New research released reveals three in five (61%) Australians have delayed oral health treatment in the last 12 months. In fact, the rising cost-of-living continues to impact Australians’ oral health, with almost two-thirds (63%) delaying treatment due to affordability.
The research, by the Australian Dental Association (ADA), shows that Australians’ gums are paying the price of being the forgotten foundations of our mouths with over half (53%) of the 25,000 Australians polled prioritising teeth health as more important than looking after gums. In fact a quarter (25%) of Australians report they don’t even think about how to look after their gums. But unhealthy gums can result in loose teeth or even teeth falling out if the condition is left untreated.
By failing to clean in between their teeth, up to three-quarters (74%) of adults may be putting their mouths on a fast track to bleeding gums and gum disease. In fact, one in four Australians have inflammation of the gums and one in three have moderate to severe periodontitis (or gum disease).1
Despite costs keeping Aussies from seeking consistent treatment, regular dental visits actually save people in the long run, helping to decrease the likelihood of complex treatment further down the track.
A lack of oral health checks can have major consequences, with one third (34%) of people suffering with tooth pain, gum pain, face swelling or infection in the last year. To help prevent gum disease, Australians are encouraged to brush twice a day with a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste, clean in between with a flossing device daily, eat a diet low in sugar and visit the dentist regularly for check-ups.
This Dental Health Week (5-11th August), the Australian Dental Association is urging people to prioritise their gum health by booking in with their dentist and checking their gum disease factsheet. To keep gum disease, tooth decay and serious whole-of-body health conditions away, learn more oral health tips at teeth.org.au.
