Tooth decay affects eight in 10 five-year-olds

Almost eight in 10 five-year-old children in Fiji have tooth decay, prompting the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to step up calls for better oral hygiene and regular toothbrushing.

Speaking during National Toothbrushing Day celebrations at Queen Victoria School on Friday, Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa said poor oral health remained a major public health concern affecting thousands of children.

He said about half of children aged 12 and 15 had cavities, while nearly 90 per cent of teenagers with tooth decay had not sought dental treatment.

Mr Ravunawa said untreated dental problems caused pain, affected children's ability to eat, concentrate in class and attend school, and could lead to tooth loss later in life.

"Preventing tooth decay begins with simple daily habits," he said.

Mr Ravunawa encouraged children to brush for at least two minutes twice a day using fluoride toothpaste, and urged secondary school students to set a good example by practising good oral hygiene and encouraging healthy habits at home.

He said the Ministry of Health and Medical Services was expanding preventive dental services through school-based screenings, fluoride treatments and protective sealants, but maintaining good oral health also depended on individual responsibility.

Mr Ravunawa also acknowledged Colgate-Palmolive (Fiji) Pte Limited for donating toothbrushes and fluoride toothpaste to support school oral health programmes.

Colgate-Palmolive (Fiji) general manager Alexander Graudins said it was encouraging to see more than 800 Queen Victoria School students taking part in the nationwide "2 for 2" toothbrushing campaign.

"I think my smile says it all," he said.

"It has been an amazing day here at QVS. Seeing more than 800 students practising the '2 for 2' message has been really exciting. It's a wonderful opportunity to educate children about the importance of oral health."

Mr Graudins said Colgate hoped to expand National Toothbrushing Day to more schools, villages and maritime communities.

"We want to take National Toothbrushing Day to the next level. Fiji has many communities and villages we still want to reach, and we hope to make the programme bigger and better every year."

He also encouraged Fijians of all ages to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and replacing their toothbrush every three months.

"Make sure you smile. Brush your teeth for two minutes in the morning and two minutes at night, and don't forget to change your toothbrush every three months."

Mr Ravunawa reaffirmed the Government's commitment to ensuring children across Fiji, including those in remote maritime communities, had access to clean water, toothbrushes and quality dental care.

He called on schools, parents, communities and corporate partners to continue working together to improve children's oral health.

The ceremony ended with a two-minute silence and prayer for 10-month-old Hossana and her conjoined siblings, Jesipeli and Di Cecea Kikau, who are in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia undergoing separation surgery.