87.8% of 49 Children in Tomage, Fakfak Have Tooth Decay
Unpad also applied topical fluoride, briefed parents and handed out 50 toothbrush kits to help prevent further damage.
An examination by the Patriot Expedition Team from Universitas Padjadjaran found that 87.8% of 49 children in the transmigration area of Tomage, Fakfak Regency, West Papua, had caries or cavities. The finding prompted the team to carry out follow-up examinations, provide oral health education to parents and hold direct consultations on children's dental care. Arlette Suzy Setiawan, head of Team 19 TEP Unpad, said the step was not only to identify caries, but also to prevent the damage from getting worse. The team also applied topical fluoride as an early prevention measure. As a follow-up, TEP Unpad distributed 50 toothbrush packages to PAUD Cahaya Iffar and SD Santo Titus Tomage so children would get used to brushing their teeth regularly.