Department of Health

Oral health promotion

Good oral health is important for general health and wellbeing and the impact of oral disease places a considerable burden on individuals, families and the community.

Most oral diseases are preventable. The Victorian Government recognises the importance of good oral health and the need to focus on maximising prevention by promoting oral health to all Victorians.

Raising awareness

The Victorian Government is committed to raising awareness of the impacts of oral disease:

  • The burden of oral disease comes from three main conditions: tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancer.
  • Tooth decay is the most prevalent health problem, with half of all children and adolescents and over 90 per cent of adults affected.
  • Moderate or severe gum disease affects more than one-quarter of the Victorian adult population.
  • The prevalence of moderate to severe gum disease increases to 58 per cent among those aged 55 years and over.
  • Oral cancer is one of the causes of disease burden in Victoria with an average of two new cases every day.
  • The leading cancers of the mouth are cancers of the lips, tongue and oropharynx.

Your Oral Health

Your Oral Health is an online evidenced-based oral health resource that provides preventative measures for the Australian public. The resource was produced by the University of Adelaide and compiled by experts in dentistry, oral health and general health. It comprises 11 key messages to protect your teeth, gums and mouth.

Oral health planning

National, state and local government plans and resources are key to promotion of oral health.

Oral health programs

Oral health programs are widely promoted across Victoria.

Reviewed 23 December 2022

Health.vic

On this site

More information

Contact details

Dental Public Health (Oral Health Promotion) Community Based Health Services

50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
oralhealthpromotion@dhhs.vic.gov.au
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