Have you heard of National Dental Health Week?

For those who haven’t, Dental Health Week is the Australian Dental Association’s major annual oral health promotion campaign. The aim of Dental Health Week is to educate Australians about the importance of maintaining and practising good oral health and hygiene in all areas of life.

What Does Dental Health Week Aim to Achieve?

Taking place the first full week of August (7th-13th), Dental Health Week is an annual event created by the Australian Dental Association, aiming to educate residents of Australia on the importance of proper oral health and good hygiene habits. Each year, the ADA sets a theme to accompany their mission, with 2016’s campaign addressing women’s dental needs and the impact that events such as pregnancy, menstruation, menopause and puberty can have on oral health.

Keeping with tradition, this year’s event theme is Oral Health For Busy Lives, a topic which looks to help on-the-go Australians understand the need for good dental care, whilst also educating them on methods for incorporating proper dental care techniques into their daily habits.

Star Health’s Initiative

To ensure that all of our clients have access to professional dental health care, Star Health now offers full access to dental services at no charge for eligible individuals.

Eligible Individuals Include:

• • Children Up to 12 Years of Age

• • Children 12-17 Years with a Child Dental Benefits Scheme Voucher

• • Children up to 18 years who hold, or are the dependent of someone who holds a Healthcare or Pension Concession Card

• Fees May Be Waived For People Experiencing Financial Difficulties

This initiative, along with similar support programs, aims to provide assistance to people that may otherwise be unable to access professional health care and treatment.

In celebration of National Dental Health Week, here are a few tips for keeping your mouth happy and healthy:

You Are What You Eat

When it comes to dental health, you are what you eat.

Are you a huge fan of candy and all things sweet? Unfortunately, eating sweets in excessive amounts can be highly detrimental to your oral health. High levels of sugar may cause cavities and tooth decay, resulting in the need for fillings and root canal treatment. Similarly, foods high in acid content can cause the enamel on your teeth to erode, making you even more susceptible to tooth decay in the future. If you can’t give up the sweets and lemonade, always remember to drink plenty of water and to brush your teeth vigilantly in order to keep the dental issues at bay.

Flossing Is Not Optional

Yes, this may sound repetitive but flossing is so vital in maintaining good oral health. If you rely solely on brushing your teeth, then, unfortunately, you are missing out the gaps between your teeth which make up more than half the surface area of your teeth. This is why flossing is an integral part of any good oral care routine. Flossing only takes a few minutes a day and helps remove plaque from between your teeth, preventing tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath.

Limit Alcohol Consumption

Did you know that alcohol causes dehydration in the mouth, which in turn may reduce saliva flow over time? A lack of saliva flow can cause tooth decay and other oral complications such as gum disease. Furthermore, heavy consumption of alcohol increases your risk of mouth cancer.

Regular Dental Checks Are Vital

Even with fantastic dental care and hygiene, it is advised that everyone visits their dentist at least twice a year. Your dental health professional may be able to spot problems that you may not yet see or feel. In fact, many dental issues are not visible and do not cause any pain until they are in the later, more advanced stages. This can include gum disease, cavities, or in serious situations, even mouth cancer. Regular visits to your dentist will allow you to combat the early signs and stages of any disease.

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Do you have any dental issues or concerns that you may want to find out more about? Do not hesitate to call us 9525 1300 to make an appointment, or request an appointment online via our website. We offer a wide range of services, from root canal treatment, x-rays, denture fittings and much more.

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