Let’s Show that Wonderful Smile! (Launch of Smile Pilipinas Campaign)

By Mommy Donna and Kib - February 24, 2015

I have already learned the value of having nice set of teeth since I was young. There was a time in my childhood that a dentist pulled out my three milk teeth all at the same time just to have good alignment when my permanent teeth were about to erupt. Though the experience is kinda ‘traumatic’, it didn’t stop me of visiting our dentist on a regular basis. Yes, I have good teeth alignment but sad to say, I’ve already lost three permanent teeth for good and currently wearing dentures.

So now that I have a son, before he had his first milk tooth, I already introduced him to proper oral hygiene. I wash his mouth with silicone finger brush and rinse his mouth with water during bathing time. I introduced him to toothbrush and toothpaste when he turned a year old.

Kib's first toothbrush

Kib had his first visit to the dentist when he was three years old. I’m so happy that he didn’t show any anxiety when he sat on the dental chair and the dentist even told me/us that he has good teeth.

Kib's first visit to the dentist

Kib was almost seven years old when his permanent teeth start to erupt. Since he is in modeling industry, it’s a no-no that he has missing tooth. So for some time, I let Kib wore kiddie dentures.

Kib's ninang-dentist taking a mold of his teeth for his dentures

Kib without denture and Kib with dentures

Last Friday, February 6, 2015, I was blessed to attend the launching of Smile Pilipinas. This is a program that aims to bring back the healthy smiles of Fililipinos launched by UP Dental Alumni Association (UPDAA) in partnership with global oral care brand Oral-B. This program was launched in time for the 100^th year of the UP College of Dentistry. Smile Pilipinas aims to uplift the deteriorating state of oral health in the country through an extensive campaign that enjoins the support of each and every Filipino.

Smile Pilipinas' official logo and website

Smile Pilipinas began to take shape through discussions between Dr. Jocelyn Tan (Chairman and President of UPDAA) and Mr. JP dela Vega, President and CEO of Yeaps Corporation. Being members of the Rotary Club of Makati Dasmarinas, the two began to establish the structure for what would become the organization today. Dr. Tan of UPCD added that the program was conceptualized in response to the alarming results of the study that revealed that 9 out of 10 Filipinos suffer from dental caries and worse, the Philippines has the 2^nd worst rate of decayed, missing and filled out teeth in all of Asia.

Mr. JP dela Vega, Dr. Vicente Medina III, Dr. Jocelyn Tan, Iza Calzado, and two P&G Executives who talked about Smile Pilipinas during the press briefing

Oral-B, the brand known worldwide for its commitment to promoting healthy smiles, supports Smile Pilipinas. Suranjan Magesvaran, Procter and Gamble Vice President, Home Products, Power and Oral Care, Asia said, “When the opportunity to be a key partner for Smile Pilipinas was offered to us, we knew he had to be a part of it. This is a great opportunity for Oral-B to do something concrete about improving the quality of oral health in the Phlippines, kick-starting a movement that will involve both the professional body as well as regular customers.”

The founding partners of the campaign

During the program launch, the three focus areas were presented: Advocacy, Public Good, and Fund Raising.

Smile Pilipinas has five fundamental messages:

1. Our smiles are fundamental to our identity

2. Let’s bring oral health within reach of all Filipinos

3. Everyone can easily help improve oral health in the country

4. We need to take care of our children’s teeth

5. We should all practice better oral health care habits

Unang Ngipin Patibayin and SuperSmileCon2015 are part of the activities of Smile Pilipinas. The first activity is a public health initiative organized in partnership with Pateros and Pasig to provide oral health education and preventive measures for children and parents. The second activity, on the other hand, is an oral wellness fair for kids with fee dental consultations, dental varnish application, games, stage shows, and dental health education.

Smile Pilipinas needs to sustain its activities. The program will be accepting public and corporate generosity of time, talent, treasure, through donations, sponsorships and sale of Smile Pilipinas merchandise items sale via retail partners.

Actress Iza Calzado, Oral-B brand ambassador was also present during the event. She also shared her thoughts on maintaining good oral hygiene. “Let us not take this important aspect of our health for granted. As our oral health professionals have repeatedly said oral health is a vital part of overall health. It’s part of our personality, our heritage as a Filipino. Let’s maintain the warmth and beauty of our smiles by learning how to care for our mouth, gums and teeth.”

Kib posing with Ms. Iza Calzado, Oral-B's brand ambassador

Smile Pilipinas indeed is a good cause to support, aiming for 100% Healthy Smiles for every Filipino.

To know more about Smile Pilipinas, you may visit their FB page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Smile-Pilipinas/615691081846995 or email smilepilipinas@updaa.org