How much do you really know when it comes to protecting those pearly whites? Well it turns out we’re a pretty savvy bunch when it comes to some areas of oral health and hygiene, but there are also a few facts that we need to brush up on. We put regular Aussies to the test.
DOUBLE DUTY
Most people know they should brush their teeth at least twice a day, and 88% of people answered this question correctly.
However only 29%* admitted that they skipped the odd brushing session – which suggests that some of us are better at learning good advice than we are at following it!
FLOSSED FOR WORDS
OK, be honest now – how often do you floss? Experts say we should do this every day, but 67% of people surveyed said they often skip this important step.
A further 19% admitted they only had a cheeky floss straight before seeing the dentist!
CLEARING THE AIR
Thanks to increased awareness about the risk of vaping, 95% of respondents knew there was a potential link between vaping and gum disease.
We now know there is evidence that vaping (along with other forms of tobacco use) causes inflammation, which is associated with gum and other oral health issues.
TOOTH OR DARE
Here’s a slightly trickier one – how long should you wait after mealtimes before you brush your teeth? Well ideally, experts say you should wait at least 30 minutes.
That’s because most food and drinks contain acid that soften our tooth enamel, and we risk damaging this if we brush straight after eating. If you got this one wrong, you’re not alone. In fact only 48% answered correctly!
CRUNCHING THE COSTS
Along with brushing and flossing, staying up to date with twice-yearly check-ups is one of the best ways to keep your teeth healthy. However many of us are skipping our regular visits, with 38% admitting they’ve put off seeing their dentist for more than a year.
Cost was the overwhelming reason for avoiding the dentist’s chair, with a whopping 86% saying it was their main barrier. Some clinics, such as Pacific Smiles Dental, offer payment plans for out-of-pocket costs of over $1,000, along with options to pay through Afterpay or ZipMoney.
Parents can also enquire about cover for child treatments under The Commonwealth Government’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule. Additional Financial support through Government vouchers and other programs is also available for some emergency and select treatments, however the criteria differs in each state.
BY A NOSE
Did you know mouth breathing is a common cause of cavities in kids? Only 69% of respondents were aware that breathing through our mouth (instead of our nose) increases our risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
That’s because the flow of air dries up saliva, which helps keep our mouth and gums at a healthy pH level.
CHILD’S PLAY
Aussies are pretty switched on when it comes to understanding the importance of kids’ dental care. 97% were aware that dental disease can have a negative impact on multiple areas of childhood health – including nutrition, growth and development.
Survey data comes from the Are Media Healthonomics Dental Survey 2024, for women aged 25-54.
