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Questions & answers

More about Bupa Dental, my oral health and my appointment

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• How often should I visit my dentist?

  Everyone’s needs are different, so have a chat to your dentist about how often you need to have your teeth checked by them based on the condition of your mouth, teeth and gums. It’s recommended that children see their dentist at least once a year.

  Generally, your dentist may suggest six-monthly check-ups, or even more frequently if you are at a greater risk for gum disease or cavities. High-risk factors can include having diabetes, being a smoker, or a family history of dental problems such as plaque build-up and decay.

• What will happen at my first Bupa Dental appointment?

  • When you arrive, we’ll ask you to fill out a short medical history form. This ensures we have the necessary information to give you treatment that’s most suitable for you and your health needs. Our friendly staff will be nearby to answer any questions that you might have.
    
    
  • Your dentist will meet with you to discuss any needs and concerns before examining your teeth, gums, and jaw. Your teeth will be assessed for signs of decay. If you have any fillings, crowns, or other previous dental work, we’ll also check that they’re still intact and functioning correctly. Other areas that may be examined are the soft tissues of your mouth (such as your tongue and the inside of your cheeks), your bite, salivary glands, and lymph nodes. Essentially, your dentist will be looking for signs of any possible issues that could affect your oral and overall health.
    
    
  • Depending on your circumstances, we may take radiographs (X-rays), moulds, and conduct an oral cancer screening. Everyone is different, and some people may need more attention in certain areas; we’ll explain these steps to you beforehand, keeping you informed throughout the check-up.
    
    
  • The dentist will explain the results of your assessment and develop a treatment plan for you. We’re always happy to discuss any questions you might have about your treatment plan, so don’t hesitate to ask!
    
    
  • Your dentist or dental hygienist may then professionally clean your teeth. We believe strongly in patient education, so we’ll also discuss oral hygiene techniques and recommend next steps in your oral health journey.

• Why are regular dental assessments so important?

  Regular dental check-ups are a chance for your dentist to have a complete look at your teeth, mouth and gums, to detect and treat any problems early on if necessary, or prevent them from developing altogether. It’s rare that a dental issue goes away on its own, so early detection, treatment, and prevention can save you money, time, and discomfort. Issues like gum disease and oral cancer can also have serious consequences to your health if they aren’t addressed early enough.

  In addition to assessments, having your teeth regularly cleaned by a professional can further reduce your risk of developing other dental and health problems. Almost 50% of Australian children experience tooth decay by age 12¹ and almost 90% of tooth loss is due to conditions that are preventable with proper dental care¹.

  
  ¹ Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Chrisopoulos S & Harford JE 2013. Oral health and dental care in Australia: key facts and figures 2012. Cat. no. DEN 224. Canberra: AIHW.

• How do I know if my teeth are healthy?

  Some problems won’t be noticeable to you at home, which is why it’s important to get regular check-ups (this is doubly true if you have a history of decay). For instance, gum disease often develops without people noticing and they may only act on it when they experience bleeding gums or severe discomfort.

  There are some warning signs that you can spot yourself. Look out for:

  • gums that are swollen, tender, bleed when you brush or floss, or appear red (gums should be a pale pink colour)
  • oral pain, especially while chewing
  • persistent bad breath
  • loose teeth
  • consistent bad taste in mouth
  • teeth that are unusually sensitive to temperature.

  If you notice any of these signs, contact your local Bupa Dental practice to schedule an appointment.

• How can I improve my oral hygiene?

  • Be sure to brush at least twice per day, using a gentle, circular motion. If you’ve just eaten, wait 30 minutes to brush, since highly acidic or starchy food can soften your enamel. Don’t forget to brush your tongue - bacteria love to accumulate here.
    
    
  • Remove plaque by flossing at least once a day. Gently move the floss up and down the sides of each tooth, as well as around the gum line.
    
    
  • After brushing and flossing, rinse with water. You can also use antibacterial or fluoride mouthwash (avoid giving fluoride rinses to children younger than six). Since different people can benefit from different rinses, speak with your dentist about which product is best for you.
    
    
  • Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or when you see the brush head is worn and bristly.
    
    
  • Avoid snacking on sugary or acidic foods.
    
    
  • Swap sugary beverages like juice or fizzy drinks for tap water.
    
    
  • Chew sugar-free gums, which can stimulate saliva production. Saliva is one of your mouth’s best natural defences against bacteria and plaque!

• Why is my tooth sore?

  Oral pain can happen for a lot of different reasons. Take note of some details of pain you’re feeling, like whether it’s dull, sharp, or throbbing. Also take notice of when the pain occurs, such as when you bite down. Your dentist will have a number of ways to identify any problems, but extra information can help solve the issue more quickly.

  Common causes for toothaches include:

  • tooth decay
  • gum disease
  • inflammation of tooth pulp (the tissue in the centre of your tooth)
  • impacted teeth (often caused by wisdom teeth)
  • dental abscess (a serious infection)

  If you’re experiencing pain in your teeth or mouth, contact your local Bupa Dental practice to schedule an appointment.

• Do you accept all health funds?

  We do! If you’re not a Bupa member, you’ll still be eligible for all the same benefits you’re currently entitled to with your fund, depending on your level of cover and yearly limits. It’s always best to contact your health fund directly to confirm the details of your cover.

  Bupa members enjoy a variety of other benefits, such as gap free for most kids dental on selected covers. Up to your yearly limits at Members First providers* and certainty of out-of-pocket costs on most dental items**.

  Speak with your local Bupa Dental clinic or contact us online if you’re interested in finding out more.

  *Fund and policy rules, waiting periods apply. Child dependants only. Excludes orthodontics and hospital treatment. Available on all family packages, Ultimate Health Cover, Silver, Gold and Platinum Extras cover when taken with hospital cover on a family membership.

  **When treatment is provided by a Members First provider. Fund and policy rules, waiting periods and yearly limits apply. Excludes orthodontic and hospital treatments.

• What does my insurance cover?

  All health insurance policies are different and coverage for dental services can vary, so we recommend that you speak with your health insurance provider for details.

  Bupa members with extras cover are covered for 60% - 100% back on most dental items (yearly limits apply)*.

  Bupa members, if you’d like to find out more about how you’re covered for your next dental treatment, call 134 135 or visit your local Bupa Centre.

  *For most items at all Members First extras providers covering dental. Excludes orthodontics and hospital treatments. Fund and policy rules and waiting periods apply.

• What is the difference between going to a Bupa Dental clinic and going to a Members First practice?

  Bupa Dental is a Members First practice.

  With the appropriate Extras cover, Bupa members can enjoy the same benefits at Bupa Dental and Bupa Members First practices, including certainty of out-of-pocket costs on most dental items*. All practices are accredited to National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards, reinforcing our commitment to an outstanding customer experience.

  Price certainty and customer-centred care is about eliminating guesswork and making you feel as comfortable as possible.

  *When treatment is provided by a Members First provider, which includes Bupa Dental. Fund and policy rules, waiting periods and yearly limits apply. Excludes orthodontics and hospital treatments.

• Is Bupa Dental gap free?

  Bupa Dental is a Members First provider for Bupa members, meaning you will get between 60% and 100% back for most dental items up to your yearly limits*. Log into myBupa, call 134 135 or visit your local Bupa Centre for more information.

  We also offer on-the-spot claiming with HICAPS, allowing you to simply swipe your Bupa card.

  Bupa offers gap free for most kids' dental on selected covers. Up to your yearly limits at Members First providers**. Jump here to read more.

  *For most items at all Members First providers. Excludes orthodontics and hospital treatments. Fund and policy rules, waiting periods and yearly limits apply.

  **Fund and policy rules, waiting periods apply. Child dependants only. Excludes orthodontics and hospital treatment. Available on all family packages, Ultimate Health Cover, Silver, Gold and Platinum Extras cover when taken with hospital cover on a family membership.

• How much do I get back from Bupa?

  Depending on the level of Extras cover you have, you’ll be covered between 60% to 100% back when you visit a Bupa Dental clinic or a Members First dental provider*.

  You can log into myBupa to check your cover. If you’d like to find out more about changing your level of cover, click here to read more.

  Bupa also provides gap free for most kids dental on selected covers, up to your yearly limits at Members First providers**.

  For more information, contact Bupa on 134 135 or visit a Bupa Centre.

  *For most items at all Members First providers. Excludes orthodontics and hospital treatments. Fund and policy rules, waiting periods and yearly limits apply.

  **Fund and policy rules, waiting periods apply. Child dependants only. Excludes orthodontics and hospital treatment. Available on all family packages, Ultimate Health Cover, Silver, Gold and Platinum Extras cover when taken with hospital cover on a family membership.

• What is the level of my cover?

  The best place to access your policy details is through the myBupa website.

  If you’d like to speak with a customer service representative, please call 134 135 or visit your local Bupa Centre. If you’d like to find out more about changing your level of cover, click here to read more.

• Who is entitled to No Gap Kids Dental and what is covered?

  Get gap free for most kids' dental on selected covers, up to your yearly limits at Members First providers*. This includes check-ups, cleans, x-rays, fillings, and more.

  For more information, contact Bupa on 134 135 or visit a Bupa Centre.

  *Fund and policy rules, waiting periods apply. Child dependants only. Excludes orthodontics and hospital treatment. Available on all family packages, Ultimate Health Cover, Silver, Gold and Platinum Extras cover when taken with hospital cover on a family membership.

• Will I see a different dentist every visit?

  If you prefer, we’ll try to schedule you with the same dentist each visit.

  You may see a different dentist in a few instances (for example, if you need an urgent appointment). However, our Bupa Dental clinics usually have smaller teams who you can get to know quickly! To learn more about the dentists at your local Bupa Dental, visit their practice page by clicking "more info" on your selected clinic here.