MEDIA AT BRISBANE SMILE Boutique dentists

Health Fund benefits: Use them or lose them before the end of the year

The end of the financial year usually means getting our tax affairs sorted but If you have a health fund that covers dental expenses, it may rollover at the end of the calendar year and could be an idea to take advantage of dental benefits in case they expire on January 1 2024. Health funds that reset on July 1 include AHM, Navy Health, and Peoplecare health funds.

Dr Leila Haywood

25 years of preventive dental treatment experience

Regular dental checks and professional cleanings prevent more serious dental problems, such as cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss, and addressing dental issues early on can save costly and time consuming treatments.

Use dental extras or lose them

Using health fund benefits before the end of the year is a way to avoid losing any unused coverage benefits. Many health funds have annual limits on the amount you can claim for dental services, and any unused benefits may not roll over into the next financial year.

It is important to check your policy details or speak to your health fund directly about your level of dental extras cover, with most health funds covering basic dental services such as checks, cleanings, and fillings, but coverage for more complex procedures such as root canals or orthodontics usually varies according to the level of major dental cover.

Make the most of your cover

Understanding dental treatments that are covered and health fund benefits may assist in planning your dental treatment. Feel welcome to chat to the friendly team at Brisbane Smile Boutique Dental Practice to get a quote and item numbers, so you can get in touch with your health fund to check your level of cover and benefits more complex dental procedures.  Our practice also has a direct quote facility where we are able to swipe your health fund card and contact your health fund to ask for an immediate coverage quote.

If you are unsure if your health fund resets in the financial or calendar year, there are simple ways to check, or you can get in touch with your provider and review your policy inclusions at the same time to make sure you are using the most of your dental benefits to keep on top of your preventive dental care here at Brisbane Smile Boutique.

Read More

Health Fund benefits: Use them or lose them before JULY 2024

The end of the financial year usually means getting our tax affairs sorted but If you have a health fund that covers dental expenses, it may rollover at the end of the calendar year and could be an idea to take advantage of dental benefits in case they expire on January 1 2024. Health funds that reset on July 1 include AHM, Navy Health, and Peoplecare health funds.

Dr Leila Haywood

25 years of preventive dental treatment experience

The end of the financial year usually means getting our tax affairs sorted but If you have a health fund that covers dental expenses, it may rollover at the end of the calendar year and could be an idea to take advantage of dental benefits in case they expire. Health funds that reset on July 1 2024, include AHM, Navy Health, and Peoplecare health funds.

Regular dental checks and professional cleanings prevent more serious dental problems, such as cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss, and addressing dental issues early on can save costly and time consuming treatments.

Use dental extras or lose them

Using health fund benefits before the end of the calendar year is a way to avoid losing any unused coverage benefits. Many health funds have annual limits on the amount you can claim for dental services, and any unused benefits may not roll over into the next financial year. That means if your health fund annual limits expire on July 1, 2024, and you haven’t used your dental benefits then, you may lose them.

It is important to check your policy details or speak to your health fund directly about your level of dental extras cover, with most health funds covering basic dental services such as checks, cleanings, and fillings, but coverage for more complex procedures such as root canals or orthodontics usually varies according to the level of major dental cover.

Make the most of your cover

Understanding dental treatments that are covered and health fund benefits may assist in planning your dental treatment. Feel welcome to chat to the friendly team at Brisbane Smile Boutique Dental Practice to get a quote and item numbers, so you can get in touch with your health fund to check your level of cover and benefits more complex dental procedures.  Our practice also has a direct quote facility where we are able to swipe your health fund card and contact your health fund to ask for an immediate coverage quote.

If you are unsure if your health fund resets in the financial or calendar year, there are simple ways to check, or you can get in touch with your provider and review your policy inclusions at the same time to make sure you are using the most of your dental benefits to keep on top of your preventive dental care here at Brisbane Smile Boutique.

Read More

Is dark chocolate good for your teeth?

Dark chocolate, when consumed in moderation, can have some benefits for both dental and overall health, primarily due to its cocoa content. It's important to differentiate between dark chocolate, which is rich in cocoa, and milk or white chocolate, which have higher sugar and milk contents and fewer cocoa solids

Dark chocolate, when consumed in moderation, can have some benefits for both dental and overall health, primarily due to its cocoa content. It's important to differentiate between dark chocolate, which is rich in cocoa, and milk or white chocolate, which have higher sugar and milk contents and fewer cocoa solids.

Benefits of Dark Chocolate for Teeth:

1. Theobromine:

- Dark chocolate contains a compound called theobromine, which has been shown to help harden tooth enamel. This can make your teeth less susceptible to decay compared to other types of sweets.

2. Lower Sugar Content:

- Compared to milk chocolate, dark chocolate generally contains less sugar. Lower sugar intake is beneficial for dental health as sugar is a primary contributor to tooth decay.

3. Antibacterial Properties:

- Some studies suggest that compounds in dark chocolate might have an antibacterial effect against plaque-forming bacteria.

Benefits of Dark Chocolate for Overall Health:

1. Antioxidants:

- Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, such as flavonoids and polyphenols. Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals, which are harmful compounds that can damage cells and lead to chronic diseases.

2. Heart Health:

- The flavonoids in dark chocolate can help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to the brain and heart. They might also help make blood platelets less sticky and able to clot, which reduces the risk of blood clots and stroke.

3. Improved Cognitive Function:

- There is some evidence that the flavonoids in dark chocolate might enhance brain function and improve cognitive performance, especially in older adults.

4. Mood Enhancement:

- Chocolate stimulates the production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that create feelings of pleasure. It also contains serotonin, a neurotransmitter that can act as an antidepressant.

However, while dark chocolate has these potential benefits, it's important to consume it in moderation. It still contains calories and fat, which can contribute to weight gain if consumed in large quantities. Additionally, not all dark chocolate is created equal; the benefits are mostly associated with chocolate that has a high percentage of cocoa solids (typically 70% or higher).

When it comes to dental health, good oral hygiene practices are still paramount. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining healthy teeth, regardless of dark chocolate consumption.

Read More