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Oral health and overall general health have been proven to be closely linked. As a result, the ADA believes that dentistry is an essential health service the benefit of which should be available to all people living in Australia.
Water fluoridation remains the most cost-effective and impartial way to keep peoples' teeth healthy, in conjunction with brushing twice a day, maintaining a healthy, balanced diet, and regular dentist visits.
Due to the destructive effects of sugars and acidic foods on teeth, the ADA supports public health campaigns that promote healthy dietary behaviour to at risk age groups particularly children.
Daily oral hygiene is crucial to the maintenance of healthy teeth and gums and should be a central component of public awareness campaigns conducted by government and industry groups.
Governments should increase taxation on tobacco products and ban their promotion, and fund stop smoking programs; dental practitioners should incorporate tobacco cessation guidance into patient care.
Injury to the teeth and gums, which is often irreversible and difficult to repair, can be prevented by the wearing of customised mouthguards and the implementation of appropriate health and safety requirements in the workplace.
Overseas dental treatment should be discouraged for a variety of reasons including: Practitioner qualifications may not be equivalent, infection control may be unknown and no recourse is available for treating adverse treatment outcomes. Promoters of these treatment travel schemes should indemnify the consumer.
Where possible, travellers should not depart Australia with pre-existing dental problems, should have sufficient travel insurance to cover emergency treatment and obtain records of any treatment done overseas.
Only registered dental practitioners who are educated, trained and competent in teeth whitening procedures should use or supply teeth bleaching products containing more than 3% hydrogen peroxide or equivalent.
Body modifications in and around the mouth should be avoided because they can cause bleeding, infection, nerve and tooth damage and other health issues, including potentially fatal consequences. Governments must legislate safety standards in order to ensure that body modifications can only be performed by adequately trained and indemnified persons in a safe environment.