Every August, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) runs Dental Health Week — a national campaign encouraging Australians to take a closer look at their oral health. This year’s event ran from 3–9 August, and the 2026 theme, “My Smile”, focuses on a group that often slips through the cracks: young adults aged 18–25.
At Alira Smiles Dental, we see it all the time. Life gets busy — moving out of home, starting uni or a new job, learning to budget — and the dental check-up quietly drops off the list. Dental Health Week is the perfect reminder to put it back on.
Why the focus on 18–25 year olds?
Your late teens and early twenties are a period of massive change. For many young Australians, it’s the first time they’re fully responsible for their own health — and their own health spending. When money and time are tight, something has to give, and it’s often oral health.
The problem is that dental issues rarely announce themselves early. Decay, gum inflammation and wisdom teeth problems can develop quietly for months before they cause pain. By the time something hurts, a simple fix has often become a bigger (and more expensive) one. That’s the core message of this year’s campaign: see a dentist before small issues turn into big problems.
Your feed is not your dentist
There’s another reason the ADA chose this age group. Gen Z gets health information differently — often from social media, influencers and online trends rather than qualified professionals.
Some of what circulates online is harmless. Some of it isn’t. DIY whitening hacks, viral “tooth transformation” trends and unproven home remedies can permanently damage enamel and gums. The “My Smile” campaign encourages young Australians to seek evidence-based information and personalised advice from a registered dental practitioner before making decisions about their oral health.
If you’ve seen a dental trend online and you’re not sure whether it’s safe, ask us at your next visit. That’s exactly what we’re here for.
Four habits that do the heavy lifting
Good oral health doesn’t require a complicated routine. The ADA’s advice comes down to four fundamentals:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste — two minutes, morning and night.
- Clean between your teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes. Brushing alone misses a significant portion of each tooth’s surface.
- Eat a balanced diet and limit added sugar — including sugary drinks, which are a major driver of decay in young adults.
- Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and preventive care, not just when something hurts.
None of these are dramatic. Done consistently, they prevent the majority of common dental problems.
Signs it’s time to book a visit
Even with a solid routine, don’t ignore these warning signs:
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods
- Pain or pressure around the back of the jaw (a common sign of wisdom teeth trouble)
- It’s simply been more than 12 months since your last check-up
Any of these are worth having assessed. Early intervention almost always means simpler, more conservative treatment.
Make this the year “My Smile” makes the list
Dental Health Week only comes around once a year, but the habits it promotes are for every day. Whether you’re 18, 25 or well beyond, a regular check-up is one of the simplest things you can do for your long-term health.
If it’s been a while since your last visit, consider this your nudge. The team at Alira Smiles Dental is here to help you stay on top of your oral health — with honest, evidence-based advice tailored to you.
Book your check-up with Alira Smiles Dental today.
This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered dental practitioner.
