Budget concerns from the rising cost of living causing you to skip dental visits?
While the rising cost of living has prompted many to skip dental check-ups, neglecting dental health can lead to more significant, more expensive problems down the road.
In today’s economic climate in 2023, many sidestep dentist visits, contributing to an alarming 83,000 annual hospitalizations[1] from preventable dental issues.
Though it may seem frugal to postpone dental care in hopes that minor problems will be resolved, these issues often escalate into significant concerns.
These require immediate attention and tend to be pricier and more painful.
Maximizing Health Fund Dental Extras At Your Dental Appointments
If you’re enrolled in private health extras, delve into the specifics. A vast number of Australians remain oblivious about fully utilizing their dental benefits.
Also, scheduling dental appointments well in advance is proactive, particularly if your extras reset at the start of the year.
Pre-booking prevents the end-of-year scramble and ensures you stay on top of your family’s dental health.
Navigating Dental Care Without Health Fund Extras
Lack of health fund extras shouldn’t deter you from oral care. Several alternatives can bridge the gap:
- Government Dental Vouchers: A potential lifeline for those struggling with dental costs. Eligibility varies across states. Check your status here.
- Free Dental for Kids: Families receiving specific Australian Government payments might qualify for up to $1,052 in free dental services for children below 18. Confirm eligibility here.
- Flexible Payment Options: If immediate treatment is necessary and other options aren’t available, Amazing Smiles Dental Care offers diverse payment solutions to help patients:
- Payment Plans: At Amazing Smiles, we provide patients with the financial leverage to pay for dental treatments with ZipMoney, Afterpay, and Humm. Consult your nearest dentist for details.
- Superannuation: Some are unaware that superannuation funds, in coordination with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), can cover medical and dental treatments via ‘Compassionate Release of Superannuation’ with platforms such as SuperCare. Learn more about it here.
Essentials of Dental Hygiene: 9 Tips on what you can do to help look after your teeth?
During a cost of living crisis, taking care of your teeth at home is more important than ever to avoid costly dental procedures. Here’s how you can maintain oral health on a budget:
- Stick to the Basics: A fluoride toothpaste and a good toothbrush are your primary allies. You don’t necessarily need premium products to maintain good oral health.
- Dental Floss: Flossing daily is a cost-effective way to prevent gum disease and cavities between the teeth.
- Regular Brushing: Brush your teeth at least twice daily, focusing on gentle yet thorough cleaning to prevent plaque build-up.
- Use Mouthwash: Mouthwash acts as a formidable ally in oral health, freshening breath while fighting bacteria and plaque that toothbrushes might miss, promoting a healthier, more radiant smile.
- Healthy Diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products that can provide essential oral health nutrients without breaking the bank.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to help maintain saliva production, which is nature’s way of keeping your mouth clean.
- Avoiding Sugar: Try to limit sugary snacks and beverages, as sugar is a leading cause of tooth decay.
- Regular Check-ups: While it might be tempting to skip dental check-ups to save money, they can help prevent expensive procedures in the long run.
- Educate Yourself: Take time to educate yourself on proper dental care techniques through online resources.
Cost of living adjustment in today’s economy
By adopting these practices, you can help maintain your oral health without straining your budget during the cost of living crisis.
If it’s been over half a year since your last dental review, it’s time for another. Prioritize your well-being.
Your oral health is a reflection of your overall well-being. At Amazing Smiles Dental Clinic, we understand the challenges you face. That’s why we’re here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring that financial constraints don’t hinder your oral health.
Reach out to the nearest Amazing Smiles Dental Clinic today and embark on a journey to restore and maintain your radiant smile.
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