Ngiting 70:20 Program Reaches Davao: Kenvue Philippines and DOH Push for Oral Health Awareness

The Department of Health (DOH) and Kenvue, a world leader in health and wellness products, have joined forces to launch the fourth chapter of their ground-breaking oral health campaign: “Oral Health Initiative: Kenvue Supports DOH's Ngiting 70:20 Program.” This is an impressive example of public-private cooperation.

The gathering, which took place at the Seda Abreeza Hotel in Davao at 5:00 PM, brought together medical professionals, educators, and community leaders with the common goal of making oral health a national priority and encouraging Filipinos to adopt better lifestyles by including fluoride mouthwash into their daily routine.

 Dr. Manuel V. Valeesteros, Chief of the Oral Health & Nutrition Care Division of DOH Philippines, emphasized the importance of fluoride mouthrinses, stating, "With the recommendation of the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines 2025, we encourage all Filipinos to integrate fluoride-based mouthwash into their daily oral hygiene practices”. 

This dilemma is largely caused by poor oral hygiene habits and a lack of knowledge about basic routines like using mouthwash. In collaboration with the DOH, Kenvue Philippines is committed to tackling these issues and advancing good oral hygiene habits that complement the Ngiting 70:20 initiative. This campaign highlights how important it is to include fluoride-based mouthwash and essential oil in daily routines because research has shown that these products can effectively reduce plaque, gingivitis, and gingival bleeding.

Kenvue’s Commitment to Holistic Oral Care

By stressing the value of mouthwash with fluoride as an essential supplement to brushing and flossing, Kenvue is revolutionizing oral hygiene. The majority of Filipinos brush for only 48 seconds, well less than the required two minutes, and research indicates that brushing alone only cleans 25% of the mouth. Given the extremely low flossing rates, 

 

Kenvue recommends using essential oil and fluoride-based mouthwash, which have been shown to help reduce plaque, gingivitis, and gingival bleeding by up to five times. A 2022 study by Milleman et al. found that it was more effective than brushing and flossing alone.

They recently presented a symposium at the FDI World Dental Congress in Shanghai with the title "Reevaluate Rinse for Periodontal Health: Translating Guidelines into Patient-Specific Care." Well-known speakers Paula Matesanz, Wensheng Rong, and Mauricio Tonetti emphasized the significance of including fluoride mouthwash in daily oral hygiene routines. 

We are excited to work with prominent Filipino dentists Dr. Ella Roxas-Trinidad and Dr. Ralph Salvacion as we begin the fourth leg of our Oral Health Roadshow. Together with other committed medical professionals, we will raise awareness of the WHO's 2025 recommendation to use fluoride mouthwash in daily oral hygiene practices. 

This event represents a turning point in Kenvue's commitment to equipping medical professionals—such as dentists, general practitioners, nurses, midwives, pediatricians, and local government units (LGUs)—with the skills and information they need to help their patients adopt fluoride mouthwash into their daily oral hygiene routines. Kenvue and the Department of Health are paving the way for a time when all Filipinos can smile with confidence and health by means of meaningful cooperation and education. Since January 2025, we have effectively worked with more than 300 medical professionals in Mindanao (Davao), Visayas (Cebu), and Luzon (Manila).

By adding fluoride mouthwash to everyday oral hygiene routines in the Philippines, one smile at a time, we are not only enhancing dental health but also changing lives.