Strengthening good dental health awareness
NATIONAL Dental Health Month ( NDHM) is celebrated in February, pursuant to Proclamation No. 559 issued in 2004. The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Philippine Dental Association (PDA), in leading the 11th NDHM celebration, urged dental practitioners, government agencies, and professional organizations to reach out to more people in the rural areas, especially those who have no access to dental services, and educate them on the value of good oral health.
With the theme, “Nakangiti ang Kinabukasan, Kapag Ngipin ay Pinangangalagaan,” DepEd, advocating a healthy diet and daily tooth-brushing, focuses on role of schools in the oral health campaign. Tooth decay is a common, but preventable disease of childhood, causing pain, dysfunction, absenteeism, loss of confidence, and poor appearance. Many children lack access to basic dental care and education needed to achieve good oral health.
The PDA holds an Alay Parada – Dentistry at its Best Festive Float Parade – on February 1 at Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City to kick off the 2015 NDHM, as well as events such as slogan contest, a “pustiso” challenge, a spot poster- making, a photo tilt, and a Love Ako ni Teacher healthy smile contest.
DepEd and PDA programs encourage dental experts and practitioners as well as healthcare providers to spread awareness of the benefits of oral wellness among children, parents, and teachers. Public school dentists coordinate with PDA local chapters on the conduct of monthlong activities that include free dental checkup, oral health lecture, tooth brushing drill, and cleft lip and palate operations in barangays, schools, and malls. Their advice: Brush teeth thrice a day, use toothpaste with adequate fluoride, limit intake of sweet snacks, and visit dentists twice a year.
Department of Health and PDA data shows that 96 out of 100 Filipinos suffer from dental caries and periodontal diseases, two common health problems. Dental caries prevalence among children is 94%, of which 90% remain untreated. Dental caries are commonly known as tooth decay, while periodontal disease is when the tissue – gums, deeper supporting tissue, and bone – around a tooth or teeth become infected and swollen.
The World Health Organization reported that oral diseases have become a global health problem in both industrialized and developing countries, especially in poor communities. It said an estimated five billion people have tooth decay and most children have signs of gingivitis (bleeding gums). Periodontal disease, the major cause of tooth loss, is found in 5 to 15% of most populations. This silent epidemic causes much pain, suffering, impaired function, and reduced quality of life for millions of people, WHO said.