In Australia, the major measures taken have improved the oral health over the long term. But, it has been indicated that the positive trends has slowly begun to head in the negative direction. The main reason may be the high dental cost in Sydney. In contrast, the trends in dental visiting pattern have generally been positive. The actual figures surveyed by Australian Institute of Health and Welfare are given below,

• The proportion of people aged 15 and over visiting dentist has increased from 56% in 1994 to 62% in 2010. 
• Despite the growth, dental cost in Sydney remains a barrier for some people. From 1994- 2010, the proportion of the number of adults avoiding to make a dental visit has increased from 25% to 30%. 
• Between 2011 to 2012, the number of dental practitioners employed has been increased from 18,100 to nearly 19,600. 
• Men suffered from more untreated decay and gum disease than women, 28.2% when compared to 22.7% and 26.8% when compared to 19.0% respectively. 
• Insured people had less number of untreated decay and gum disease than uninsured people, 19.4% when compared to 31.1% and 19.4% when compared to 27.0% respectively. 
• Women had more missing teeth than men (5.7 and 4.8 teeth respectively) and adults with insurance were less impacted by this disease than those with no insurance (4.7 and 6.2 teeth respectively). 
• Among adults without any natural teeth (edentulous), those aged 65 and over were less likely to be uncomfortable with their dental appearance (11.3%) than those aged 25–44 (75.2%)

These figures show how much improvement is still required regarding oral health in Australia and how many more people are still in need of help.

Having a regular dental check-up is very important for your oral health. You may be tempted to avoid visiting a dentist altogether. Keep in mind that few unchecked issues may lead to a major problem in the future. But to visit a dentist regularly, you must find the right dental specialist in Sydney with whom you have a good level of comfort. The following guidelines may help you with this task,

• Do not accept complicated treatment from a general dentist unless you are sure they are capable doing it right. 
  
• Make sure if the person is in the business of dentistry or in the practice of dentistry. 
• An average takes about 20-25 minutes. A proper examination includes a thorough inspection of teeth, gums, inside of the cheek, palate tongue and the lips. Check if the findings are chartered in detail. 
  
• Before visiting a new dentist specialist in Sydney, call ahead and ask how much a check up or cleaning cost. If you think you have been quoted a high price check the Australian. 
• Dental Association’s 2012 dental fee survey to know if it’s in the fair range. 
• Know if the person is ready to communicate all your problems and the possible treatment with you. 
• Note if the person is providing you with options and informs any risk involved in the treatment. 
• Do not let the dentist to pressure you in having any work done on the spot. Make sure that the person provides you with necessary time to have a second opinion.

Dentist can either make wonders in your mouth or disasters. So, think twice before choosing one