Australia’s Oral Health Tracker released by the Australian Dental Association and the Australian Health Policy Collaboration launched this week has revealed Australians do not know how to brush their teeth properly.

Director of the Centre for Rural and Remote Health, James Cook University Professor Sabina Knight says the research shows there is a clear link between oral hygiene and overall health.

“Oral health conditions are responsible for 1 in 10 potentially preventable hospitalisations. A poor reflection of children and adult’s oral health with the highest rates in five and nine year olds nationally,” Prof Knight said.

This is consistent with the North West region.”

Access to dental services is important and so is individual behaviour. James Cook University is delivering a dental health workforce for the North; in fact, we have students and graduates here in Mount Isa. 

Ninety percent of Australians have experienced decay in their permanent teeth.

Only 51% of Aussies brush twice daily and almost 48% consume too much sugar.

“These are all things we can improve and keeping track will help us as a community guide our effort,” Prof Knight said.

“Oral health problems can contribute to serious disease such as cardiac problem.

“Let’s work together to turn this situation around” Prof Knight said.