In recent years, we’ve come to appreciate more and more the mouth/body connection and its effect on our health. Put simply, if our mouth is not healthy, we are at higher risk of developing a range of health conditions. Heart disease, diabetes, pregnancy and birth complications, as well as respiratory diseases, are more common in people who have poor oral health. Many of us can take positive steps towards having a healthy mouth with small progressive, daily changes in what we do, rather than aiming for too much change all at once. You can book an appointment today with your dentist to understand more about what you can do to improve your mouth and body health.

But I deserve a break over the holidays!

As we head towards the festive season, we’re all entitled to being more relaxed and taking time out of our usual busy routines. But there are some habits which we shouldn’t neglect, no matter what the time of year.

Science does not take holidays and the same evidence which applies in every other month also applies in December. In the same way that we need to always wear a seat belt when we’re in a car and use sun protection when we’re outside, we need to maintain our oral hygiene throughout the year.

Top 10 tips for a healthy mouth

1. Prioritise your oral health. Appreciate the value of what you can do every day, to keep your mouth healthy between dental visits. Ideally, you’ll work in partnership with your dentist.
2. Brush your teeth and gums twice each day with a fluoridated toothpaste and floss daily. If you’re going away, or likely to be out for hours, pack a spare toothbrush, toothpaste and some floss. In the same way you may shower and freshen up before you go out, it can help to brush and floss before you leave the house.
3. If you can’t brush between meals, swish your mouth with water. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water to help your saliva maintain its protective qualities. Ideally, saliva is clear and thin.
4. Keep an eye on the amount of sugar you and your family are eating. Remember, ‘hidden’ sugar is just as damaging to teeth as foods with more visible sugar. Get into the habit of reading food labels to understand more about added and naturally occurring sugars.
5. Try to limit snacking in-between meals. Frequent grazing and snacking increase the risk of tooth decay, because the acid level in the mouth automatically increases to start digesting every time we eat.
6. Consider the value of your own behaviour when it comes to oral health care. Small messages can have a big impact. Saying “no thanks, I’ve just brushed my teeth”, when offered sweet treats is a positive message when role modelled.
7. Reach for water if you’re thirsty and avoid having too many sweet drinks, including soft drinks, cordial, and energy drinks. They all contain sugar in various forms, and some include electrolytes, which cause decay.
8. Make sure your guests have healthy food and drink choices if you’re entertaining. Vegetable platters and cheeseboards can be decorated with a bit of festive flair. Given the choice, many people will opt for healthy snacks in favour of those which aren’t so ideal.
9. Watch your intake of acidic foods – these can damage the protective enamel which covers the surface of the teeth. Fizzy soft drinks, sour lollies, citrus fruits are all acidic. Use a straw if you’re keen for a sweet or fizzy drink and swish your mouth with water afterwards.
10. Enjoy alcohol in moderation. Plan for what you’ll be drinking and rinse your mouth with water afterwards. Avoid brushing your teeth for 30 minutes to one hour after eating or drinking to limit damage to your tooth enamel.

Continue your healthy habits over the festive season and book an appointment with your dentist before the end of the year to check your dental health.

 

You could be forgiven for not investing too much energy thinking about your teeth once you’ve gone to bed. For many of us, the nightly ritual of tooth brushing and flossing ticks off a mental checklist of things to do before going to sleep.  But even when you’re in the land of dreams, there’s a lot going on in your mouth – take a few moments to find out more.

Top 5 facts about sleep and teeth

1. At night, saliva flow slows down and the protective effects of saliva are reduced. That’s one of the reasons why it’s so important to brush your teeth thoroughly before going to bed. Use a soft, small headed toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste and floss gently between each tooth. Don’t forget to brush your tongue as well, to reduce the number of decay causing bacteria.
2. Be mindful if you’re a teeth grinder. If your teeth and/or your jaw feel tight and sore in the mornings, you experience tension headaches or your partner notices you are grinding, it’s important to book an appointment with your dentist. Excessive wear, broken and cracked teeth and tooth sensitivity are all common results from tooth grinding. A custom fitted splint acts like a cushion and helps to protect teeth.
3. Sleep apnoea is a condition which happens when the throat becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep. This causes breathing to stop for anywhere between a few seconds to 1.5 minutes.  Because sleep apnoea causes mouth breathing, a dry mouth results which then increases the risk of tooth decay. Gum inflammation, periodontal disease and a build up of plaque are also more common.
4. Poor sleep also causes an increased risk of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. Sleep apnoea and TMJ problems are experienced together. Symptoms of TMJ disorder include jaw pain, problems chewing, a clicking or grinding sound from the jaw or even a locked jaw.
5. Sleep helps us all to regulate our moods, concentrate more and feel rested and restored. Sleep also serves a number of restorative functions in our body, as well as supporting our cardiac and circulatory health and reducing inflammation. Improved blood flow helps to support the transport of enamel and phosphorus to our teeth, boosting the protective qualities of these minerals.

Night time tips for better sleep and oral health

Take your time in the bathroom at night – don’t rush toothbrushing and set a timer if it helps.  The goal is to brush for two minutes and allow a little time on every tooth and its surfaces. Clean between your teeth with floss and/or interdental brushes.

Speak with your dentist about the benefits of using a therapeutic mouthwash if you’re prone to decay.  This can help to reduce the risk of decay and gingivitis.

Drink only water after brushing your teeth. If you eat, you’ll need to brush again to remove food particles before going to sleep.

If you suffer from reflux, be mindful your teeth could be affected by stomach acid.  Lying flat after eating a meal can increase the likelihood of refluxing episodes. Your GP will be able to guide you in treatment.

Book an appointment today with your dentist to have your teeth checked and discuss your dental needs.

 

Preventative dental care helps to limit the risk of experiencing a dental emergency, though it’s no guarantee – accidents can happen to any of us. If, however, our oral health is good to begin with, there is less risk of complications after treatment for a dental emergency.

Top 5 tips to avoid an unexpected dental expense

1. See your dentist regularly for checks and preventative treatments such as cleaning, descaling and fluoride treatments. Potential problems are often detected before they become more complex.
2. Always wear a custom-fitted mouthguard when playing sports. This will help to reduce the risk of having a dental injury. Wear your mouthguard during training sessions as well.
3. Brush your teeth at least twice each day, floss daily and use fluoridated toothpaste. Care for your gums as they are the supporting structure that attaches your teeth to your jawbones.
4. Never use your teeth ‘as tools’ for opening packets or wrapping. The shearing force can cause teeth to crack and fracture.
5. Don’t ignore abnormalities or changes in your mouth and teeth. Book an appointment to see your dentist if you’re experiencing pain, swelling, discolouration or hot/cold sensations in your teeth.  You may be able to avoid a more complex procedure if you’re seen early.

What is a dental emergency?

By their nature, emergencies tend to happen when we least expect them – dental emergencies are no exception and can occur anytime. But while it may be tempting to put off seeing a dentist until it is more convenient or until there are more spare funds available, delaying may increase the risk of complications.

Dental emergencies generally involve pain, infection, swelling, bleeding, trauma, or a broken tooth.     Essentially, any acute problem in the mouth that is unpredictable and causes pain or changes in eating. Sometimes a dentist will need to stabilize the problem in a dental emergency so no additional damage is done, the tooth can be saved, and the pain is relieved. Follow-up appointments can then be arranged to provide a more permanent solution. Even if you’re unsure about what to do, book an appointment to see your dentist for an expert assessment.

How to afford a dental emergency

Even if you’re worried about how to manage the cost of emergency dental treatment, it’s important to be seen as soon as possible.

• Speak with your dentist about a payment plan and your options.
• Budget for the unexpected. Put some money aside in your budget for emergencies separate from your everyday spending.

Check with your health insurance provider to make sure you’re covered for dental treatments. Instant rebates are available if you have dental cover with your private health insurance. Book an appointment to see your dentist for an expert assessment.

 

It is possible to use superannuation (super) funds to pay for medical and dental treatments. This option fits into an arrangement with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and is called ‘Compassionate Release of Superannuation’. This program can be a solution for people who would otherwise not be able to afford medical or dental expenses, and who don’t qualify for treatment in the public health system.

Each superannuation fund has their own rules, however, most have an option for early access to pay a lump sum to cover out of pocket expenses for dental treatments for members and even their family members.

For many individuals, being able to access money held in their super fund can mean the difference between receiving early, timely treatment or not.

Criteria need to be met to qualify for the release of super funds

Generally, there needs to be proof that dental care is needed to treat immediate conditions which are causing pain and distress. Where there is a risk of problems becoming more complex, or there is a risk of further complications, paying for treatment with released super funds can be a workable solution.

Dental treatment is included in the category of medical treatment which cannot readily be accessible through the public health system.

Early release requires certification (proof) by either:

1. Two dental practitioners – one must be a specialist.
2. A general practitioner (GP) and a dental practitioner or a dental specialist.

Dental treatments covered by the scheme need to be considered necessary:

• For a life-threatening illness or injury.
• To alleviate acute or chronic pain.
• To alleviate an acute or chronic mental illness.

 Eligibility for early release of super funds is dependent on:

• Not having health insurance or sufficient level of health insurance to cover the required procedure.
• Not being able to afford the procedure.
• You or a family member having sufficient superannuation funds.

Can I use my superannuation for dental work?

Applying for early release of superannuation funds may be the only way you may be able to afford major dental work.  This is not a decision to be made lightly and should only be considered once all your other financial options have been explored.

Speak with your superannuation fund to fully understand what the implications may be. If you’re applying for early access to your super on grounds of severe financial hardship, this is not managed by the ATO.

Superannuation balances are intended to assist with living expenses after retirement. If you have not reached your preservation age, generally between 55 – 60, you will need to pay tax on the amount you withdraw.  There could also be payment alternatives which you haven’t considered.

Book an appointment with your dentist today to discuss payment options.