DENTISTS have warned central Victorians may be at risk of chronic health conditions after statistics revealed many delay dental care due to cost.
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New figures show 26 per cent of people in the Murray Primary Health Network region put off getting dental care because of cost in 2017-18.
It was the second highest rate among Primary Health Networks in Australia, nearly 8 per cent above the nationwide average.
Bendigo Family Dental Care dentist Marcus Matear said putting off dental care could lead to gum disease or lost teeth.
Dr Matear said dentists also played a role checking for things like oral cancer.
He said gum disease could be associated with worsening diabetes, while teeth-problems could cause dangerous infections.
Dr Matear said missing teeth could affect people's diet, social life and psychological health.
He said prevention methods, such as brushing, flossing and diet, were key.
Dr Matear pointed to ways to minimise the cost of dentistry, saying payment plans were an option.
He said many of those eligible for the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Scheme were not receiving the free treatment for which they were eligible.
The scheme provides up to $1000 in dental work over two years for children aged 2-17 for families that are eligible for Family Tax Benefit A.
Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch president Gitika Sanghvi said putting off dental care meant higher costs in the long run.
Dr Sanghvi said the cost of dental care affected people with access issues the most.
She said about 40 per cent of Victorians were eligible for publicly funded dental care, but the system was only funded to provide care to about 400,000 people.
Dr Sanghvi said waiting for dental care could cause quite significant issues with people's health.
She warned oral health was also linked to other issues, like diabetes, heart disease, poor mental health and self-esteem.
"The longer you wait for care, the more complex your dental care may end up being, and then the more costly it'll end up being," Dr Sanghvi.
"We know that healthy teeth are important just for your general health."
Dr Sanghvi said more public dental funding, in line with the number of people eligible to receive care, was needed to fix the problem with dental care.
She said water fluoridation would also reduce people's need for complex dental care and reduce risk of teeth decay.
Think-tank the Grattan Institute called for a publicly funded medicare-style dental scheme in 2019.
Forty-two per cent of people in the Murray PHN saw a dentist, hygienist or dental specialist in 2017-2018.
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Elspeth Kernebone
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
