‘NGITING 20:70 DRIVE’: Public urged to brush teeth regularly, properly

National

DENTAL health experts are urging the public to adopt better oral hygiene practices and revive school-based dental clinics amid alarming rates of tooth decay and gum disease across the country.

They also emphasized the importance of proper brushing techniques, including brushing twice a day, using fluoride toothpaste, and replacing toothbrushes regularly.

Dr. Manuel Ballesteros, chief of the Oral Health and Nutrition Care Division of the Department of Health emphasized the importance of correcting brushing techniques commonly practiced by Filipinos.

In a panel discussion on Tuesday, May 27, experts emphasized the widely taught up-and-down or side-to-side brushing movements may do more harm than good.

Ballesteros explained that brushing up and down or pulling side to side, particularly along the gum line and on the tops of molars, can damage the enamel.

He emphasized that the proper technique involves using small circular motions, a method recommended not only for children but also for adults.

Ballesteros also underscored the importance of activating accredited dental clinics in schools as a preventive measure, especially with the upcoming academic year.

These clinics, he said, are essential in delivering dental education and early treatment to students, which helps reduce the long-term impact of poor oral hygiene.

Dr. Arlene Dela Cruz Medina, president of the Philippine Pediatric Dental Society, echoed the need for routine and mindful brushing habits among children.

She pointed out that brushing twice a day, for two minutes each time, is critical to maintaining good oral health.

“A lot of toothbrushes now come with two-minute timers or musical features that help kids brush for the right amount of time. It’s one minute for the top arch and one minute for the lower arch,” Medina said.

Medina further explained that recent international guidelines discourage gargling with water after brushing.

“After brushing, just spit the excess and avoid gargling.

This keeps the fluoride in contact with the teeth longer and maximizes its protective effect,” she added.

These expert reminders come as Kenvue Philippines, a leading health and wellness company, continues its collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH) to improve oral health outcomes across the country.

Backed by the American Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, the initiative promotes comprehensive oral care and addresses long-standing challenges such as limited access to dentists, lack of insurance coverage, excessive sugar consumption, and poor brushing habits.

The 2018 National Survey on Oral Health revealed that 80 million Filipinos suffer from tooth decay, and a 2019 WHO study placed the country among the highest globally in dental caries prevalence.

Furthermore, 54 million Filipinos deal with gum problems, and by the age of 70, the average Filipino has only seven remaining teeth.

In response, the DOH launched the Ngiting 70:20 initiative, which aims for Filipinos to retain at least 20 teeth by age 70.

Supporting these efforts are nationwide awareness campaigns like Ibigay ang Ibig ng Bibig, which promote the use of fluoride toothpaste, regular dental check-ups, nutritious diets, and consistent oral care routines.

PhilHealth has also broadened its coverage to include preventive dental services, making oral care more accessible to Filipinos.

Kenvue continues to push for a more comprehensive approach to oral hygiene, reminding the public that brushing alone cleans only 25 percent of the mouth.

Essential oils-based mouthwashes, they emphasize, significantly reduce plaque, gingivitis, and gum bleeding.

A 2022 study from the American Dental Hygienists’ Association found that combining mouthrinse with brushing and flossing was up to five times more effective than brushing and flossing alone.

To reach more underserved communities, Kenvue has teamed up with Operation Smile to spread awareness about cleft conditions while providing hygiene education to affected families.

These initiatives aim to involve not just dentists, but also general physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and community health workers in strengthening oral care efforts across all age group, uniting public and private sectors to fight tooth loss and promote healthier smiles nationwide.(MyTVCebu)