The Australian Dental Association (ADA) is urging Central Coast residents to make oral health a priority, with latest NSW Health figures showing there were more than 470 hospitalisations for the removal and restoration of teeth caused by tooth decay in the Local Health District in 2018-19.
There were also about 8,700 adults waiting for public dental treatment in the region, the statistics show.
ADA NSW President, Dr Kathleen Matthews, said increasing numbers of older Australians were suffering from dental problems.
“About 60 per cent of Australians aged 65 and over are suffering from either moderate or severe periodontitis – gum disease – according to the latest Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) data,” Matthews said.
“This worrying statistic underlines how neglecting your oral health when you are younger can lead to big problems later in life.
“Gum disease is no joke.
“It can cause extensive tooth loss and contribute to other conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
“It may also require regular and potentially expensive visits to the dentist to address bad breath, bleeding gums and can seriously affect your quality of life.
“We know that in NSW, for example, about one in five children aged 15 and under haven’t visited a dentist in the last year.
“This underlines how oral health is being neglected from a young age by many people, which may lead to severe problems later in life.
“As well as visiting the dentist for a check-up at least once a year, there are some simple things you can do to protect your oral health.
“This includes brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day, minimizing sugary treats, and drinking tap water instead of sugary drinks.
“No-one wants to look in the mirror when they are older and see they have neglected their teeth and gums.
“Make 2021 the year when you take extra good care of your oral health from now on.”
Matthews also reminded patients that it is safe to visit the dentist during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“Australian dentists have some of the best infection prevention control measures in the world,” she said.
“Dentists are also carrying out extra protocols at this time to ensure patient safety.
“This includes screening patients beforehand, social distancing, using PPE, hand rub and pre-procedural mouthwash.
“Patients can also contact their dentist beforehand to discuss and address any concerns they may have.”
Source:
Media release, Jan 18
Australian Dental Association