A survey has found eight in ten Australians struggle to pay dental costs.

The Consumers Health Forum of Australia surveyed more than 900 people to understand how Australians navigate their oral health and dental care.

Respondents described cutting back on groceries, using their superannuation, flying overseas for treatment, and relying on food charities to afford dental care.

People on pensions or fixed incomes, older Australians and those living in smaller rural and remote communities were most likely to be unable to afford dental costs.