Toothpaste.

Aside from the virtual ceremony, MWF and PDA also inaugurated a three-faucet toothbrushing and handwashing facility in a Dumagat community in Tanay, Rizal, in line with the celebration of the 2021 World Oral Health Day.

PDA nominated Brgy. Cayabu, their community partner for their programs, with 60 Dumagat families or 200 individuals as the beneficiary of a three-faucet hybrid hygiene facility.

“Most of the Tribong Dumagat don’t have a wash area or lababo and even toilets," said Brgy. Cayabu Chair Antonio Bolaños. "We have to guide and familiarize [sa] mga tamang practices sa kalinisan at kalusugan,” he added.

During the inauguration last March 10, PDA led a toothbrushing lecture, while MWF provided IECS on proper handwashing and toothbrushing, and distributed hygiene supplies from PHILUSA Corporation containing CLIO toothbrushes, foaming hand soap, ethyl alcohol, povidone iodine, tissue rolls, dental floss, and vitamin C tablets.

From March 8 to 12, MWF also distributed the same hygiene supplies to institutions in Bulacan, Laguna, and Pangasinan, covering schools, day care centers COVID-19 facilities, and barangay health centers, benefiting more than 2,000 individuals.

For the virtual celebration of World Oral Health Day, visit Manila Water Foundation’s Facebook or Youtube pages. Brush your teeth properly, visit the dentist regularly, and eat healthy, nutritious food. With these habits, you will surely be #Mouthproud!