With the theme “Cek Gigi dan Gusi – Bebas Biaya, Bebas Cemas, Bebas Ribet” this year's BKGN 2025 focuses on education and dental and gum health services as gum issues are often overlooked by the public. Notably, the legendary band GIGI has also joined in celebrating the launch of BKGN 2025 by educating the public about gum health through a song adaptation.
At the National Dental Health Day (HKGN) commemoration and inauguration of BKGN 2025, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, represented by Dr. Elvieda Sariwati, M.Epid, Director of Health Promotion and Community Health at the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, stated, “The Ministry of Health’s Free Health Check Program, which has reached more than 30 million people, shows that dental problems are the most common health issue, and this is found in all age groups. This indicates that dental problems are something we need to tackle together.”
“Therefore, the momentum of HKGN is very important to raise awareness about addressing and preventing dental issues. Today, there is an MoU – an inauguration of cooperation – between PDGI, AFDOKGI, ARSGMPI, and Unilever to stress the importance of collaboration between the government, professional associations, and the private sector to improve public health. Let us use this moment to remember that the smiles of the Indonesian people reflect a strong and highly competitive nation."
drg. Usman Sumantri, MSc, Chairman of the PDGI Executive Board explained, "This year's HKGN theme, celebrated every September 12, is ‘Gigi dan Gusi Sehat, Senyum Indonesia Hebat’. For this reason, BKGN 2025 is paying special attention to gum health because gum disease is the second biggest dental problem in Indonesia after cavities, yet it is often overlooked, but still referred to as a ‘silent killer’[a] because its symptoms appear subtly and do not cause pain, especially in the early stages. If left untreated, gum diseases not only affect dental and oral health but also threaten overall bodily health.”
Prof. drg. Suryono, S.H., M.M., Ph.D, Chairman of AFDOKGI, explained further, "Gum disease has two stages. The first is gingivitis, which is characterized by symptoms such as swollen, red, or bleeding gums. At this stage, gum problems can still be treated and even reversed with proper care. The next stage is periodontitis, where the damage has spread to the bone and supporting gum tissue, often irreversibly, causing the teeth to become loose and eventually fall out. What we need to be particularly aware of is that bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and increase the risk of systemic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory infections, and pregnancy complications."
drg. Ratu Mirah Afifah, GCClinDent., MDSc., Personal Care Community Lead at Unilever Indonesia, added, "To protect the public from the various hidden dangers of gum problems, BKGN 2025 has chosen the theme ‘Cek Gigi dan Gusi – Bebas Biaya, Bebas Cemas, Bebas Ribet’. BKGN 2025 will provide free dental and gum care and consultations for 28,000 people, to be held at 30 dental faculties and educational dental and oral hospitals throughout Indonesia.
These services include cleaning tartar, filling cavities, applying fluoride or fissure sealants as well as extracting teeth. Additionally, as part of our efforts to promote preventive health, 55 PDGI branches will educate school students about dental and gum health in various regions of Indonesia, reaching remote areas such as Simeulue - Aceh, Kotawaringin Barat - Central Kalimantan, Jeneponto - South Sulawesi, and Sorong - Papua.
“All services at BKGN 2025 will be provided by competent dentists, so the public need not worry. Equally important is that it is hassle-free because BKGN 2025’s services are easily accessed. The public can register online at all participating FKGs and RSGMPs or through www.tanyapepsodent.com,” continued drg. Mirah.
Dr. drg. Julita Hendrartini, M.Kes, AAK, Chair of ARSGMPI explained, "During BKGN’s 15 years, tartar removal or scaling, one of the efforts to treat gum problems, has always been the most common treatment performed at participating RSGMPs. This means it is a very common public problem, often without them realizing it. Therefore, in addition to providing services, during BKGN 2025, all RSGMPs are also ready to educate the public on maintaining gum health by promoting the brushing of teeth twice a day after breakfast and before bed using toothpaste specifically designed for gum health, regularly undergoing dental scaling; and scheduling routine checkups with a dentist at least every six months.”
Helping people maintain optimal and sustainable dental and gum health, Pepsodent presents Pepsodent Gum Expert in Fresh and Whitening variants, specially formulated to care for gum health so that they remain firmly attached to the teeth. With key ingredients Active Zinc (Zinc Citrate) and Vitamin E, this product is clinically proven to reduce plaque buildup, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to nourish gums, prevent bleeding gums, reduce gum sensitivity or pain, help address swollen, painful gums, and loose teeth, and protect teeth from plaque and bacteria for up to 24 hours.
The inauguration of the 2025 National Dental Health Week (BKGN) was further enhanced by a collaboration with the legendary band GIGI. In addition to performing their hits, they also educated the public through a rendition of Pepsodent's iconic jingle, "I Am My Tooth, My Mouth Is My Home," which was specially remade into a song carrying the message: “Rahasia GIGI Kuat adalah GUSI yang Sehat”.
Armand Maulana, vocalist of GIGI, commented: "Although it was coincidentally coined because one of our former members had dental problems, the choice of the name GIGI has a special philosophy. Besides being unique, short, and easy to remember, for us, GIGI symbolizes strength. For over 30 years in the Indonesian music industry, we have always aimed to make a strong impact on people.”
“This includes our participation in BKGN 2025’s ongoing program, which is special because we have been entrusted to educate the public about maintaining dental and gum health through the power we possess—music. Check out the music video collaboration between GIGI and BKGN 2025 on the Instagram account @tanyapepodent or YouTube @tanya.pepsodent, and share its positive message with your loved ones!”
In closing, drg. Mirah expressed this hopes, "Since it was first held in 2010, BKGN has provided free dental education and treatment to more than 2.7 million people. May all the educational programs and services we offer this year help the public showcase the Great Indonesian Smiles with healthy teeth and gums. Register online now to participate, and we’ll see you at BKGN 2025, which will take place across Indonesia from September to December this year!”