A new study finds poor dental health is one the most detrimental and least understood aspects of homelessness in Australia.
On top of the serious long-term health ramifications, missing, damaged and rotten teeth shatter self-esteem and confidence.
Most of the 58 homeless adults surveyed in Brisbane say they avoid the dentist due to the cost, but only 34 of those people turned up for a free dental exam when it was offered.
Chris Blick says he has been homeless on and off for a decade, and has big problems with his teeth.
He has had five teeth removed at the University of Queensland dental school in preparation for dentures.
“I’m feeling much more happy within myself,” he said.
“I know in the not too distant future I’ll be back to having a really good physical appearance which will improve my self-confidence and improve my general outlook on life” he said.
“Your teeth are really important and people judge you if you have bad teeth.”
He says having good teeth would make getting a job much easier.
Almost all of those who took part in the study have major decay.
Incidence of problems far worse than broader community
It found the prevalence and severity of dental problems among homeless people are three times greater than among the general community.
Nine in 10 of the people needed restorative treatment including fillings and root canals, 71 per cent required gum disease treatment, 62 per cent needed at least one tooth extracted and 35 per cent required dentures to replace missing teeth.
Martin Gaillard says he had not seen a dentist for 25 years.
“I have trouble eating and I have gum bleeds and pain,” he said.
“Seeing the dentist and getting help has made me more confident, because I don’t smile because of my teeth.
“The student dentists are excellent and it all happens in a very supportive environment.”
Helping residents with dental issues is one of the priorities at Mission Australia’s Roma House in Brisbane.
Roma House clinical nurse Susan Cramb says most residents want dental treatments.
“It’s not just about their physical health but about their mental health as well,” she said.
“It improves their confidence and their self-esteem.
“It’s wonderful to see people come back from the dental school with a great big smile on their face.”
The program makes use of final year dental students to treat people.
University of Queensland Dental School senior lecturer Dr Pauline Ford says it is an enriching experience for both patients and clinicians.
“We want to graduate dentists who feel comfortable in welcoming people into their clinics no matter who they are or where they come from,” she said.
Private dentists are encouraged to become involved through agencies supporting the homeless.