The 9th National Oral Health Survey, conducted by the Bureau of Dental Public Health, Department of Health, reveals that nearly half of the population in Thailand is grappling with oral health issues, with tooth decay affecting over 50% of Thai people. In response, Colgate-Palmolive Thailand with the Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, to initiate the “Thai Smiles Cavities free” campaign to raise awareness among Thai people about the importance of proper oral health care. The campaign promotes the use of fluoride toothpaste, with a full brush across the bristles for children aged 6 and above to ensure they receive the right amount of fluoride3. Additionally, it offers oral health examination services across the country.
Dr. Pongpol Vorapani, Deputy Director-General, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health stated that “Maintaining good oral health is crucial for overall well-being at all stages of life. Oral hygiene is essential not only for good health but also for fostering self-assurance in everyday interactions. The 2023 National Oral Health Survey revealed that Thai people of all ages face significant oral health issues. Among adults, 53% of tooth decay cases remain untreated, marking a 10% increase since the 2017 survey. The primary causes include improper brushing techniques, such as brushing for less than 2 minutes and using non-fluoride toothpaste. Additionally, there are widespread misconceptions about the appropriate amount of toothpaste for different ages, and access to dental services remains low.”
“Our collaboration with Colgate aims to raise awareness among Thai people about the importance of proper oral health care, promoting sustainable reduction of oral health problems. A simple method everyone can follow is the 2-2-2 formula: brush your teeth at least twice a day (morning and before bed), use fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes each time, and avoid eating for two hours after brushing. Additionally, it is recommended to have dental check-ups at least once a year. In October, which is dedicated to promoting oral health in Thailand, dental personnel in government health care facilities nationwide will participate in free oral health screening activities and organize National Dental Public Health Day event on October 21, offering free dental services to the public to ensure everyone has a healthy smile,” added Dr. Pongpol.
This campaign will not only promote basic oral health knowledge and increase health literacy among Thai people, but also help reduce the incidence of preventable tooth decay. Through the dental personnel network of the Ministry of Public Health, free oral health examination services are provided to identify problems early. This increased access to dental services helps reduce the severity of oral health issues, lower treatment costs, and ultimately lessen the public health burden, thereby improving the quality of life for Thai people.
Rauf Gurbuz, SVP & GM – CP Greater IndoChina Hub, Colgate-Palmolive (Thailand) Company Limited said that “Colgate is dedicated to fostering healthy oral care habits among Thai people. Our Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program in Thailand has been championing a zero-cavity future for Thai children for over 26 years by providing them with free oral health education. In pursuit of such a goal, we launched the “Thai Smiles Cavities free” campaign to encourage Thai people to take serious care of their oral health for a better quality of life. The campaign educates on proper brushing techniques and the correct use of fluoride toothpaste. For children over 6 years old, it recommends using a full brush of fluoride toothpaste across the bristles to effectively prevent tooth decay.”
In October, the “Thai Smiles Cavities free” campaign will provide Thai citizens with extensive dental care services. This initiative includes partnering with over 800 dental clinics across the country for complimentary dental check-ups and creating educational materials to promote proper oral hygiene among Thais. In celebration of National Dental Public Health Day, Colgate Original toothpaste, fortified with calcium and fluoride to combat tooth decay, will be distributed in 20-gram packages through the Provincial Public Health Offices across all 77 provinces.
Furthermore, Colgate will organize mobile dental clinics to offer complimentary dental examinations in five northeastern provinces. The initiative also includes educational campaigns on oral health care, led by influencers and supported by diverse advertising media, both digital and traditional. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance communication and foster ongoing awareness among individuals of every age and gender.
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