The Australian Dental Association (ADA) has officially launched this year’s Dental Health Week (DHW), scheduled from August 5 to August 11, with a central theme highlighting the importance of gum health.
DHW, an annual event organized by the ADA, aims to enhance public oral and overall health. This year, the campaign is themed around gum health, prompted by insights from the 2023 ADA Consumer Survey. The survey revealed a lack of emphasis on gum health among Australian adults, who often neglect gum care in their daily oral hygiene routines.
Statistics from the National Study of Adult Oral Health 2017/18 underscore this concern, showing a notable increase in gum disease among adults aged 15 and older. Approximately one quarter of adults exhibit periodontal pockets of 4mm or more, with gum disease prevalence rising with age.
The 2024 DHW campaign seeks to educate the public about gum health, promoting messages such as ‘Healthy gums do not bleed’ and dispelling common myths about gum care. Furthermore, the campaign aims to highlight the interconnectedness of oral health with overall systemic health.