Dental health is important and necessary to overall health

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Why is dental health important?

Not taking regular care of your teeth can result in tooth decay which can lead to serious and painful complications such as fillings, crowns and extractions. Without proper treatment, tooth decay can cause holes which can even create infections in your tooth’s nerve. If the nerve dies, you may need root canal treatment. In serious cases, the tooth might need to be removed. Lack of proper dental hygiene can create a build-up of plaque which attacks teeth and leads to gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease causes irritation and inflammation. In serious cases, it can destroy the bone supporting your teeth.

Statistics

67,000

Number of hospitalisations for dental conditions in 2019–20 that might have been prevented with earlier treatment.

48%

Nearly half of all Australians over 15 saw a dental professional in 2021.

7 in 10

Children in Australia aged 5–14 brush their teeth twice a day with toothpaste.

46.1 million

The number of dental services that were subsidised by private health insurers.

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Dental health programs and support

Manage diabetes to improve oral health

If you have diabetes, you’re at greater risk of facing oral health problems. Bacteria can grow in sweet environments, so uncontrolled blood glucose levels can lead to a greater risk of mouth and gum infections.

CBHS Better Living programs can offer expert guidance and advice to help you cope with some of the health challenges associated with diabetes, that can also affect your dental health.

You’ll need to hold an appropriate level of CBHS Hospital Cover or packaged product to take part.

Regular dental check-ups

Routine dental checks are important in the prevention, early detection, and treatment of caries, gingivitis and periodontitis.

Dental services are covered on all CBHS Extras and packaged policies, starting with a basic level of cover that includes examinations, fillings, x-rays, consults and the removal of calculus, to unlimited preventative and general dental on Top Extras. You can avoid out-of-pocket expenses by choosing a dentist from the CBHS Dental Choice Network.

Major dental surgery

The most comprehensive CBHS Extras or packaged cover includes major dental work such as crowns, bridges, dentures and root canal treatment.

If you need to be admitted to hospital for dental surgery, call our Member Care team on 1300 654 123 to check your cover first. We can tell you what your Hospital policy covers.

By choosing an agreement hospital you’re more likely to keep your out-of-pocket expenses down.

_SOURCES

_{https://www.dentalhealth.org/}
_{https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-data/health-conditions-disability-deaths/dental-oral-health/reports}
_{https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gum-disease}
_{https://www.ada.org.au/Your-Dental-Health/Home}
_{https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/blog/juices-and-acid-erosion-in-teeth}
_{https://www.cbhs.com.au/health-well-being-blog/blog-article/2020/03/20/how-to-look-after-your-teeth-and-gums}
_{https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/gum-disease-and-the-connection-to-heart-disease}
_{https://www.dementia.org.au/support-and-services/families-and-friends/personal-care/dental-care}

_{All information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only. The information provided should not be relied upon as medical advice and does not supersede or replace a consultation with a suitably qualified healthcare professional.}

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