The month of February is not only tagged as the love month, but also as the Dental Health Month. This year marks the 18th National Dental Health Month (NDH) in the Philippines, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 559, s. 2004. The commemoration is done to raise awareness on the importance of good oral hygiene habits. This year’s celebration is guided with the theme “Brushing is a MUST, kahit naka-MASK”.
When we talk about oral health in the context of nutrition, there is an interdependent relationship between the two. Diet and nutrition play a critical role in oral health. When oral health is compromised it may result to altered food choices which may then negatively impact food intake, leading to suboptimal nutritional status and eventually to chronic systemic diseases.
Thus, it is important to ensure that an individual’s diet does not negatively impact oral health. Below are some tips to keep in mind, as recommended by the Philippine Dental Association (PDA):
- Use toothpaste with 1000ppm of fluoride for 6 months old to 6 years old and 1500ppm for 6 years old and above.
- Put the right amount of toothpaste in the brush. It is recommended to utilize only a rice grain size for under 3 years old children; legume size for 3-6 years old children; and red bean seed size for 6 years old and above.
- Brush the teeth in a circular motion, side to side, up and down in all parts of the teeth including the tongue and do not rinse with water when brushing, just spit.
- Brush teeth 2-3 times a day for at least 1-2 minutes (day and night, especially before going to bed).
- Refrain from eating right before going to bed.
- Consumption of sugary foods and artificial drinks as well as frequent snacking must be avoided.
- Breastfeed up to two (2) years old; in several studies, children who were breastfed were found to have strong teeth, free of enamel decay.
- Drink a lot of water (8-10 glasses) every day and eat healthy and nutritious foods.
- Visit and consult a dentist every six months or twice a year.
Moreover, consuming calcium-rich foods like milk, milk products, green leafy vegetables will help strengthen the teeth. Also, vitamin C rich foods can help to strengthen the gums.
The quality of your life and overall health, is dependent on how you treat and take care of yourself; one of the vital steps in achieving this is by taking care of your oral health. Give yourself some tender love and care this heart and oral health month and all the days of your life mga Ka-Nutrisyon, by taking some time for your oral health. Remember, good oral hygiene is a must for good nutrition to last. (NO I Liezel Joy D. Reyes)
References:
American Dental Association. Nutrition and Oral Health. (n.d.). Retrieved 3 February 2022 from https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/nutrition-and-oral-health
Academy of General Dentistry. Nutrition for Oral Health and oral manifestations of poor nutrition and unhealthy habits. (17 July 2017). Retrieved 3 February 2022 from https://www.agd.org/docs/default-source/self-instruction-(gendent)/gendent_nd17_aafp_pflipsen.pdf
National Library of Medicine. Nutrition and Oral Health. (4 October 2018). Retrieved 3 February 2022 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30293649/
Philippine Dental Association. Oral Health Awareness Video. (8 February 2020). Retrieved 3 February 2022 from https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=143423690033708