Keeping a healthy mouth is more than just about your teeth. Your mouth is the gateway to your body and is an important part of your general health and well-being. Good oral health helps to protect your body by reducing the risk of some infections and diseases.
A healthy mouth helps with eating, drinking and generally making you feel good about yourself.
Dental problems can cause pain, tooth sensitivity, discomfort when eating and sleeping.
Keeping your children’s teeth healthy
When children are little, it is the best time for them to learn lifelong habits.
- Offer a cup from around 6 months of age. Boil tap water until 12 months of age.
- It is recommended to stop the bottle at around 12 months of age.
- Start brushing when your baby's first tooth appears. Use kid's toothpaste (low in fluoride) from 18 months of age.
- Have their teeth checked by their first birthday and every year after that.
Keeping your family's teeth healthy
Aboriginal dental clinics
Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) deliver a holistic and culturally appropriate health services to communities. Some ACCHOs provide dental care for their patients. Each ACCHO may have different eligibility criteria and appointment processes for their dental programs such as:
- must have a health check (715) before appointment
- must have proof of Aboriginality
- must be a regular GP client
Contact your local ACCHO for more information.
The
Dalarinji Oral Health Clinic in Sydney offers support state-wide to provide high quality oral health care in a safe and respectful environment.
Public dental services
Children under 18 years old with a Medicare card are eligible for free dental care through NSW Public Dental Services. Parents or guardians must sign a Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) Bulk Billing Patient Consent Form. If a child is not eligible for CDBS or has already used their benefit, care is still provided at no cost. For more information visit Child Dental Benefits Schedule.
NSW Public Dental Services also provide free dental care to adults who have a Medicare card and either hold or are listed as a dependent on a valid Australian Government concession card.
To access NSW Public Dental Services call: 1800 679 336 or visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/dental
To find a private dentist visit
Find-a-Dentist.