DOH: Dental problems may lead to other illness

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Health-7 has urged Filipinos not to take oral health for granted, as dental complications may lead to heart and kidney problems.

Dr. Edsel Roseus Villas, Dentist III of DOH 7's Center for Health Development in Central Visayas, said the lack of oral health awareness is still a big problem in the country, and that dental issues can lead to more serious health conditions.

"Bisan og abscess ra siya sa atoang baba, muabot man sa circulation, ug muabot sa atoang heart," said Villas.

An abscess is a common occurrence where a collection of pus is found around the teeth or in the gums as a result of bacterial infection.

Other complications include inflammation of the kidneys, which can eventually lead to death.

For the National Oral Health Month this February, DOH-7 and the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) aim to strengthen their campaign towards informing the public that oral health is both important and accessible.

Villas said seven out of 10 Filipinos do not visit a dentist regularly.

"Ang problem gyud is ang fear sa dentists ug ang kamahal sa treatment," he added.

As part of the country's Oral Health Program, rural health clinics and city health offices are available all over the region, to provide accessible and free dental services.

DOH-7 will also be sending out 20 dentists this year for their Dentist Deployment Project.

PDA-Cebu Chapter President Dr. Felix Asoy said that the fear of dentists can be avoided if people schedule for regular check-ups, and do not visit a dentist only as a last result.

Asoy also reminded the Filipinos that oral hygiene does not need to be expensive, and that practices as simple as the Seven Good Oral Habits, which includes brushing at least twice a day, using of toothpaste, and avoiding sugar, can help improve one's dental health. — Christele Isabela B. Basco, USC Intern, GAN, (FREEMAN)