Dental Health Week kicked off this week with the tagline Watch Your Mouth reminding Aussies about the importance of caring for your whole mouth. Not just your gums, not just your teeth, but your whole mouth! That means brushing, flossing, eating a healthy diet and regularly visiting the dentist. So, when was the last time you had a check up at the dentist?
This Dental Health Week (6 – 12 August), the Australian Dental Association (ADA) is reminding everyone to ‘watch your mouth’ due to the latest national survey results showing that Australians are not prioritising their oral health.*
Earlier this year, the ADA launched Australia’s Oral Health Tracker with data showing half of Australians (52%) are only brushing once a day instead of the recommended twice daily; and nearly two in five (38%) never floss or clean in between their teeth. Australians also need more regular dental check-ups, with 69% only going to the dentist when they have a problem.
Tooth decay is Australia’s most common disease. One in five adults have untreated tooth decay and one in five also have gum disease, with oral cancer rates also on the rise.**
Professor David Manton, Chairman of the Oral Health Committee said Dental Health Week is an opportunity for people to take a look and learn more about why a healthy mouth is so important.
“Good oral health is vital to good overall health, so watching your mouth will help maintain your general wellbeing. Watching your mouth means: brushing and flossing, eating a healthy diet and lowering our sugar and alcohol intake, stopping smoking and seeing our dentist for regular check ups. These good oral hygiene habits will greatly reduce the risk of oral disease,” said Professor Manton.
Matt Sinclair, MasterChef 2016 Runner Up, Restaurateur and Ambassador for Dental Health Week 2018 Ambassador said, “Quality oral hygiene has always been paramount in my life, it was something we were raised to be very conscious of. Mum would never allow us to go to school or bed without brushing our teeth and our regular dentist check ups were compulsory. As the Dental Health Week Ambassador, I’m encouraging Australians to watch their mouth and take their oral health seriously.
“Working as a chef, I’m constantly tasting food throughout the day, so I’m more aware of the importance of looking after my mouth. Simple regular oral hygiene habits, including seeing a dentist for check ups and eating good quality fresh good will ensure our mouths and teeth can continue to perform for us.”
Four tips for good oral health:
1 .Brush twice a day with fluoridate toothpaste
2 . Clean in-between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes
3. Eat a healthy diet, limit sugary foods and drinks
4 .Visit your dentist regularly
For more information on the Australian Dental Association or to book an appointment to see a dentist, visit www.ada.org.au/find-a-dentist. For more on Dental Health Week, check out: www.dentalhealthweek.com.au. You can also visit their Instagram: @AustralianDentalAssociation or Facebook: www.facebook.com/healthyteethaustralia/, using the hashtag #DentalHealthWeek and #watchyourmouth.