This year’s Oral Health Month observance was kicked off earlier this week with a launching at SM City Bacolod, which was attended by 200 kids with their parents, along with medical and dental personnel from across Negros Occidental. During the event, Dr. Rhoel Mogul of the Negros Occidental Provincial Health Office said 87 percent of Filipinos, or around 83 million, suffer from tooth decay.
“Oral care among the youth is another concern,” he pointed out. “Studies show 98 percent of children aged three to five have dental caries, or cavities; and 20 percent of six-year olds have never ever seen a dentist.”
The provincial official also made note of gum disease, which he said could “weaken body defenses and serve as portals of entry for other more serious and potentially dangerous systemic diseases and infections.”
Mogul said the government is working on establishing an “effective networking system” to encourage the habit of regularly brushing teeth and other preventative measures.
He also made note of the Oral Health Program for Public Health Services, which was established by the government in 2007 to reduce the prevalence rate of cavities and periodontal disease./WDJ