Survey results released ahead of Dental Health Week (August 5-11), the ADA’s oral health awareness campaign, uncovers some revealing insights into why our oral health is not where it should be.
Berala Dental Oral Health Surgeon Aisha Fachikh said they are more likely to be treating “emergencies” than people having general cleans and check ups because of cost-of-living pressures and it was concerning.
Gums are the forgotten foundations of our mouths, with just over half (53 per cent) of the 25,000 people polled in the ADA survey, thinking that looking after their teeth is more important than looking after their gums.
Aisha said gum disease was very common but hidden and often went unnoticed.
“People are usually shocked when they find out they have it,” she said.
“It’s the combination of smoking, poor oral hygiene and lack of dental visits where problems aren’t diagnosed early.
“We see that it’s a growing problem among the lower socio-economic group because people can’t afford to come.”
While cleaning between the teeth is as important as brushing, the survey found a shocking 74 per cent rarely or never floss.
Only 21 per cent clean between their teeth daily which is what’s recommended by dentists.
“Together with the jawbone, gums form the foundations that keep teeth in place,” the ADA’s Dr Mikaela Chinottik said.
“With severe gum disease, these elements are damaged, affecting how the teeth stay in place. Unfortunately, gums are the forgotten foundations of the mouth and plenty of people are not giving them a second thought.”
Lack of dental checks sees gum disease rise
ALMOST half of all adults don’t place importance on gum health, according to new data released by the Australian Dental Association (ADA), placing them at risk of serious health conditions.
