"Watch your Mouth" Dental Health Week 2018

Dental health week, which takes place August 6 - 12, is an annual oral health promotion event organised by the Australian Dental Association.

This years campaign tagline is “Watch your Mouth” -  a cheeky pun intended to highlight the importance of practicing good oral health - "Not just your teeth, not just your gums, your whole mouth".

The aim of dental health week is to educate Australians about the importance of maintaining good oral health in every aspect of their lives and to encourage the following key habits:

* Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste

* Clean in between teeth at least once a day with floss/or an interdental brush

* Eat a healthy balanced diet and limit sugar intake

* Regularly visit the Dentist for your check up’s and preventative treatment

Did you know that according to the Oral Health Tracker Report (2018):

 * 65% of Australians haven’t seen a Dentist in the last two years

* 50% of Australians are brushing their teeth only once-a-day

* Nearly 40% never floss or clean between their teeth

* 73% of young people (14-18 years) are consuming too much sugar

The statistics are eye-opening. Remember, no matter how busy you are or where you are in life, it is possible to fit caring for your teeth and gums into your daily routine. 

When was your last dental check up? Do you notice your gums bleed when you brush? Or perhaps you have a "niggly" tooth that you've been ignoring? Don't delay, give us a call, or book online to secure your next appointment!

With warm regards,

The Dental 4U Team

Stay Motivated!

Don’t let the Winter blues get you down. Yes, it’s cold out and the daylight hours are shorter and it seems as though every second person you talk to is jetting off to a tropical location…..but that’s no reason to hibernate!! There's always a silver lining and it begins with YOU.

6 Winter Wellness tips

1. Run, don't walk

The winter months can be the hardest time of year to stay motivated, but once you commit to regular exercise as part of your daily routine – you’ll be amazed at how good you’ll begin to feel.

Make the time for yourself – whether it’s at the beginning, or end of day - or just by getting out of the office at lunch for a powerwalk around the block. Have your exercise clothes ready, so you’re less likely to make excuses.

Do you drive to work? Park your car further away so you’re getting some incidental exercise, every step counts!

 

2. Go home, stay home

Don’t feel like hitting the gym, or the pavement? Stay at home roll out a mat and STRETCH. Need some inspiration? There is an abundance of at-home exercises available for you to follow on the internet; Yoga, Tai chi, line dancing?! There are also many APPS that you can download to help keep you motivated with routines and advice.

Grab a skipping rope, or just pop on your favourite music and DANCE. Whatever makes you feel good, raises your heart rate and keeps you moving.

3. Stay hydrated!

Let's be honest, that first hot coffee can bring real comfort on a cold morning and so it makes sense that our coffee intake increases during Winter. Just remember that you also need to be drinking plenty of water.

The human brain is composed of about 75% water, so water intake is vital to our body in terms of composition and mental focus.

• Don’t like drinking water? Try adding natural flavours like fresh fruit or herbs.
• Add water-rich foods to your diet - like watermelon, cucumber and strawberries.
• Carry your own reusable bottle with you to save money and the environment.

Aim for at least 2 litres of water throughout the day. Drink it before you’re thirsty, as that is a sign that your body is already dehydrated.

4. Netflix and chill?

How about reading and relax?! Studies have shown that too much screen time can have a negative effect - especially before bed, as the light emitted from screens interferes with the sleep cycle in the brain, which can lead to insomnia. So turn off the T.V, switch your phone to silent and cosy up with a good book.

Break out the cards or boardgames. (Hello MONOPOLY!) Get your family or friends together for a game – it’s a great opportunity to interact, learn, have fun and a laugh. How about Charades? or do you prefer something more creative? Try your hand at drawing or painting – you are only limited by your imagination, so the possibilities are endless.

5. Heard of a Spring clean?

Try having a Winter weed out! We all have clothes and shoes that have been languishing in our closets and drawers - It’s time to let go! 

A tidy house equals a tidy mind. Donate items to charity or make some money by having a garage sale or selling them online.

It's also a good time to have a “stock take” of what's in your cupboards. Check the use by dates on all your food, including spices and herbs. Create a meal plan around what you already have and try and shop seasonally to save money.

Buy bulk, cook and freeze to make it easier to heat up a nutritious meal when you get home after a long day and the last thing you want to do is break out the pots and pans.

6. Have an Attitude of Gratitude

Nothing is more precious than giving your time to someone. The feel good factor goes both ways. It could be as simple as inviting a friend around for a cup of tea, bringing flowers/succulent cuttings from your garden for a neighbour or colleague. Picking up the phone and calling that friend or family member that has been on your mind.

It’s the little things. 

Showing appreciation in all your interactions, a Smile and Thank-you goes a long way. Showing you care doesn’t need to cost a thing and you might just make someone’s day.

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our latest blog. Remember, your oral health should be a priority! Give us a call or book online Today to schedule your next visit.

Warm regards,

The Dental 4U Team

School holidays are upon us and it's all about the kids!

During the hustle and bustle of the school holidays, it is easy to become out of sync and a little relaxed with keeping up good oral health habits. When it comes to our little ones, it is especially important to maintain a good routine to keep their smiles healthy and bright.

Children tend to imitate their Parents habits, so by teaching children the importance of looking after their teeth from a young age, you’re giving them the best possible start to healthy habits that will benefit them into adulthood.

The School holidays are the perfect time to bring kids in for their check up’s.  When children have regular check up’s, they are more comfortable with visiting the Dentist and are less likely to be afraid of having dental treatments. The aim of the check up’s are to assess any dental problems at their early stages, give suggestions on managing any dental health problems and encourage better oral hygiene habits.

Dental caries or tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease. So regular check up’s should be a priority.

We still have appointments available during the school holiday period, book online or give us a call Today!

Is your child eligible for the Child dental benefits schedule(CDBS)?

The CDBS provides eligible children with up to $1,000 in benefits for basic dental services capped over two consecutive calendar years. Your child is deemed eligible for the CDBS by Medicare, who administers the program.

Dental4U provides services under the child dental benefits schedule with no additional gap payments and convenient electronic claiming with your medicare card.

To find out more about this beneficial program and whether your child is eligible, Call Medicare on 132 011 or visit the Department of Human Services Website.

Warm regards,

The Dental 4U Team