An Australian Council of Social Services report revealed that trips to the dentist had been avoided in favour of services, including rent, mortgage repayments and utility bills, as people struggled from one pay packet to the next.

More than 4000 Australians participated in the fieldwork for the Community perspectives on social inequality (2005 - 2015) report that studied social trends revealed in the last decade of The Mind and Mood Report.

Australian Dental Association state branch federal councillor Len Crocombe said it was known that dental appointments dropped off in times of economic hardship and fellow councillor Errol Kilov agreed it had been generally noted that patient numbers had declined.

Associate professor Crocombe said Tasmania already had lower dentist visitation rates than the national average.

‘‘It’s one of the things people put off,’’ he said.

‘‘When economic downturns occur dentists get less busy.’’

Tasmanian Council of Social Services chief executive Kym Goodes said it was not just physical health that could suffer from poor dental health, with social and employment opportunities also at risk.

‘‘Early intervention and the need to have good oral health from birth is critical,’’ she said.

‘‘We have the average Australian saying this is not necessary.’’

Launceston dentist Wayne Ottaway said anecdotal evidence suggested that many patients were becoming more selective with their treatments.

Dr Ottaway said that many parents were still happy to fork out for their children but were more subdued with their own care.

Dr Ottaway and Associate Professor Crocombe said general health could be impacted by a lack of oral care with stroke, diabetes and premature birth linked with oral health issues.