Dental Health

TheFourRings

The dentist chair is not my favourite place like many others. I have comprehensive dental selected in my health fund, the gap that is charged is ridiculous. Health funds know we only go when needed, so if we do not require work we do not go. The charges for work (except a clean & basic filling) keeps many away. I do not have the courage to travel overseas for any medical work, I do understand why some people take the risk though.

kerynm

Wait till I really have to go. Cost is too high.

Aimz2024

I have to admit this is definitely something I've put off due to costs. Even experiencing pain, I just know I can't afford it.

w-alice

i always go for my check up but unfortunately don't have the funds to repair/prevent any further damage (ie through braces, mouthguard etc)

jjdrer

It's one reason that it is good to have high extras cover. I have 2 cleans a year and sometimes get 100% back which means I get them free otherwise they are over $200.00 each time. I also didn't have to pay a gap on some fillings I had.
I believe pensioners can apply and get an allowance for dental, especially if you have to have some removed.

des

I've had a broken tooth for over 2 years it doesn't hurt but as I'm on a benefit I feel like there's no urgency sad but true

KAREN TRELOAR

I try to have a check up each year with my teeth especially that now being over 50. I have this mind set maybe not realistic but I want to have my own teeth as I age! I have one root canal one but unfortunately was not my fault for that and it was when I was young. So for me it is important to have my teeth checked and try to do my best eating right flossing and brushing my teeth min twice a day.

KAREN TRELOAR

I try to have a check up each year with my teeth especially that now being over 50. I have this mind set maybe not realistic but I want to have my own teeth as I age! I have one root canal one but...

Oh and I try do the same with my kids unfortunately they do have issues and well braces are so expensive we are going through this with my son bug he also needs jaw alignment and on pension not good, government dental wont do it as he is a couple of mm off what they deem acceptable where as my other son diabetic and over the criteria for ovet bite he gets it free

Rebecca3260

Yes, it is crazy expensive and with a big family, it's not something I can afford with everything else I need to pay for first.

Ewie99

I go on dental holidays to Asia. The price difference and quality of service is so huge that what I save pays for my holiday. I come back smiling!

Keerah1

Yes. I have sensitive teeth. Since Jan 2024. The top molars are sore when I eat something hot or cold.

Radda

The dentist fees are crazily expensive, inflation or not. Just make sure i brush twice a day and thoroughly water floss. No more hygiene cleaning for me, unless its an emergency.

Jess32294371

I try my best to look after my dental health at home because the inflation in dental services has become too expensive, making them inaccessible to everyday people

Natasa

I avoid going to the dentist because it costs so much... however I did go for a general check-up around 6 months ago and everything was fine and dandy. I hadn't been for around 10 years before that. I generally am pretty good with my oral hygiene, I brush and floss twice a day and I avoid fizzy drinks as they are the worst for your teeth.

kellie84

There is simply no way i could afford it. Im barely making ends meet as it is! The cost of housing, groceries, fuel and utiities is crippling so many people. If it keeps going this way, our society is going to be filled with people with rotten or missing teeth, and potentially serious health repercussions!

1l2u

I would love to get my oral health be checked by a dentist professional but due to the cost of living uprising and more, I haven't been able to get one done for more than a year. I just hope to take care of my teeth and have no cavities and no filling needed.

Bigbear

Yes the cost of getting dental work done in Australia often comes with a silvery price tag, especially if you don’t have private health insurance. Even if you did have cover, the dental procedures are usually only partially refunded.
Nowadays as I get older my chompers do need more repair and maintenance, I find it much more economical if I get procedures done overseas in countries like Vietnam or Thailand.
Dentists there are overseas trained and have much cheaper operating costs, therefore can offer better prices.
The savings I made can easily pay for the holiday and airfares, and I found the service and level of care much better than in Australia.

Geniene3260

As I am afraid of dentists myself most friends and family don’t really go till they have to as it can be very expensive and people do not have time to take off work to go as they need the hours

Caperteewaratah

I keep my appointments for checkups 6 monthly with my dentist.
I have a lot of fillings in my teeth' and have spent a lot on dentistry in my lifetime.
My teeth are not that good due to my parents having the idea that you wait until you have a toothache to go to the dentist - argh ! Just terrible ! and also dental hygiene in my family was you only brush your teeth in the morning - consequently going to bed with food in between teeth and no flossing was encouraged. I don't think it was a done thing in the 1960's.
How much dentistry has improved since then.
But if you look after your teeth from a young age with good dental and oral hygiene and avoiding food staying on your teeth, you will be able to live a lifetime with mostly good teeth depending on your overall health also. But most people would be able to have good teeth.
Unfortunately for me, the era I grew up in was not a good time for dental health. Good for dentists bank balances but not for anyone else.
Its false economy NOT to have dental checkups as once you have damaged teeth they are not replaceable except with false teeth - a no no. Or otherwise you can also suffer with heart disease, vision problems and many other as secondary to really bad teeth. As a RN I have seen people with poor oral health and really bad teeth, end up with blood poisioning, losing their vision I have known 2 people who had that temporarily, but even after recovering their vision was damaged.
Don't kid yourself into thinking you can get away with not having checkups or looking after your oral health.

margcafe

I brush my teeth several times a day when home, visit dentist twice a year for check ups, cleans and maintence when needed. I enjoy going to my dentist which l have for over 45 years and price is not a issue:-)

heeleen

I am not in a health fund as I cannot afford it, I put a few dollars away for dental care and when I have enough I pay for a clean and checkup, but dental care is so expensive if I have to have anything done , then I have to save up for it. Its not good.

chickenman

i have regular dental checks. saves a lot of problems and maybe pain later.

sibbu

Cavities don't go away on their own, so it is important to see the dentist when you think something is wrong. Better to pay for a filling than for a tooth extraction down the track.

funnysag

No as I have health insurance to assist me.

Helen3260

Once a year do a check up with the dentist and the hygienist so it’s all at once and can prepare for the cost (minus health insurance where possible). Gives me peace of mind that everything is still okay without having to have multiple appointments

monicag8

I visit the dentist once every few years. If I am settled I visit once a year, but when travelling I visit less often. I find some dentists are good and others not so good, so if I have a good dentist I visit more frequently.

Sarahg8

I need my teeth, so while I had to put my appointment on hold because of money, I have now been able to have the work done that I needed.

Juliette31984417

absolutely - I just keep brushing my teeth and hoping for the best. THE COST is the major issue

I really wish the government would sponsor free dental care and help a vast range of Australian people with navigating rising costs, rather than targetting small politically identified minorities. Better access to dental health, government paying for dental health visits would assist many people who are in financial stress and underpriviledged. This support would assist so many people, but it is simple, wide ranging and so does not tick many political boxes or cater to divisive identity politics

kristi350

absolutely - I just keep brushing my teeth and hoping for the best. THE COST is the major issue

I really wish the government would sponsor free dental care and help a vast range of...

Agree 100%. Should have prioritised dental over NDIS. Dental issues affect more people and is less likely to be rorted. Poor dental health = poor health and higher medical needs

Juliette31984417

absolutely - I just keep brushing my teeth and hoping for the best. THE COST is the major issue

I really wish the government would sponsor free dental care and help a vast range of Australian people with navigating rising costs, rather than targetting small politically identified minorities. Better access to dental health, government paying for dental health visits would assist many people who are in financial stress and underpriviledged. This support would assist so many people, but it is simple, wide ranging and so does not tick many political boxes or cater to divisive identity politics

Stephenstein

Yes I am putting my dental appointments on hold. The expense is the reason why. I do take care of my dental health at home by brushing and flossing regularly. I have put off check ups. I only visit a dentist if there is a problem. I cannot understand why Medicard does not provide a rebate. Even with private health insurance (which I do not have) the rebate is laughable.

Johnson32281154

I keep my teeth in good health so I don't visit dentist very often.

Thank goodness too - hear my friends and colleagues from work complain how expensive dental treatment is nowadays.

Bigbear

I wish dental services were incorporated into Medicare (or Medibank back in my day) . . . I suppose it's too much for the system to bear.
I think that affordable and available oral health care is crucial to addressing inequality in Australia, I also reckon that teeth and gum problems can affect everything from your life expectancy and general health to your job prospects. I think the dental divide between rich and poor affording/non afford of dentist prices etc actually replicates disadvantage in Australian society.
So for mine, dental health should be covered by medicare, the problem is the funding won’t allow it and the current taxpayers won’t be too keen to contribute a higher Medicare levy.

nick1

No, still need to check in for at least annual checkup

katalin

I am very fortunate being able to access a dental service which provides dentistry to low income families and the elderly who have a pension card. I pay $30 dollars per visit or for dental service at no cost per visit is free if l see a student dentist who is of course under the supervision of a fully qualified dentist. Dentures if needed are gov subsidised at a low cost of $85 per single or upper and lower dentures. ‘Health ability’ community dentis.

katalin

I am very fortunate being able to access a dental service which provides dentistry to low income families and the elderly who have a pension card. I pay $30 dollars per visit or for dental service...

I’m replying to myself. It’s supposed to read dentist at the end opps l forgot the t

katalin

I am very fortunate being able to access a dental service which provides dentistry to low income families and the elderly who have a pension card. I pay $30 dollars per visit or for dental service...

I’m replying to myself. It’s supposed to read dentist at the end opps l forgot the t

Sarahg8

I have already postponed my dental appointment from November to later this month, but it is important to keep up with dental health.

chocogirl

Yes unfortunately I have neglected my dental health due to the costs of seeing a dentist. I do not like dental treatments after bad experiences during childhood and as an adult have only gone to a dentist when I have needed to due to cost. I wish dental care was made affordable.

Anonymous

I try to use my private health cover strategically to cover larger dental costs. I see the dentist when necessary but it is is very costly.

ab

When it comes to dental health, I use the 'if it isn't broken, don't try to fix it' principle.
I haven't seen a dentist in decades and even when I last did, there was nothing wrong, I was just following what was generally recommended. The result - no fillings, no cavities...nothing. I subsequently decided it wasn't worth the expense. Since then, I've brushed twice and flossed daily and that as they say is that.
I'm 65 and still no pains, cavities, or fillings.
Even though, I use toothpaste with a whitening agent, I would like my teeth a little whiter, and while dentists could probably do that better than my toothpaste can, anything they do will last right up until my next coffee, piece of chocolate, or glass of red wine... so, I stick with the limitations of whitening toothpaste. :)

pammam

I am a pensioner and tend to only depend on the Community Centre service or the emergency dentist when I have dental needs.
When I became a single mother my income was drastically reduced but I made every effort to see to my kids' dental needs.
Now I neglect myself and wish the Government would introduce a dental scheme to help older adults on limited incomes.
Luckily I own my own small unit in a Retirement village so the rate hikes have not affected me but the cost of food makes me much more frugal and I cook all my own food,
Delivery services and take away are never on my agenda.

kik

I was putting dental appointments on hold due to cost but found denticare which is a payment plan for dental work. Thank goodness as too many people leave oral health till last but it has huge affect on overall health. Mental and physical

Marian

I only go to the dentist when I absolutely have to. I don't go because of the needles in my mouth. Normally I don't have an aversion to needles at all. But when it comes to putting them into my gums, I am almost terrified. I don't even mind the drilling or the sound of it. But it's the needles that stop me from going. 😫

Ziah

Not only am I not going to the dentist because of the horrific cost ($595 for a clean? WTfrell?), but there are NO dentists operating covid-safe practices. None are ventilating their rooms, none are using air purifiers and none are using masks that fit properly and are better than surgical masks (i.e. the fit-checked N95 I wear when I leave my house), but patients obviously have to remove their masks for treatment. This is UNSAFE for patients - but particularly covid-vulnerable people like me who already has long covid (2 years and counting) and am very high risk. We need a register of any and all medical/dental settings willing to put patients' safety ahead of profits and their egos.

Ziah

Not only am I not going to the dentist because of the horrific cost ($595 for a clean? WTfrell?), but there are NO dentists operating covid-safe practices. None are ventilating their rooms, none...

Since commenting last time, I have checked my area. Still ZERO covid-safe dentists, but a basic checkup and clean is now almost $1000. Who the hell has that kind of money??? (and private health now want more than $2000/month for my personal circumstances - and with zero personal income, and partner income of only $4000/month, PHI is utterly unaffordable)I just hope my regular cleaning, flossing, rinsing with peroxide and taking calcium, D and K2 will keep my teeth strong and healthy, since there's no way I could afford that even if there were covid-safe dentists around...

Lozzy95

Yes I am putting all my healthcare needs to the side unless I need them. I did have private health but had to close the account because everything has gone up I can no longer afford it.

Deb61

I’m covered by a health fund but just have basic cover which allows me one free checkup and clean a year, so I take advantage of that every year. Otherwise I restrict my visits unless I have an issue with my teeth.

lindymay

Yes. Sadly my dental health has been neglected for years now owing to the rising costs of everything else- I know long term this isn't ideal but there isn't much choice for 'cheap dentists. Emergency visits only for us

w-alice

I have just been today. I think putting dental on hold always backfires... It always causes more trouble down the line

Kajal3258

I am scared to visit the dentist.

kik

I am scared to visit the dentist.

It can be scary. Maybe try and find a dentist like clarity dental which offer things to distract you like TV on ceiling, stopping and checking with patient and even a anxiety dog. Also other numbing methods might be best for you laughing gas instead of needles. Good luck

Marlie

i have hcf for extras like dental, even with that there are still gap fees,

APP

No. I go to dentist once a year for general check up and clean. Covered by extras on private health insurance thank goodness.

Jagman

I have had my dental appointments 'on hold' for over 20 years now. It has been that long that I have not been able to afford private health insurance, and without private health cover dental appointments are an expense that simply cannot be covered by my wage. I'm 'too rich' to qualify for a health care card but 'too poor' to be able to afford health insurance. My teeth are not in good condition, but neither have they caused me any real problems yet.

lindymay

I have had my dental appointments 'on hold' for over 20 years now. It has been that long that I have not been able to afford private health insurance, and without private health cover dental...

We are in the same position - we have had to make emergency visits though because problems do occur - especially as we get older

Harv

I have regular 6 monthly check-ups and cleaning. Currently in the process of having a broken crown replaced. We have private health cover but dental work still expensive, however we forego social activities and new things so we can afford necessities.

MumAils

I don't regularly go to the dentist. I just can't afford it. Visiting the dentist for even just a check up costs a small fortune, then if you need any work done....you can be up for big $$$$. I believe that Medicare should subsidise dental costs to help the average Australian who can't afford private dental health care. Oral health is just as important as every other part of your health. The public dental health is available but only for those who hold a health care card, the rest of us on lower incomes who aren't eligable for a health care card simply can't afford the high costs of dental treatment. I do my best to look after myself and brush twice a day.

Zoe3258

I try and go once a year. Thankfully I’ve still managed to keep my health insurance during the bad economic times so I feel like the costs aren’t as hard to manage. But I’m going to have to get rid of it in the next month sadly. Paying money all at once to just get a clean done isn’t feasible. Only rich people can afford health care. Sad that it’s the case in a country that’s supposedly lucky.

Leanne6

I currently have several broken teeth that need removing.
I need implants for teeth broken in an accident and need several fillings because I grind my teeth.
Over the last few years I have spent over $5000 at the dentist and the current work needed is over $25000.
So no, i no longer take care of my oral health.
I'm lucky if I can afford toothpaste

Mishaman

I last had my teeth checked and fixed at Toowoomba dental hospital but trying to make an appointment to see them again is very hard as it's always booked out.

Anonymous

I see my dentist when absolutely necessary. I had an implant that was very expensive. I’d like to do more cosmetic dentistry but the cost it out of my reach at present.
I take care of my dental hygiene and don’t eat sweets.

gobbytart

I go 4 monthly. No I will not put off going. Poor dental hygeine can lead to so many health issues both short term and long term and will work out more expensive in the long run. Loss of earnings due to sickness and death. Need for dentures when teeth rot and fall out, Cardiac health etc etc,etc.

tsre0001

Head to Periodontist four times a year plus (try to remember to ) visit dentist annually also!

davewave21

I cannot afford it after being scammed badly. Also , I rarely go to the dentist anyway. I have been led to believe that the injection they give for anesthetic is laced with Graphene Oxide which is part of the plan of the New World Order to control the minds of the people. My trust in the medical industry since the Plandemic is very low and that extends to dentists.

Leanne6

I cannot afford it after being scammed badly. Also , I rarely go to the dentist anyway. I have been led to believe that the injection they give for anesthetic is laced with Graphene Oxide ...

.... conspiracy theories about dentists.
That's new

Gallimac

Sadly yes. I damaged my front tooth a year ago and just have no money spare to have it fixed. In the meantime I will just continue hiding my mouth behind my hand, at least that I can afford!

Leanne6

Sadly yes. I damaged my front tooth a year ago and just have no money spare to have it fixed. In the meantime I will just continue hiding my mouth behind my hand, at least that I can afford!

This!!!
I don't smile with my mouth open anymore.

SamP78

I have private health insurance specifically for these types of things so that I don’t have to say no to things regarding my health.

eyg

very important to brush at least twice a day ,floss as well.
I also have a mouth wash which also helps.
And 2 visits every year for a check and clean

Keerah1

Yes. I’ve had a tooth ache since 1st Jan 2024. The cost for a filling can be around $300. Plus I’ll need a clean. I have other bills to pay first.

Theboys

I go every six months. Dont want false teeth ever.

Crystal92

I've not been to a dentist in years i simply cannot afford it. I just brush my teeth twice a day everyday.

jilln

I am in a health fund so go for my yearly check ups as there is no out of pocket expenses for checkups and cleans.

chickenman

i still keep regular dental appointments

ray3258

I only go when it is part of the annual check up.

Wayne

The dentist has always been pricey and nearly unaffordable. We had to save for two years for each child's visit as they were growing up. We only went to the free dental for ourselves (wife & I ) because of the cost.

aunty gran

I love my dentist but dislike going, l too have dental anxiety however he is aware and is excellent such a change from the torture of the my childhood in the 60s. I do go usually twice yearly for preventable medical reasons not just oral hygiene. There are many medical issues that poor dental hygiene negatively impact on. Yes it is expensive event with extras but l do budget for it.

Jezemeg8

I've not been to a dentist for years, I simply cannot afford to go. Before I became and Aged Pensioner I was on a Disability Support Pension. There is no way that I can afford private health insurance and universal Medibank cover simply didn't include dental care! I'm glad that apparently things are changing soon in this regard, I hope it comes to pass, as I know that I have several dental issues that need addressing!

Zaza747

Yes so have been on hold but not completely. Once every 2 years for a teeth clean!

Jude30693100

I would like to have a 6 monthly check up schedule but with the cost of living rising, I generally go yearly. I also have dental anxiety so put it off from time to time though I know I shouldn't. It might be dental but also financial anxiety in case I can't afford more than a check up!

Macko

I keep up 6 monthly checks. It saves in the long run. Just put $5 a week in an envelope and you will have plenty when check-up time comes. That is if you do not have private health. Cheaper than buying a cup of coffee. Dentures are very expensive and not nice at all

site77

Yes, I go to the dentist regularly, but it is really very expensive and the x-rays they always ask for too, without agreements and health insurance it is very difficult and the public system is very precarious, we know that oral health is responsible for being healthy and interferes with general conditions of health, but the public system has to innovate and greatly improve care for those who cannot pay and even those who can, whethe for dentacare, have difficulties and resort to dental plans that could be more accessible to the population as a whole.

Libbazz

Yes dental health is only attended to when urgently required due to high cost of dental care. It cost me $438 to get a new filling in one tooth. I was shellshocked by the excessive cost for one filling.

Wayne

Yes dental health is only attended to when urgently required due to high cost of dental care. It cost me $438 to get a new filling in one tooth. I was shellshocked by the excessive cost for one...

It would have been cheaper to have it removed. & the dentists and pollies wonder why Australia's dental health is so poor.

bernmar

I cant afford to go to dentist

Melocracy

I still go every 6 months for my check up and clean. This is 100% covered by my private health insurance fund if I use one of their "preferred providers". I may have to drive a few extra minutes to visit one, but it saves me paying any money. I have only needed 1 filling in the last few years which I only paid $50 for out of pocket, which is okay. I feel it's important to keep up regular checks and get on top of any issues early.

Zanyt

I do get my 6 monthly check ups which is free with health insurance but if you do not have health insurance I can see why people are putting it off as it costs around $200 just for a check up. I heard today that the Government is looking at extending Medicare to cover dental check ups which will be a wonderful idea as poor dental health can cause other health issues which in turn puts more stress on the stretched health system.

Zanyt

I do get my 6 monthly check ups which is free with health insurance but if you do not have health insurance I can see why people are putting it off as it costs around $200 just for a check up. I heard today that the Government is looking at extending Medicare to cover dental check ups which will be a wonderful idea as poor dental health can cause other health issues which in turn puts more stress on the stretched health system.

mulbs

Still have six monthly check ups, and claim back on health insurance extras, do get a small refund.

bube

I think dental health is very imported and i get my 2 dental checkups and cleaning done every year

Rojan3255

it's important for individuals to prioritize their oral health. While financial considerations can be a factor, neglecting dental care may lead to more significant and costly issues later. Exploring affordable options, like dental insurance or community clinics, could be helpful.

Parsimony

One of the enduring tenants of the Bjelke Petersen times in Qld is that Seniors get access to 'free' dental care. While there are significant wait times for routine work, emergency or more critical stuff happens quicker.
In most cases there is a 'voucher system' that allows you to access a private dentist for assessment and straight forward care while a referral to Qld Oral Health occurs for more complex needs.
Like most Qld Health services, I find the clinicians there excellent even though the Qld systems are archaic, do not support their clinicians and not fit for purpose.

BCafeS15

Thank goodness for no gaps dental. They don’t charge the gap so this is not a concern for me.

adelaidesurfer

Health is important. Just trying to find time, and availability of dentists is sometimes difficult. If you shop around you can get better value for money including shopping aroumd for insurance companies that cover dental fees.

DeNiro

Haven't been able to afford dental visits for about 3 or 4 visits now. I have rotting teeth and my breath smells terrible, but what's a girl to do??

wendel

I visit our local Government Dental unit when needed, now I have all false teeth, it's a breeze looking after them, no need for drills, etc anymore. bargain.

marktime

actually i have just had my teeth checked, i would say Business was not getting any replies to text messages, so they actually rang me to say 12 months were up ie i probably didn't take any notice of of original 6month text or letter so by ringing, they put me on the spot and being pretty weak i said yes. Previously i had only been about once in 9 years.

catho

I put off dental visits due to other family health issues. Private health insurance covers 2x checkup + clean per year. My dentist insists that this is imperative to ensure less overall damage to my teeth. I now agree: after 20+ small fillings due to infested house mold -> I developed a dry cough, and the only way to get to sleep was cough lollies. Of course these are full of sugar and during the night my teeth suffered...... You have to go to the dentist to find this out.

Anonymous

I brush 2 xs a day. I go to the dentist only when needed

kezwaar

I’m in a health find and it still costs the earth to get anything done. I hold off till the last minute to go.

jjdrer

I have TOP extras cover with Bupa. Now that I have had it for the required number of years I get 2 free checkups per year. The cost of dental now it is well worth it. Because of some problems I had to have xrays and it covered them in full too.

ladylucy666

I still go every 6 months. The long term costs far outweigh "maintenance" costs.

Timbo

I am with HCF for private Health Insurance and have Extras Cover which has a generous allowance for dental work. I get a dental checkup every 6 months. I have paid out a lot of money to have dental work done in the past so I value good dental health and so I am meticulous now about regular and thorough teeth cleaning. This takes 5 minutes twice a day and includes pre-rinse, tooth-picking, flossing, water-flossing, brushing using sensitive toothpaste with a sensitive head on an electric toothbrush followed by a final rinse.

GreenLego

I get 2 "free" check ups per year as part of medical insurance. I have zero problems with my teeth and never have.

Use electric toothbrush, and oral irrigator (like Water Pik).

musicmum

Can't afford to go to a dentist, and the public system is hopeless. I have decaying teeth and recently had a bout of pain and annoyance from a back molar that is nearly all gone. I use homeopathics, boost my immune system with Vitamin C, Olive leaft extract and also use propolis directly on the teeth. You can also use clove oil on the pain and just spit out the excess. I rinse my mouth with salted water and have celery juice every morning where I rinse my mouth before swallowing. It all helps and luckily it subsided and I am no longer in pain, until the next time. I didn't even need to take pain killers. What did people do before we had dentists?

Kiki Chiki

Hi musicmum.
You can't afford not to go to a dentist. Your routine is not adequate to ensure good dental health and that means that your general health will be impacted adversely. Before we...

That's easy to say but dental work is expensive and not everyone can afford private health. Public wait lists are long and many places regionally and rurally have few dentists, as like Dr's, they earn more in metro areas so they prefer to consult there.

musicmum

Oil of Cloves is good for tooth ache too. My pharmacy promotes some natural remedies for people who are interested. Warning - it will also make your tongue numb if you get any on it.

Yes you have to be careful, use a cotton bud, and can numb the gum around sore tooth, also make sure clove oil is pure, preferable organic.

jjdrer

Can't afford to go to a dentist, and the public system is hopeless. I have decaying teeth and recently had a bout of pain and annoyance from a back molar that is nearly all gone. I use...

Oil of Cloves is good for tooth ache too. My pharmacy promotes some natural remedies for people who are interested. Warning - it will also make your tongue numb if you get any on it.

musicmum

Hi musicmum.
You can't afford not to go to a dentist. Your routine is not adequate to ensure good dental health and that means that your general health will be impacted adversely. Before we...

See my reply above, did not put it in the right place.

musicmum

Can't afford to go to a dentist, and the public system is hopeless. I have decaying teeth and recently had a bout of pain and annoyance from a back molar that is nearly all gone. I use...

Thank you for your concern Timbo, but really I cannnot afford dental care. I am not working and a full time carer. The public health system for dental care is woeful. My teeth are fine for my age really, I am dealing with it, naturally and successfully with my methods. I cannot stop the damage caused by mercury fillings done when I was very young, they are the only teeth that has had decay, no others. My health is excellent, I never even get a cold.

Timbo

Can't afford to go to a dentist, and the public system is hopeless. I have decaying teeth and recently had a bout of pain and annoyance from a back molar that is nearly all gone. I use...

Hi musicmum.
You can't afford not to go to a dentist. Your routine is not adequate to ensure good dental health and that means that your general health will be impacted adversely. Before we had dentists people suffered terrible dental pain unnecessarily and often people became sick and died because of poor dental hygiene. In the interests of your own health I urge you to investigate how you can get better dental care.

musicmum

Can't afford to go to a dentist, and the public system is hopeless. I have decaying teeth and recently had a bout of pain and annoyance from a back molar that is nearly all gone. I use...

And I will not use anything with fluoride because it is a neurotoxin. In fact it makes your teeth worse in the long run. Clean with natural toothpaste and don't scrub too hard, use a very soft toothbrush.

Bigbear

My regular Dentist has retired and the replacement one has boosted the prices a tad higher than I can afford for bi-annual checkups, fillings and cleanups.
Nowadays I floss and brush twice daily using recommended circular motion for the full two minutes using my oral b electric toothbrush and 'medium' normal brush.
I use varying brands of toothpaste as I think it's all marketing and they're all same so any toothpaste is fine.
I enjoy to drink some water and let my saliva do it's job and brush a tad later after consuming meals.

Rose31647602

I am finding it more difficult to attend six monthly appointments for myself and children.
After COVID things changed dramatically and finding the money for dentist gets shoved to the bottom of the list.
This is sad as it should be subsidised.

cjc1959au

I am finding it more difficult to attend six monthly appointments for myself and children.
After COVID things changed dramatically and finding the money for dentist gets shoved to the bottom of...

There are many subsidised options available to help children not only keep their teeth, but also the best way to look after them.

mazzab2003

I have not been to a dentist for years as I am totally terrified after being physically and orally abused by one when I was 12 years old and that is something I have never forgotten ... I use Colgate Pax mouthwash daily and brush with either Oral B or McCleans toothpaste at least twice per day (sometimes more, depending on the occasion). I l also use an electric toothbrush, I am 76 years old and still have all my own teeth so I am obviously doing something right.

Zanyt

I go to the dentist twice a year for a check up to make sure that there are no little problems that can turn into big problems if left. It would be a good idea if you could claim dental work on medicare as problems with rotten teeth cause other health issues.

Juliette31984417

I just wish there would be an extension of medicare and public health services into the dental arena, dentistry costs a lot of money and yet impacts greatly on quality of health and general life style. I just wish companies from overseas would pay their fair share of taxes so that we can fund health care including dental for a wider range of people in Australia

Kate3259

I have definitely put mine and my husband’s dental care on old with the increase of cost of living.
We both need a crown each. Our 5 year old needed $2,500 dental work done this year though so he came first.

Ellessri

I brush and floss twice a day and make sure I get a check up annually, for me its more about being time poor, my dentist has limityed hours outside the standard 9 - 5 so I often have to book up to 3 months in advance

kidwithsmurf

I find going for checkups every 6 months is beneficial. Yes you may brush twice a day and floss as often as you can, but there are always plaque and hidden things that the brush and floss may not get rid off without a professional clean. Likewise, you may not be able to see or feel a tooth that has a crack or needs a filling and or mouth issues. Even if you can't afford to go to the dentist every 6 months, at least once a year is better than nothing. Plus, we only get one set of teeth and you can have the best teeth hygiene and still have problems. But I'd rather have problems knowing I did the best to make the only set of teeth I will get in my lifetime the best they could be.

Your teeth are connected to your brain and there are multiple nerves in the oral cavity that attach to your brain... Therefore if your teeth are bad they can directly affect your brain in certain circumstances. Therefore, even if you think your teeth are doing well you may have other issues or symptoms caused by them. Therefore, I further recommend getting at least a 1 yearly check up where possible.

Hence the age old saying, if you leave it until you see it or feel it... then it may be already too late. It's best to find problems as early as possible and only way to do that is by visiting the dentist if you can afford it.

Overall, I recommend finding a dentist you are happy with and going once a year at least to get that expert clean and to make sure there isn't anything else that you can't see or feel going on.

jtmorri

I brush my teeth twice a day, floss when I remember. I don't have any cavities and I haven't been to the dentist in over 23 years. My teeth and gums are healthy. I have health insurance for dental but I never use it. I haven't had a checkup in all this time either and find dentists and doctors a waste on money when you are healthy and look after yourself.