“Brush your teeth every day, to keep the dentist away”. It is certain that you’ve heard this a lot before. This February is National Oral Health Month and the theme for this year’s celebration is “Ngiting Protektado, Ngiting Panalo” which seeks to promote awareness and reiterate the importance of good oral hygiene habits through all Filipinos to keep their teeth, gums, and overall health.

Oral health is one of the most neglected aspects of a person’s overall well-being, particularly here in the Philippines. Through the Presidential Proclamation No. 599 series of 2004 declared the month of February every year as National Oral Health Month. It was to emphasize the importance of oral and dental care every month of February. Moreover, it is wished to give the same attention all throughout the year.

Why is Oral Hygiene Important?

Good Oral Health is vital to general health, well-being, and quality of life. It is the essential part of our body where it enables us to perform essential functions such as eating, breathing, and speaking with other people. It can be maintained by being aware of the risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and unhealthy food with high free sugars, as it can prevent many oral diseases and leading noncommunicable diseases, such as cancer and diabetes.

According to the 2011 National Monitoring and Epidemiological Dental Survey (NMEDS), about 87.4 % of Filipinos have tooth decay (dental caries) and 48.3 % have gum diseases (periodontal diseases). Filipinos bear the burden of gum diseases early in their childhood. 

So how do we prevent these dental diseases from occurring?

There are many ways these two most common dental diseases can be prevented.

Ways to prevent Dental Carries:

• regular visits to the dentist for early diagnosis and preventive care;
• professionally applied fluorides & sealants;
• well-balanced diet;
• minimize eating sugary foods and
• good plaque control through regular toothbrushing and flossing.

Ways to prevent Gum Diseases:

• regular visits to the dentist for early detection and treatment;
• regular and proper toothbrushing and
• healthy lifestyle such as avoidance of tobacco smoking, drugs & excessive alcohol-intake

Oral health is an everyday part of life that people must be mindful of. If we practice good oral hygiene each day, it can prevent a lot of negative health effects on the mouth and overall health. Let’s not forget to take care of your smile! – Khayla Mae Urata