澳大利亚牙科协会的调查显示，60%的18至25岁年轻成年人通过社交媒体做出牙科健康决定[1]。这一现象反映出该年龄段因经济困难而延迟牙医就诊的现状，许多人转而自行进行所谓的"DIY牙科"治疗。
调查揭示了澳大利亚年轻人面临的多重口腔健康问题。该年龄段60%的人存在智齿相关问题，包括疼痛、肿胀、感染和不适[1]。偏远地区的情况更为严峻，65%的人存在智齿困扰，而大都市区这一比例为59%[1]。此外，仅38%参与高风险运动的年轻人佩戴定制护齿套[1]，13%的年轻人曾经历过牙齿或口腔的运动相关伤害[1]。
针对这些问题，澳大利亚牙科协会副主席Angie Nilsson表示："这不是我们推荐在没有注册牙科医生建议的情况下做的事情"[1]。同时，绿党参议员Jordon Steele-John呼吁将牙科纳入公费医疗Medicare[1]。面对改革呼声，澳大利亚政府表示正在制定新的国家口腔健康计划[1]。该调查于2025年11月进行，共有25,000名18岁及以上受访者参与[1]。
A survey by the Australian Dental Association has uncovered a troubling trend among young adults, with 60 percent of Australians aged 18 to 25 making dental health decisions based on social media content [1]. The research, which surveyed over 25,000 people aged 18 and older in November 2025, reveals that cost barriers are pushing many in this age group to delay professional dental care or attempt do-it-yourself dental procedures [1].
The survey found that 60 percent of young adults in this age bracket experience wisdom tooth-related problems, including pain, swelling, infection, and discomfort [1]. Regional disparities emerged in the data, with 65 percent of people in remote areas reporting wisdom tooth issues compared to 59 percent in major cities [1]. Beyond dental concerns, the research showed that only 38 percent of young people who participate in high-risk sports wear custom-fitted mouthguards, while 13 percent have experienced sports-related dental or oral injuries [1].
ADA Deputy President Angie Nilsson cautioned against unsupervised dental intervention, stating: "This is not something we recommend doing without advice from a registered dentist" [1]. The findings have prompted calls for policy reform, with Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John advocating for the inclusion of dental care in Australia's public Medicare system [1]. In response to growing concerns about access to dental services, the Australian government indicated it is developing a new national oral health plan [1].