BY IME SORNITO
ILOILO City – In observance of National Oral Health Month, the Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas is intensifying its advocacy on the importance of dental care.
This year’s theme, “Pamilya, Una Kong Dentista: #Ngiting7020”, emphasizes the big role of parents and guardians in ensuring that children stay free from oral health problems.
According to Dr. Ramon Mateo Grecia, Jr., Dentist III at DOH Region 6, the most common oral health issues nationwide for both children and adults include dental caries (tooth decay) and periodontal (gum) disease.
Based on the 2018 National Survey on Oral Health, 72% of Filipinos have dental caries, and 50% suffer from periodontal disease.
Causes of Oral Health Problems
In an interview with Panay News, Dr. Grecia explained that the main causes of oral health problems are the lack of dental visits and improper management of oral hygiene, particularly inadequate brushing.
He emphasized that it is important for parents to take children to the dentist as early as possible, usually when their first tooth appears at around six months of age, so they can receive guidance on proper oral care to avoid tooth damage.
“We advocate that everyone visits the dentist at least twice a year for a check-up. A dental visit every six months is ideal to detect any problems and determine appropriate treatments,” Grecia explained.
In addition to regular dental visits, DOH encourages brushing teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste containing 1,000 to 1,500 parts per million of fluoride.
For infants, parents are advised to clean their child’s teeth with a clean cloth to prevent the buildup of food particles that can cause oral caries.
Access to Free Dental Services
Dr. Grecia said accessing oral health services is not difficult, as all Rural Health Units (RHUs) are equipped with dentists.
There is no consultation fee in RHUs, and in some cases, patients are provided with free fluoride treatments, he added.
Campaigns and Activities for Oral Health Month
Although the DOH campaigns for oral health year-round, the efforts are intensified during February in celebration of National Oral Health Month. Activities include advocacy campaigns at the barangay level in partnership with LGUs, the distribution of educational materials, dental cleaning, and fluoride application.
Dr. Grecia encouraged parents to minimize children’s consumption of sugary foods, such as candies and chocolates.
“These are the main causes of tooth decay,” Grecia said./PN
