Dental Services for Children and Youth.
Children in new Zealand who meet the eligibility criteria for publicly funded and health and disability services are entitled to free basic oral health services from birth to 17 years of age (until their 18th birthday).
It’s easy to enrol them – just call
0800 TALK TEETH (0800 825 583)
- or talk to your practice nurse or GP.
Standard treatments are free and include routine examinations, x-rays to look for tooth decay and other problems, sealants to deter decay from teeth that are at risk from developing decay, filings and extractions.
From 18 years of age you have to pay privately for the majority of dental services. It is important to remember there is no fixed fee for private dentists so it pays to shop around.
There is some funded dental services for young people/adults who have disabilities or medical conditions such as mouth cancer but they need to be referred by GP. People on low incomes who have a Community Services card may be able to get emergency dental care, such as pain relief and dental extractions. If dental work is the result of an accident ACC can at times assist.
See links below
https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/eligibility/health-and-disability/dental-treatment.html
https://www.acc.co.nz/assets/im-injured/32690e7220/acc7672-dental-injury-guide.pdf
https://www.nzda.org.nz/public/your-oral-health/teens
Tips for a healthy smile
• Start brushing baby teeth as soon as they come through.
• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste – for 2 minutes is ideal.
• Don’t rinse your mouth with water. Swish the toothpaste round your teeth before spitting it out.
• Have a regular dental check-up with a dentist or dental nurse.
• Choose healthy, teeth-friendly snacks.
• Drink water and plain unflavoured milk.
• Limit sugary foods and drinks such as only having at meal times. Drink water or brush your teeth afterwards.
• Wear mouth guards for sport.
• Become smokefree. Get support to quit smoking.
Adolescents and adults should also floss every day to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Parents should help their children to clean their teeth until they are 8 years old.