New research reveals Australians are neglecting their dentist, putting their oral health at risk. But why do so few of us come forward to the dental clinic?
Have you ever received a semi-annual notice in the mail notifying you that you are due for your semi-annual dental checkup? Maybe you recognized it and put it aside with the good intention of making a date, but never did.
You’re certainly not the only one failing to keep up with their annual check-up with new data revealing just 50 per cent of all Australians haven’t seen their dentist in 2022.
So, if it’s so common to neglect the dentist, how often should we have a dental exam?
Do you like what you see? Subscribe to ours Bodyandsoul.com.au Newsletter for more stories like this.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare was released a report this month which reported that more than half of Australians aged 15 and over did not visit their dentist last year.
If this doesn’t trigger an alarming reaction, it should, as dental visits are the primary facilitator of preventive dental care to maintain optimal oral health that allows us to speak, eat and socialize without discomfort. No regular visits to the dentist. Both our teeth and gums can become prone to serious damage.
“Regular dental checkups are an important preventive measure that can save you time, money and discomfort in the long run, and may even save your life,” says the cosmetic dentist and founder of Dentistry99Dr Gamer Verdian.
“Neglecting oral hygiene can lead to many health problems beyond tooth decay and gum disease. It is important to understand that the mouth is a gateway to the overall health of the body.”
Dr. Verdian says that without proper oral care, the human body is at risk of attracting a number of serious health concerns, including respiratory infections, cardiovascular disease and endocarditis (infection of the inner lining of the heart).
“We’ve made a lot of progress in the last 10 years in understanding the systemic effects of poor oral health—anyone who’s serious about general health and longevity would be serious about their dental health,” says Dr. Verdian. Body+Soul.
So why don’t people take their dental care seriously? According to Dr. Verdian, it’s down to a number of common misconceptions. The most common is a generalized fear of the dentist due to pain and discomfort.
“While some procedures may cause discomfort, most routine dental treatments, such as cleanings and checkups, should not be painful,” she assures. “Additionally, dentists are trained to manage pain and discomfort and have a variety of techniques and anesthetics to ensure patient comfort.”
Other common misconceptions that Dr. Verdian links to reducing dental visits include thinking that you only need to go if your teeth hurt, that if you brush and floss regularly you’re exempt from the cost of a checkup or treatment.
“Preventive care is a fundamental part of dental health. Regular dental check-ups can help identify potential problems early and treat them before they become serious and painful,” says Dr. Verdian.
“Excessive brushing or brushing too hard can actually damage your teeth and gums, leading to problems like enamel wear and gum recession…[Additionally], the cost of dental treatment can vary greatly depending on what is needed. However, preventive care (regular checkups, cleanings, and home care such as brushing and flossing) is much more cost-effective than treating problems that have been allowed to progress, such as advanced gum disease or tooth decay.
So how often should one visit a dentist?
The old and true suggestion of six-monthly check-ups seems to be common among most dentists in an effort to prevent tooth decay and the risk of having to undergo expensive repair procedures in the future.
“Most adults should visit their dentist twice a year,” confirms Dr. Verdian. “Over sixties as often as every three months, especially if they have more serious conditions such as periodontitis (gum disease) and very active and damaging tooth decay.”
Dr. Verdian explains these schedules as the most effective way to diagnose dental problems early and prevent them from developing into serious health risks.
“Early diagnosis offers simpler, less harmful and less expensive treatments to correct them.”
Medibank group executive Milosh Milisavljevic also commented on the impressive statistics, encouraging Australians to make the most of the extras available in incentive schemes such as private health cover.
“I know going to the dentist isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but dental checkups shouldn’t be a financial burden,” she said.
“[Medibank] Members return 100% for their twice-yearly dental check-ups, which really makes a big difference to your household budget, especially when you have a family to look after.”
In addition to private health insurance, Dr Verdian suggests taking advantage of emerging innovative dental care solutions such as Dental99 to avoid any hidden costs that may affect your financial situation.
“Dental99 is a dental company designed to disrupt the traditional dental model by offering a variety of dental services at transparent, upfront costs,” explains Dr. Verdian. “This means you know exactly how much a treatment will cost before you receive it, with no hidden fees or unexpected expenses.”
Top that off with a healthy lifestyle that’s low on sugar and high on proper dental hygiene, and you might just be able to keep your pearly whites for life.
