Teenagers

At Richmond Fine Dentistry we understand that teenagers need extra support and care. We are involved in the Medicare Teen Dental Plan.

On 1 July 2008, the Australian Government introduced the Medicare Teen Dental Plan to help with the cost of an annual preventative dental check for eligible teenagers aged 12-17years. The program aims to make it more affordable for families to keep their teenager’s teeth in good health.

You are an eligible Teen if you are:

• aged 12-17 years
• receiving ABSTUDY, Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension, Parenting Payment, Special Benefit, Youth Allowance; or
• whose family/carer/guadian received Family Tax Benefit Part A (FTB-A), or Parenting payment, or the Double Orphan Pension for the teenager; or
• whose partner receives FTB-A or Parenting Payment; or
• 16 or older and receiving financial assistance under the Veterans’ Children Education Scheme (VCES) or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme (MRCAETS) from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
• eligible to claim Medicare benefits

You will be advised of your eligibility when a letter and voucher is sent to the teenager, family or carer receiving the government payment. This voucher entitles the teen to *$153.45 per year once you have had a preventive dental check. Only the person named on the voucher can use it and it must be used within the calendar year it is issued. 
* Benefit as at Jan 2009

If you believe you are eligible but have not received a voucher contact Medicare on 132011 or visit any Medicare office.

The preventative dental check must consist of an oral examination and if necessary:

• take radiographs (x-rays)
• provide scale and clean
• provide  fluoride treatment
• give you oral hygiene instructions
• provide dietary advice
• seal pits or cracks in a tooth (fissure sealing)

This information was updated 1/7/2009 and changes may occur.

For more information:

Call Medicare Australia on 132 150 or visit www.health.gov.au/dental.

Diet:

Some young adults become very conscious of a good diet. Others start substituting fast foods for regular nutritious meals. ‘Eating on the go’ and frequent snacking can become common. Teeth can be affected by these eating patterns as well as by the types of food and drinks that are consumed.

• Acidic foods and drinks can ‘erode’ enamel from teeth if consumed too frequently or sipped for a long period of time and held in the mouth. Acidic drinks include soft drinks (diet and regular), wine, cordials, fruit juices, fruit drinks and sports drinks. Acidity can also be a problem with some foods that are considered ‘healthy’, such as citrus fruits or salad dressings made of vinegar, if such foods are consumed too frequently.
• Saliva is the body’s natural defence against tooth decay – constantly washing away acids and replenishing minerals in teeth. Give saliva time to work by limiting the number of times you eat each day. A good general rule is to limit eating times to 5 each day – 3 meals + 2 snacks.
• ‘Tooth friendly’ snack choices such as nuts, unsalted popcorn, cheese, fruits and vegetables are to be encouraged over less healthy snacks of the sugary, sticky type, such as lollies or muesli bars. Keep healthy snack choices ready and visible to ‘grab on the go’.
• You do not need to eliminate ALL the foods and drinks that can have a bad effect on teeth. If tooth decay or erosion of enamel is a problem for you, even small changes that substitute some more ‘tooth friendly’ choices each day can help.
• Drinking lots of water can be a healthy, practical and money saving alternative to sugary or acidic drinks. Be aware that not all bottled water has fluoride in it. Drinking bottled water exclusively may not give you the daily fluoride protection you need.

Bad Breath:

• Bad breath can have many causes such as smoking, gum disease, foods and drinks or gastric reflux.
• Thorough daily cleaning, including brushing the tongue, is the best defence against bad breath. Do not use sugary mints or sugary gum to freshen your breath as these can cause decay if used frequently. On occasion when you do not have time to brush, use sugarless gum or mouthrinse. If bad breath persists, a dental professional can help you identify the cause and find solutions. Remember, rinses and gum is not a substitute for daily brushing and flossing!

Tongue and Lip Piercing:

• There are risks of infection with any body piercing procedures. Individuals should ensure that instruments to be used have been properly sterilized beforehand to avoid the risk of Hepatitis B and C, tetanus or HIV. Barbells in the tongue can chip or break teeth. Gums can also be damaged if a piercing rubs against the gum. This is of particular concern with lip (la bret) piercing.
• Watch the size and position of barbells in the tongue so teeth will not be damaged. You should also be aware of the position of la bret piercings to ensure they do not rub against the gum and NEVER sleep with peircings in.