‘I couldn’t open my mouth’: Cost-of-living crisis forces young Australians to skip the dentist
Young Australians are increasingly delaying routine dental care due to the rising cost-of-living crisis. Experts warn that this trend leads to more severe, expensive medical emergencies as young adults lose access to parental health insurance.
Why it matters
It highlights a growing public health concern regarding the affordability of essential healthcare for young adults transitioning to independence.
shares Share article When Sydney university student Emily Novo woke up unable to open her mouth, she hoped the swelling and pain would pass.
Having recently moved out and lost her parents’ private health insurance , she booked in with her GP, terrified of what a dental bill would cost .
Emily booked an appointment with her GP to avoid a dental bill, only to be referred directly to the emergency department. Supplied
Instead, her doctor sent her straight to the hospital emergency department, where she was diagnosed with an infected wisdom tooth – turning what she thought might be a simple fix into a frightening hospital trip costing thousands .
“I was in complete shock, almost to a point of denial when I woke up and was unable to talk, eat, or even open my mouth wide enough to brush my teeth,” she told nine.com.au.
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