The Australian Dental Association’s nationwide initiative Dental Health Week is coming up from August 5 to 11. We have several great stories you may be interested in for the week prior, or that week.
Dental health is a huge issue nationally – an ADA commissioned survey revealed some alarming statistics: 63% of the adult population haven’t visited a dentist in the last 2 years; 4% had never visited one; when they do go, 71% are forced to go due to the emergence of a problem.
Meanwhile 57% say they simply can’t afford a trip to get their teeth checked and 11% are just plain afraid.
Only half of us brush our teeth the recommend twice a day – little wonder then that only 9% adults have never had tooth decay, that tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in Australia and that 27% of children aged 5-10 have untreated tooth decay.
Here are some of the stories we can offer you for use before and during Dental Health Week, as well as experts and spokespeople for live, pre-records and print interviews.
*The sugar-free drinks harming your teeth – includes energy, sports drinks and kombucha (plus comparative infographic which shows the different pHs),
*The lifestyle habits putting your oral health at risk (smoking, drinking and links with oral cancer),
* 10 easy care oral health tips for seniors,
* 10 surprising facts about your mouth,
*Sleep apnoea and seniors and latest in treatments for this potentially life-threatening condition.
Other seniors stories : what’s dry mouth, denture care and the new gadgets to help arthritic fingers. We also have stats, spokespeople pics and 4 videos to aid brushing and flossing to go on your websites: .
“The aim of Dental Health Week is to remind people to practice four basic routines for good oral health: brush twice a day, floss daily, have a nutritious diet low in sugar and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups,” said Dr Chinotti.
If you would like any of the material above or to line up our DHW spokesperson Dr Mikaela Chinotti, or to organise a live TV with two of our experts to discuss a range of oral health issues facing the nation, call Federal Media Advisor Jenny Barlass on
