Dental cover

05/02/2025

Getting access to a dentist when you need it

In 2024, only 40% of adults reported going for a dental check-up every 6 months as recommended. Our dental health is one of our most important assets and can impact our overall well-being. 

Regular check ups and getting treatment quickly when needed, are vital to maintain good dental health. That is where dental cover can help; giving you quick access to dental care and treatments when you need them and bringing the costs down.

We're exploring the importance of regular dental check-ups and prioritising our oral health, as well as what to expect from private dental cover.

The importance of a regular check up

Young girl smiles at the dentist and looks at her

Dental check ups should take place ideally once every 12 months. The NHS recommends a check up should take place at least every two years as a maximum, if your teeth health is good.

How can regular check ups prevent issues or more serious ones from developing? During a check up, the dentist will:

  • Check the condition of your teeth and gums
  • Flag anything of concern or any risk of further dental problems
  • Spot any potential mouth diseases in their early stages
  • Potential problems can be spotted such as gum disease, dental decay, or other oral health issues
  • Provide treatment plans that are inexpensive for potential problems
  • Fillings and other dental work can be checked they are securely in place and if anything requires fixing
  • Treatment can be recommended to fix any issues or prevent infections

The importance of regular dental hygienist visits

A dental hygienist differs to a dentist, in the fact they focus more on prevention. They specialise in cleaning, scaling and polishing teeth.

The build up of plaque can cause potential cavities, gum issues, and eventually more serious problems. That is why visiting a dental hygienist for a scale and polish along with a deep clean will help to remove stains and any hardened plaque that could lead to issues developing.

Hygienists are also able to flag any potential problems in their early stages in between dentist check ups so they can be flagged with the dentist and treated early before a more serious issue develops.

Hygienists can also help with best practice on flossing, brushing, and the affect of diet on your oral health and dental hygiene.

Health risks associated with dental and oral health

Our teeth and mouth are one of our most important assets. They keep us healthy and help us to communicate and socialise. Poor oral health can not only affect our physical health but could cause poor mental health and a lack of self confidence.

Poor oral health can lead to inflamed gums which can lead to more serious issues including brain inflammation.

This has been linked to an increased risk of dementia at an early age. The 2021 systematic review analysed 14 studies which identified a 28% increased risk of dementia for the patients with the greatest number of missing teeth.

Infection and inflammation of the gums can lead to bacteria travelling into your lungs via your bloodstream, potentially leading to respiratory issues. The risk of developing heart disease from bacteria entering your bloodstream can triple when you have gum disease.

How can private dental cover help?

One in five britons were not registered with a dentist in 2023.

With many NHS dentists not taking new patients, it can be difficult to know what to do about our dental health without instant access to NHS dental services. It's thought that some NHS dental waiting lists could be as long as eight to nine years.

While it's a worrying thought, our oral health is too important to wait, but there are other options available with private dental cover. Most health insurance providers offer dental cover as an optional add-on. Bupa includes some dental cover as standard within their health insurance policies, for every member named on the policy.

Dental cover with health insurance can provide huge support towards the cost of treatment for both NHS and private dentist.

Dental cover works as a cashback service for: 

  • Preventative dental treatments
  • Restorative dental treatments
  • Emergency dental treatments

Young african woman with smartphone over payment

We have provided a breakdown on the offerings of some of the top UK leading insurers that we are partnered with to give you an idea of what dental cover can provide for you.

AXA: AXA will cover 80% of dentists’ fees up to £400 each year. 

Vitality: Vitality’s dental cover includes: up to £100 for dental check-ups and hygienist fees, 80% of the cost, up to £400, for dental treatment and 100% of costs up to £2,500 for emergency dental treatment following an accident (maximum of two claims per plan year)

Bupa: Bupa offer dental care as part of their core cover on a policy, which includes: one Bupa dental care appointment every year, for everyone on your policy and a £300 allowance each towards restorative treatments, such as fillings, crowns, or bridges. This must be booked and used at a Bupa Dental Care practice.

Aviva: Aviva offer up to £600 of dental treatment due to an accident, routine dental treatment up to £250.

Freedom: Freedom include certain dental surgical procedures in their core cover. There is also the option to add-on dental cover including: routine dental costs up to £300 and accidental dental injury up to £600.

Preventative measures for good oral hygiene

Healthy teeth toothbrush in a glass and toothpast

Keeping up with daily cleaning and a diet low in sugar and anything acidic are essential preventative measures in order to keep good oral hygiene and teeth health. We’ve rounded up some top tips below:

  • Brushing your teeth: it is important to brush twice a day for two minutes and to use a fluoride toothpaste. Make sure you don’t brush straight after eating as this can damage the enamel; try to leave up to an hour before brushing.
  • Floss: brushing can only remove so much, and it is important to floss daily to remove any food or plaque that has become stuck. Flossing helps to prevent plaque and tartar build up which can lead to gum disease and cavities.
  • Drinking more water: it is best to avoid sugary drinks to reduce damage from sugar and keep caffeinated drinks to a minimum to limit staining. The more water the better as this causes no damage and where it contains fluoride can be a help too. Find more tips on keeping hydrated in our healthy and hydrated.
  • Snacks: if you have had something high in sugar to eat or drink then having something to help counteract the damage slightly is best until you can brush your teeth. A small portion of cheese or apple is great for this. For healthy snack ideas check out our healthy eating.

Whenever you’re ready to find your policy, our advisers will be ready to support you. You can fill out a quote and await a call from our team or get started now and give us a call on: 01285 864670

 

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