It's baffling to think that many Australians regularly go to the gym or attend yoga classes and yet neglect their oral health.
It's estimated that 30% of Australians currently go without dental care — whether due to the cost, fear of dental procedures, being too busy, unavailability of services or other reasons. In addition, more than 70,000 hospitalisations in 2016–17 for dental conditions may have been prevented with earlier treatment (source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare).
of Australians go without dental care
preventable hospitalisations in 2016–17
total Australian dental expenditure annually
The True Cost of Neglecting Your Oral Health
Hospitalisations are expensive — especially when it comes to extensive tissue infection (including the hospital stay, surgery and treatment, ongoing examinations and medications). But aside from the upfront financial cost, neglecting your oral health can deeply affect your quality of life and your accomplishments.
"No matter how severe or mild the pain is, a toothache will affect your performance — even on your most important day."
Imagine you have a job interview or a crucial presentation coming up. You've thoroughly prepared. But on that day, you experience a toothache — the result of poor oral hygiene, tooth decay, and years without a dental visit. That single event can make you miss the opportunity entirely.
Aside from career and business, this similarly applies to your social and family life. It's hard to enjoy special gatherings and meaningful moments if you have a toothache or any other oral health problem. Your confidence will be affected by toothache, gum disease or bad breath — you won't be able to express the true you when your mind is always elsewhere.
Mobile dental care brings treatment directly to those who need it most.
The Huge Financial Cost of Poor Oral Health
Let's talk numbers. It's estimated that $8.7 billion was the total expenditure on dental services (excluding hospitals) in Australia in 2012–13. Individually, people directly shoulder more than half of dental costs.
The Real Cost Comparison
Preventive Check-Up
$150–$305
Average: $231 · Takes 20–25 minutes
Root Canal / Periodontal Treatment
Thousands
Plus hours of treatment time
One single missed dental check-up can become multiple required visits due to ongoing treatment and surgery — you're potentially trading $150 for thousands of dollars in avoidable costs.
The expenses get even higher when you factor in the potential losses in productivity and opportunity. Instead of a quick 20–25 minute check-up (inspecting teeth, gums, tongue, lips, gum pockets, palate and inside of the cheek), you're now looking at several hours under treatment — time that could have been spent moving ahead in life.
Are You Too Busy to Visit the Dentist?
When is the last time you visited a dental clinic? If it's been more than two years, your oral health is already compromised. Significant damage to the teeth, gums and bones may have already occurred — bacteria are working 24/7 producing acids that damage both teeth and gums.
2+ Years Without a Visit
Oral health is already compromised. Significant damage to teeth, gums and bones may have occurred.
5–10 Years Without a Visit
The bone supporting your teeth may have deteriorated. Difficult and costly to fix once you reach this stage.
Perhaps you're too busy to make that appointment — but if you think about the true cost of neglecting your oral health, it can transform your perspective. If it's important to you, you'll make the time for it no matter what.
The Bottom Line
Neglecting your oral health may result in huge losses in money, time and opportunity. But if you take care of your teeth and gums, there will be fewer things to disrupt your progress. If you're paying attention to your diet and physical fitness, it's equally worthwhile to pay attention to your oral health.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Regular check-ups cost a fraction of the treatment for neglected oral health
- ✓Toothaches and gum disease affect your confidence, career and relationships
- ✓A standard check-up takes just 20–25 minutes — far less than treatment
- ✓Bone loss from poor oral health can be irreversible once it progresses
- ✓30% of Australians skip dental care — don't be part of this statistic