Sensodyne Is Offering 72,000 Free Dental Check-Ups For Malaysians Starting This May
This is in line with their effort to raise oral health awareness.
By Timothy Tuan — 23 Mar 2023, 04:18 PM
Oral health problems are considered largely preventable through effective oral hygiene, yet their prevalence remains high
According to the World Health Organisation's Global Oral Health Status Report, oral disease affects approximately 3.5 billion people worldwide.
94% of Malaysians suffer from gum problems, while 89% have experienced dental cavities, as the National Oral Health Survey of Adults (NOHSA) indicated in 2010.
A separate study conducted by Kantar and Haleon — one of the world's largest oral healthcare companies and the maker of Sensodyne — showed that 71% of Malaysians experience teeth sensitivity symptoms.
In an effort to raise oral health awareness, Haleon has partnered with the Malaysian Dental Association (MDA) to launch #BetterOralCareNation, a month-long campaign that will take place at various locations throughout the country
The campaign is part of a nationwide effort supported by the Ministry of Health's Oral Health Division.
The month-long campaign will offer 72,000 free dental check-ups at 800 clinics nationwide from 1 May onwards.
Additionally, in collaboration with healthcare professionals and content creators, Haleon's dentist-recommended sensitivity toothpaste brand, Sensodyne, will be rolling out on-ground activities to drive awareness, education, and understanding of the impact of poor oral health.
According to Dr Lim Chiew Wooi, President of MDA, oral diseases cases have increased by one billion globally over the last 30 years
"This indicates that oral disease is a common health condition globally. Only 16% of Malaysians visit the dentist at least twice a year. This is alarming as ignoring oral health can significantly increase not only the risk of being exposed to periodontitis or advanced dentine hypersensitivity, but also the risk for other conditions and diseases," he said.
He added that individuals who suffer from certain types of periodontal disease are twice as likely to be diagnosed with heart disease due to plaque and bacteria that enter the body through the gums.
As such, it's essential that Malaysians learn about oral diseases, such as periodontitis, as they have wider health implications, and have been linked to poor systemic health and non-communicable diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Bryan Wong, Haleon's General Manager for Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, said the company constantly seeks to improve oral health habits among Malaysians and build awareness for preventable conditions
Bryan Wong, Haleon's General Manager for Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei
Image via Haleon (Provided to SAYS)"As a world-leading company 100% focused on everyday health, we have the unique opportunity to help break down the social and environmental barriers that hold people back from better everyday health.
"We are committed to supporting the improvement of everyday oral health, and we look forward to our partnership with the Malaysian Dental Association in continuing to educate and empower the public on the importance of everyday oral health," said Bryan.
Deputy Prime Minister, Dato' Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof graced Sensodyne's exhibition booth at the launch of the World Oral Health Day 2023 celebration at Bank Negara Malaysia, which he officiated on 20 March.
The event also unveiled the National Oral Health Policy, which aims to define strategies and actions to deliver better oral healthcare to all Malaysians and empower them to further improve their health and quality of life.
Learn more about the #BetterOralCareNation campaign as well as its clinic locations, activities, and more on Haleon's website or Sensodyne Malaysia's Instagram and Facebook pages
