Oral health complacency a major barrier to wellbeing
More than half of all Australian adults put off going to the dentist last year. We look at the positive impact that regular dental check-ups can have on your health.
With studies suggesting 58 per cent of people put off a visit to the dentist last year[1], Australians are being encouraged to use the second half of 2023 as an opportunity to get their oral health back on track.
The call for greater proactivity comes amidst separate Bupa research that revealed more than a third of Australians believe lack of motivation or time pressures are getting in the way of optimal health and wellbeing routines[2]. As it stands, the average adult has approximately 11 decayed, missing or filled teeth[3].
Bupa Dental Head Dentist, Cathryn Madden said it’s vital people think beyond the concept of a beautiful smile and acknowledge the broader connection oral health and general health when it comes to looking after their teeth and gums.
“A visit to the dentist means a whole lot more than a simple clean and a search for cavities, we also look for signs of oral cancer, oral infections and a range of other conditions that can have a significant impact on your health if not addressed early.
“We also provide advice on diet, brushing, flossing and other home-based routines to ensure you and your family can maintain a healthy mouth year-round,” Cathryn said.
A visit to the dentist means a whole lot more than a simple clean and a search for cavities, we also look for signs of oral cancer, oral infections and a range of other conditions that can have a significant impact on your health if not addressed early.
This advice is being reinforced during Dental Health Week (7 - 13 August), an annual awareness campaign aimed at promoting better oral health practices. This year’s messaging centres around “Mind, Body, Mouth. It’s all connected” and aims to reinforce the message that a good oral hygiene routine, eating healthily and visiting a dental professional on a regular basis all play key roles in a person’s health.
“If you haven’t seen a dentist during the calendar year, Dental Health Week is a fantastic reminder to book one in before both 2023 and potential oral health issues get away from you,” Cathryn said.
If cost is a concern, Bupa Dental offers gap-free check-ups for eligible Bupa Health Insurance customers,[4] making dental care more accessible for more people.
For more information on Dental Health Week visit here.
[1] Dentists fear Australians' oral health 'will get worse' amid cost-of-living-pressures - ABC News
[2] mrandresearchreport.pdf (bupa.com.au)
[3] Oral health and dental care in Australia, Summary - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (aihw.gov.au)
[4] No gap on dental check ups could apply at Members First Platinum providers. Yearly limits, waiting periods, fund and policy rules apply. Excludes orthodontics and hospital treatment. Available on combined eligible domestic Hospital and Extras product which includes general dental (excluding Freedom 50 Extras, Freedom 60 Extras, Freedom 60 Boost, Extras Saver, FLEXtras products and YourChoice Extras 60 where general dental is not included). No gap offer cannot be redeemed at Bupa Dental Kensington
