The tooth about bringing smiles to kids

MANILA, Philippines - Continuing its partnership with the Philippine Dental Association (PDA), Lotte Confectionery Pilipinas Corporation, makers of dental health gum Lotte Xylitol toured the Philippines to launch the 6th National Dental Health Month (NDMH).

After its grand kickoff last Jan. 24 at the Quirino Grandstand, Lotte Xylitol, together with the PDA, visited seven provinces — Benguet, Tuguegarao, Sorsogon, Aklan, Cebu, Davao, and South Cotabato — to spread the importance of good oral health as part of overall wellbeing to all Filipinos.

Featuring members of PDA chapters and students from dental universities, an Alay Parada and a motorcade of VIPs, which included representatives from Lotte Pilipinas, paraded on the streets. Onstage, communities shared local flavor in cultural presentations. Whether up north in Tuguegarao or down in South Cotabato, messages from PDA officers and sponsors were in line with the celebration’s theme, “Ngipin Alagaan, Pagkain Pahalagahan, Maganda mong Ngiti, Yaman ng Bayan.”

Gerry Francia, general manager of Lotte Pilipinas, said, “Lotte Xylitol Dental Health Gum promotes good habits for good teeth. Our equation campaign details the basic steps for good teeth: Regular visits to the dentist, habitual tooth-brushing and flossing, and chewing Lotte Xylitol Dental Health Gum.”

The PDA, represented by Dr. Corazon Flores, chairman of the 6th NDHM, and Dr. Marissa Brual, president of the PDA, emphasized their mission of promoting oral health awareness to Filipinos all over the country.

The Little Mr. & Ms. Healthy Smiles contest featured local kids, ages nine to 12 years old, showing off their healthy pearly whites (good dental health was part of judging) in three-minute talent presentations. An on-the-spot poster-making contest and slogan contest were also held, where representatives from each chapter vied for the honor of creating the next NDHM billboard. Apart from cash prizes, medals, or trophies, winners were awarded with Lotte Xylitol gift packs.

Lotte Pilipinas and the Philippine Pediatric Dental Society Inc. engaged several schools for the Give Smile to Kids Program, an oral health awareness campaign for children. A short film showed a child’s first visit of dentist while a toothpaste drill taught up to 150 students the proper way to brush their teeth.

Lotte Xylitol presented a lively puppet show that underlined the importance of dental visits and tooth brushing, as well. Featuring the good tooth fairy Kirapi, the puppet show also showed why chewing Lotte Xylitol Dental Health Gum is good for the teeth: With its active ingredient, xylitol, the PDA-approved dental gum helps prevent tooth decay by eliminating bacteria. Members of the PDA, including Dr. Brual, offered free dental checkups and oral prophylaxis to the school children.

Just recently, Lotte Pilipinas awarded a plaque of appreciation to Dr. Angelo Fernandez, executive vice president of the PDA, for his participation as the keynote speaker in Lotte Xylitol’s Power of Three launch. At present, Lotte Xylitol supports the regional conferences of the PDA. Lotte Pilipinas and the PDA will continue their partnership for good oral health.