In its second year, the Nangingilo? I-Sensodyne mo! Dental Caravan, in partnership with the Philippine Dental Association, reaches out to barangays across the Philippines, educating residents on essential oral care practices and providing free dental check-ups. Photo source: Sarah Herrera, ABS- CBN News

In its second year, the 'Nangingilo? I-Sensodyne mo!' dental caravan, in partnership with the Philippine Dental Association, visited various barangays in Metro Manila. Their aim was to promote oral health care and raise awareness about teeth sensitivity, This initiative proved particularly valuable for residents facing financial barriers to dental care.

"Our goal is to provide access to Filipinos who cannot afford dental care," explained Senior Brand Manager for Sensodyne Tracee Maristela.

Photo source: Sarah Herrera, ABS-CBN News

This mission was evident in Bagong Silang, Caloocan, where residents benefited from free dental check- ups and education on proper oral care.

Photo source: Sarah Herrera, ABS-CBN News

Dr. Jasmin Diaz Angeles, of the Kalookan City Dental Chapter (KCDC), highlighted tooth sensitivity as a common issue among Filipinos. Residents in Bagong Silang, Caloocan, have all experienced this issue firsthand. Tooth sensitivity, or pangingilo, is usually felt as a sharp pain triggered by eating or drinking something hot or cold.

"Nangingilo po ang ngipin kapag may sira o kapag may natanggal sa ibabaw na bahagi ng ngipin," she explained. "Kapag hindi po siya naagapan, doon po tayo magkakaroon ng problema. Lalala 'yung sira at tuluyang mabubulok ang ngipin." (The teeth become sensitive when there is damage or when a portion of the tooth's surface is removed. If it is not addressed promptly, that is when problems arise. The damage worsens and may lead to decay.)

Oral health care tips

Photo source: Sarah Herrera, ABS-CBN News

During the dental check-ups, dentists taught the community about proper brushing techniques, emphasizing the importance of brushing teeth two to three times daily using circular motions for two minutes and using a toothbrush with medium softness. "Ang maling pag-toothbrush ay maaring maging sanhi ng pangingilo. Pumili ng toothbrush na katamtaman ang lambot. Kasi kapag sobrang lambot ang tendency ay iba-brush ng matindi, kapag matigas naman ang konting lapat lang po niyan sa ngipin ay nagagasgas na ang ngipin [at] nagiging sanhi ng toothbrush abrasion na maaring mauwi sa pangingilo," Angeles explained.(Improper tooth brushing can cause tooth sensitivity. Choose a toothbrush with moderate softness. If it is too soft, there is a tendency to brush harder, and if it is too hard, even a slight pressure on the teeth can cause abrasions, which may lead to tooth sensitivity.)

In addition to these insights, Dentists emphasized the importance of regular dental check-ups, recommending dental visits every six months for proper oral care. They highlighted that residents could avail of free services through their local barangays or through dental missions.

To help alleviate pangingilo, dentists recommend using desensitizing toothpaste such as Sensodyne. Angeles shared, "kapag ganitong may nararamdamang pangingilo, ang nirerekomenda po naming sa pasyente ay gumamit ng desensitizing toothpaste. . Sa unang gamit, mararamdaman mo na parang may nag-cover sa ngipin at nawawala ang pangingilo. Ang campaign namin lagi is oral health promotion. Kung paano ang tamang pangangalaga ng ngipin, tamang diet, tamang pag-toothbrush, at pagbisita sa dentista," (When patients experience tooth sensitivity, we recommend Sensodyne. With the first use, you will feel like there is a protective cover on your teeth and the sensitivity fades. Our campaign always focuses on promoting oral health—proper tooth care, the right diet, correct brushing techniques, and regular dental visits.)

Maristela further explained, "many people think regular toothpaste is enough to protect and alleviate pangingilo. Sensodyne has a desensitizing ingredient that soothes and protects teeth from pangingilo. So, may specific ingredient siya na potassium nitrate na specifically found in our variants, Sensodyne Deep Clean and Fresh Mint Toothpaste. It helps to effectively protect the outer layer of the teeth against tooth sensitivity." (So, it has a specific ingredient, potassium nitrate, which is specifically found in our Deep Clean and Fresh Mint variants. It helps to protect outer layer of the teeth)

Aside from that, Sensodyne also helps protect against cavities and helps provide fresh breath with twice daily brushing.

To ensure that everyone can access quality oral care without financial strain, Sensodyne now offers its Deep Clean and Fresh Mint 100g variants priced at P99 (SRP) and the 60g variant at P73 (SRP).

Oral health care, specifically tooth sensitivity, is a common concern among Filipinos. This should not be shrugged off as it will have more repercussions. Thus, Sensodyne's collaborative efforts with the Philippine Dental Association aim to raise awareness about this issue, reaching communities throughout the Philippines to promote better oral health practices.

For more information, visit Sensodyne's Facebook page. Nangingilo? I-Sensodyne Mo! #SensitiveKa.

ASC Reference Code: G0027P101724S