Taguig reports drop in tooth decay cases in public schools

MANILA, Philippines - The Taguig City government on Friday reported that cases of tooth decay among public school students in the city have significantly dropped last year.

According to the data of the Taguig City Health Office, the number of dental caries incidence decreased from 96 percent in 2014 to 88 percent in 2015.

Dr. Imelda Young, head of the Taguig City Dental Section, said the city government wants to maintain the decline in the number of Taguig students with dental health problems through the launching of a series of free dental services dubbed as “Ngipin ay Protektado Para Sa  Batang Taguigeño.”

The Taguig City Health Office recently launched the free fluoride cavity varnish application to all 13,500 Grade 1 students from public schools in Taguig.

“This fluoride application is the latest trend and top-of-the-line in oral hygiene to prevent dental problems. Usually, it costs from P3,500 to P5,000 if you avail it from a private clinic,” Dr. Young said.

Aside from the fluoride application, the City Health Office will also apply pit and fissure sealant to protect teeth from decaying and stop the progression of dental caries.

Young said the fluoride cavity varnish application and the sealant would make the teeth stronger.

Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano said the dental activities aim to give public school students access to free comprehensive dental health care.

“I envisioned each one of them to graduate with flying colors. Their oral health is as important as giving immunization to our infants. With healthy teeth, they can focus on their studies. This project will somehow unload our parents for additional expenses. In return, please help your children to study and finish school,” Cayetano said.

Meanwhile, the Taguig City government has also provided portable dental chairs to bring the actual dental services to public schools.

According to the Taguig City government, the city’s dental health program will be handled by new dentists hired by the city government.

Public school dental clinics will cater to a total of 125,000 enrollees this year for dental checkups. Recommendations for tooth extractions or tooth fillings will also be conducted by the public school dental clinics without any fees collected.