87.4% of Pinoys suffering from tooth decay

MANILA, Philippines - Figures from the Department of Health (DOH) show that 87.4 percent of Filipinos are suffering from tooth decay.

The DOH said the Philippines is far behind other countries in the Western Pacific region when it comes to oral health.

Its office in Metro Manila intensified yesterday the oral health campaign piloted at the Santiago Syjuco Elementary School in Malabon.

A total of 181 school children were given dental sealant, and those receiving treatment will be monitored and documented every six months until they reach the age of 12.

The DOH is collecting information on various dental health concerns in Metro Manila to identify health facilities where dental health can be improved.

Eduardo Janairo, DOH director for the National Capital Region, said tooth decay or dental carries and periodontal diseases are the two most common health problems in the country.

“These two dental concerns can be avoided by improving oral health conditions among pre-school children and inculcating a positive oral health behavior to children who will be entering school,” he said.

Dental carries are commonly known as tooth decay and cavity, while periodontal disease is a condition where the tissue – gums, deeper supporting tissue and bone – around a tooth or teeth become infected and swollen.

Vic Miranda, University of the Philippines’ College of Dentistry dean, said 70 percent of Filipinos do not visit their dentists regularly. 

The other 10 percent go to private dental clinics and 20 percent visit government clinics, he added.

Miranda said the Philippines is next only to Brunei as the worst in oral health.