ORAL health problems are largely preventable through effective oral hygiene, yet their prevalence remains high.
In Malaysia, 94 per cent of Malaysian adults have gum problems, 71 per cent suffer from tooth sensitivity, and nearly 46 per cent experience yellowing of the teeth, which may be due to the loss of enamel, according to a 2021 Kantar study.
These findings highlight a significant consumer need for solutions addressing a range of oral health concerns in Malaysia.
Sensitive teeth is primarily caused by gum issues and enamel erosion. Enamel is the outermost protective layer of the tooth, which may weaken with time due to acids in food and beverages, whereas gum problems stem from accumulation of plaque bacteria.
"While many Malaysians experience tooth sensitivity, gum problems and enamel issues, solutions do exist," says Haleon Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei (MSB) general manager Bryan Wong.
Nine out of 10 adults are at risk of enamel loss due to acidic foods, yet so many people are unaware of the effect it can have on our teeth, adds Wong.
"Healthy teeth should not be an exclusive privilege," he stresses.
The connection between oral health and nutrition is multifaceted, as one directly impacts the other, explains the Malaysian Dental Association's section concerning dental officers and specialists (MDA-SCODOS) president Dr Alia Mohammed Ghazali.
Good oral health is crucial for the efficient breakdown of food during the chewing process, which facilitates digestion and absorption of essential nutrients, she says.
"When teeth are strong and gums are healthy, individuals can consume a wide variety of foods. On the other hand, poor oral health, such as tooth decay, gum disease or tooth loss, can lead to difficulties in chewing and swallowing, making it challenging for individuals to maintain a well balanced and diverse diet."
This can result in inadequate nutrient intake, malnutrition and a weakened immune system. Certain oral health issues can also cause chronic pain and inflammation, further limiting food choices and negatively impacting overall wellbeing.
Whether one is eight or 80, oral health is crucial, says Malaysian Dental Association (MDA) president Associate Professor Dr Mas Suryalis Ahmad.
"It plays such an important role in people's daily lives, yet it's often overlooked."
One of the main reasons people ignore dental health is the embarrassment over their teeth. They worry about being judged, so they avoid seeking help even when they already have decayed, stained or chipped teeth.
Adult patients face hurdles, such as dental fear, high treatment costs, lack of access and misconceptions about their need for care.
Tooth sensitivity is also a common dental problem that can develop over time when the enamel wears off and gum recession happens.
The good news is that it is never too late to make small adjustments to tackle tooth sensitivity, says Universiti Teknologi MARA faculty of dentistry dean Professor Dr Aida Nur Ashikin Abd Rahman.
The first step is to visit a dentist to uncover the cause of tooth sensitivity and address any underlying concerns.
For ongoing relief, switch to a specially formulated sensitivity toothpaste. Also, be mindful of your brushing habits, as aggressive brushing can further erode enamel and worsen sensitivity.
PROMOTING ORAL HYGIENE
As part of Haleon's efforts to raise oral health awareness, it will be partnering with MDA to offer free dental check-ups in 1,000 clinics across Malaysia for one month starting from April 14. The list of participating clinics will be featured on MDA's website.
"We have also released a new television commercial and have a holistic 360 plan across platforms to reach consumers at every important touchpoint to increase awareness on oral health issues and how to tackle them," says Wong.
Various on-ground activities will also be held and consumers will have access to informative content from healthcare professionals, social creators and influencers accessible through multiple platforms such as Sensodyne Malaysia's website, social media channels, and both traditional and digital media platforms.
To further engage Malaysians in its oral health campaign, Haleon is also bringing back the popular #BetterOralCareNation anthem on social media, in partnership with key influencers. This initiative aims to educate Malaysians about oral health and invites them to join the Better Oral Care Nation movement.
"Our primary objective is to elevate the percentage of Malaysians prioritising dental visits and oral health, leading to a significant decline in oral disease cases nationwide. We hope our initiatives will inspire Malaysians to adopt a more proactive approach in understanding oral health conditions and take responsibility for their dental wellbeing," says Wong.
Sensodyne has also launched Sensodyne Sensitivity Gum and Enamel, a specialised triple-mode action formula toothpaste that provides long-lasting sensitivity relief, restores gum health and strengthens enamel.
Its micro-foam technology delivers the active ingredient (stannous fluoride) in hard-to-reach areas between teeth and along the gum lines.
To learn more about the campaign, visit Sensodyne's website or follow Sensodyne Malaysia's Facebook and Instagram accounts.
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