(By Dr. Joseph D. Lim and Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI)
THIS IS THE message of a lay forum on oral health: “Bigyang Pansin, Importansya ng Oral Health Alamin!”
It puts forward the message that oral health is important in the lives of every Filipino family.
Over 180 healthcare professionals and members of the academe attended the forum in a show of their support to make oral health a public health priority “especially during these challenging times”.
Those who supported the initiative were from the Department of Health (DOH) together with academics from the University of the Philippines College of Public Health, members of the Philippine Dental Association (PDA), and Johnson & Johnson (Philippines).
“Oral health touches every aspect of our lives including speech and early stages of digestion,” said Dr. Regina Berba, Head of the Hospital Infection and Control Unit of the Philippine General Hospital.
“Dental health also directly affects the immune system’s response. Early signs of medical issues are often detected in the mouth, and people who have poor oral hygiene are found to have health issues,” she added.
In a public statement, the forum observed that the mouth is home to millions of bacteria. While most are harmless, bacteria in the mouth if left unchecked can multiply and lead to oral infections such as periodontitis or gum disease.
Studies have found that gum disease plays a role in developing high blood pressure, heart disease, and pneumonia. It is also a condition linked to premature birth or low birth weight.
“In relation to our current situation, recent data show that there is a connection between gum disease and the severity of COVID-19,” the public statement said.
“Oral cavities are ripe for COVID-19 infection with saliva as potential route of transmission,” said Dr. Berba. “Risk factors for severe COVID-19 such as diabetes and heart disease are also associated with poor oral hygiene.”
Knowing that the oral cavity is an entry point for many agents that can cause infection, oral health should not be neglected.
Maintenance of good oral health is a must, and conventional mechanical methods such as tooth brushing and flossing are insufficient.
Gargling daily using antiseptic mouthwashes can significantly improve oral health.
Regular trips to the dentist should also be observed for early diagnosis and prevention of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental diseases. In their early stages, these oral diseases can be reversed if not arrested with proper oral hygiene, dental treatments, and other measures.
“Oral health is an important aspect of our daily activities that we need to give importance to with or without COVID-19,” said Dr. Manuel Vallesteros, Chief of the DOH’s Oral Health Division and the PDA’s Public Health Chairman.
“What may seem as something simple like regular brushing, flossing, and gargling can make all the difference in stopping certain diseases in their tracks. That said, we will continue to collaborate closely with our partners as we create greater awareness and push for programs that would aid in improving the state of oral health in every Filipino family.”
“We are supportive of this initiative,” said Dr. Angelo Militante, PDA President. “Improvement in oral health is a must, especially during this pandemic.”
“We at Johnson & Johnson Philippines are always ready to provide support for advocacies that aim to institutionalize good oral care practices during this pandemic and beyond,” said Dr. Erwin Benedicto, Head of Medical Affairs of Johnson & Johnson’s (Philippines). “Proper, routinary oral hygiene is critical in preventing oral diseases that can lead to more serious health concerns – and everyone should be made aware of it.”
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; and Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; Member, American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com/PN
