OHAP report starts dialogue on disconnect

The Oral Health Advisory Panel (OHAP) has released its inaugural report titled, Oral Health and General Health in Australia - the Great Disconnect.

The Report, the first of its kind, addresses the issue of disconnect between oral health and general health and seeks to raise awareness on why establishing good oral health habits at an early age really can enhance a healthy lifestyle. Dr Susan Cartwright, OHAP member and Scientific Manager, Colgate Oral Care said, "The statistics and insights contained in this report emphasise the broader context of the impact that poor oral health has on general wellbeing. Oral health screening, referral and preventive advice is very often not included in general health checks, discussions and patient education and it's time to address that disconnect." The report takes a close look at three key areas of oral health in the context of general health, they are tooth decay and the life stages, gum disease and oral health and self esteem.