Toothache more common for uninsured - report

Uninsured adults are more likely to have experienced toothache (20%) than insured adults (12%), according to a new report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).

The report, Oral health and dental care in Australia: key facts and figures 2015, also shows that of those who were eligible for public dental care in 2013, just over 20% experienced toothache, compared with almost 15% of adults who were not eligible.

"In 2013, 16% of adults with natural teeth had experienced toothache in the previous 12 months and 27% reported feeling uncomfortable about their dental appearance," AIHW spokesperson Dr Adrian Webster said.

The ADA has long advocated for improved Government funding of basic dental care, as there are many within our community who are eligible for publicly funded treatment but do not have timely access to care.