Unilever Indonesia, through Pepsodent, is once again holding Bulan Kesehatan Gigi Nasional (BKGN) 2026 together with Persatuan Dokter Gigi Indonesia (PDGI), Asosiasi Fakultas Kedokteran Gigi Indonesia (AFDOKGI), and Asosiasi Rumah Sakit Gigi dan Mulut Pendidikan Indonesia (ARSGMPI).

Entering its 17th year, BKGN 2026 highlights the importance of maintaining oral microbiome balance as part of efforts to safeguard dental and oral health comprehensively.

The program was officially launched with dental education and examinations for 384 students of SDN Menteng 01 Jakarta. Subsequently, BKGN 2026 will take place from October to December 2026 at 29 Faculties of Dentistry (FKG) and Teaching Dental and Oral Hospitals (RSGMP) in various regions of Indonesia.

BKGN 2026 Aligns with HKGN

BKGN is part of an ongoing movement that also supports the spirit of Hari Kesehatan Gigi Nasional (HKGN), commemorated every 12 September.

HKGN 2026 carries the theme “Strong Teeth, Healthy Smile, Great Indonesia”, with the subtheme “Check, Follow Up, Maintain Dental and Oral Health”.

Deputy Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia Prof. dr. Dante Saksono Harbuwono stated that dental examinations are now included in the Cek Kesehatan Gratis program. He also encouraged regular dental examinations, at least every six months, to detect problems at an early stage.

Photo: JakartaKita.com Documentation — Photo source: JakartaKita.com Documentation

The Importance of Oral Microbiome Balance

Prof. drg. Suryono, Chair of AFDOKGI, explained that the oral cavity is an ecosystem inhabited by more than 700 species of microorganisms. It contains both beneficial bacteria and bacteria that have the potential to be harmful.

Therefore, maintaining dental health is not merely about eliminating bacteria, but also about preserving the balance of the oral microbiome. An imbalance, or dysbiosis, can increase the risk of various problems, including plaque, cavities, gum inflammation, and bad breath.

Several habits can also affect the condition of the oral microbiome. Data presented at BKGN 2026 recorded that 47.5% of Indonesians consume sugary drinks more than once a day. Meanwhile, although 95.6% of people brush their teeth every day, only 6.2% do so at the right time.

BKGN 2026 Expands Access to Dental Services

In cooperation with AFDOKGI and ARSGMPI, BKGN 2026 will provide free dental and oral health education and services at 29 FKGs and RSGMPs.

Together with PB PDGI, the program will also target six cities/regencies in West Java as well as several disaster-affected areas, including Nusa Tenggara Timur and Papua.

In addition to the general public, the education program will reach pesantren and mothers’ communities as drivers of dental health habits in their respective environments.

Pepsodent Introduces Microbiome Active Technology

To support daily care at home, Pepsodent is introducing Pepsodent Pro.Care with Microbiome Active technology.

Photo: JakartaKita.com Documentation — Photo source: JakartaKita.com Documentation

The technology uses One Trillion Active Ions to help suppress the growth of harmful bacteria while supporting beneficial bacteria, thereby maintaining oral microbiome balance. The product is designed to provide protection for up to 24 hours.

Through BKGN 2026, Pepsodent hopes that more people will understand the importance of maintaining oral microbiome balance and apply it in their daily dental care routines. Photo: Jakartakita.com/Edi Triyono

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