Despite being a very important aspect of a person’s overall health, oral health is one area that is often neglected. In a health report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2022, it was estimated that around 3.5 billion people are affected by oral diseases worldwide.

In the Philippines, DOH – Northern Mindanao reported in 2022 that 87% of the Filipino population suffers from dental health problems. This shows the lack of prioritization of oral health, which can be attributed to three main reasons:

• Lack of awareness: Many Filipinos do not understand the link between oral health and overall health. They may not realize that poor oral health can lead to more serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, respiratory infections, and diabetes.
• Different priorities: Some Filipinos may prioritize other things, such as makeup and vanity, over dental health. They may not see the need to spend money on dental care when they can cover their teeth and smile with their mouths closed.
• High cost of dental care: Dental care can be expensive in the Philippines, especially for people who do not have health insurance. This may prevent some people from seeking dental care even when they need it.

The lack of prioritization of oral health in the Philippines is a serious problem. It can lead to a number of health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, respiratory infections, and diabetes, both for individuals and for the country as a whole. 

In this blog, we will look at the biggest oral health problems in the country as well as some tips to help you defend against them!

Major Oral Health Problems in the Philippines

When talking about oral health problems, the list could go on and on. But this time, we’re focusing on the top three oral health problems that are the biggest threats to Filipinos. This will help you learn more about them and avoid them!

Here are the three biggest oral health problems in the Philippines.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is a major public health problem in the Philippines, affecting over 90% of adults and 50% of children. It is caused by the build-up of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. Plaque produces acids that attack the tooth enamel, which then leads to tooth decay.

The risk of tooth decay is increased by a number of reasons, which includes the following:

• Eating sugary foods and drinks
• Not brushing your teeth 2-3 times a day for 2-3 minutes each time
• Not flossing your teeth at least once a day
• Having dry mouth
• Having a medical condition that affects your teeth, such as diabetes
• Taking certain medications, such as steroids

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that is caused by plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. When you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque can build up and harden into tartar. Tartar can irritate your gums and cause them to become red, swollen, and bleeding.

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis, which is a more serious form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis occurs when the plaque and tartar that cause gingivitis break down the tissues and bones that support your teeth. This can lead to the gums pulling away from the teeth, the formation of pockets between the teeth and gums, and the eventual loss of teeth.

Gum disease is a serious problem, not just worldwide, but also in the Philippines. In the Philippines, the National Survey for Oral Health conducted in 2018 found that 50 percent of Filipinos have gum-related diseases. This is a significant problem, as gum disease can lead to tooth loss, pain, and infection.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a relatively rare disease in the Philippines, but it is still a very serious threat. In 2020, there were approximately 1,561 new cases of oral cancer reported in the Philippines. This represents about 1.3% of all new cancer cases in the country.

Oral cancer includes cancers of the lip, tongue, mouth, and throat. It is most common in men, and the risk increases with age. The most common risk factor for oral cancer is tobacco use, both smoking and chewing. Other risk factors include alcohol use, poor oral hygiene, and certain viruses.

The symptoms of oral cancer can vary depending on the location of the cancer. However, some common symptoms include:

• A lump or sore in the mouth that does not heal
• A change in the color of the skin or lining of the mouth
• A persistent sore throat
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Loose teeth
• Bleeding from the mouth
• General pain in the face, jaw, head, and ear

How To Keep Your Oral Health in Tip-Top Shape

Keeping your oral health in good shape is not rocket science. All it takes is being consistent with a good oral care routine and picking the right professionals to help you maintain your oral health.

Have Good Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential for preventing oral health problems. The first step is to brush your teeth 2-3 times a day. Brushing regularly with fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque and prevent tooth decay.

Meanwhile, To help keep your gums healthy, you need to floss at least once a day. Flossing removes plaque and bacteria from between your teeth, where your toothbrush cannot normally reach. Flossing also helps to massage your gums and keep them healthy. And if you want to help reduce your risk of oral cancer, just do both while also maintaining a healthy lifestyle!

In addition to brushing and flossing, there are other things you can do to help prevent oral health problems. These include:

• Eating a healthy diet that is low in sugar.
• Limiting your intake of sugary drinks.
• Avoiding smoking.
• Getting regular dental checkups and cleanings.

Choose the Right Dental Clinic

Picking the right dental clinic can help your oral health in a number of ways! The first benefit of choosing the right clinic is getting to work with the right dentists. The right dentists will have the right training and experience, and can identify and treat any problems early on and prevent them from becoming serious.

The second benefit of the right clinic to your oral health is receiving more comprehensive and effective care. This is because the right dental clinic will have the required equipment and technology to diagnose dental problems more accurately.

Finally, the right dental clinic will benefit you and your oral health by giving you a more comfortable and relaxing experience! This will help you feel more at ease with coming back for regular check ups and teeth cleanings that keep your oral health in good condition!

Key Takeaway

Oral health is an important aspect of overall health. Good oral health can help you to eat, speak, and smile confidently. It can also help to prevent more serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

The three biggest oral health problems in the Philippines are tooth decay, gingivitis, and oral cancer. Tooth decay is caused by plaque buildup, while gingivitis is caused by plaque and tartar buildup. Oral cancer is caused by a variety of factors, including tobacco use, alcohol use, and poor oral hygiene.

To help defend against oral health problems, you need the right oral care routine and the best care you can get from the right dental clinic. Elevate Dental offers modern dental care in the most comfortable way! Our services and modern dental technology can cover and resolve a lot of dental health issues.

To schedule an appointment with us, contact us today! Our dentists and staff are here to help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile.