ORAL HEALTH. The Philippine Dental Association-Antique Chapter holds a caravan to kick off the 19th National Dental Health Month celebration in Antique on Wednesday (Feb. 8, 2023). Association president Dr. Allaine Grace Naig cautioned teenagers not to resort to "Do It Yourself" braces that can damage their teeth and gums. (Photo courtesy of PDA Antique)
SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – The public, particularly teenagers, are warned not to resort to “Do-it-yourself (DIY)” braces that can damage their teeth and gums.
The Philippine Dental Association (PDA) Antique Chapter's outgoing president Dr. Allaine Grace Naig said they are advocating the importance of seeking professional help in terms of addressing dental health.
“There are teenagers or parents who just buy online or anywhere else the materials for their children’s braces so they could save money rather than going to the dentist without realizing the consequence,” Naig said in an interview.
She said three patients were referred to her due to inflamed gums due to the use of DIY braces.
Wearing braces may be fashionable, especially among teenagers, but it had to be done by a dentist to make sure it is safe, properly fitted, and can rectify the dental problem, she added.
Dr. Mark Cameron Acub, the president-elect of PDA, in a press conference on Tuesday, said materials of braces not recommended by a dentist, aside from being substandard, may also have high lead content, which can cause poisoning.
To mark Dental Health Month, PDA's vice president Dr. Dinnah Vi Guerra, in the same press conference, said that they will be conducting a dental outreach program among school learners of the San Fernando Elementary School in San Jose de Buenavista within the month to teach them fluoride application and on how to properly take care of their teeth.
The association of dentists in Antique conducted a caravan along major streets of San Jose de Buenavista on Wednesday to drumbeat the celebration. (PNA)
