DAVAO CITY – The Department of Health-Davao region has urged the people, especially children, to practice oral hygiene in line with this year’s National Oral Health Month celebration.

Dr. Girlie Blancada, Oral Health Program Manager of the DOH–Davao, said that oral health plays a vital role in essential daily activities such as eating, breathing, and speaking.
“When children practice good habits in oral care from a young age, they will continue this into adulthood,” Blancada said during their oral health awareness campaign at the Ramon Magsaysay Elementary School in Digos City in Davao del Sur province on Feb. 5.
The DOH-Davao distributed over 400 dental kits to day-care children and conducted educational sessions during the event.
Blancada said the campaign focuses on the importance of starting oral care early to prevent dental problems in the future.
She warned that untreated oral diseases could lead to pain and discomfort, potentially affecting children’s concentration and academic performance.
The DOH has been encouraging Filipinos to work on the goal to reach 70 years of age with at least 20 remaining teeth with the proper dental care through the #Nighting7020 initiative.
Blancada said the initiative is part of the department’s broader efforts to promote community health and wellness.
The DOH-Davao said in their 2024 data that 83.56 percent of examined children aged five to 10 in the Davao Region have decayed, missing, or filled teeth due to cavities.
The 2018 National Survey on Oral Health said 72 percent of Filipinos suffer from dental caries while 50 percent have gum disease.
Blancada said this year’s theme, “Pamilya, Una Kong Dentista,” underscores the vital role of parents in fostering good oral hygiene at home.
“Parents should act as role models and the first line of defense in preventing oral health conditions,” Blancada said.
The DOH advised the public to limit sugar intake, brush their teeth twice daily, and schedule regular dental check-ups to achieve the #Ngiting7020 goal to improve oral health.