Easter Holiday Period

We would like to wish all our valued patients a very safe and happy Easter break!

Our Yarraville and Geelong West practice’s will be closed from Good Friday, March 30th and will reopen on Tuesday 3rd April.

During this period, our emails and phone messages will be intermittently monitored and actioned. If you wish to make an appointment, please call 03) 5222 5622 for Geelong West, or 03) 9687 7786 for Yarraville and leave a voice message with your contact information, outlining the details of the appointment. Alternatively, you can send us an email to reception@dental4u.com.au. You may also make an appointment booking online at your convenience - click here.

In case of an emergency, you can seek dental services at the Royal Melbourne Dental Hospital, 720 Swanston St, Carlton VIC 3053. Their contact number is 03) 9341 1000.

We look forward to seeing you after the long weekend!

With warm regards,

The Dental 4U Team

Private Health Insurance - are you being treated fairly?

The Australian Dental Association recently shared a short video on Social media, highlighting the unfair way in which some Private Health care providers offer higher rebates to policyholders that have treatment at their own contracted Dentists and Clinics, whilst others with the same policy who choose to see their own Dentist - receive a lower rebate. 

If you have the Same Policy and receive the Same Treatment, you should receive the Same Rebate.

Don't be persuaded to switch by the fact that some insurers refer to contracted Dentists as "preferred providers". This doesn't mean that they are any more or less skilled than your current Dentist. 

If you feel you are unfairly pressured to switch away from your Dentist, you should first send a letter of complaint to your insurer, making it clear that you don't believe it's fair that you receive lower benefits because you want to stay with your existing Dentist. Secondly, find a fund with no contracted Dentists and switch your policy.

To view the ADA video, click the link below:  https://www.facebook.com/AustralianDentalAssociation/videos/2062761580431357/

Go to time2switch.com.au to compare your extras policy with others on the market, or visit privatehealth.gov.au for a broader comparison of private health insurance available.

Warm regards,

The Dental 4U Team

 

Smarter Snacking!

Our everyday choices over time, lead to life long habits. So when it comes to food, try and choose a healthier option on a daily basis, to benefit yourself and your loved ones – long term.

Food = Fuel/Energy for your body

According to the World Health Organisation(WHO) guidelines(2015),  “There is evidence showing a higher rate of dental caries(tooth decay) when the intake of “free sugars" is above 10% of the total energy intake, compared to an intake of “free sugars” below 10% of the total energy intake".
 

So, what exactly are ‘free sugars”?

 As defined in the WHO report, “free sugars” refer to sugars added to foods and beverages by the manufacturer, cook or consumer and includes sugars naturally present in honey, syrups, fruit juices and fruit juice concentrates

The WHO guideline does not refer to “intrinsic sugars”, which are found naturally in whole fresh fruits and vegetables.

In short, its best to keep it Simple! Real whole foods - as Mother Nature intended.

AVOID:

• Sticky, sweet foods, e.g dried fruits
• Highly processed sugary snacks, e.g chocolate bars
• Flavoured fruit drinks
• Fizzy drinks
• Iced Tea
• Flavoured Milk
• Flavoured Water

DRINK:

• Water! - No surprises here, Water is always the best option!

CHOOSE:

• Veggie Sticks with Hummus (e.g Carrots, Zucchini and Capsicums – the orange and yellow ones are naturally sweet like apples).
• Cherry Tomatoes
• Baby cucumbers
• Grapes
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Nuts
• Apples (with 100% nut butter as a yummy treat)
• Popcorn
• Plain Greek Yogurt
• Cheese
• Boiled Eggs

There are a lot of hidden sugars in every day foods we eat, remember to always read the label and look out for sugars disguised under another ingredient name.

See the list below for different names for sugar that you might come across:

• Barley Malt
• Beet Sugar
• Blackstrap Molasses
• Cane Juice
• Caramel
• Corn Sweetener
• Corn Syrup
• Dextran
• Diastatic Malt
• Ethyl Maltol
• Evaporated Cane Juice
• Fructose
• Fruit Juice Concentrate     
• Galactose
• High Fructose Corn Syrup
• Lactose
• Malt Syrup
• Maltodextrin
• Oat Syrup
• Sorghum
• Sucrose
• Syrup
• Treacle
• Tapioca Syrup

We hope this has given you some food for thought!

Warm regards,

The Dental4U Team

Season's Greetings from Dental4U

We would like to wish all our patients a very relaxing and enjoyable festive season! 

Our Yarraville and Geelong West practice’s will be closed on all public holidays and from Thursday 28th December, reopening on Monday 15th January.

During this period, our emails and phone messages will be intermittently monitored and actioned. If you wish to make an appointment, please call 03) 5222 5622 for Geelong West, or 03) 9687 7786 for Yarraville and leave a voice message with your contact information, outlining the details of the appointment. Alternatively, you can send us an email to reception@dental4u.com.au. You may also make an appointment booking online at your convenience - click here.

In case of an emergency, you can seek dental services at the Royal Melbourne Dental Hospital, 720 Swanston St, Carlton VIC 3053. Their contact number is 03) 9341 1000.

We look forward to seeing you in the New Year. Stay safe and take care!

The Dental 4U Team

Thinking about getting Dental Health insurance?...then this is a must read!

To help you navigate the private health fund market, we have put together 5 important things to consider before signing up for dental extra's cover:

 

1. RESEARCH AND COMPARE

Research and compare health funds online, or call funds directly to ask for information on their policies. Remember extra’s cover is not limited to just Dental – will you be using your extra’s cover for other treatments? massage, chiropractor e.t.c. You do need to consider your overall policy’s needs before signing up. Also when comparing funds online – the website you are using may only be drawing policies to compare from a limited pool of health funds(often sponsored). We recommend researching potential funds individual websites as well. If you have an existing policy, the Australia Dental Association(ADA) has a helpful website that lets you compare dental health fund policies. For more information, click the link below:

www.ada.org.au/time2switch/Compare-your-Policy

2. VALUE FOR MONEY

PREMIUMS vs REBATE. You’ve had a look around for dental extra’s cover and found a fund that will save you $120.00 a month for your premiums – great news!......or is it?

What you really need to consider is what your rebate will be for specific treatments and procedures that you want. Your premium cost may be lower, but your rebate could be lower too. You are able to check this with any prospective insurer prior to taking out a policy.

3. WAITING PERIODS

Remember every policy has pre-existing illness clauses and exclusions that determine when and if you can make a claim. Some health funds have a waiting period for certain treatments, meaning you aren’t able to start claiming immediately. If you are transferring your existing cover from one fund to another, you can ask that they waive the waiting periods for certain treatments, this is something that needs to be discussed prior to signing up.

4. GENERAL vs MAJOR DENTAL COVER

There is a difference, check up’s and cleans are covered under General dental and treatments such as crowns and root canal therapy, are covered under Major dental.

If the information is not readily available on the health funds website, another way to find out what is covered and what your potential rebate might be – is to simply ask for the information. Each health fund is required to have a Standard Information Statement(SIS), which will provide you with details such as benefit limits, services covered e.t.c. Most dental practices will be happy to provide you with the specific item codes for any proposed treatment, so that you can query directly with your current or prospective health fund.

 

5. PREFERRED PROVIDERS

Does your health fund let you choose your own Dentist, without restrictions?  Some Insurers are referring to contracted Dentists as “preferred providers”. It doesn’t mean they are more or less skilled than your current Dentist, it just means that the particular Dentist has a contract with their health fund, or they are employed by that funds own dental clinic.

Which poses the question: How much influence does that health fund have over your dental treatment?  If the health fund governing that Dentist has a vested financial interest in their work output, are they really putting your needs as a patient first?

With the introduction of “preferred providers” you could find yourself paying the same premiums as other members, but not getting the same benefits back. You should not be penalised for wanting to remain with your own Dentist, whom in many cases you have built up a long-term relationship, rapport and trust with.  Look for a fund that will let you choose who provides you with your oral health care.

We hope the above information will help you make a more informed decision when looking for a health fund that suits your needs and budget.

 

The Dental 4U Team

Don't like visiting the Dentist?....You're not alone.

For many people the mere mention of a visit to the Dentist causes the palms to sweat and a flurry of possible excuses to flood our brain of other more important things we need to do – sound familiar? This reaction could be from a past bad experience, perhaps from childhood, fear of the unknown or you simply don’t think you can afford it.

At Dental4U we understand that a visit to the Dentist is not high on people’s priority lists, but here are 3 reasons why you should reconsider:

1. Dentistry has come a long way..

With considerable advancements through technology, knowledge and techniques, a visit to the Dentist is now a much more pleasant experience. At Dental4U we do our very best to put you at ease and make your visit as comfortable as possible, from the moment you walk in the door. We’re here to take the fear out of Dentistry with our gentle and caring approach. We want to help you achieve a greater satisfaction with your health and appearance, without breaking the bank.

2. It could save you money in the long run..

It’s important to attend the Dentist for your dental check up’s and professional cleans. We can detect, monitor and intervene on tooth decay at their early stages, saving you money in the process and helping stop issues progressing to a point where you don’t have a lot of options for treatment. Regular dental check up’s are an investment in your long-term general health.

3. You would be setting a good example..

Good habits really do begin at home and children should be taught from an early age that regular visits to the Dentist are normal and nothing to be feared at all. Children are particularly susceptible to tooth decay, often they want to be independent and take care of their own teeth brushing, but may not be doing the best job. We can identify areas that need improvement and encourage a more collaborative approach. If you don’t have children, you could instead encourage your partner or other loved ones, by ensuring you schedule yourself in for regular check up’s.

To make your next appointment, give us a call or book online - It's that easy!

The Dental4U Team

A smile is your best Accessory!

As the weather starts warming up and we head towards the festive season (and a busier social calendar!), now is the perfect time to get your teeth looking and feeling their very best. The benefits of a beautiful, clean, bright smile are endless. Research shows that improving appearance increases self-esteem and positively affects a person’s well-being.

A person’s smile is one of the first things we notice, so make sure you are making a GREAT first impression.

Book in Today for a clean and polish OR if you’re looking to brighten your teeth further, give us a call to discuss our easy and affordable whitening options.

Did you know that you can book online? It's so easy!

We understand how busy your schedule may be and that you may not be able to call us during business hours. It is sometimes so much easier to just click a few buttons and book your dental appointment online.

This is why, for your convenience, we offer you our online appointment booking system, which directly connects you to our schedule, instantaneously confirming your booking. 

You may choose from a range of appointment times and days, however, if you can’t find the date/ time that suits you, please call or email us and we will surely make something work. We can also put your request on our appointment standby list, in case of changes to our schedule.

 

Don't delay BOOK Today!

With warm regards,

The Dental 4U Team

Back to Basics, Part 2: Flossing!

When it comes to your teeth, brushing is only part of a complete dental care routine - Flossing is absolute key! Flossing your teeth removes food debris and helps prevent plaque from building up in areas between your teeth and around the gum line, where toothbrush bristles just can't reach.

How many times should I floss?

Ideally you should be flossing once a day, every day. If you find that time is your biggest barrier to flossing, instead of flossing in the morning when most of us are at our busiest - try flossing at night before you go to bed. This way you're more likely to take your time and do a better job.

Is it better to floss before or after brushing?

The sequence really makes no difference, as long as you do a thorough job. As long as you are making the effort to floss, it's entirely up to you.

Finding the right technique or tool that suits you:

If you struggle with conventional flossing, there are now many different products available to help you, such as: Interdental brushes, Piksters, Airflosser's, Water flosser's e.t.c.

If in doubt, we can help point you in the right direction on an alternative to suit your needs and budget - Give us a call Today, or we can discuss at your next dental check up.

Conventional flossing in 3 steps:

1. Pull about 30cm of dental floss from the dispenser

2. Wrap the ends of the floss around your index and middle fingers, allowing a short amount of floss between your fingers

3. With the help of your thumbs, hold the floss tightly and using your tooth as a guide, move it back and forth in a push-pull motion, curving the floss around each tooth in a "C" shape up towards and along the gum line of each tooth

You can use a new section of the floss for each tooth and be careful not to apply too much pressure, or use excessive force to "snap" the floss against your gums.

Brushing and flossing combined are an important part of your daily oral healthcare routine. It can take a bit of time to begin with to perfect your flossing technique - but practice makes perfect! 

Don't forget to visit us for your regular check up's and professional cleans. Online bookings available! click here

Happy Flossing! From The Dental4U Team

Water Fluoridation: Article via the Australian Dental Association

(SOURCE: AUSTRALIAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION)

The ADA recently shared an article via their Facebook page titled "Four myths about water fluoridation and why they're wrong". Based on a report by the National Health and Research Council (NHMRC) and written by Matthew Hopcraft, Clinical Professor, Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne - the article touched on four concerns that we regularly hear from our patients: 

1. Fluoride isn't natural

2. Fluoridated water doesn't work

3. Fluoridated water causes cancer and other health problems

4. Fluoridated water is not safe for infant formula

Click on the link below to read the article in full:

Back to Basics, Part 1: Tooth brushing!

If you want to do anything in Life well, you need to have the fundamental basics covered. Brushing and flossing are the keys to a healthy smile, so with a bit of knowledge and practice - you'll be able to keep your smile shining bright. 

Read on for some helpful tooth brushing techniques and tips!

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Proper brushing takes at least 2 minutes(many of us struggle to dedicate half that amount of time!). Choose a soft bristled brush, tilt it at a 45 degree angle and using small, circular motions; pay particular attention to the gum line areas, around fillings, crowns and implants e.t.c.  Don't forget the hard to reach back teeth, by closing your mouth slightly when brushing your back teeth - it can help give you greater access.

As well as cleaning the outer surfaces of your teeth, don't forget to brush the inner surfaces, chewing surfaces and also your tongue. If you find yourself "rushing through your brushing" - try playing a song or using a stop watch on your mobile, till you become more mindful of the time it takes to give your teeth a proper clean.

Remember to brush at least twice a day, in front of a mirror if you can to ensure that you're not missing cleaning any of your teeth. Keep an eye on your tooth brush bristles, a worn toothbrush won't do a good job of cleaning your teeth. So replace as needed, which is generally every three or four months. Both manual and electric powered toothbrushes can effectively clean teeth, but if you find it difficult to get a thorough clean with a manual toothbrush, you might find an electric toothbrush easier to use. 

Keep in mind that although good oral hygiene at home is very important, when you do have a buildup of hard "tartar"(also known as calculus), it cannot be removed without a professional clean. Come see us Today for a clean to get you back on track!

We can help with:

• Visible Stains
• Bleeding gums
• Tartar buildup
• Bad Breath       

Stay tuned for our next "Back to Basics" feature for tips and techniques on: Flossing!