OC-Craft: Kenvue Philippines and the Department of Health Unveil Chapter 4: Unite in Davao to Champion Oral health Through Ngiting 70:20 Program

In a remarkable demonstration of public-private collaboration, Kenvue, a global leader in health and wellness productions, has partnered with the Department of Health (DOH) to launch the fourth chapter of its groundbreaking oral health campaign: “Oral Health Initiative: Kenvue Supports DOH’s Ngiting 70:20 Program.” Held at the Seda Abreeza Hotel in Davao, 5:00 PM last September 24, 2025, the event united health professionals, educators, and community leaders in a shared mission: to elevate oral health as a national priority and empower Filipinos to embrace healthier habits to include fluoride mouthwash in 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”.

Inadequate oral health practices and limited awareness of essential habits, such as the use of mouthwash, are major contributors to this crisis. Kenvue Philippines is dedicated to addressing these challenges in partnership with the DOH, promoting effective oral health practices that support the Ngiting 70:20 program. This initiative emphasizes the significance of incorporating essential oils and fluoride-based mouthwash into daily routines, as studies have demonstrated their effectiveness in reducing plaque, gingivitis, and gingival bleeding.

Kenvue’s Commitment to Holistic Oral Care

Kenvue is redefining oral care by emphasizing the importance of fluoride-based mouthwash as a vital complement to brushing ang flossing. Research shows that brushing alone cleans only 25% of the mouth, and most Filipinos brush for just 48 seconds, far below the recommended two minutes. With flossing rates critically low, Kenvue advocates essential oil, fluoride-based mouthwash, proven to help reduce plaque, gingivitis, and gingival bleeding up to five times more effectively than brushing and flossing alone, according to a 2022 study by Millenman et al.

Recently, Kenvue participated in the FDI World Dental Congress in Shanghai, presenting a symposium titled “Reevaluate Rinse for Periodontal Health: Translating Guidelines into Patient-Specific Care.” Esteemed speakers Mauricio Tonetti, Paula Matesanz, and Wensheng Rong highlighted the importance of incorporating fluoride mouthwash into daily oral health regimens.

As we embark on the fourth leg of our Oral Health Roadshow, we are thrilled to collaborate with influential dentists from the Philippines, Dr. Ella Roxas-Trinidad and Dr. Ralph Salvacion, to amplify awareness of the WHO recommendation for 2025 regarding the use of fluoride mouthwash in daily oral hygiene practices, alongside other dedicated healthcare professionals.

This event marks a pivotal moment in Kenvue’s dedication to empowering healthcare professionals, including dentists, general practitioners, nurses, midwives, pediatricians, and local government units (LGUs) with the tools and knowledge necessary to guide their patients toward better oral health to include fluoride mouthwash in their daily oral practices. Through meaningful collaboration and education, Kenvue and the Department of Health are forging a path toward a future where every Filipino can enjoy a healthy, confident smile. To date, we have successfully engaged with over 300 healthcare professionals across Luzon (Manila), Visayas (Cebu), and Mindanao (Davao) since January 2025.

Listerine and DOH are not merely improving oral health; they are transforming lives by incorporating fluoride mouthwash into daily oral health regimens in the Philippines, one smile at a time.