Related websites
NHS Choices
Targeted at a UK audience, but good overview information and useful links to related topics.
Healthy Smiles
A New Zealand Dental Association website with useful information for the public.
Visiting a dentist
To keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy, it’s important to brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly and eat a well-balanced diet.
Limit sugary or acidic drinks, such as cola and energy drinks.
You should also visit your dentist regularly. Ask them how often you need to come – it will depend on things like your age and the condition of your teeth.
It’s cheaper to have regular check-ups and get problems fixed early, than to wait until they’ve become serious. Pain, swelling and bad breath can be avoided too.
What a dentist does
Checks your teeth and gums. Your dentist will carry out a visual check and may take x-rays to get more information. If they find cavities (decay or 'holes') or other problems, they’ll probably ask you to make another appointment to get those fixed. They’ll also be able to let you know the cost of the treatment and discuss payment options.
Cleans: Dentists use professional cleaning instruments and techniques that clean your teeth much more thoroughly than you’re able to at home. Your dentist may have a dental hygienist in their practice. If they do, the hygienist will do the cleaning and can give you advice on cleaning and caring for your teeth.
Works out a treatment plan: If you need major work done, your dentist may work out a treatment plan for you. This will outline what needs to be done, what the timeframe might be, and what the costs will be and options for payment.
Publicly funded dental care
- A range of basic preventive treatment and specialist dental services are available to children and adolescents up to the age of 18 years.
- A limited range of services for adults is publicly funded.
Emergency dental care
If you or a family member has toothache or an injury to your teeth or gums, get help as soon as possible.
Minor problems
- If the problem isn’t too bad, phone your dentist, tell them you have toothache (or an injury) and make an appointment.
More serious problems
- If the toothache is bad or the injury appears serious, get to an after-hours dentist. (If it’s normally safe for you to take painkillers such as paracetamol, you can do this before you see the dentist.)
Finding an after-hours dentist
- Dentists in your region may provide an after-hours service. Your dentist’s answer phone will tell you where to go.
- Your doctor may be able to provide relief from pain or infection – but you'll still need to see a dentist later.
- Your local hospital may provide emergency dental treatment (eg, to relieve pain) but this should be your last option. You may still have to follow up with a dentist later.
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If you have a serious injury affecting your mouth, teeth or gums, go to the emergency department at your hospital.
Find out more from the Ministry
Page last updated: 19 April 2012
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