IN THIS year’s National Oral Health Month, the Department of Health calls on all Filipinos to work towards this goal: to reach the age of 70 with at least 20 remaining teeth.
#Ngiting7020 embodies this goal and it guides the efforts of the department in promoting good oral health, especially among children.
“When kids practice good habits from a young age, they will continue this into adulthood,” said Dr. Girlie Blancada, oral hgealth program manager at DOH Davao.
Last Feb. 5, Dr. Blancada led a DOH team to work with community healthcare workers, teachers, and parents to conduct an oral health awareness campaign at Ramon Magsaysay Elementary School in Davao del Sur. This activity is one of the many efforts of DOH to promote good oral health in the region. More than 400 daycare kids were given oral health kits and education by DOH Davao and its partners.
“Good oral health is essential for eating, breathing, and speaking, and contributes to overall health,” Dr. Blancada said. She added that oral diseases, when left untreated, cause pain and discomfort and make it difficult for children to concentrate and be their best in school.
Oral diseases are among the most common non-communicable diseases worldwide, affecting 3.5 billion people. Data from the 2018 National Survey on Oral Health shows that 72% of Filipinos have dental caries and 50% suffer from gum disease.
DOH Davao data from 2024 shows that 83.56% of examined children aged 5-10 in the Davao Region have decayed, missing, or filled teeth due to caries.
Forming dental habits at home is crucial to address this, Dr. Blancada said. This is emphasized in this year’s theme “Pamilya, Una Kong Dentista,” which highlights the role of parents in starting good oral health with their kids.
“Parents act as role models and the first line of defense in preventing oral health conditions,” Dr. Blancada said.
To achieve #Ngiting7020, DOH reminds the public to veer from sugar to avoid tooth decay; to brush twice daily; and to visit the dentist regularly.
