MANILA — Much like for other parts of the body, taking care of our oral health must also be given great importance, the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) said, as they revealed that majority of Filipinos suffer from dental caries or tooth decay.
 
In an online session with media, Dr. Sheryll Lantican, PDA executive secretary, said that 7 out of 10 Filipinos have dental caries — a great chunk of them are children aged 5 years and below.
 
A great portion of adults also suffer from caries — over 7 out of 10 for those aged 15-19 years and 35-44 years
 
“It’s so rampant that its the leading reason why children are absent from school. Maraming workers and employees din ang hindi nakakapasok sa trabaho only because they are experiencing toothache,” she said.
 
(A lot of workers and employees are not able to go to work only because they are experiencing toothaches.)

'BABY TEETH' HEALTH IMPORTANT TOO
 
Lantican explained that parents must forget the notion that caring for deciduous teeth or “baby teeth” isn’t important as they will be replaced by permanent teeth as a child matures.
 
“We should realize na ang baby teeth ay hindi 'lamang'. Napakalaking bagay nito sa kaniyang pagkain, pananalita even sa kaniyang self esteem and confidence," she said.
 
(We should realize that baby teeth are not just mere baby teeth. It’s crucial for everyday things like eating and speaking. It even contributes to one’s self esteem and confidence.)
 
The World Health Organization has categorized dental caries as a disease and identified the Philippines as having one of the highest caries prevalence in the whole world.
 
Caries, if left untreated, can lead to a myriad of other illnesses, some who which can be fatal in the long term
 
“Alam natin na nagiging sanhi ito ng ibang sakit sa puso, sa lungs at sa iba pang systemic parts of the body,” Lantican added.
 
(We know that it can contribute to one developing cardiac diseases, respiratory diseases as well as other illnesses to various systemic parts of the body.)
 
MORE THAN JUST BRUSHING
 
Caring for one’s oral health entails more than just regular tooth brushing.
 
And beyond the brand of toothbrushes and toothpaste, Lantican said it’s what makes up the toothpaste and the technique in brushing that matters more.
 
Toothpastes should ideally contain 1,000 to 1,500 parts per million of flouride.
 
Brushing for a minimum of 2 minutes should be done in a circular motion for each tooth. However, it will not do all the work.
 
This is where flossing comes in. This is important to reach and remove food particles in deep crevices that bristles can’t reach.
 
But Lantican added, tthe public must understand that even if these processes are done regularly, the food that we take in also play an important part on whether oral health will be maintained or deteriorate.
 
“Kahit gaano kalinis ang ngipin po pero puro sugar ang pagkain mo at you lack nuturitious food, hindi pa rin magiging healthy ang teeth and gums mo,” she said.
 
(No matter how clean your teeth are, if you consume sugar excessively and lack nutritious food, your teeth and gums will suffer.)
 
REGULAR CHECKUPS A MUST

A visit to the dentist at least twice a year is important to maintain oral health, experts added. It’s through these visits that an individual is informed of developing oral diseases and the necessary intervention needed to avoid them from progressing.
 
Dr. Noel Vallesteros, chief of the Maternal Child and Adolescent Health Division of the Department of Health’s Disease Prevention and Control Bureau, enumerated indicators of sound oral health.
 
“Unang-una walang tooth decay. Pangalawa, hindi namamaga ang gilagid at hindi pinapaubos sa dental mission ang mga ipin. Walang pain, singaw, namamagang ipin, cancer, diseases, disorders or deformities,” he said.
 
(First there is no tooth decay. Second, gums are not inflamed and teeth aren’t always extracted. There shouldn’t be any pain, ulcers, swollen teetch, mouth cancers, diseases and deformities.)
 
It’s important to understand that much like the things we use, our teeth are also subject to wear and tear which makes them become sensitive especially when consuming drinks and food items that are either too cold or too hot, doctors added.
 
“Sometimes we have to change our toothpastes or our diet. May habits din na hindi nakakatulong sa ngipin, kagaya ng night grinding, napupudpod ang ngipin. Nagiging sanhi ng sensitivity sa teeth,” Lantican said.
 
(We have habits that also do harm to our teeth like night grinding which result in teeth becoming more sensitive.)
 
Visits to dentists can be expensive, as is the experience of many Filipinos. But the DOH stressed that dental care is part of universal health care and is part of the services Filipinos are entitled to across all life stages.
 
“Wag nating i-normalize ang bibig na may sira-sirang ipin at may sakit ang gilagid,” Vallesteros said.
 
(Let’s not normalize caries and gum diseases.)
 
For this to happen, Vallesteros emphasized the importance of a healthier lifestyle, which includes not just choosing healthy food but also avoiding vices like smoking and alcohol consumption as well as betel nuts — all of which can lead to oral cancers.
 
Through various programs and in partnerships with different dental organizations as well as the public’s own consciousness, the DOH hopes to achieve a vision it calls 7020 — where by age 70, individuals will be able to maintain at least 20 of their teeth.