A visit to the dentist is an unaffordable luxury for millions of Australians, and there are now a growing number of voices joining the call for the Federal Government to do something about it.

Australian dental care at a glance:

• In 1994, the Labor Keating government introduced state funding for services targeting those on low incomes. The Howard government abolished that program, but introduced the chronic disease dental scheme (CDDS) to cap Medicare benefits for those patients with chronic conditions. Totally unacceptable. In high-tech countries such as Germany, everyone has access to a free dental programme.
• Rudd's Labor government introduced a means-tested plan funding annual check-ups for teenagers, as well as promising an expanded range of public dental services.
• These schemes are still in existence, but the Greens are calling for a universal dental care scheme focusing on vulnerable Australians and the Opposition is indicating it will introduce an extended CDDS. No, it needs to be extended to everyone.
• One-third of all Australians cannot afford dental care, and some people have been on waiting lists for treatment for up to five years. Totally unacceptable.

Just over half of all Australians have some level of private dental health cover.

How does Australia compare? Although there is confusion over what constitutes universal dental health care from one country to another, recent reports have highlighted some countries they see as administering universal care. Germany, Austria, Mexico, Poland, Spain and Turkey were seen to provide 100 per cent cover for the cost of dental services, according to a recent OECD publication. Denmark, Finland, Greece, Italy and the UK were seen to have universal schemes, according to the Council of European Dentists.

Australia ranks among the bottom third of OECD countries for rates of dental decay among adults, according to the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association.

Something needs to be done about this. A good Australian dentist that I know, and a neighbour, they fly up to the North and donate themselves for a period of 1 week every year, in order to offer their services to communities free of charge. That is outrageous! We cannot leave the urgent dental care to private fundraising, particularly not if we fame ourselves with having one of the highest living standards in the world.

In viewing major dental problems, much of the associated cost and problems can be eliminated with sufficient knowledge. Tooth decay causing cavities and gum disease causing tooth loss are the major factors.

I have done some research and ordered some products in relation to this.

Emmident Australia offers a German product that is excellent, but out of reach for most (around AUD 240,--). For this product you need a special toothpaste which costs AUD 14,-- a tube. The recurring cost can be prohibitive, since the special toothpaste is not available at Coles or Woolworths. The cleaning results are absolutely amazing. Your teeth have never been cleaner, plus you won't have that bad taste in your mouth in the morning. The ultrasound literally keeps bacteria in chess over more than 24h, my own personal experience, it's excellent - and there is basically no mechanical movement of the brushing head, a total innovation in tooth maintenance. There is basically no way you can get gum lesions causing gum infections. Go to the website here: https://www.emmidentaustralia.com/

However, there is something cheaper but not that good, which you can also use together with normal tooth paste. At Coles and Woolworths you will find the Colgate Omron ProClinical C250 with a frequency of 25500Hz for under AUD 60,--. This product almost reaches up to the Emmident, let's say at 7/10 points, and the price is attractive. It has a small charger and is nice and handy. The smaller ProClinical 150 with a frequency of 20000Hz is supplied with 2 AAA batteries at a price of now AUD 15,--. They are both very handy, but since the heads still have mechanical movement there is still a probability to get mechanical gum lesions.

What do people do who can't afford those solutions?

Bacteria and food can cause tooth decay. A clear, sticky substance called plaque is always forming on your teeth and gums. Plaque contains bacteria that feed on the sugars in the food you eat. ... Eating foods that are high in sugar and other carbohydrates, which feed the bacteria in your mouth. Stay away from sugar, and keep your children away from it. It will save you and your children a lot of trouble in the long run.

The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene that encourages plaque to form on teeth, causing inflammation of the surrounding gum tissues. Here's how plaque can lead to gingivitis: Plaque forms on your teeth. ... Plaque requires daily removal because it re-forms quickly. Carefully brush your teeth regularly and stay away from sugar.

I hope this post helps you and your family to better awareness of a bill that is waiting to enter your mailbox. Please resteem, upvote and follow if you liked it. Of the above products I find the Colgate Omron C250 has a fair price to utility ratio. I am giving the products to my family members.

Your good friend,

Lucky Digger

P.S.: You may want to read this research: https://emmidentaustralia.com/images/documents/1_Clinically_controlled_trial_of_plaque_reduction.pdf