News

Food for Thought

16/04/2018 by Astronaut

Cavities are a total party pooper. One minute you’re feasting your way through a Sunday roast, and the next you’re clutching your mouth in agony, looking for an emergency dentist appointment. It goes without saying that your daily brushing, flossing and rinsing routine (paired with twice-yearly dentist visits) are essential for your teeth no matter what’s on your plate. Everything you eat and drink, for better or worse, plays a role in the development or prevention of tooth decay. So what do you need to consider before chowing down?

The Dairy Digest

Excellent news – dairy delights such as milk, cheese and yoghurt are proud supporters of strong teeth. With a fancy mix of vitamins (including A, B12 and Riboflavin), minerals (including calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, potassium and zinc), protein and carbs, dairy products play an important role in our nutrition right from the start. A protein in dairy foods called casein creates a protective coating over your enamel when combined with calcium and phosphorous, which then reduces the risk of decay. Just keep your eye out for any natural (and sometimes added) sugars that might be lurking in there too – just remember to check out the sugar content before checking in on the cheese train.

Get Finicky about Fruit

While fruit is full of goodness and bursting with vitamins and nutrients, it can also be highly acidic and rich in natural sugar. This sugar hangs around on your teeth, helping acid producing, enamel-eroding bacteria to thrive. The acid in fruits can also soften enamel, leading to erosion (signs of which include wear, sensitivity and discolouration). Fruit such as pineapples, mangos and oranges are high in sugar and acid – so eat them less often than you would low-sugar varieties such as berries, peaches, apples, watermelon and kiwi fruit.

Sayonara, Sugar!

It’s not a surprise that lollies and soft drinks are not so great for your dental health (not to mention health in general). Tooth decay begins when the bacteria in your mouth breaks down sugar and produces acid which attacks the teeth, weakening the enamel and leaving those teeth vulnerable to cavities and decay. So how can you enjoy a treat (or two) and keep your teeth top of their game? For starters, eat sugar in moderation and if you do decide to indulge, try to keep it to meal times. Rinse your mouth with water post-indulgence to minimise any trace of lingering sugar, and check in with your dentist twice a year. You see, plaque is a stubborn little beast. It starts building up after every meal and if not brushed away regularly, harbours bacteria that erode tooth enamel, causing cavities. While good dental hygiene is the best first defence, regular dental check-ups will ensure your teeth are strong and healthy for many food-savouring years to come.

What should you do next?

Find your nearest nib Dental Care centre and make an appointment today. With numerous locations offering a comprehensive range of services, it’s easy to find the exceptional care and expertise you (and your children) deserve.

How food impacts your teeth

nib Dental Care coming to Brisbane CBD

06/02/2018 by Astronaut

We are excited to announce the opening of nib Dental & Eye Care Centre, Brisbane on Monday 5th March 2018.

Our modern centre will be located on Eagle Street in the bustling heart of the Brisbane CBD. Open 6 days per week, we’re friendly, affordable and provide a full range of dental services to meet the needs of you and your family.

nib customers with eligible cover may be entitled to receive 100% back on their dental check-up. Terms and conditions, waiting periods, annual limits and service limits apply. Click here for details.

nib Dental & Eye Care centres are open to the general public, which means that you don’t need to have private health insurance with nib to visit the centre. Anyone can access our wide range of dental services including:

General Dentistry: check-ups, fillings, fluoride treatments and all of the other general dentistry services you and your family require
Cosmetic Dentistry: Restoring your smile with veneers, crowns, implants and whitening treatments
Emergency Appointments: Same day emergency appointments are generally available for accidents or toothaches

You can request an appointment before the centre opens here.

Later in the year, you’ll also be able to book in your next eye test or purchase eye wear and contact lenses at the nib Eye Care Centre opening at the same location.

Is your dentist open this Christmas?

11/12/2017 by Astronaut

At nib Dental Care, we understand that dental emergencies don’t necessarily wait for the season’s festivities to be over.

Which is why we endeavour to cover you this Christmas and New Year by keeping some of our centres open, even on public holidays, so we’re there when you need us most.

Whether you’re a new patient to nib Dental Care or have been coming to see us for years, we’ll be there to ensure your smile is in tip top shape to bring in the new year.

The centre’s below will be open on the following days-

Christmas Day 2017

All nib Dental Care Centres will be closed. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Boxing Day 2017

Melbourne, Chatswood, Erina, Glendale

New Year’s Day 2018

Erina, Glendale

Most centres will be open as usual all other days between Christmas and New Year. Contact your local centre for specific opening hours and appointments.

Bookings can easily be made online here or contact your local centre by phone.

What are the symptoms of gum disease?

23/10/2017 by Astronaut

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is the inflammation and infection of the gums. Gum disease can occur where there is a build-up of plaque and tartar (calculus) on teeth which houses harmful bacteria. The best way to avoid gum disease is by establishing good oral hygiene patterns, cleaning and flossing your teeth daily to prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria.

The initial stage of gum disease is referred to as gingivitis (an inflammation of your gums). If you have gingivitis, you may have symptoms such as bleeding gums (especially when brushing or flossing), bad breath, gum redness or tenderness. Gingivitis is reversible and can be treated by regularly removing the plaque and tartar from teeth. A regular scale and clean by your dentist and maintaining your own daily oral hygiene habits will prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar and help keep your gums healthy.

If gingivitis is not treated and the inflammation and bacterial infection continues, it may progress to an advanced stage of gum disease called periodontitis. This stage of gum disease can cause serious damage to teeth and gums and may also impact on the bone supporting your teeth. The gums may start to recede or pull away from your teeth forming pockets between the gum and teeth. These pockets become harder to clean and the disease continues. As the infection progresses, the surrounding bone is impacted and in severe cases, teeth may become loose and require removal.

You may not be aware that you have gum disease so regular dental check-ups are important. The earlier gum disease is identified and treated, the better the long term outcome. Treatment of gum disease will vary depending upon the stage of gum disease present, however the aim of treatment remains the same, to stop or slow down the progress of disease and to help you introduce daily maintenance procedures that help keep your gums healthy.

Your dentist will look for signs of gum disease during your routine dental check-ups. Signs may include bleeding gums, red and swollen gums, bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth, or teeth which have become loose. Should you notice any of these signs, it is important to visit the dentist to discuss any concerns.

We recommend that you check your health cover before seeking treatment. You can call nib on 13 14 63 or log on to nib Online Services to review your dental cover and remaining annual limits.

Ways to Overcome Your Anxiety About Going to the Dentist

23/10/2017 by Astronaut

Do you put off going to the dentist because you think it might hurt, or you hate the sound of the drill? Many patients avoid having their dental work done because they are nervous about it. It may be related to personal experience, experiences of others you’ve overheard, or exposure to books and movies that feature a scary dentist.

The truth about modern dentistry is that it is constantly improving. Fears that you may have had many years ago may very well now be a thing of the past. We’ve put together a few strategies to help you manage and overcome your anxiety about going to the dentist – and how to make good dental habits a normal part of life.

Make Visiting the Dentist Part of Your Routine
Afraid that a visit to the dentist may cause you pain? The worst thing you can do is put off going to see your Dentist, as regular dental check-ups mean that your Dentist can identify any problems and treat them before they get any worse.

A mistake people often make is waiting until they are in pain before they visit the dentist. By putting off your dental appointment until the pain is unbearable, you may be risking a more unfavourable outcome and more complex dental visit. While booking in for regular check-ups is the best course of action, it is important to book an appointment if you notice any discomfort. The longer you leave it, the more damage your dentist may need to repair.

Honesty is the Best Policy
Be honest with your dentist – they are no strangers to anxious patients and understand what you are feeling. At nib Dental Care Centres we care about your experience and provide nervous patients with solutions so they can undergo treatment without the anxiety.

Sleep Dentistry is a safe and comfortable way for nervous patients to visit the dentist. Sleep Dentistry involves having your dental work completed either in surgery under IV sedation at your nearest participating nib Dental Care Centre, or in hospital under general anaesthetic where you can sleep through the entire procedure. You can read more about Sleep Dentistry here.

Be Early
The last thing you want to do after you have gathered up enough courage to make a dental appointment is turn up to your appointment late and flustered. Try arriving at the Centre a little earlier to familiarise yourself with the environment and people.

Looking for a trusted dentist to offer you an affordable and comfortable check-up? Find your nearest nib Dental Care Centre by phoning 1300 345 300 or visit nibdental.com.au.

We recommend that you check your health cover before seeking treatment. You can call nib on 13 14 63 or log on to nib Online Services to review your dental cover and remaining annual limits.