The cost-of-living crisis is hitting young Australians hard, and their oral health is suffering as a result. Emily Novo, a Sydney university student, recently experienced this firsthand when she woke up unable to open her mouth due to an infected wisdom tooth. This shocking incident highlights a broader crisis among young Aussies, who are delaying routine dental care due to financial constraints, setting them up for painful and costly medical emergencies later on.
The Australian Dental Association (ADA) has released national research revealing that 18- to 25-year-olds are postponing dental visits, often until something goes wrong. This is a critical issue, as it's during this age range that many young people leave school, move out of home, lose private health insurance, and start managing their own healthcare. As a result, they're missing out on routine check-ups and preventative care, which can lead to more serious and expensive dental issues down the line.
Novo's story is a common one. She had previously invested in clear aligner orthodontic treatment while living at home, but after moving out and losing her health cover, she couldn't afford the replacement retainers or regular check-ups she needed. This left her terrified that new issues would undo her past investment, and when she started experiencing severe pain, she initially convinced herself it might not be a dental issue. Only when the pain worsened and she couldn't eat properly did she seek urgent help, booking an appointment with her GP, which led to a referral to the emergency department.
The ADA's research also highlights other risks among young Australians, including low mouthguard usage in contact sports and a surge in social-media-driven cosmetic dental trends. This Dental Health Week, the ADA is urging young Aussies to book routine check-ups before minor issues become major medical emergencies. A standard appointment typically costs between $150 and $350 out-of-pocket, and the organisation is pushing for a new National Oral Health Plan to address the growing oral health crisis among young people.
The cost-of-living crisis is forcing young Australians to make difficult choices, and their oral health is often the first thing to suffer. As Novo's story illustrates, delaying dental care can lead to painful and costly consequences. It's crucial for young Aussies to prioritise their oral health and seek routine check-ups to prevent more serious and expensive dental issues in the future.
