Kenvue, a global leader in health and wellness, has partnered with the Department of Health (DOH) and the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) to advocate for comprehensive oral care and combat the country’s widespread dental health issues. Through this collaboration, they strive to bring brighter, healthier smiles to Filipinos.
Oral health remains a critical public health challenge in the Philippines. According to the 2018 National Survey on Oral Health (NSOH), an alarming 80 million Filipinos suffer from tooth decay—placing the country among those with the highest prevalence of dental caries globally, as noted in a 2019 WHO study. Additionally, 54 million Filipinos experience gum disease, a leading cause of tooth loss, with the average 70-year-old retaining only seven teeth (Cruz et al., 2019).
Several key factors contribute to the nation’s oral health crisis:
- Limited Access to Dentists – With most dental professionals concentrated in Manila, many regions lack adequate oral care services.
- Financial Barriers – As a predominantly self-pay country, preventive dental care remains unaffordable for many Filipinos.
- High Sugar Consumption – The average Filipino consumes over 13 tablespoons of sugar daily—nearly three times the recommended intake (Philippine Statistics Authority).
- Poor Oral Care Habits – Many Filipinos lack proper brushing techniques and are unaware of the benefits of using mouthrinse to complement brushing and flossing.
- Delayed Dental Visits – Nearly 50% of Filipinos seek dental care only when experiencing pain or discomfort.
To address these concerns, the DOH introduced the Ngiting 70:20 initiative, aiming to help Filipinos retain at least 20 teeth by the age of 70. The program includes:
- Educational Campaigns – Promoting proper oral hygiene practices, including the use of fluoride toothpaste, healthy diets, and routine dental check-ups.
- The Dental Home Model – Ensuring accessible, family-centered, and continuous dental care.
- Expanded PhilHealth Coverage – Providing partial support for preventive dental services.
Kenvue emphasizes a holistic approach to oral care, advocating for the use of mouthrinse as an essential step alongside brushing and flossing. Studies reveal that brushing alone cleans just 25% of the mouth, yet proper brushing adherence remains low—most people brush for only 48 seconds instead of the recommended two minutes. Additionally, only 2% to 10% of individuals floss effectively, and awareness of mouthrinse benefits is still limited.
To bridge this gap, Kenvue promotes the use of essential oil-based mouthrinse, proven to enhance oral health. A 2022 study by Milleman et al., published by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, found that incorporating a mouthrinse with four essential oils reduced plaque, gingivitis, and gum bleeding up to five times more effectively than brushing and flossing alone over a 12-week period.
Beyond preventive care, Kenvue has partnered with Operation Smile to support cleft lip and palate patients by raising awareness about good oral hygiene, which is vital for their overall health and well-being.
Kenvue and the DOH are also equipping healthcare professionals—including general practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, midwives, pediatricians, and family medicine practitioners—with the knowledge and tools to promote better oral care practices among their patients. By working together, they aim to reduce tooth loss and improve oral health across all age groups.
“At Kenvue, we believe that oral health is a key component of overall well-being. Through our collaboration with DOH and AmCham, we hope to make proper oral care more accessible and actionable for every Filipino,” said Penn Policarpio, Managing Director for the Philippines and Indonesia.
