Signal renews its commitment to creating a cavity-free Sri Lanka

Oral diseases, and dental cavities are the most common chronic ailments across both developed and developing nations. The World Dental Federation’s (FDI) message for World Oral Health Day, which falls today (20 March), states that “In a world where 3.9 billion people suffer from oral disease, raising awareness on the importance of good oral health and its impact on general health and well-being is more relevant than ever.”

World Health Organisation reports that tooth decay affects nearly 100% of the adult population and 60-90% of children worldwide. In Sri Lanka, while the National Oral Health Surveys indicate a declining trend in the prevalence and severity of cavities over the years, this is still a substantial problem. Approximately one in two children are found to have cavities in their teeth. Untreated tooth decay can have a serious and long-lasting effect on children’s growth, brain development and overall health. With many children consequently missing out on school and social opportunities, they can fail to reach their full potential in life.

However, cavities can be easily prevented by encouraging children to brush their teeth twice-daily with a fluoride toothpaste. The FDI notes that this practice helps reduce the bacteria preventing plaque formation, resulting in teeth being more resistant to acids causing tooth decay.

Championing this message here in Sri Lanka, Unilever announced that it would be rededicating itself to creating a cavity free Sri Lanka with Signal, the country’s No. 1 toothpaste which also pioneered the use of fluoridated toothpastes in Sri Lanka.

In this regard, Signal relaunched its ‘Sina Bo Wewa’ programme in February this year. The initiative aims to raise awareness on the importance of brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste. Over 11 celebrities from various walks of life joined hands with Signal in support of this worthy cause and have created a campaign anthem that is rallying up people across the island. Taking this message to every corner of the nation through a series of on ground activities and through the media. Signal has invited all Sri Lankans to partner with this endeavour and pledge with a smile to protect the unique Sri Lankan smile.

Signal will be donating one rupee for every smile received to initiate a project aimed at enabling every child in Sri Lanka to brush day and night. The money donated will be used to uplift oral health and hygiene conditions of children from underprivileged backgrounds by providing them with the means required to brush their teeth regularly using a suitable toothbrush and a fluoridated toothpaste.

“At Unilever, we have a simple but clear purpose - making sustainable living commonplace. Guided by the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, we seek to grow our business while increasing our positive impact on both the environment and society. One of the goals we have set for ourselves under this is to help more than one billion people take action to improve their health and well-being by 2020,” said Sharmila Bandara, Marketing Director – Personal Care at Unilever Sri Lanka.