Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation no. 559, Philippine Oral Health Month is observed annually every month of February. This year’s theme “Ngiting Matibay, Ngiting Tagumpay” is an advocacy to strengthen public awareness on the importance of good oral health.
Oral health is integral to the general health of the body. Our mouth helps us eat, speak and socialize with other people thus, when oral problem is present, the quality of life is also affected. Oral diseases and disorders create short term and prolonged physical discomfort, pain, infection and tooth loss which causes difficulties in chewing, swallowing, speaking and can disrupt sleep and productivity.
Based on the 2011 National Monitoring and Evaluation Dental Survey, tooth decay and gum diseases are the two most common oral health diseases in the Philippines, with 87.4% of the Filipinos are suffering from dental caries while 48.3% has gum diseases. Common risk factors for oral diseases are poor diet and hygiene, trauma, stress, smoking, drinking alcohol and use of illegal substances. To avoid having oral problems, follow these practices to keep your gums and teeth healthy:
Limit intake of sugar rich foods – Consuming sugar can lead to cavities. Common foods that are rich in sugar are chocolates and candies, desserts and many processed foods that contains added sugar. The World Health Organization recommends to limit intake of sugar to below 10 percent of the daily calories to reduce the risk of cavities and other dental problems.
Brush your teeth regularly but not aggressively - Brush your teeth at least twice a day. People sometimes neglect brushing of the teeth at night but brushing before getting to bed gets rid of the germs and plaque that builds up in the mouth throughout the day. Brush your teeth gently, take your time and move the toothbrush in a circular motion to remove plaques.
Do not smoke- Smoking affects the appearance of the mouth, leading to yellowing of the teeth and tongue and it can give breath a bad odor. Smoking also harms the body's immune system, which makes it difficult for the body to heal tissues, including those in the mouth.
Drink more water – Water is the best beverage for the overall health, including the oral health. Water can help wash out some of the negative effects of sticky and acidic foods in the mouth.
See a dentist regularly – It is recommended to visit the dentist every 6 months for a dental checkup. Even if you frequently brush and floss your teeth, you still need to see a dentist for at least twice a year. Dentists can help spot potential issues in your teeth and offer treatment solutions.
Achieving healthy teeth takes a lifetime of care. The pain of a simple tooth decay can be felt by the entire body which affects your daily activities, and no one would like to compromise with that. Keeping your oral healthy is as crucial as taking care of the entire body to achieve a healthy well-being. Be one of the oral diseases’ warriors through practicing good-oral habits. Remember to limit sugar-rich foods, brush your teeth, do not smoke, drink water and see a dentist. Goodbye dental problems, healthy teeth for the win!
(NO I Angelica O. Pajulas)
Photo source: www.doh.gov.ph
