The mouth-watering aroma of sausage sizzles, grilled chicken, and unique seafood delicacies on a barbecue wafts during picnics and gatherings vividly depict how Australians frolic eating. While most people enjoy food, it’s an issue for those with poor oral hygiene, including how they adequately brush or floss their teeth.
Australia’s Oral Health tracker revealed that only half of adults brush their teeth twice daily as advised, with brushing habits declining with age. That primarily contributes to 90% of adults having some form of tooth decay, while one-third of youngsters have rotting baby teeth.
Without adequate oral treatment and care, Aussies are likely to encounter horrendous dental crises. Read on to explore Australia’s key statistics on tooth decay, including its prevalence, trends, and preventive measures.
Overview of Tooth Decay in Australia
Can tooth decay easily develop? Tooth decay starts when excessive food particles become clogged or stuck on teeth. Oral bacteria then consume these free sugars, secreting acid to soften tooth enamel. This process creates small holes (cavities), compromising tooth structure.
High sugar intake speeds up the destructive acid formation in the teeth. When left untreated, dental decay can progress and lead to tooth loss. It can occur on any tooth surface, explaining why it’s a health issue for all age groups.
Let’s discover the prevalence of tooth decay across Australia.
Current Statistics on Tooth Decay
A national study on oral health status reported that Australian children had about 0.5-1.5 decayed teeth in 2012-14. Meanwhile, adults aged 15 and above have 11.2 decayed (including missing or filled) teeth in 2017-18. On a national scale, about 1 in 3 Aussie adults has untreated tooth decay.
Even though children tend to consume more sugar, tooth decay is still more prevalent among adults. This higher incidence reflects that decay is often neglected in younger years until it results in lost or missing teeth. Not to mention that adults frequently encounter inadequate dental care access and a busier lifestyle to focus on oral health.
Historical Trends in Tooth Decay Rates
Has tooth decay rates dwindled over the past decades? When dental decay occurs in baby teeth, it typically exfoliates to grow new ones. However, decaying adult teeth are lost because they can’t regrow.
Before being permanently lost or filled, teeth often undergo cavities or decay. As decay rates decline over the decades, this also lowers the incidence of missing and filled teeth among Australian adults. The average number of decayed teeth (missing and filled) has dropped by 11.2 in 2017-18, from 12.6 in 2004-06 and 14.9 in 1987-88.
Age group trends in dental decay experience among dentate Australians aged 15 years and over, 1987–88, 2004–06, and 2017–18
Source: National Study of Adult Oral Health 2017–18
Even though the decay rate is only around 0.6-1.5 teeth among adults, it advances with age. Overlooking this dental issue can result in toothache, tooth sensitivity, or gum inflammation. Dental filling is crucial to restore the tooth’s form and function at earlier decay stages.
Prevalence of Tooth Decay by Demographics
Dental decay is a key indicator of the country’s oral health status. The greatest burden among patients with poor oral health is the lack of robust dental care. Let’s uncover how extensive dental decay affects each age group across Australia.
Tooth Decay in Children
Is tooth decay more common in children? While it’s a common misconception, decay rates vary depending on the age group. Around 1 in 4 (23.5%) Australian children aged 6-14 experienced dental decay in 2012-14. Of this proportion, there’s a higher dental decay incidence among Indigenous children (36%) than non-Indigenous children (23%).
Based on the graph below, about 38.2% of children aged 12-14 had caries in their permanent teeth. This figure is concerning because children’s permanent teeth stop growing at this age. In addition, 1 in 10 children (11%) had at least one permanent tooth with untreated decay.
Healthy teeth interactive 2: Proportion of children aged 5–14 years with tooth decay, by selected characteristics, Australia, 2012–14
Source: Oral health and dental care in Australia, Healthy teeth – Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Tooth Decay in Adults and Seniors
Data showed that only 1 in 9 Australian adults had never experienced dental decay in 2017-18. Consequently, dental caries affect about 11.2 adult teeth. While young adults typically have four decayed or rotten teeth, this increased to 10 in middle adulthood. Meanwhile, tooth decay impacts between 19 and 24 teeth in Australian senior patients.
Risk Factors Contributing to Tooth Decay
So, what’s propelling the high tooth decay rates across Australia? Understanding what factors influence dental decay is key to curbing this dental issue. As such, let’s delve deeper into the data-driven insights of risk factors contributing to this prominent oral concern.
Diet and Sugar Consumption
Studies show that consuming too much sugar increases the risk of developing dental caries. Free sugars fuel decay-causing bacteria, speeding up decay. In 2017-18, 1 in 14 (7.1%) children and 1 in 11 (9.1%) adults over consumed sweetened drinks daily.
The figure below shows that Australian adults aged 18-24 consumed 14% sugar, exceeding the 10% sugar intake limit. This also explains the higher incidence of dental decay among Aussies upon reaching middle adulthood. When left neglected, this increases the risks of older people encountering severe oral issues.
Source: National Oral Health Plan 2015–2024: performance monitoring report
Oral Hygiene Practices
Ineffective oral hygiene can lead to plaque accumulation, increasing the risks of dental decay. About two-thirds of Australian children brush their teeth twice daily in 2012-14. Yet, around 42.6% of Australian children still had visible plaque accumulation, reflecting that brushing is insufficient to curb decay.
On the other hand, almost all (97%) Australian adults brushed their teeth once daily in 2017-18. While that’s promising, this infrequent brushing suggests why dental decay is still high among adults. Besides toothbrushing, flossing and regular checkups are essential to curtail decay risks.
Access to Dental Care
Patients with less dental care access are likely to have untreated decay. For example, cases of untreated decay are twice as high for children living in remote areas (22%) than those living in major cities (9.9%). Among Australian adults, those who visit the dentist for a problem have the most untreated cavities (43.5%), while those who go for checkups have the fewest (24.3%).
Socioeconomic Factors
Delaying dental visits due to costs is the prime reason tooth decay is often left untreated. The ADA disclosed that almost two-thirds of Australians don’t visit the dentist yearly due to affordability concerns. Moreover, reports showed that children in low-income households have more untreated decay than those in medium—to high-income households.
Limited dental care access, lower health literacy, and insufficient dietary habits also lead to poor oral health. The good news is that Australia has initiatives like the Child Benefit Dental Schedule (CBDS) to curb severe decay among children’s dental conditions.
Impact of Tooth Decay on Overall Health
After breaking excess enamel, severe tooth decay gets deeper into your tooth. In the later stages of decay, your tooth discolours into yellow-brown or black, often infecting the gum line. Harvard Health indicates that patients with gum disease have two to three times the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular illnesses.
What’s more alarming is that oral infections due to decay pose a critical risk for diabetic patients. That’s because gum lesions heal slower due to high blood glucose levels. Dentists addressing this issue implement highly safe procedures to minimise any additional oral injuries.
Quality of Life and Psychological Effects
Besides systemic health concerns, neglected tooth decay can harm patients’ self-esteem and affect how they look, eat, speak, and socialise. At worst, patients may experience nutritional deficiency due to the inability to chew various nutritious foods.
Around one-third of Australian adults felt uncomfortable with the appearance of their teeth, mouths, or dentures in 2017-18. A record high of 37.9% of adults aged 45-64 were anxious about their oral looks, up from 30.7% in 2013. The chart also shows an increase of 10% among young adults within the five-year gap (22.3% vs. 32.6%).
Prevention and Treatment of Tooth Decay
Given the prevalence of tooth decay, are there actionable ways to avoid it? One prime preventive measure is water fluoridation, a safe strategy to reduce dental decay incidence at scale. The great news is that 89% of Aussies have access to fluoridated drinking water.
Australia’s national study reveals that water fluoridation reduces tooth decay by 26-44% among children and by 27% in adults. Even in dental clinics, fluoride treatments help remineralise enamel and halt the early stages of tooth decay. Other preventive methods include fissure sealant, which protects tooth surfaces susceptible to developing caries.
One-quarter of Australian children had at least one fissure sealant in their permanent teeth. The fissure sealant application needs frequent replacement, typically every 3-4 months. That explains why dental checkups are key to impeding dental decay, giving you other treatment options should decay progress.
Importance of Regular Check-Ups
Routine checkups are key to detecting early signs of decay. Professional cleanings extensively remove plaque and tartar that can’t be eliminated with regular brushing or flossing, curtailing tooth deterioration. Across all ages, Aussies who frequently visit for a check-up only had 0.7 decayed teeth surface compared to those who delay or avoid it (2.7 decayed teeth).
Modern Treatment Options
As dental decay incidence spikes among Aussies, innovative treatments prioritise tooth preservation and patient comfort. Below are some of the latest advancements in tooth decay treatment.
Air Abrasion: Uses fine abrasive particles to scrape decay and minimise damage to healthy teeth and tissue.
Laser Dentistry: Employ precise laser beams to eradicate dental decay without the need for traditional drilling.
Diagnodent: A laser examination tool that scans, locates, and diagnoses small cavities, allowing for early detection and preventative treatment.
Dental Inlays & Onlays: More damage-resistant than traditional fillings, this custom-made restoration conceals large cavities and protects teeth from decay.
Dental Crown: A cap-like restoration that covers a damaged tooth from excessive decay, protecting and restoring its size, shape, and function.
Government and Public Health Initiatives
Given that nearly one-third of Australian adults have untreated dental decay, the country targets lowering this prevalence by 20.4%. Meanwhile, 23.5% of children still have experienced decay, which the country aims to reduce by 21.2% in 2025.
The state’s dental programs, like the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), are one primary contributor to dwindling decay rates among children. Policies on community water fluoridation have also substantially reduced tooth decay rates across the country. Despite these efforts, education campaigns and public awareness remain stagnant to combat this dental ailment.
Future Outlook and Trends in Tooth Decay Prevention
Digital dentistry is reshaping Australia’s dental landscape. Advanced imaging techniques like 3D intraoral scanners allow precise, early detection of dental decay, aiding in personalising treatment plans. Moreover, AI-powered diagnostic tools analyse vast patient data to spot risk factors, predict decay progression and tailor preventive measures.
As Aussies shift towards healthy dietary choices, it contributes to declining tooth decay rates. Targeted public health campaigns are essential as oral hygiene routines lessen with age. Beyond these, seeking innovative dental providers like Aesthetic Dental Clinic is a collective health consciousness to ensure tooth decay is a thing of the past.
Secure Extra Dental Protection With Our Expert Care
Despite the high prevalence of tooth decay in Australia, about two-thirds of Aussies still delay dental visits. Untreated dental decay unfavourably impairs how you eat, speak, and socialise. Besides good oral hygiene, dental checkups offer early prevention against decay.
At Aesthetic Dental Clinic, we use cutting-edge technologies and tools in checkups to swiftly diagnose dental issues. We employ innovative preventive techniques to expedite pain-free treatments. We offer personalised treatments to address your dental concerns expertly.
Contact us at 02 4655 4438 or book an appointment for top-notch specialised dental care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common causes of tooth decay in Australia?
Australians’ excessive intake of sugary foods and beverages fuels oral bacteria, which produce acid to crumble tooth enamel. Due to inadequate hygiene, diet, and dental services, tooth decay worsens. Left untreated, it harms healthy teeth, gums, and tissues.
How prevalent is tooth decay among Australian children?
About 42% of children aged 5-10 had deciduous (baby) tooth decay, and 1 in 4 (27%) had at least one untreated tooth decay in 2012-14. Meanwhile, around 1 in 4 children aged 6-14 had decay in their permanent teeth, with 11% remaining untreated.
What preventive measures can I take to reduce my risk of tooth decay?
In addition to brushing twice daily, opt for toothpaste with adequate fluoride levels to prevent tooth decay. Flossing is also crucial to remove clogged food particles from teeth crevices. Limit sugary and acidic food, which can erode enamel and promote decay. Schedule regular checkups and cleanings, ideally every six months, so your dentist can identify and treat oral issues early on.
How does sugar consumption affect tooth decay rates?
Higher sugar intake increases your chance of developing dental decay. Bacteria lining your oral region feed on free sugar and release acid as a byproduct. This acid erodes the tooth enamel, creating small holes that get deeper if left untreated, often resulting in tooth loss.
What treatments are available for tooth decay at Aesthetic Dental Clinic?
At Aesthetic Dental Clinic, we provide comprehensive preventive treatments for tooth decay, including fillings, crowns, fluoride treatments, and sealants. We employ the latest technologies and tools to detect early decay signs. Our expert dental team personalise hygiene and treatment plans to help you avoid tooth decay.
