Some 300,000 schoolchildren from various schools in the region will be involved in tooth-brushing drills, mouth-rinsing with sodium fluoride solution, oral inspection, and treatment of oral-related problems from October 7 to 13, this year, in observance of the “Schoolchildren’s Oral Health Awareness Week.”
Oral health awareness is part of the School Health Month celebration observed every October pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 471 signed September 22.
Lectures and symposia on oral hygiene and dental services will be conducted for teachers and non-teaching personnel. Schools will forge tie-ups with local dental chapters for the provision of better services to schoolchildren so to scale up the development of tooth-brushing habit among them.
Armed with information on the causes and prevention of tooth decay, children can avoid caries and decay by observing proper oral hygiene through the proper brushing of teeth, flossing and mouth washing.
Also, parents are urged to do their part to ensure that their children eat foods rich in calcium which is a key to dental health.
In an advisory, the Department of Education through the School Health and Nutrition Center urged parents to “always remember that our children’s healthy smile signifies so much more. It reflects general good health, a sparkling personality, and a personal sense of well-being.” — Jasmin R. Uy/MEEV