Dental Health and Gum Disease Statistics in New Zealand

Gingivitis

Poor hygiene practices lead to a thin layer of bacteria developing on the surface of the teeth. This is a dental plaque that sticks to your smile and causes further dental issues such as swelling and bleeding. Gingivitis is a mild condition that can cause severe dental problems if left untreated. Around 70% of New Zealanders face this issue due to the lack of dental hygiene.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a severe variant of gingivitis. It is caused when dental plaques are left untreated and give rise to infection in your gums. Furthermore, it also destroys tissue around the teeth, impacting the bone that supports the teeth. The following are some symptoms you need to know:

• Swelling in gums
• Bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Painful chewing

According to research, adults over thirty are more likely to face this dental issue.

Smoking

Smoking is a common cause of gum disease as it increases the intake of tobacco, which directly attacks the enamel layer and weakens the tooth. Hence, smokers are two to three times more likely to get gum infections.

Diabetes

Gum diseases are also common among people with diabetes since they weaken the germ-fighting ability of the mouth. In 2023, around 323,700 people experienced diabetes in New Zealand, which is why there were higher chances of people going through bad oral health.

Lack of Healthy Diet

Multiple gum diseases and disturbed dental health are majorly caused by the lack of a healthy diet. Intake of high sugar and sticky items initiates bacterial growth and impacts your teeth.

Frequency of Gum Disease

Over the past few years, dental checkups have been made so expensive that not everybody can afford them. According to a report by North and South, the condition got worse for deprived quarters as they were facing more tooth decay compared to the wealthy New Zealanders. A 38-year-old from the deprived quarters is six times more likely to lose a tooth as compared to a wealthy family member.

Age Factor

The survey conducted by the Ministry of Health New Zealand in 2023 showed that 86.2% of adults experienced fewer gum diseases compared to the previous years due to the decrease in drinking rate. On the other hand, the smoking rate increased among adults in underprivileged families.

Furthermore, people in their 60s and above are more likely to experience gum diseases compared to others. This is due to the weak immune system and different chronic diseases that lead to bad dental health.

Role of Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene is an important factor to consider when it comes to dental health. Around 30 to 50 percent of people face gum diseases due to a lack of maintained oral health.

Children and Gum Diseases

Since the gums and teeth of children are not properly developed, they are more likely to have dental diseases. In 2015, tooth decay was a common reason for children to visit dentists, and 7,000 children were reported to go through dental treatment using anesthesia.

Dental Visits

Dental visits are not just required when you experience a certain dental issue; they are also crucial to identifying the early signs of a problem. To prevent severe dental conditions, get your teeth checked every five to six months.

Health Promotion Campaigns

People need to be aware of the importance of preventing gum diseases. For that sake, health promotional campaigns would help a lot. In 2022, the New Zealand Dental Association offered free dental checkups to people who helped people maintain dental health.

Aligning Crooked Smile

A crooked smile refers to a condition where a person experiences an asymmetrical pattern of teeth. For instance, if you have a crowded smile, it compromises your dental health by restricting proper cleaning. Therefore, if you notice your smile is misaligned, you can easily get it treated with the help of clear aligners.

Fluoride Awareness

Fluoride is an important component that offers strength to teeth. It repairs the affected enamel layer and is important in preventing teeth sensitivity. Incorporate fluoride into your daily routine by using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash to experience improved dental health. Moreover, an initiative must be taken to supply fluoride drinking water in communities.