National Oral Health Month is celebrated every month of February in pursuant to the Presidential Proclamation No. 559 signed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2004. The purpose of the observance is to raise public understanding of the value of good oral health.

Oral health may have significant effect on an individual's life in ways that are frequently overlooked. According to Department of Health (DOH), Oral illness in the Philippines continues to be a serious public health problem. The two most common oral health disorders affecting Filipinos are Dental Caries (tooth decay) and Periodontal Diseases (gum diseases). Although tooth decay and gum disorders do not cause disability or death directly, but it can weaken bodily defenses and act as entryways to other diseases and infections. 

Furthermore, without the right amount of vitamins and minerals, teeth cannot be developed properly, raising one's risk for oral diseases. People who have oral diseases may loss their appetite due to tooth or gum pain which will cause inadequate nutrient intake thus, ultimately contributes to unwanted loss of weight. Further, Bad oral health faces adverse effects on school performance and progress in later life.

Oral Health month reminds us to maintain strong and healthy teeth and gums as part of an overall regimen in ensuring well-being. Here are some DOH recommendations to prevent and treat oral diseases:

• for early diagnosis and preventive care, periodic visits to the dentist is a must.
• professionally applied fluorides and sealants
• well-balanced diet
• minimize the intake of sugary foods
• good plaque can be managed by periodic toothbrushing with soft bristles and flossing
• healthy lifestyle such as avoidance of tobacco smoking, drugs, and excessive alcohol- intake

Aside from good grooming, nutrition plays an integral role in improving tooth and gum health. Foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, D, K, Phosphorous, Zinc, Magnesium and Potassium will help develop and strengthen teeth and gums.

Oral health is a necessity to overall well-being of a person. A healthy mouth means being able to eat, talk and socialize without discomfort or awkwardness. (NO II Utlang/OIC-NPC)

References:

https://doh.gov.ph/oral-health-program

https://doh.gov.ph/dental-health-program

https://odha.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Nutrition-14-1-final.pdf