27 May 2022
Most people tend to overlook their oral health as they focus on leading a healthy life by exercising or opting for a nutritious meal instead of a greasy take-out.
Visiting a dentist has become increasingly expensive for South Africans. Therefore, oral health is often a neglected health care need.
If you’re not a member of a medical scheme that offers a separate dental benefit, you’ll have to cover the costs from your own pocket. Otherwise, this expense can paid by a large portion of the annual medical aid savings.
The medical scheme and option you are on will determine what access to dental cover you will have. Some schemes offer preventative dentistry benefits only, whereas more comprehensive plans may offer basic and/or specialised dentistry paid from your medical aid benefits. On some scheme options dentistry is not covered by the medical aid benefits and is subject to available savings.
But what if you do not have a separate dental benefit, or you’re not on a savings option, or you have already depleted your annual savings? Dental expenses can set you back big time.
A general dental check-up can cost you anything from R500 and higher. A root canal treatment could leave you out of pocket with R900 or more.
The Oral Health Foundation offers some helpful guidelines to keep your teeth and gums healthy by:
- Brushing your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day. Brush with a fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes long.
- To only spit out after brushing and not rinse your mouth with water afterwards. This way, the fluoride stays on our teeth longer.
- To brush your teeth in small, circular movements.
- To change your toothbrush at least every 3 months.
- Cleaning between the teeth with “interdental” brushes or floss at least once a day.
- Good eating habits by having less sugary foods and drinks.
- Having regular dental check-ups.
Why are my teeth so important? It helps us to chew and digest food. Helps us to talk and pronounce different sounds. It also gives your face its shape and a healthy smile can be a great asset. It is therefore important to give your teeth the best care possible.
Dental Cover is a health insurance policy that is designed to assist with the high cost of private dentistry. It can complement the medical aid dental benefits but can also be taken out if you are not on a medical aid. Click here for more information.
The information contained in this communication, including attachments, is not to be construed as advice in terms of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act of 2002 (“FAIS”) as the writer is neither an appointed representative of Zestlife, nor a licensed financial services provider as contemplated in FAIS. Please consult your Financial Adviser or Zestlife should you require advice of a financial nature and/or intermediary services.
Author - Elize Kruger
Elize Kruger, Digital Strategist and Content Creator
Elize is a seasoned public relations and content writer with over 10 years of experience in the financial services industry. She plays a crucial role in developing and promoting informative content by effectively using the rich expertise and knowledge of key individuals within Zestlife. Elize is closely involved with product development and keeps up to date with insurance industry trends and business development. She is passionate about creating educational content and is dedicated to providing valuable insights to Zestlife’s growing audience.