Philippine Dental Association (PDA) Antique Chapter Stresses Early Childhood Education in Dental Health Care

The Philippines: The Philippine Dental Association (PDA) Antique Chapter has emphasized the importance of early childhood education in dental health care during the celebration of the 19th National Dental Health Month.

The observance is in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 559 signed by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2004, and is observed every February to promote public awareness of good oral health.

In a press conference on February 7, Dr Allaine Grace Naig, the PDA Antique Chapter president, explained that the National Dental Health Month intends to promote public oral health literacy, particularly among children who must be aware of proper ways to take care of their teeth and mouth from an early age.

Outreach Activity

Among the activities lined up for the celebration in the province is an outreach activity in Brgy. San Fernando, San Jose town, where preschoolers will receive fluoride application, oral examination, consultation, and learn about proper oral and dental hygiene.

The PDA vice president, Dr Dinnah Vi Guerra from the Provincial Health Office, stated that the government focuses on the preventive and promotional side of dental health care.

The government aims to provide essential dental health packages and conduct information and education campaigns in schools and grassroots communities, with the help of partner institutions and other stakeholders.

Dr Guerra urged parents and guardians to encourage regular and thorough brushing habits among children to lessen the chances of cavity formation and eventual tooth decay. Permanent teeth typically start to appear at 5 or 6 years of age.

Caution: Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Meanwhile, Dr Mark Cameron Acub, the PDA president-elect, cautioned about “baby bottle tooth decay,” which is one of the common causes of dental problems among children. This condition is caused by frequent and long-term contact, typically overnight, of teeth with sweetened drinks and even formula milk on baby bottles.

The dentists also warned about illegal practitioners who offer dental products and services that are affordable but unhygienic and substandard, which often lead to more dental problems than cure or relief.

They particularly raised concerns about the increasing popularity of do-it-yourself (DIY) braces among young people, as hazards to the dental state of users may arise when not done professionally.

The PDA Antique Chapter, a partner of the Municipality of San Jose de Buenavista in its Anti-Smoking Campaign, urged cigar users to reconsider smoking as it can lead to nicotine staining, bad breath and, in severe cases, oral cancer, apart from a variety of lung diseases.