MANILA — The Department of Health-Ilocos Region conducted an oral health service delivery and awareness campaign to celebrate Oral Health Month and raise consciousness on proper oral hygiene for preschool children in Barangay Payocpoc in Bauang, La Union on Tuesday (28 February 2023).
A total of 100 children aged 2-5 years old were given fluoride varnish application and oral health check-ups.
Fluoride varnish is a dental treatment that helps prevent tooth decay, slow it down, or stop it from getting worse.
It also strengthens tooth enamel or the outer coating of the teeth.
Regional Oral Health Manager Mark Jason M. Mina said that the activity aims to promote basic oral healthcare awareness and provide specific protection to prevent dental carries and other oral diseases.
“Kailangan po nating simulan ang pag-aalaga ng ngipin ng ating mga anak habang sila ay bata pa upang ito ay maging parte na ng kanilang routine habang sila ay nagkaka-edad.”
“We have to emphasize that oral health concerns the whole mouth and not just the teeth. Pag sinabi nating oral health, kasama dito ang ngipin, ang gums natin at ang buong oral-facial system that allows us to smile, speak, and chew kaya napakaimportanteng lahat ng ito ay ating alagaan,” Mina explained.
The 2023 National Oral Health Month Celebration, with the theme, “Ibigin ang Bibig! Sa Bibig na Malusog at Alaga, Masustansyang Pagkain Enjoy Hanggang Pagtanda”, aims to detect, prevent and reduce the incidence of dental caries and gum problems among pre-school children 5 years old and below.
Local Health Support Division Chief Jimuel S. Cardenas, in his opening message during the activity, encouraged parents to engage in protecting the oral health of their children.
“Kayong mga magulang ang susi sa pangangalaga sa oral health ng inyong mga anak. Kapag sila ay naturuan ninyo ng mabuting pangangalaga sa kanilang ngipin at maipakita sa kanila ang kabutihang naidudulot nito, kayo ang magiging role model nila ng good oral health behavior at ito ay maipapasa rin nila pagdating ng araw sa kanilang mga anak”, he emphasized.
The one-day activity also included lectures on oral health and the search for an orally fit child.
It was conducted in partnership with the Provincial Health Office-Oral Health Unit and the Philippine Dental Association – La Union Chapter in coordination with the local government of Bauang, La Union.
(Amado Inigo/MTVN)
