CJMY
Haleon and the Malaysian Dental Association (MDA) have partnered to launch a nationwide campaign to improve oral health literacy among Malaysians. The month-long #BetterOralCareNation campaign will provide free dental check-ups starting May 1 and educational activities to promote oral health.
The campaign launch was held on Malaysia’s World Oral Health Day 2023 celebration at Bank Negara Malaysia, officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof on March 20, 2023. The event also unveiled Malaysia’s National Oral Health Policy, which aims to define strategies and actions to deliver better oral healthcare to all Malaysians and empower them to improve their health and quality of life.
The prevalence of oral health problems remains high in Malaysia, with 94% of Malaysian adults having gum problems and 88.9% had experienced dental cavities, according to the National Oral Health Survey of Adults (NOHSA) in 2010. A separate study by Haleon, conducted in partnership with Kantar, found that 71% of Malaysians experience teeth sensitivity symptoms.
Bryan Wong, General Manager of Haleon for Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, said that the company seeks to improve oral health habits among Malaysians and build awareness of oral health conditions such as tooth sensitivity and periodontitis. Wong stated that Haleon is committed to improving everyday oral health and is looking forward to its partnership with MDA to educate and empower the public on the importance of everyday oral health.
Dr Lim Chiew Wooi, President of the Malaysian Dental Association (MDA), said that ignoring oral health can significantly increase the risk of exposure to periodontitis or advanced dentine hypersensitivity and the risk for other conditions and diseases. Only 16% of Malaysians visit the dentist at least twice a year, which is alarming as individuals who suffer from some types of periodontal disease are twice as likely to be diagnosed with heart disease caused by plaque and bacteria that enter the body through the gums.
As part of the #BetterOralCareNation campaign’s educational efforts, Sensodyne will also roll out on-ground activities in collaboration with healthcare professionals, social creators, and influencers to drive awareness, education, and understanding of the impact of poor oral health, including its link to systemic health. Oral diseases such as periodontitis have broader health implications and have been linked to poor systemic health and non-communicable diseases (NDCs), including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Details of the clinic locations and campaign activities will be available on Sensodyne Malaysia’s social media. With this initiative, Haleon and MDA hope to raise oral health awareness and encourage Malaysians to prioritise their oral health to improve their overall health and well-being.
Haleon is one of the world’s largest providers of specialist oral health and the maker of Sensodyne, a dentist-recommended sensitivity toothpaste brand.
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