BY: VALERIE ANN DISMAYA
In the pursuit of a perfect smile, many turn to orthodontic devices, but beyond aesthetics, braces play a critical role in oral health, especially among the youth.
According to the Department of Health and Freedom of Information records, over 50 percent of Filipino youth are in need of orthodontic treatment.
This growing concern highlights the importance of raising awareness during the annual World Orthodontic Health Day celebrated every May 15, a global observance started in 2017 by the World Federation of Orthodontists.
Dental issues such as malocclusion, or the misalignment of teeth, can stem from genetics, childhood habits like thumb-sucking, or complications from baby teeth.
If left untreated, these problems can cause difficulty in eating, jaw pain, and other oral health complications.
Orthodontics is not a modern concept.
As early as ancient times, civilizations such as the Egyptians and Romans were already attempting teeth alignment using gold wire and animal intestines, as discovered in archeological findings.
Locally, the Philippine Dental Association encourages orthodontic consultations as early as age seven.
Early treatment allows for better intervention as children grow.
To support this, the Department of Health (DOH) and private organizations offer free dental consultations and checkups during the month of May, along with advocacy campaigns in schools promoting proper dental hygiene.
Braces, then, are more than just for appearance, they are instruments for better oral health and improved speech.
For every person wearing them, it’s not just about looking good, it’s also about feeling well.
