Campaign for good oral health deserves attention

MANY Malaysians still assume that losing teeth is a normal part of growing old. It isn’t. Tooth loss may be common in elderly people, but it should not be accepted as an inevitable part of ageing.

This is why the Health Ministry’s 6020 Campaign and the National Smile Journey 2026 initiative, launched by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad last month, deserves wider public attention.

The campaign, which is part of the government’s measures to address the challenges of an ageing population, aims to encourage Malaysians aged 60 and above to retain at least 20 functional natural teeth.

Based on the National Oral Health Survey of Adults 2020, only 34.3% of senior citizens have at least 20 natural teeth while 13.9% experience oral functional limitations that affect their quality of life,” Dzulkefly said, “Health Ministry sets toothy green target for seniors by 2030” (The Star, April 27).

As a dentist specialising in the restoration and replacement of missing or damaged teeth (prosthodontist), I often meet patients only after tooth loss has begun to affect their daily life. Replacement can help, but preserving healthy natural teeth whenever possible should remain the priority.

Gum disease and dental decay often develop slowly, and early signs can be easy to overlook. Bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, food trapping, gum recession and teeth that feel loose should not be dismissed simply because there is no pain.

Regular dental check-ups, especially from the 40s and 50s onwards, can help detect problems before teeth become difficult to save. The public message is simple: brush properly, clean between the teeth, reduce sugar intake, avoid smoking, control diabetes and attend regular dental check-ups.

For many adults, a yearly dental visit is a practical starting point. Those with gum disease, multiple dental restorations, dentures, diabetes or other health conditions may need more frequent reviews.

Some older adults may struggle to brush effectively, travel to clinics, manage dentures or recognise early dental problems. This is when family members or caregivers must offer assistance. When an elderly parent or grandparent begins to eat less, avoids certain foods, complains about loose dentures or becomes reluctant to smile, these may be signs that dental care is needed. Sometimes, the first step is simply to help them arrange a dental appointment.

Ensuring good oral health nationwide should not be the responsibility of public dental services alone, especially as Malaysia’s population ages. This is where public–private collaboration becomes practical.

Universities, private dental practitioners, community organisations, care homes and industry partners can help by providing screening programmes, oral health education, denture care advice, referral pathways and community outreach.

A private clinic can conduct local screening or denture reviews. A university can provide community education. Industry partners can supply outreach materials or organise awareness programmes.

Even small coordinated efforts can help the message reach people in practical and timely ways.

Oral healthcare should not be treated as separate from general healthcare. The ability to eat comfortably and live with confidence is part of staying well, just as nutrition, diabetes care and frailty prevention are part of healthy ageing.

The real value of the 6020 Campaign lies in reminding us that oral health support must start earlier – before pain and tooth loss – and must reach older adults where they live, work and age.

ASSOC PROF DR HSU ZENN YEW

Deputy Dean of Industry and Community Partnerships

Faculty of Dentistry

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia