During Dental Health Week (3–9 August 2026) this year, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) is focusing on the oral health of young Australians aged 18–25 through the ‘My Smile’ campaign.
This stage of life is full of change, with young Aussies moving out, studying or starting a job, learning to budget and taking care of their own health. Something has to give, and it's usually their oral health which means that many young adults put off going to the dentist until something is seriously wrong.
Gen Z also gets health information differently from older generations, often turning to the internet or influencers ahead of qualified professionals. That’s why this year’s campaign, along with giving young people reliable information and good early‑care habits, is stressing the importance of seeing a dentist before small issues turn into big problems.
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Dental Health Week resources
Spread the word! Get involved in Dental Health Week 2026. We've created a range of eye-catching resources below, which can be used in your dental practices, online, or out in the community.
We would love to see what you get up to for Dental Health Week 2026! Please share any photos and event descriptions or send any enquiries to [email protected]
Use of these resources are subject to our terms and conditions. ADA consents to the use of these resources and it logo on the basis that the resources retain the Teeth.org.au and ADA logo and otherwise remain unaltered. By downloading the resources you agree to this. For any other use of the Teeth.org.au and ADA logo, prior approval from ADA is required.
Sports
Playing high‑impact or contact sports without a mouthguard can result in serious injuries involving broken or chipped teeth, nerve damage, jaw injuries or even losing a tooth altogether. These injuries often don't come with quick fixes, and they can lead to years, sometimes decades, of ongoing dental treatment. Fortunately, many injuries are entirely preventable with a custom-fit mouthguard created by your dentist.
Sports and energy drinks might seem like the go‑to option when you’re active, but they’re usually high in sugar and very acidic. This combination can wear away tooth enamel and increase your risk of decay. Dehydration can also dry out your mouth, which raises the risk of gum disease, decay and tooth wear. You're far better to stay hydrated with water which is the safest choice for your teeth.
Cosmetic dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is becoming more common, especially if you're someone who wants a brighter or straighter smile. But with so many treatments promoted online, like whitening, veneers and at‑home aligners, it can be hard to know what’s safe and what might damage your teeth. Making choices without the right information can lead to long‑term problems for both your teeth and gums.
While cosmetic treatments often improve your smile, they are still health procedures which need proper planning and care from a qualified dentist. Whether you’re thinking about whitening, straightening or changing the shape of your teeth, having the right facts helps you make decisions that protect your smile now and in the future.
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth usually appear between the ages of 18 and 25. As they come through, they can cause pain, swelling, infections or crowding, especially if there isn’t enough space in the mouth.
You may be tempted to wait until the pain becomes severe before seeing a dentist, but it's far better to come in earlier. A dentist can check how your wisdom teeth are developing and spot issues before they turn into infections or emergencies. Dental Health Week is all about helping you understand the symptoms, timing and risks associated with untreated wisdom teeth problems.
Watch Your Mouth podcast
Listen to and share our latest podcast episodes released as part of Dental Health Week.
DHW presentations: for educators and dentists
Request a volunteer ADA member dentist to present an educational talk at your Dental Health Week event.
Volunteer to present an educational talk during a Dental Health Week event.
Keep your smile for life
Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Clean between your teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet and limit added sugar intake.
Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and preventive care.
Media enquiries
If you are interested in putting together a story for Dental Health Week, the Australian Dental Association has a number of spokespeople, and information on a range of oral health topics, infographics and ADA research data.
To contact the ADA's Media team, please complete the form below, email [email protected] or call 0497 748 331.
Proud supporters
The Australian Dental Association extends its appreciation to its Colgate-Palmolive for their invaluable commitment and support.
All articles are thoroughly researched and reference high-quality studies and information to support the subject matter.
Our experts continually monitor the oral health space. As research and recommendations change or we get reader feedback, we update the information in our articles.