Nearly one third of Australians confess that they cannot afford to pay for their annual dental checkups. On the other hand, another 40 percent say that they do not go for regular checkups.

The report that has been released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, showcases that 30 percent of Australians visit their dentists only when they have a serious problem. These serious problems are often tooth decay and gum disease which are in advanced stages and will require far more extensive dental work and care.

According to the report, the failure or reluctance to go to a dentist means that Australian adults are three times more likely to suffer from untreated tooth decay. This can be detrimental to their oral health.

Those with an adverse pattern of dental attendance had more than three times the level of untreated decayed teeth and 1.6 times more teeth missing due to dental decay as was stated by Professor Spencer.