Dental Health Week highlights the importance of preventative oral healthcare for young adults. What should you know?
Note: The information expressed in this podcast is of a general nature and may not be appropriate for your personal circumstances. Contact your doctor for advice specific to your situation.
New data from the Australian Dental Association (ADA), released during Dental Health Week (3 to 9 August 2026), found that younger Australians are delaying dental care due to cost pressures and reduced access to support, with three in five saying social media is influencing their cosmetic dental decisions.
This year's "My Smile" campaign focused on Australians aged 18 to 25.
Cost remains the biggest barrier, said Dr Valeria Julianto, a dentist at Complete Dental Bastow & Chye who has been practising in Brisbane, Queensland for 15 years. Dental care in Australia isn't covered by Medicare, so some young people without private health insurance through their family may delay treatment, she said.
Regular checkups catch problems early
Dental checkups should happen at least once or twice a year, and children should start visiting the dentist from as early as two years old, Dr Julianto said. At that age, it's mostly about getting them comfortable with the environment, she added.
Regular visits allow dentists to identify small problems before they become serious, Dr Julianto said. Cavities can be treated early, and tartar buildup can be removed to prevent gum inflammation and disease, she added.
Wisdom teeth affect six in 10 young adults
ADA data also shows, 60 percent of young Australians aged 18 to 25 experience problems with their wisdom teeth. Pain is the most common issue, Dr Julianto said. When wisdom teeth begin to emerge, they can cause inflammation, infection and difficulty opening the mouth, she added.
But not all wisdom teeth need to be extracted, Dr Julianto said. An X-ray can help determine whether the tooth is coming through in a good position or at an angle that may cause complications, she added.
Cosmetic treatment should not negatively affect your dental health. But it can cause damage if you don't consult a dentist.Drg Valeria Julianto
Cosmetic dental trends on social media
Three in five Australians said social media influences their decisions about cosmetic dental treatments, according to the ADA. The trend is visible in her practice, with patients increasingly asking about whitening, braces and veneers after seeing content online, Dr Julianto said.
Cosmetic procedures, however, carried out without proper supervision can cause permanent damage, she said.
How to maintain good dental health
Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day and having a dental checkup every six months are essential, Dr Julianto said.
She recommended using a soft-bristle toothbrush, noting that electric toothbrushes generally provide a better clean than manual ones because they come with a built-in timer.
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