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Wellbeing

Oral Health Information

A healthy mouth is important to your general health and wellbeing. Managing your oral health well can prevent tooth decay, bad breath and gum disease.

Having a healthy mouth can also impact on how we feel about ourselves. If we do not have teeth and gums that look healthy we may smile less, or perhaps go out with our friends and family less as we have less confidence in our appearance.

It is important to remember that it is never too late to improve our oral health, sometimes it can be just a matter of taking that first step to go and ask for help. You might like to do this at your next health professional visit. You can also contribute to your own oral health by brushing your teeth morning and night, drinking plain tap water and limiting how often you have sugary foods and drinks.

Looking after your oral health now will ensure that you are looking after your overall health and wellbeing now and into the future.

How can I seek help with my Dental Care?

There are a few options for accessing dental care, and some of these have little or no cost.

SA Dental Service has public dental clinics for adults and children. To be eligible to attend a Community Dental Clinic, adults (or their adult dependents) need a current Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card. Clients are usually required to pay a contribution to the cost of their care. Staff will discuss fees before starting treatment. If you are experiencing severe financial hardship, speak to staff about your payment options. Emergency care will always be provided.

At the School Dental Service, dental care is FREE for all babies, children not yet at school and most children to age 17.

In the case of a dental emergency – phone Healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222

Private dental clinics are also available. You may be able to claim the cost of treatment through your private dental cover. Clinics are listed on the Australian Dental Association website or in the Yellow Pages.

Downloads

  • Oral Health Information – Medications and your oral health

    Sometimes medications may cause you to have a dry mouth which increases your risk of tooth decay, oral infections and gum disease. This information will help you manage your oral health and medications. Provided by SA Dental Service, Department of Health, Government of South Australia.

    Download Oral-Health-Information—Medications-and-your-oral-health.pdf [278.95kb]

  • Oral Health Information – SA Dental Service Clinic List

    Need help with managing your Oral Health? To be eligible to attend a Community Dental Clinic, adults (or their adult dependents) need a current Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card. Clients are usually required to pay a contribution to the cost of their care. Staff will discuss fees before starting treatment. At the School Dental Service, dental care is FREE for all babies, children not yet at school and most children to age 17.

    Download Oral-Health-Information—SA-Dental-Service-Clinic-List.pdf [43.62kb]

  • Oral Health Information – Your Oral Health

    This information will help you understand that a healthy mouth is important to your general health and wellbeing (A4 size). Provided by SA Dental Service, SA Health, Government of South Australia.

    Download Oral-Health-Information—Your-Oral-Health.pdf [4.10kb]

  • Oral Health Information – Your Oral Health

    Your oral health is important, this poster will help with ideas and tips, for managing your oral health, in a step-by-step approach (A4 Poster). Provided by SA Dental Service, SA Health, Government of South Australia.

Download Oral-Health-Information—Your-Oral-Health.pdf [528.59kb]

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