Neglected oral health is linked to worsened conditions such as cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease.
New data released by the Australian Dental Association (ADA) reveals that around half of Australian adults don’t prioritise gum health, placing them at risk of serious health conditions.
The ADA’s annual Consumer Survey of 25,000 people, released ahead of Dental Health Week (Aug. 5–11), highlights the need for better oral health practices to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and related health issues.
It found that more than half of people think caring for teeth is more important than caring for gums. Meanwhile, 28 percent view both as equally important, and 19 percent prioritise gums.
Additionally, 25 percent of respondents reported that they don’t consider how to look after their gums.
Despite the critical role of cleaning between teeth and the recommendation for daily interdental cleaning, 74 percent rarely or never floss.
Dr. Mikaela Chinotti, the ADA’s oral health promoter, warns that these people “may be putting their mouths on a fast track to bleeding gums which often indicates gum disease and are a red flag.”
Severe gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is affecting an increasing number of Australians, exacerbated by factors like smoking, age, and diabetes.
The ADA’s findings reveal that one in four Australians has gum inflammation, and one in three has moderate to severe periodontitis.
Chinotti emphasizes the importance of brushing twice daily, flossing daily, eating a low-sugar diet, and regular dental check-ups. Persistent bleeding gums should prompt a dental visit as healthy gums don’t bleed.
Reason for Deteriorating Oral Health
The survey uncovers some revealing insights into why Australians’ oral health is not where it should be—and the need for people to boost their oral health practices to keep gum disease, tooth decay, and serious whole-of-body health conditions away.
Only 21 percent clean between their teeth daily, which is what’s recommended by dentists.
“Together with jawbone and ligaments, the gums form the foundations that keep teeth in place. With severe gum disease, these elements are damaged, affecting how the teeth stay in place,” Chinotti said.
“Unfortunately, gums are the forgotten foundations of the mouth and plenty of people are not giving them a second thought.”
Chinotti further said that countless scientific studies show neglected oral health can either precipitate or worsen another health condition with robust evidence linking periodontal disease and cardiovascular conditions, Type 2 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel conditions.
“These serious health conditions can, in some instances, be improved if people look after their mouths,” she said.
More Than Half Brush Twice Daily
The data also found a few positive aspects on Australians’ oral hygiene practices.
About half of Australians (55 percent) brush their teeth twice daily, while 28 percent brush three or more times a day. A smaller segment, 17 percent, brushes only once daily.
Regarding toothbrush preferences, 38 percent of Australians use electric toothbrushes, with the majority, 62 percent, opting for manual brushes.
Additionally, 19 percent of individuals incorporate tongue cleaning into their routine.
The findings also reveal varied approaches to maintaining oral health between teeth.
Among those who do clean between their teeth, 28 percent use floss, interdental brushes, or water flossers, while another 27 percent rely solely on brushing to reach the gums.
A smaller portion, 10 percent, seek professional cleanings from their dentist, and 9 percent use mouthwash as part of their oral care regimen.
Government Data Highlights Challenges in Accessing Dental Care
Meanwhile, a recent report from the Australian government’s Patient Experience Survey 2021-22 reveals significant trends in dental care access for Australians aged 15 and over.
Nearly half of the respondents visited a dental professional in the past year, with the majority (57 percent) returning for multiple visits. However, about one in 10 people who sought dental care received it through public services.
The survey also uncovered barriers to accessing dental care, with around one-third of those needing dental services delaying or missing appointments over the past year.
Cost was a notable factor, with approximately 16 percent of individuals citing financial reasons for postponing or avoiding dental visits.