According to a study conducted by research and marketing company Ipsos, around 7 million Filipinos, equal to seven percent of the population, have never been to a dentist. Moreover, for those who have visited a dentist, majority admit to consulting only when their dental health issue becomes too painful or too difficult to bear. Regular dentist consultations are important in developing correct oral healthcare practices. Unfortunately, such behavior is limitedly seen in the country, where millions of patients do not seek for professional advice. According to the same study, this behavior amongst Filipinos is the top reason behind the 9 million denture wearers in the Philippines, the highest number in Asia.
Moreover, according to Dr. Danny Magtanong, Vice President of the Philippine Prosthodontic Society (PPS), denture acquisition, particularly of partial dentures, has increased over the years. “I would say that the number of denture wearers really increased through the years due to high incidence of caries in the country. Many Filipinos have damaged teeth.” Dr. Magtanong explained.
For denture wearers, dental visits are even fewer and further between. Most denture wearers think that oral health care ends at the final fitting of their dentures and that consulting their dentists again is not necessary.
According to Dr. Magtanong, most denture wearers do not understand that acquiring dentures is only the start of the journey. In fact, denture wearers must visit their dentists at least twice a year and they must develop a regimen that they will strictly follow to make sure they do not go through the common problems that arise from improper denture care. Improper denture care, according to Nick Newall and Rachel Kern in their study “The Emerging Consumer Denture Journey”, includes use of alternatives like toothpaste in cleaning their false teeth.
“Even denture wearers can be prone to not visiting their dentist even if their dentures need to be readjusted. Many insist on using home remedies such as rewiring their dentures or using instant glues to fix issues with their dentures instead of coming to their dentist’s clinic. Due to laziness and the misconception that it will be more expensive, they are prone to trying to solve their own denture issues. However, this wears out the dentures, as well as causes health issues such as mouth ulcers, excess gas in the stomach, and worn-out gums,’’ Dr. Magtanong added.
Polident and the Philippine Prosthodontic Society have been cooperating to bring denture consultations closer to Filipino denture wearers in order to promote proper denture care.
Polident aims to educate the public on the proper maintenance of dentures to allow them to pursue regular activities such as speaking and eating without fear. Polident denture care products include Polident Denture Adhesive Cream which helps secure dentures properly for up to 12 hours and seals off gaps to stop food particles from entering the dentures, while Polident Denture Cleanser is formulated to clean dentures, remove stains and kill 99.99 percent of odor-causing particles. With proper oral hygiene and denture care products like Polident, it is now possible for denture wearers to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Polident dares denture wearers to take the Polident Challenge and start living a healthier life free from various inhibitions caused by improper denture care. At only P5 per day, 12-hour denture hold is now within reach. Polident envisions to make all Filipinos confident in whatever they are doing just like the first few who have tried Polident products.
“Mas confident na ko ngayon kasi hindi na ko takot mahulog kasi malakas talaga ang kapit nito.” Said Marife Santos, one of the participants in one of Polident’s barangay activations.
This year, Polident will be roving around 20 more barangays not only in Metro Manila but also in North and South Luzon. In total, Polident will be visiting 90 barangays with a truck-full of more exciting treats with the addition of new activities such as Karaoke Challenge. Another highlight is the A-Mais-ing Race, a Luzon-wide corn-eating contest where denture-wearing participants can win prizes.
For free samples and delivery nationwide of both Polident Denture Cleanser and Polident Adhesive Cream, call 1800-1441-0884.