San Pablo City—The Philippine Dental Association-San Pablo City Chapter recently unveiled the first “oral mural” led by chapter president Dr. Jeffrey M. Sumague and PDA Pro Tempore and SPCC Past President Dr. Totoy See.
The mural features “Seven Guides to Correct Brushing,” “Tooth Decay Not OK,” “Sugar Away Prevent Tooth Decay,” “Say No To Fake Braces” and “#UniteForMouthHealth” the theme of World Oral Health Day on March 20.
These artworks will provide awareness of citizens’ proper guidance on what to do about their dental care, avoiding sugary foods that cause tooth decay and the harmful effects of fake braces, Sumague said.
Additionally, it encourages people to visit the dentist every six months to check the condition of their mouth and teeth.
The unveiling was attended by PDA President Dr. Stephen B. Almonte, with the full support of Dr. Fernando See, HOD Pro Tempore; Dr. Annelyn E. Bagon, Project Chairperson; Dr. Blesilda Adriano-Reyes, City Health Office Representative, and Dr. Angelo Glenn Mercado, of the Council of Past President Representative PDA SPCC.
PDA members and other dentists also went on a fun run around the lake with the theme “Running Together Towards Good Oral Health.”
According to Almonte 77 percent of Filipinos do not visit dentists, and 70 percent have periodontal disease, so they are calling for their advocacy to be made available to all.
Fake braces, the dentists warned, can cause diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis when mouths are infected. Plus, the teeth can fall out, and fake dentists can be finely punctured.
According to the Philippine Dental Act of 2007 or Republic Act 9484, the inclusion of unlicensed braces and non-dentist oral handling is a crime and guilty parties can be sentenced to 2 to 5 in prison with fines ranging from P200,000 to P500,000.
The city government of San Pablo, particularly its Department of Tourism and City Health Office, supports this advocacy led by the City Mayor, local and national media, and civic organizations including Social Impact of Victory led by Lowel Maranan, TANIM Agriculture Cooperative, DOK JUAN toothpaste and toothbrush, Davies Philippines, and Engr. Jojie Quintos at Colgate Philippines. Roy Tomandao
