‘Brush, Pledge and Win’ promo by Clogard for cavity-free Sri Lanka

Saturday, 9 August 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Waruni Paranagamage ‘Brush, Pledge and Win’, a large-scale nation-wide consumer promotion by Clogard as a part of its national cavity prevention campaign and commitment to oral health, was launched Wednesday at Colombo. The event’s objective is to encourage and reward consumers who pledge to keep their families cavity-free.

Cavities are the most chronic dental problem in Sri Lanka, yet are largely preventable. Dental cavities are rapidly spreading among every Sri Lankan and more than 29 million people are facing the problem. The demand for dental healthcare is increasing and due to bad health habits, people are spending valuable time and money to cure oral diseases that can be easily prevent by changing their habits. Clogard, under the Hemas brand umbrella, has understood that dental cavities are a national issue that can be prevented with sustained efforts. Through its islandwide campaign it is aiming to educate the public on the impact of tooth decay and encourage individuals and families to protect themselves from cavities.

In 1914 a scientist recognised that fluoride can reduce the damage on teeth caused by bacteria. The Ministry of Health revealed that dental cavities are the main cause for the elderly losing teeth, which has resulted in more than 22% of 65-year-olds not having a single tooth in Sri Lanka. Clogard successfully combines the time-tested goodness of clove oil and scientifically-tested fluoride, making it a unique toothpaste which takes care of the nation’s dental health. The toothpaste has been recognised and endorsed by the Sri Lanka Dental Association (SLDA) throughout an unbroken period of 15 years. The Ministry of Health Dental Services Deputy Director General Dr. Jayasundare Bandara said: “Three people die daily due to oral cancers caused by using tobacco and areca nut. We add too much sugar to the milk and thus our children are also addicted to sugar. However, we are not aware that bacteria and acid are created by the sugar in our mouths.” He described that saliva can naturally discard the bacteria and acid born in the mouth due to sugar. “But if we don’t have good dental discipline, saliva can’t reduce the bacteria and it is limited in what it can do,” he added. Dr. Jayasundare Bandara said the most effective way to recover from tooth damage caused by bacteria, as discovered by scientists, is fluoride. “The most suitable way to provide fluoride to recover damaged teeth is by adding it in toothpaste,” he said, adding that the Ministry of Health is always ready to lend a helping hand to private sector initiatives to achieve a cavity-free Sri Lanka. Health officials confirm the importance of recognising that cavities are preventable and reversible in the early stages and the emphasise on need to develop comprehensive programs for prevention and management. Clogard’s proactive campaign towards this intervention for a cavity-free Sri Lanka focuses on the family unit as an integral enabler towards dental cavity eradication. Hemas Manufacturing Ltd. Managing Director Roy Joseph said: “We are close with the Ministry of Health and we have SLS certification. As a responsible oral care brand, Clogard supports this national initiative by coming forward to drive the public to pledge against cavities to make Sri Lanka a cavity-free nation.” Clogard’s ‘Brush, Pledge and Win’ consumer promotion is on for a three-month period and is being carried out island wide. Weekly and monthly winners will be selected through a draw and every month one lucky winner will receive a fixed deposit worth Rs. 1 million.