73 million Pinoys suffering from tooth decay

MANILA, Philippines — Up to 73 million Filipinos are suffering from dental caries or tooth decay, which the Department of Health (DOH) considers a “silent epidemic.”

Manuel Vallesteros, DOH division chief for disease prevention and control, said the actual figures may be higher as the data was based on the 2018 National Health Survey.

He said oral health continues to be a “serious health concern” in the country.

“It’s not given much attention because it is not deadly, but oral health is very important. Having dental caries is like a termite. It will slowly destroy our teeth,” Vallesteros  said in an interview after attending the hearing of the House committee on health chaired by Batanes Rep. Ciriaco Gato Jr.

The panel deliberated on various proposed measures aimed at institutionalizing and strengthening a national oral health program.

Vallesteros said eight out of 10 Filipino children suffer from, childhood caries or “decaying baby teeth” because they were usually fed with sweetened infant formula.

Vallesteros, a pediatric dentist, said babies should be fed with breastmilk and their gums regularly cleaned.

He lamented that many people undermine oral health when dental caries can lead to serious consequences.

Vallesteros cited a case when a child with tooth decay developed meningitis.  He said the pediatrician of the patient noted that the abscess found in the molar and brain were the same.