CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Health – Northern Mindanao (DOH-10) on Thursday said around 87 percent of Filipinos have oral health problems such as tooth decay and gum diseases.
During a media forum, Dr. Shirley Mosende, the DOH-10 dental office chief, said the two oral health problems have been observed in most Filipinos nationwide for decades, and that it should be given much attention.
“Supposedly, it should start in the pregnancy, where the mother should keep up with good nutrition,” she said.
Mosende said most children begin developing dental caries at age five and when parents do not occasionally monitor the dental health of their children.
At this time of the pandemic, oral health is also a point of concern for Filipinos as some tend to ignore brushing their teeth because they are wearing face masks anyway.
“Some will say they no longer have to brush their teeth because they are wearing face masks, but that is not good,” Mosende said.
The DOH-10 is currently joining the nation in observing the National Oral Health Month as stipulated under Presidential Proclamation 559, where it is celebrated every February of the year. -PNA
