PDA-Bacolod Celebrates 21st National Dental Health Month

February 2025 marks the 21st National Dental Health Month in the Philippines, a significant annual observance promoting oral health awareness nationwide. Initiated in 1951 as a week-long event, it expanded into a month-long celebration in 2004 under Presidential Proclamation No. 559. This year’s theme, “Ngiting Protektado, Ngiting Panalo,” emphasizes the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene habits to ensure healthy teeth, gums, and overall oral well-being.

The 21st National Dental Health Month Celebrations in Bacolod

The Department of Education, in collaboration with the Philippine Dental Association, leads various activities and programs throughout February to educate the public on the vital connection between oral health and overall health. These initiatives aim to foster a culture of proactive dental care, ensuring that every Filipino can confidently share a protected and winning smile.

In Bacolod City, the celebrations are spearheaded by the Philippine Dental Association-Bacolod Chapter. The events are under the leadership of Dr. Dianne Margaret Lim-Militante, NDHM overall chairman, and Dr. Mae Grace Dy, PDA-Bacolod City Chapter President.

Dubbed the City of Smiles, it is fitting to have the biggest celebrations here in Bacolod City to keep the people’s bright smiles.

Motorcade

The month-long celebrations opened with a motorcade that started at the Bacolod City Government Center and went around the major city streets. It was joined by Bacolod dentists, family, friends, supporters, and the reigning Ms. Teen Masskara 2024 Yashna Sharma, and Mr. Teen Masskara 2024 Derick Austria.

Ms. Teen Masskara – Tourism and PDA-BCC Ambassadress Ashley Cañete and Ms. Teen Masskara 2024 1st Runner Up Maxine Louise Martin were also present.

Along the way, they gave toothpaste samples to the Bacolodnons who witnessed the motorcade.

Blood-letting

On February 14, the dentists had a different idea for spending Valentine’s Day. Together with the Philippine National Red Cross-Bacolod Chapter, they held a blood-letting campaign at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos Auditorium. About 100 students donated blood during the event.

70/20 Seniors

What is 70/20? These are senior citizens ages 70 and above who still have at least 20 of their natural teeth. The qualifiers were screened by their respective dentists. They were honored at the event at SM City Bacolod last February 16 where they received gift certificates for dental services, dental products, and cash.

The Bacolod septuagenarians with still at least 20 of their original teeth were:

• Edgardo Sobremesana
• Joji Diopenes
• Alita A. Vingno
• Esther Vingno-Guarin
• Cynthia Perez
• Teresita Alora
• Theresa Diaz Lim

Vocal Duet Contest

Secondary students from different high schools joined the vocal duet competition that stood for harmony. Three winners were chosen by the board of judges and were awarded cash, gift certificates, and dental products.

Sugar-Free Treats

While we know that too much sugar consumption can lead to diabetes and other health complications, dentists warn against sugar because it can also harm the teeth.

With that, Keto Mom PH and Keto diet advocate Jean Rose C. Yap held a demo on how to prepare sugar-free cupcakes. She also gave samples of pre-baked goodies to everyone in the audience.

Massive Information Campaign

To further advance dental health advocacy, the PDA continues to share information about taking care of one’s teeth on social media and other outlets. This is not just for the 21st National Dental Health Month but a life-long campaign of having healthy teeth and gums.

Basic Dental Health Tips

Some of our Bacolod dentists’ oral health reminders are:

• Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day
• Floss in between teeth
• Reduce intake of sugary foods and drinks
• Visit the dentist for dental cleaning and check-up twice a year