‘I couldn’t open my mouth’: Cost-of-living crisis forces young Australians to skip the dentist
When Sydney university student Emily Novo woke up unable to open her mouth, she hoped the swelling and pain would pass.
Having recently moved out and lost her parents’ private health insurance, she booked in with her GP, terrified of what a dental bill would cost.
Emily booked an appointment with her GP to avoid a dental bill, only to be referred directly to the emergency department. Supplied
Instead, her doctor sent her straight to the hospital emergency department, where she was diagnosed with an infected wisdom tooth – turning what she thought might be a simple fix into a frightening hospital trip costing thousands.
“I was in complete shock, almost to a point of denial when I woke up and was unable to talk, eat, or even open my mouth wide enough to brush my teeth,” she told nine.com.au.
Her experience mirrors a broader crisis among young Australians, who experts say are falling through the cracks when it comes to oral health.
National research from the Australian Dental Association (ADA) reveals the cost-of-living crisis is forcing 18- to 25-year-olds to delay routine dental care, setting them up for painful and pricey medical emergencies later on.
Around 60 per cent of people aged 18 to 25 have experienced wisdom tooth problems, with many postponing routine check-ups due to the cost. iStock
“This is the age when many young people leave school, move out of home, come off their parents’ private health insurance and begin managing their own healthcare,” ADA Vice President Dr Angie Nilsson said.
“Unfortunately, many are delaying dental visits until something goes wrong.”
For Novo, who had previously invested in clear aligner orthodontic treatment while living at home, putting off routine dental care became a forced reality after moving out and losing health cover.
She could no longer afford replacement retainers or regular check-ups, leaving her terrified that new issues would undo her past investment.
“I’d always told myself, ‘Next year I’ll get a local dentist. I’ll get my savings up, or create a new savings account to put towards my teeth.’ But that day just never arrived,” she said.
“I live in dread, hoping nothing happens to my teeth.”
When Novo started experiencing severe pain, she initially convinced herself it might not be a dental issue.
“With the pain getting worse and realising I couldn’t eat properly, being unable to fit toast or a spoon into my mouth, I knew I had to seek help urgently.”
She booked an appointment with her GP to avoid a dental bill, only to be referred directly to the emergency department.
“I was mortified,” she said, adding that she immediately panicked about out-of-pocket costs and taking time off work.
ADA spokesperson Dr Monica Farrelly said Novo’s story is something she sees almost every day.
Farrelly said delaying treatment often allows relatively minor dental problems to become much harder and more expensive to fix.
“Something that may have started as mild discomfort can develop into infection, abscesses, or extensive tooth damage requiring more invasive and expensive treatment.”
Dr Monica Farrelly said her patients are often hesitant to admit how long it’s been since their last appointment. Supplied
The ADA research exposed broader risks among young Australians, including low mouthguard usage in contact sports and a surge in social-media-driven cosmetic dental trends.
This Dental Health Week the ADA is urging young Australians to book routine check-ups before minor issues become medical emergencies.
A standard appointment typically costs between $150 and $350 out-of-pocket.
The organisation is taking 40 dentists to Parliament House next week to push for a new National Oral Health Plan after the previous strategy expired in 2024.
As for Novo, she hopes other young adults don’t delay care the way she did.
“If there’s any way to get even a basic check-up before things get worse, it’s worth doing.”
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
