News

Our top 5 tips for minimising the cost of dental care

01/05/2023 by Astronaut

While it’s true that the cost of living has been rising, there’s one area where being proactive can actually save you money in the long run – your oral health. The reality is that many oral health conditions, if left undiagnosed and untreated, worsen over time with an increased risk of complications. Regular examinations and treatment strategies, where necessary, help to minimise pain, further complexities, and often, additional cost.

Back to the dental basics

Here are our top 4 tips for caring for your teeth between visits:

Brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice each day, using a soft, small headed toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Floss daily and care well for your gums as well as your teeth
Limit your intake of sweet, sugary foods
Never use teeth as ‘tools’ to open packages
Visit your dentist every six months for a thorough check-up and clean – Book an appointment today.

Look after the basics and you’ll be doing what you can to avoid dental expenses in the future.

Prioritise your dental health

Did you know that your oral health is an important part of your overall health and well-being? Poor oral health is linked to a range of other health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke and pregnancy complications. Regular, positive oral health habits not only help to reduce the risk of dental decay and gum disease but also support improved comfort and quality of life. Taking a few minutes each day to care well for your teeth and gums will provide significant benefits in both the long and short term. So, before you fall into bed at night, dedicate a small window of time to invest in a regular night-time oral health routine.

What can happen if I don’t see my dentist regularly?

Having a basic dental routine only goes part way in supporting oral health. Your dentist is an expert in conducting a thorough oral health examination of your teeth, gums, tongue, and mucous membranes. When your dentist or oral hygienist cleans your teeth, this will involve removing plaque and tartar, which when left on the teeth, can cause gum recession and damage.

Dental X-rays are another common preventative strategy. X-rays help to detect tooth decay, impacted teeth, bone loss, and any areas of infection. Most commonly dentists recommend X-rays every year, though sometimes more commonly if there are benefits, as the problems they detect are often best treated in the early, less expensive stages.

Wouldn’t I know if I need to see the dentist?

Not all dental conditions involve pain or tooth sensitivity. Sometimes it’s not until a tooth or gum issue is quite advanced that we may become aware of it. This is one of the reasons why regular dental monitoring through six monthly check-ups is so valuable. If it’s been over months since you last visited the dentist, book an appointment today and have a thorough check-up.

Payment options for child dental care?

If your child is between the ages of 0 and 17, they may be eligible for up to $1052 in free dental care*. Check their eligibility online and book an appointment for your child’s dental check-up.

nib Dental Care Chastwood has moved

05/04/2023 by Astronaut

We are excited to announce that nib Dental Care Chatswood centre has relocated to Westfield Chatswood. This change has taken effect from today, Wednesday 5th April, 2023.

Patients will continue to receive the same expert care and service that they’ve come to expect from us, and can continue to book appointments with their existing Dentist. The only thing that’s changed is we’re in a brand new, bigger and better dental centre.

At Westfield Chatswood you will be able to access 4 hours of free parking and take care of all your health, shopping and leisure needs all from one convenient location.

You can find us on Level 2 of Westfield Chatswood, near Coles.

Book an appointment at our new nib Dental Care Centre at Chatswood or call us on 02 9105 8900.

Your Free Dental Trauma Guide

06/03/2023 by Astronaut

Click to download your Dental Trauma Guide

We understand that accidents and emergencies can often be difficult to navigate, so we’ve created a guide for you and your family to follow when dental emergencies happen. Download and print off your Dental Trauma Guide and keep it in an accessible place for when you need it. You can keep one on your fridge and one in your sports bag for weekends.

Don’t forget, we have emergency appointments available each day.

ADHD and children’s oral health

03/03/2023 by Astronaut

ADHD and children's oral health

Most of us know attention deficit hyperactivity disorder by its common abbreviation – ADHD. This is a medical condition affecting one in every 20 children. Those that are impacted by ADHD can find dental appointments and day to day care challenging.

Common dental issues for children with ADHD

Children with ADHD can be especially prone to a range of dental issues:

Children with ADHD commonly experience anxiety, particularly in situations they don’t understand and can’t control. Dental visits, by their nature, require people to lie back with their mouth open and for a child with ADHD, this can be a particular challenge.
An increased risk of cavities. This is because of the difficulties in maintaining regular brushing and flossing routines.[1] Another reason is because of medication leading to changes in diet and appetite. Some medications cause a dry mouth (xerostomia), which also increases the risk of cavities.
A higher risk of tooth grinding (bruxism) and dental trauma.
A higher risk of diseased, missing, or filled teeth.[2]

Top tips for caring for your child’s teeth if they have ADHD

Develop a regular oral health routine starting from a very young age. It also helps to role model positive oral hygiene habits with your own oral care e.g., brushing twice each day and flossing daily.
Use positive reinforcement and rewards for better results with brushing.
Keep your instructions very simple when teaching your child about oral hygiene. Be prepared to repeat yourself several times.
Focus on the brushing of their teeth, rather than the brushing technique. Some children with ADHD struggle at first with having the brush in their mouth and take time to build tolerance.
Be patient and try a combination of hygiene techniques to work out what’s best for your child.[3]
When booking your child’s appointment, let the receptionist know they have ADHD. Ask if there is a dentist in the practice who is experienced in working with children with this condition.
Schedule appointments for a time when your child is most attentive and least likely to be tired.
Make regular appointments so they become part of your overall health care for your child.
Let the dentist know if there are any changes to your child’s care or management. Medications can cause side effects in the amount of saliva which is produced and it’s important the dentist is aware.

Work in partnership with your child’s dentist

You are the expert when it comes to knowing your child and their dentist is an expert in their oral health. As partners, you can reduce the likelihood of dental problems.

Book your regular appointment with your dentist today to discuss your child’s oral health care.

[1] https://www.adhdsupportaustralia.com.au/adhd-and-dental-care/

[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14684974/

[3] https://www.adhdsupportaustralia.com.au/adhd-and-dental-care/

The ultimate guide to Cosmetic Dentistry

03/03/2023 by Astronaut

The ultimate guide to cosmetic dentistry

Over the last few years cosmetic dentistry has evolved to become more affordable and accessible. So, if you’re like many people and not entirely happy with your smile, it may help to know you have options.

Having a beautiful smile is something which many of us consider important to our overall presentation and confidence. Just like eating a healthy diet and exercising helps us to feel and look our best, how we prioritise our teeth and oral health makes a huge difference to our appearance and general well-being.

You’re probably not alone

You’re likely to find that at least a few of your friends have had some type of dental work done or are considering it, especially those with great teeth. Genetics, environment and good old-fashioned luck play a big role in the type of teeth and smile we have as individuals. Fortunately, we have a range of options when it comes to improving our smile and boosting our confidence.

What is the goal of cosmetic dentistry?

The goal of cosmetic dentistry is to improve the appearance and function of the teeth, gums, bite or smile. It is generally focused on one or a range of treatments including crowns, bridges, veneers, tooth whitening, dental implants and tooth-coloured fillings. And although each treatment is different, the goal of cosmetic dentistry is essentially the same – to create a more natural smile, improving both the look of the teeth and the way they work.

[1] Some cosmetic work is relatively straightforward, for example, tooth whitening, while other treatments are more complex and build on a series of steps that progress toward an end goal such as clear aligners and orthodontics.

What common treatments are considered cosmetic dentistry?

Teeth whitening – lightens the colour of the teeth.
Crowns/bridges – are a fixed solution to missing or damaged teeth.
Dental veneers – are a thin porcelain or resin facing which are attached to the front of the tooth.
Tooth bonding – where a hard resin is applied to damaged parts of the teeth or to fill gaps.
Dental implants – are a replacement root for a tooth that is bonded with the bone in the jaw. A crown is then made to match the surrounding teeth to fill the gap formed by the missing tooth.
Orthodontics – are devices which straighten teeth, so they are aligned. Commonly called ‘braces’, orthodontic appliances can be attached to the front or back of the teeth, or made from clear plastic trays known as clear aligners.

Look after the basics first

If you’re considering having dental cosmetic work done, book an appointment with your dentist. They can examine your mouth and provide you with options to improve your smile. Brushing twice each day, flossing daily and caring for your teeth and gums are dental care basics. Often, the success of any cosmetic treatment relies on good oral health foundations. Speak with your dentist about what’s right for you and start getting excited about having a brilliant smile!

Book an appointment with your dentist today to discuss your options for cosmetic or any other dental care.

[1] https://www.ada.org.au/Careers/Dental-Team/Technician