103 individuals receive free tooth extraction, dental cleaning from GMA Kapuso Foundation

A total of 103 individuals received free tooth extraction and dental cleaning in a joint initiative by the GMA Kapuso Foundation and Centro Escolar University's School of Dentistry under the Ngiting Kapuso Project.

Margie Lincuna, one of the beneficiaries of the initiative, shared on "24 Oras," Monday, that she would just take painkillers for her tooth pain because she and her husband couldn't afford dental care.

"Minsan umiinom lang kami ng pampatanggal sa sakit, minsan di kami nakakapunta kasi wala rin kaming budget para sa dental," she said.

According to a Department of Health study in 2021 via "24 Oras," 92.4% of Filipinos are afflicted with tooth decay while 78% have gum disease.

Dr. Joann Fontanilla Joven, head of CEU's Department of Community Dentristy, shared that individuals should not wait for their decaying tooth to be extracted.

"Dapat po talaga hindi na aabot sa pagpapabunot 'yung ipin. Makakita lang po tayo ng kaunting mali, makakita lang tayo ng konting itim itim, dapat nasa dentista na tayo. Sinasabi po namin sa mga pasyente, dalawang beses sa isang taon magkita tayo," she said.

Dentists also advised the public not to self medicate and to consult with a dentist immediately for any tooth pain.

To support more of GMA Kapuso Foundation's projects, donations may be made via Metrobank, Land Bank, BDO, Bank of Commerce, UnionBank, PNB, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Lazada, and Shopee. Go here for more information.

— CDC, GMA Integrated News