The alerting figures were announced at a run in Ho Chi Minh City on March 21 in response to the World Oral Health Day.
The event, which drew the participation of more than 6,000 people, was held by the Vietnam Odonto-Stomatology Association (VOSA), the World Dental Federation, and the Unilever Vietnam International Co. to create a world without tooth decay.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Health Minister Nguyen Viet Tien stressed that oral healthcare is one of the ministry’s priorities in caring for the community’s health.
The ministry will increase support for the odonto-stomatology branch while closely working with the Ministry of Education and Training and relevant ministries and sectors to raise public awareness of oral health, particularly students at primary schools, in a bid to minimise oral diseases in Vietnam, he said.
According to VOSA Chairman Trinh Dinh Hai, both adults and children in Vietnam are not in the habit of brushing their teeth twice a day, every morning and evening, which helps reduce the risk of tooth decay.
He suggested that an important solution to prevent oral diseases is a reasonable diet and 6-month regular oral check-up to detect any signs of cavities and promptly take treatment.
In 2015, VOSA is working with Unilever’s P/S toothpaste brand on the ‘Protecting Vietnamese Smiles’ programme, which includes a wide range of activities to promote oral health at schools. Under the programme, dozens of free check-ups will be organised for children in suburban and rural areas.
