It Takes 2 – PDA Partners with Pepsodent to promote Oral Health through Batang May “K”

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I've always believed that a smile can make a whole lot of difference with how you look, how people perceive you, and even how you feel. That's why, as much as possible, I smile.

Though I'm thankful that I was blessed with a good set of teeth (thanks, Dad!), I know that it doesn't stop there. If I want to keep my beautiful smile, I need to take care of my teeth. And that starts with daily brushing, which my mother, who works as a Public Health Nurse for over 25 years, has encouraged throughout our years of existence. :)

You'd be shocked to know that tooth decay, although it's highly preventable, is one of the most common chronic disease in the world! But, it's good news that just by using a good quality fluoride toothpaste and brushing twice daily, the cavities in children can be reduced to up to 50%. And I know, even for adults like me, twice daily brushing should be part of our habits to prevent tooth decay.

In the purpose of educating children and caregivers on the positive effects of twice daily brushing and other healthy habits such as handwashing with soap, waste segregation, proper diet and nutrition, and bi-annual deworming, Pepsodent, together with the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) launched an intensive oral health and personal hygiene project targeted towards Filipino school-age children in Batangas province - "Batang May K".

I was lucky enough to be invited to the launch of It Takes 2, Phase II of the Batang May “K” program last May 4th, which now emphasizes on twice daily brushing.

The first speaker who graced the event was Dr. Robert Tajonera, the President of the Philippine Dental Association. He shared with us what they have accomplished in Phase I of Batang May “K”, including the distribution of educational materials, school and mall tours, media exposure, and even coming up with their own PDA mascot - Captain D (for dentist).

I also found out that our government declared February as National Dental Health month and the third week of June as Oral Cancer Awareness week. That’s how important oral health is. So, it’s truly something that we shouldn’t be neglecting.

Batang May “K” is a localized program that's part of the "Live.Learn.Laugh" taking place around the world as part of a special global partnership between Unilever and the FDI World Dental Federation. It started back in 2007 in four municipalities in Batangas. To-date, it has benefited a total of 2,900 day care pupils in 108 day care centers in Calaca, Padre Garcia, Malvar and San Pascual in Batangas. Dr. Tajonera informed us that for Phase II, they are aiming to cover all of the Batangas province.

Next was Mr. Fernando Fernandez, Chairman and CEO of Unilever Philippines. He mentioned that they are bringing back Pepsodent because it's the most affordable toothpaste out there that's effective in fighting cavities. I guess that's their way of saying that with Pepsodent's affordability, it should be easier for everyone to take care of their teeth with twice daily brushing.

Afterwards, we were shown a video of what they've accomplished in Phase I of Batang May “K”. We saw videos and photos of people involved in the campaign, and kids who are brushing their teeth, hand washing, etc. They wanted to continue encouraging healthy habits by making it fun for kids, which I know can be very effective.

Dr. Roberto Vianna, the President of the FDI World Dental Federation, told us how many dentists and associations around the world are in support of the Live.Laugh.Learn campaign and Batang May “K”. They all are aiming towards leading the world to optimum oral health. It’s good to know that they are truly united towards this advocacy.

Dr. Analia Mendez, a dental surgeon and the Global Personal Healthcare and Home Hygiene Partnership Director of Unilever, emphasized how easy it should be to maintain oral health and prevent tooth decay, but still a lot of people, especially kids, are afflicted by cavities.

It is indeed alarming to know the staggering number of kids who have cavities. Mr. Gilbert Simpao, Managing Director for Skin Care, Oral Care and Deodorants of Unilever Philippines, emphasized further on how easy it is to maintain oral health. I wish more people will realize that.

By the way, Dr. Tajonera ended his speech by saying that good oral health equals to a good quality of life. I agree with him. Imagine if you have a toothache or have sensitive teeth prone to pangingilo, can you function well? I can’t. That's why I encourage everyone to take care of your teeth NOW. Twice daily brushing shouldn't be a difficult thing to do, right? :)

Here are more photos from the press conference:

 Mr. Fernandez imprinting on the It Takes 2 Commitment wall.

My turn to imprint my oath to twice daily brushing, in support of the It Takes 2 campaign.

Ruth and I support It Takes 2 of Batang May “K”

Let's all promote ORAL and overall / general health. Encourage your friends , kids, partners, parents, your loved ones to practice twice daily brushing. It can make a lot of difference.

IT ONLY TAKES TWO – twice daily brushing – to prevent tooth decay!