Emily couldn't open her mouth for a week. She's one of millions delaying dentistry

Dentists have warned that one-third of adults in Australia are experiencing tooth decay, and many are postponing dental treatment due to cost concerns. Emily Novo, a Sydney student, experienced a severe case of tooth decay when bacteria entered the space between her wisdom tooth and gum. Despite her generally good oral health, the issue went unnoticed until she noticed a slight pain above one of her wisdom teeth.

The pain became so severe that she could not even open her mouth, let alone eat or speak properly. After a week of feeling utterly mortified and in panic, Novo went to her general practitioner, who sent her to the hospital emergency department. The hospital opted against X-rays and radiation treatment, opting instead to prescribe her strong antibiotics.

Fortunately, the antibiotics helped, but Novo was still unable to open her mouth properly for a week. She had to rely on soup for sustenance and could not speak or eat properly. The incident served as a wake-up call for Novo, who realized she needed to prioritize her dental hygiene. The Australian Dental Association's vice president, Angie Nilsson, explained that her case is a reflection of the broader problem, with more than 2 million Australians skipping dental care due to affordability issues.

Untreated tooth decay is a widespread issue in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, resulting in more expensive and painful treatments and lost work time. More than 40 dentists gathered in Canberra to alert politicians about Australia's dental problems. Dr Nilsson emphasized that the lack of early dental visits leads to more severe and costly treatments.

Young people are also influenced by social media, often seeking unhealthy dental advice and engaging in harmful bleaching practices. The solution, according to dentists, is to implement a national oral health plan, which has been in consultation with dentists since 2024 but has been delayed by the federal government. ADA president Chris Sanzaro stressed that oral health cannot be separated from mainstream health policy, as leaving dental care out of the health system comes with a significant cost.