The decline in dental attendance after 18

It is estimated 65% of young adults do not visit the Dentist & Hygienist from the age of 18. Young adulthood is when incomes are often at their lowest, but untreated Dental decay is at its highest.

In New Zealand, Dental care for children is free, but the use of Dental services declines sharply after the age of 18, when free access ceases. This affects oral health and sets stage for loosing teeth as an adult.

Untreated Dental caries(tooth deacay) in permanent teeth is the most common health condition according to the Global Burden of disease. Severe periodontal (gum) disease, which may result in tooth loss, is also very common, with almost 10% of the global population affected.

Factors contributing to oral diseases are an unhealthy diet high in sugar, use of tobacco and harmfull use of alcahol in our younger adult poputation. Both tooth decay and gum diseases can get significantly worse if not treated at early stages. For example, if a simple cavity needing a filling is left untreated, it could eventually lead to needing a root canal treatment or even extraction. Similarly, if not treated early, gum disease and gigivitis can progress into more advanced stages where the bone and tissue surrounding the teeth start to deteriorate and can cause tooth loss.

  What you can do to prevent Dental disease

* Brush teeth with a soft toothbrush and fluoride tooth paste for 2 minutes twice a day.

* Floss or use interdental brushes daily.

* Eat a well-balanced diet & avoid sugary and acidec foods and drinks.

* Don't use tobacco.

* Don't wait untill there's pain. its often a late sign that there's somthing wrong. Better to go regularly and get advice on how to prevent the problem... Prevention is better than cure.

* Visit your Dentist regularly. Ask them how often you need to go - it will depend on the condition of your teeth. Dont wait for problems to develop. by visiting your Dentist regularly for a check-up, you can get problems fixed early and reduce considerable time,cost,stress,pain, swelling and bad breath.

What we are doing to help

At Hobsonville Point Dental we have recognized the need to help our young adults to be able to look after their teeth at this critical time.

We have now set out our young adult rates for you regular Dental check-ups and Hygiene visits to help prevent Dental decay and periodontal gum disease. This is for all young adults from age 18-21 when booked with Anjalyn Kumar.

Feel free to call our reception staff on 09 3200504  if you have any questions or would like to reserve an appointment. You can also book online www.hobsonvillepointdental.co.nz

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