FIND OUT HOW AUSTRALIANS FARE WITH DENTAL HYGEINE AND THE STATE OF OUR TEETH.
As a nation, we are neglecting the health of our teeth and gums, according the latest research by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, published at the end of last year.
Here are some of the latest findings on what Australians are like in terms of dental health:
ROTTEN TEETH
Shockingly, the report reveals that Australians aged over 15 have an average of nearly 13 missing, decayed or filled teeth. One in 25 of the population have none of their natural teeth left at all.
INFREQUENT VISITS TO THE DENTIST
One of the reasons why tooth decay is so high is probably that we don’t visit the dentist often enough.
Only 50% of Australians visit the dentist more than once a year. While frequency of dental visits was fairly consistent across states, people from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, were found to be the most conscientious about dental check-ups.
Dentists at our Dental Parramatta Clinic recommend that you have your teeth checked every 6 months.
Prevention is certainly better than cure and frequent check-ups can help you avoid costly, painful and inconvenient dental work. According to the statistics, over 70,000 people in one year had to be hospitalised for dental treatment for damage that could have been avoided had it been caught earlier.
Sadly, these hospital visits were most common in children aged 5-9.
If time has gone by and you or your child haven’t seen the dentist for a while, it is worth booking an appointment for a clean and a check-up at Dental Clinic Parramatta.
TOO MUCH TOOTH DECAY IN KIDS
A disturbing 40% of children have experienced tooth decay by the time they reach age 10 and about one in four older children aged between 10-14 have suffered some kind of dental caries. The report notes that tooth decay is on the increase among Australian kids.
On the positive side, 70% of kids brush their teeth with toothpaste twice a day. However, that leaves one in three children who are not brushing regularly enough.
Our experienced dentists in Parramatta can help you manage your child’s dental health and show them how to clean their teeth properly.
WOMEN LOOK AFTER THEIR TEETH MORE THAN MEN
The statistics show that men are more likely to neglect their teeth. Women are far more likely to visit their dentist regularly. Men are more likely to leave cavities untreated and suffer significantly more tooth decay than women.
Gum disease is also much higher in men.
GUM DISEASE A PROBLEM FOR SENIORS
The risk of gum disease increases dramatically with age, as the report findings show. More than half of people over the age of 65 have gum disease, compared with just 2.7& in young adults.
So it’s even more important for older people to take good care of their teeth. Gum disease is an inflammatory disease of the gums and if left to progress can lead to tooth and bone loss.
Tooth loss rises sharply in the over 65s, with one in five seniors having none of their natural teeth left at all.
Correct and regular brushing and flossing, as well as eating plenty of fruit, vegetables and oily fish, which all have anti-inflammatory effects, is essential in this age group.
Regular check-ups are important to stop any sign of gum disease in its tracks. Book an appointment with our dentists in Parramatta for check-up and clean.
We also offer a comprehensive range of options for broken, damaged or missing teeth.
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