The 2011–2012 Australian Health Survey found that Australians are not meeting their recommended daily serves across the five food groups set by the Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADGs). Fewer than 4 percent of Australians consumed adequate amounts of vegetables and legumes/beans each day. Only 10 percent met the recommendation for dairy foods, 14 percent for lean meats and alternatives, 30 percent for grain (cereal) foods, and 31 percent for fruit. This low compliance highlights the need for stronger public health messaging around balanced diets, as it not only impacts general health but contributes to increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
The Impact of Poor Dietary Choices
The survey further revealed that 35 percent of Australians’ daily energy intake came from discretionary foods, or “junk foods.” These include processed snacks, sweets, and sugary drinks—foods that should be occasional indulgences, not dietary staples. This imbalance shows that many Australians choose high-energy, low-nutrient foods when they should instead be reaching for foods from the five essential food groups. These poor eating choices are also strongly linked to oral health problems, particularly cavities caused by frequent sugar consumption.
How Have Australian Diets Changed Over Time?
A CSIRO study comparing dietary habits between 1995–1996 and 2011–2012 showed some encouraging trends. Australians are now eating:
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More fruit
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A greater variety of vegetables
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Less refined sugar
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More yoghurt
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More brown and wholegrain cereals
However, the research also found that Australians still fall short of national dietary recommendations. The vegetables, legumes, and dairy food groups remain the most under-consumed.
To improve health outcomes, Australians need to:
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Reduce consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor discretionary foods
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Increase intake of whole fruits, vegetables, legumes, and dairy foods such as milk, cheese, and yoghurt
Balanced diets support both physical and dental health by strengthening teeth and reducing decay risk.
Dentists’ Role in Nutrition Advice
A Dairy Australia survey found that 92 percent of dentists provide some form of nutritional advice to patients, and that almost half of all dental consultations include a nutrition discussion.
Common guidance from dentists includes:
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Reducing sugar-sweetened beverages and high-sugar foods
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Recommending regular consumption of milk, cheese, and yoghurt for strong teeth and bones
One in five dentists specifically emphasised the importance of dairy products in their patients’ daily diets due to their protective effects on enamel and contribution to calcium intake.
Supporting Healthier Habits Through Dental Care
While small improvements have been seen in Australian diets, dentists remain in a unique position to promote whole-body health through nutrition. Dr. Daniel Kaufman encourages patients to limit processed foods and eat a balanced diet benefits both oral and overall wellbeing. Tools like the Foods that Do Good Nutrition Calculator allow dental professionals to create tailored guides showing patients how many recommended serves they need from each of the five food groups for optimal health.
Regular dental checkups combined with well-balanced nutrition help patients maintain healthy teeth for life.