Department of Health

Oral health is fundamental to overall health, wellbeing and quality of life.

It is an important part of general health, affecting not only the individual, but also the broader health system and economy.

There have been significant improvements in oral health in Australia in the past 30 years. These are largely due to:

  • improved access to fluoridated drinking water
  • the use of fluoride toothpastes
  • the provision of preventive oral health services
  • the adoption of good oral hygiene practices.

This section of the Chief Health Officer report looks at child and adult dental caries (tooth decay) experience, as well as the affordability of dental care, which also impacts oral health in Victoria.

This section of the Chief Health Officer report draws on:

Reviewed 24 October 2023

Your health: Report of the Chief Health Officer, Victoria, 2018

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