Nationally, one in five people put off caring for their teeth. Photo: Quentin Jones
Poorer Australians are putting off going to the dentist because it costs too much.
New data shows that people living in the most disadvantaged areas of the country are twice as likely to put off or not go to a dentist compared to the richest Australians.
Nationally, one in five people put off caring for their teeth, the COAG Reform Council report shows.
Council chairman John Brumby says governments need to deal with this problem because poor dental care can result in major health problems and affect quality of life.