Preventable Pain: The Hidden Cost of Skipping the Dentist

Did you know that over 19,000 Queenslanders are hospitalised every year due to dental problems that could have been avoided?

That’s thousands of people ending up in emergency departments for issues like:

• Severe tooth decay

• Advanced gum disease

• Abscesses and infections

• Tooth or jaw pain that’s escalated over time

And here’s the tough part: most of these admissions could have been prevented through regular check-ups, early intervention, and basic oral hygiene habits.

Why Is This Happening?

It’s not because people don’t care—it’s often because they:

• Wait until they’re in serious pain before seeking help

• Believe dentistry is only needed “when something breaks”

• Miss regular cleans and assessments due to time or cost

• Lack awareness about how oral health connects to overall health

Unfortunately, the longer you wait, the more complex—and expensive—the treatment becomes. What starts as a simple cavity can become an infection requiring surgery, IV antibiotics, or even hospitalisation.

What’s the Takeaway?

Prevention isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a lifesaver.

Here’s what you can do:

• Book your check-ups every 6–12 months

• Keep kids and teens on a regular dental schedule

• Don’t ignore bleeding gums, bad breath, or lingering pain

• Ask your dentist about flexible payment options if cost is a concern

• Treat dental care like general health care—early is best

  
  

At Greenbank Family Dental, we’re here to make prevention easy, affordable, and empowering for the whole family.Let’s bring that 19,000 number down—together.

#PreventDontRepair #DentalHealthMatters #QLDOralHealth #HospitalAvoidance #GreenbankSmiles #EveryToothCounts