A local dentist has called for more funding into the dental industry amidst research one in four children and one in three adults have untreated tooth decay.
Dr Rajalakshmi Alagirisamy, owner of Dentist at Underwood and Lillybrook Dental Surgery, said inaccessibility to oral care was responsible for a large portion of oral issues.
She said low socio-economic areas like Logan exhibited poorer oral health for this reason.
“Affordability is a huge factor with dental care,” Dr Alagirisamy said.
Long waiting lists in the public dental system mean it is an unreliable option for most.
According to Queensland Health data, the public system queues are around two years long, and services only 30 per cent of those eligible.
Federal Government statistics also reveal a whopping 85 per cent of dentistry in Australia is made up of private sector dentistry.
Dr Alagirisamy commended services like the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), but argued it needed to be available for adults to expand its reach.
She said there should be a broader scheme for adults to fund regular general check-ups and care, which would ultimately prevent long-term issues from developing.
Dr Alagirisamy said a “lack of awareness” was also to blame for poor oral health, and greater education would help prevent tooth decay – particularly in children.
“Teeth can decay at any age, even with baby teeth – decay doesn’t discriminate,” she said.
“As soon as teeth come in, they can decay, and that is why the child benefit scheme is there.
“Unfortunately, not many people are aware of this.”
She said she often told parent clients to enquire about the child benefits scheme.
To be eligible for the CDBS, a child must be between zero and 17 years old, eligible for Medicare, and be a Centrelink payment recipient (or have a parent who is one).
Unless there are underlying health issues, Dr Alagirisamy said, there was “no reason why we can’t have the same teeth we have now when we’re older”.
In terms of preventative measures, Dr Alagirisamy said “changing habits” around diet and lifestyle was a game changer.
“We are seeing a lot of decay because of diet – there’s too much soft drink and processed foods,” she said.
She said bacteria in the mouth feeds on sugar and food, which then produces acid that strips away the teeth.
“That’s why it’s important to brush twice daily, floss regularly, and get into the habit of drinking water after each meal and swish it around.
“It’s simple and easy.”
