Indonesia
Healthy Teeth from Sabang to Merauke
March 20 is celebrated as World Oral Health Day (WOHD). For 2014, how is WOHD celebration in Indonesia? At 10 pm, approximately 200,000 kids in 117 cities from Sabang to Merauke together do brush their teeth. Wow, great. The mass celebration is sponsored by Pepsodent in collaboration with 117 branch of Indonesian Dental Association.
Superkids, WOHD in Indonesia brings a special message; to brush your teeth in the morning after breakfast and at night before you go to bed. Indonesian kid sing along with a healthy smile. So, kids of Banda Aceh, Jakarta, Biak, and many other areas show their clean teeth after brushing. You also have healthy and bright smile, don’t you?
WOHD is the initiative of World Dental Federation to improve the cooperation between government, health associations and the public. What is the purpose? To run a promotion program in the field of preventive and curative oral health. Thus, in addition to mass teeth brushing, there is also a talkshow about ‘Healthy Smiles of Indonesia’. The talkshow presents drg Ratu Mirah Afifah GCClinDent MDSc, the Oral Care Professional Marketing Manager of PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk, drg Peter Andreas MKes of Dentistry Faculty of University of Indonesia, and Vera Itabiliana Hadiwidjojo Psi, psychologist.
Global data shows 90% of adults have oral and dental problems. Their problem ranges from cavities, gum disease to oral cancer. While 60-90% of kids around the world suffer from tooth decay. The cavities disturb the process of mastication, the absorption of nutrients, and the growth of kids. The pain of cavity may disturb their play, rest and learn time. Studies in developed countries indicate that kids with toothache are four times more likely to get lower grades than their friends who have healthy teeth.
Oh, no, no, no.
TEGUH WAHYU UTOMO
PHOTOS: UNILEVER
