15,000 Australians to receive free dental examination
Researchers at the Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health (ARCPOH) from the University of Adelaide partner with the federal and state governments for a national study of oral health. They will investigate the gums and teeth of 15,000 Australians for a year.
The move, which was unveiled on Tuesday, Feb 27, seeks to explore the changes in dental health among Australians. "It's critical that we understand the changes in dental health among adult Australians, and the quality, prevalence and accessibility of services they receive," chief investigator Professor Marco Peres said.
The National Study of Adult Oral Health 2017-2018 aims to determine the level of oral diseases among adult Australians. Researches also wish to assess the "effectiveness" of dental services across Australia.”
Australians will be randomly selected to take part in the study. News.com.au has learned that members of the community will be asked to reply to a web-based survey while others will be interviewed over the phone. They will then be invited for a free dental examination to assess their dental health.
In a study by the Division of Infectious Diseases at Virginia Commonwealth University last year, researchers have learned that people who did not visit the dentist were almost twice as likely to develop pneumonia compared to those who visited the dentist twice every year. Oral health plays a pivotal role to general health according to research.
Cardiovascular disease and diabetes are reportedly associated to poor dental health. Frequent visit to the dentist and proper oral hygiene, on the other hand, lessens the risk of pneumonia.
WebMD notes that oral health is more than just brushing. Per the site, it would be best to speak with a dentist or other oral health care specialist regarding teeth or oral health. The recommendation is to see a dentist at least twice a year.
The use of fluoride is also recommended as it prevents tooth decay in both children and adults. Antibacterial mouth rinses would help prevent the spread of bacteria that causes plaque and gum disease.
Meanwhile , Abano Healthcare, Australia's second largest dental group, is starting an 18-month interest-free payment offer for its patients. Abano chief executive Richard Keys said the firm seeks to pursue more acquisitions in the country. "If you come in for a clean and polish it's generally a bill at the lower end. It does mount up a bit when more work is needed," he told Financial Review.
