Survey shows poor state of Irish perio health
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- Published: Tuesday, 04 February 2014 07:32
- Written by News Editor
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A new dental health survey, published by the Irish Dental Association (IDA) shows 80% of Irish adults believe their gums are healthy however 80% of Irish people have some form of gum disease. The Chief Executive of the IDA, Fintan Hourihan said the survey shows the impact the recession is having on dental health and a disconnect between what people think and how they act.
A new dental health survey shows most Irish adults believe their teeth and gums are healthy and look good.
But:
- 776,000 say they are visiting the dentist less often
- 58% say they only consider visiting the dentist in an emergency situation
- 46% say they are spending less on dental health
- 41% say they rarely if ever think of visiting the dentist
Four out of five Irish people believe their teeth and gums are healthy and look good according to a new dental health survey.
However the survey also found 23% of people are visiting the dentist less often since 2010 while 58% of those surveyed said they would only consider visiting the dentist in an emergency situation.
According to the survey of 750 adults, which was carried out by Behaviour and Attitudes on behalf of the Irish Dental Association, 46% of Irish people are spending less on dental health while 41% rarely if ever think of visiting the dentist.
The Chief Executive of the IDA, Fintan Hourihan said “One in four Irish people are attending the dentist less often. In population terms, this equates to 760,000 adults. It’s clear this is having a hugely negative impact on the dental health of the population. While over 80% believe their gums are healthy, according to the most recent national health survey, 80% of Irish people have some form of gum disease.
While 94% of respondents said they thought dental health is important almost 60% said they would only attend a dentist when they really need to or in an emergency. Financial pressures are definitely a factor here but so also is the lack of information from the HSE. The survey shows that only half of Irish adults are aware of their State dental entitlement of a free check up and only 1 in 3 have availed of it.”
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