July 2026

“See the dentist every six months” is one of the most repeated pieces of health advice in Australia, but is it actually right for you? The honest answer is that six months is a sensible default, not a hard rule. Some people are better off coming more often, and a few can safely stretch the gap. Here is how to work out where you sit.

Where the six-month rule comes from

The twice-a-year guideline exists because six months is roughly how long it takes for small problems to become bigger ones. Decay, gum inflammation and a cracked filling often cause no pain in their early stages. A routine dental check-up lets your dentist catch these while they are still small and inexpensive to fix, and a professional clean removes the hardened plaque, called tartar, that a toothbrush cannot shift. For many healthy adults, every six months genuinely is about right.

When you may need to visit more often

Six months is an average, and averages do not fit everyone. Your dentist might suggest a check-up every three to four months if you:

• have gum disease, or a history of it
• get frequent cavities or already have a lot of dental work
• smoke, which raises the risk of gum disease and oral cancer
• are pregnant, as hormonal changes can inflame the gums
• have diabetes or another condition that slows healing
• wear braces or another orthodontic appliance

More frequent visits are not about selling you treatment. They are about keeping a higher-risk mouth stable so problems are managed early rather than in an emergency.

When you can safely wait a little longer

If you have healthy gums, no new fillings for years, a low-sugar diet and a consistent brushing-and-flossing routine, your dentist may be comfortable seeing you every nine to twelve months. The important thing is that this is a decision to make together, after an examination. Stretching the gap on your own is exactly how quiet, painless problems slip through unnoticed.

Children and the dentist

Children should see a dentist by their first birthday, or when their first tooth comes through, and then generally every six months. Baby teeth guide the adult teeth into place and are just as prone to decay, so early, regular visits help children grow up without fear of the dental chair. Many families are eligible for the Child Dental Benefit Schedule, a Medicare scheme that covers part of the cost of basic dental services for eligible kids, which is a good reason not to delay a child’s first visit.

Why regular visits save money and pain

Skipping check-ups rarely saves money in the long run. A small patch of decay caught early may only need a simple filling; left for a couple of years, it can reach the nerve and require root canal treatment or removal of the tooth, meaning more appointments, more discomfort and more cost. Regular visits also keep an eye on things that are easy to ignore, such as early gum disease, worn enamel from grinding, and changes in the soft tissues of the mouth.

If you have private health extras cover, check-ups are often one of the better-value things you can claim, and you can usually process it on the spot through HICAPS. Medicare does not cover routine dental for most adults, so making the most of a health fund, or the CDBS for eligible children, helps keep out-of-pocket costs down.

Book your next check-up

Not sure how often you personally should be coming in? The simplest step is to book a general dental visit and let your dentist recommend a schedule that suits your mouth, your health and your budget. To arrange an appointment at Southside Dental Group, call (07) 3279 8811 or get in touch with our team.

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in Australia, and also one of the most misunderstood. If you have ever wondered whether whitening damages your enamel, why it makes your teeth twinge, or whether the kits at the chemist actually work, you are not alone. Here are honest answers to the questions we hear most often.

So, is teeth whitening safe?

For most healthy adults, yes. The active ingredient in professional whitening is usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which lifts stains from the surface and within the enamel. Used correctly, it does not soften or thin your enamel. The key words are “used correctly” — safety depends on the strength of the product, how it is applied, and the health of your teeth and gums before you begin. That is why a general check-up matters before any whitening.

Why do my teeth feel sensitive afterwards?

Some sensitivity is normal and usually temporary. Whitening gel briefly opens tiny channels in the enamel, which can make teeth more reactive to cold or air for a day or two. It almost always settles on its own. You can reduce it by:

• Using a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth in the lead-up
• Spacing out your whitening sessions rather than rushing them
• Avoiding very hot or cold food and drink straight afterwards

Sharp or lingering pain is not normal — it can point to an untreated cavity, a crack, or gum recession, which is another reason a professional assessment comes first.

Professional whitening vs over-the-counter kits

Supermarket and pharmacy kits, whitening toothpastes and online products are cheap and easy to grab, but they involve trade-offs. Their peroxide concentration is limited by law, so results are milder and slower. One-size-fits-all trays and strips can also let gel leak onto your gums and cause irritation.

Professional teeth whitening, whether done in the chair or with a custom take-home kit, uses trays moulded to your teeth and stronger, dentist-supervised gel. Because your mouth is checked first, issues like decay or worn enamel are picked up before they are made worse. As a cosmetic treatment, whitening is generally not covered by Medicare, and health fund rebates for it are uncommon, so it is worth checking directly with your fund.

How long do the results last?

Whitening is not permanent. Most people enjoy brighter teeth for several months to a couple of years, depending on their habits. Coffee, tea, red wine and smoking are the biggest culprits for staining teeth again. You can make results last longer by:

• Cutting back on staining food and drinks, or rinsing with water afterwards
• Keeping up regular brushing, flossing and professional cleans
• Using occasional top-up treatments as advised by your dentist

Who should avoid or delay whitening?

Whitening is not right for everyone. It is generally best to wait or seek tailored advice if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding, as safety research is limited and most dentists suggest waiting
• Are under 18, since younger teeth are still developing
• Have untreated decay, gum disease or exposed tooth roots
• Have crowns, veneers or fillings on your front teeth, which will not change colour and may end up mismatched

It also helps to know that whitening only lightens natural tooth structure. If discolouration comes from an old filling, an injury or medication, other cosmetic dentistry options may give a better result, and we are happy to explain what those involve.

Talk to us before you whiten

The safest whitening starts with a healthy mouth and honest advice, not guesswork. If you would like to know whether whitening is right for you, the team at Southside Dental Group in Richlands is here to help. Call us on (07) 3279 8811 or book through our contact page, and we will point you in the right direction — even if that means holding off for now.

If you are thinking about straightening your teeth, you have probably narrowed the choice down to two options: clear aligners like Invisalign, or traditional braces. Both can achieve a beautifully aligned smile, but they work differently and suit different people. Here is an honest, side-by-side look to help you decide.

How they work

Braces use metal or ceramic brackets bonded to your teeth, connected by a wire that is gradually adjusted to move the teeth into position. Clear aligners are a series of custom-made, removable plastic trays that you swap every couple of weeks, each one nudging your teeth a little closer to the goal.

Appearance

This is where the two differ most. Aligners are almost invisible, which is why many adults and older teens prefer them for work and social settings. Braces are more noticeable, though ceramic (tooth-coloured) brackets are a discreet middle ground. If being unobtrusive matters to you, aligners have the edge.

Comfort and daily life

Neither option is truly painless. You can expect some tenderness after adjustments or when starting a new aligner tray, and that is a normal sign your teeth are moving. Braces can occasionally irritate the inside of your cheeks and lips, especially in the early weeks.

• Eating: aligners come out at mealtimes, so there are no food restrictions. With braces you will need to avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods that can damage the brackets.
• Cleaning: you brush and floss normally with aligners out. Braces need more careful cleaning around the brackets and wires.
• Discipline: aligners only work if you wear them 20 to 22 hours a day. If you think you might leave them out, fixed braces quietly do the work for you.

Which cases suit which treatment

Clear aligners handle many common concerns well, including mild to moderate crowding, spacing and minor bite issues. Braces are often the stronger choice for more complex movements, significant bite corrections and certain rotations, because the fixed system gives your dentist more control. The only reliable way to know which is right for your teeth is an in-person assessment.

Care, cost and health funds

Both options need regular check-ups so progress can be monitored, and both usually finish with a retainer to hold your new smile in place. Orthodontic treatment is a considered investment, and the fee depends on how much movement your teeth need and how long treatment takes.

Orthodontics is generally not covered by Medicare, but many private health funds include orthodontic or major dental cover that can offset part of the cost, so it is worth checking your level of extras. We use HICAPS for on-the-spot health fund claims, so you only pay any gap on the day. We are happy to talk you through the likely investment for your specific case at your consultation.

So which is right for you?

There is no single winner. Aligners reward people who value discretion and flexibility and will commit to wearing them consistently. Braces are a dependable, no-fuss option that quietly handles even complex cases. Your teeth, your lifestyle and your goals all matter, which is why we start with a proper assessment rather than a one-size-fits-all recommendation. You can read more about Invisalign clear aligners and braces on our treatment pages, and if a straighter smile is part of a bigger goal you might also explore our wider cosmetic dentistry options.

Talk it through with us

The best next step is a friendly chat about your smile. Book a consultation at Southside Dental Group in Richlands on our contact page or call (07) 3279 8811, and we will help you choose the option that fits your teeth and your life.

A dental emergency can be frightening, but staying calm and acting quickly makes a real difference to the outcome. Here is a clear, practical guide to the most common dental emergencies and what to do in the first few minutes, before you can get to us at Southside Dental Group in Richlands.

Knocked-out tooth

An adult tooth that has been knocked out is a true emergency, and time matters. The best chance of saving it is to have it re-implanted within 30 to 60 minutes.

• Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part), never the root.
• If it is dirty, rinse it gently with milk or saline for a few seconds. Do not scrub it or wrap it in tissue.
• If you can, place it back into the socket and bite gently on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
• If you cannot re-insert it, store it in milk, or in your cheek pouch. Water is a last resort as it damages the root cells.

Then call us straight away. Baby (primary) teeth should not be re-inserted, but still phone us for advice.

Broken or chipped tooth

Rinse your mouth with warm water and keep any pieces of the tooth in milk to bring with you. A cold compress on the outside of your cheek helps with swelling and pain. If a sharp edge is cutting your tongue or lip, a small piece of sugar-free gum or dental wax can cover it temporarily. Avoid chewing on that side until you have been seen.

Bad toothache

A persistent, throbbing toothache usually means something needs attention. In the meantime:

• Rinse with warm salty water to soothe the area.
• Floss gently to remove any trapped food that may be causing pressure.
• Use over-the-counter pain relief as directed on the packet. Never hold an aspirin tablet against the gum, as it can burn the tissue.

If the pain is coming from the very back of your mouth, it may be a wisdom tooth. You can read more about wisdom tooth removal, but a lingering toothache of any kind should always be checked by a dentist rather than simply masked with painkillers.

Lost filling or crown

A lost filling or crown is uncomfortable but rarely a crisis. Keep the area clean, avoid chewing on that side, and if you still have the crown, bring it with you as it can sometimes be re-cemented. Pharmacies sell temporary dental cement that can protect the tooth for a day or two, but this is a short-term fix, not a repair.

Dental abscess

An abscess is an infection, often felt as throbbing pain, a bad taste, swelling of the gum or face, and sometimes fever. This is not something to wait out, as the infection can spread. Warm salt-water rinses can ease it a little, but you need to be seen promptly. Book an emergency dental appointment as soon as you can.

When to seek urgent medical care

Some situations go beyond a dental appointment. Call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department if you have facial swelling that is spreading towards your eye or neck, difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or a serious injury to the jaw or head.

Prevention and ongoing care

Many emergencies start as small problems that go unnoticed. Regular general dental care and check-ups let us catch cracks, decay and worn fillings early, so you are far less likely to be caught out by sudden pain.

Book with Southside Dental Group

If you are in pain or have had a dental accident, please do not wait. Call us on (07) 3279 8811 or get in touch and our team will help you work out the next step. We are open Monday to Thursday 8am to 8pm, Friday 8am to 5pm, and Saturday 9am to 2pm.

One of the most common questions we hear at Southside Dental Group is a simple one: how much does a dental check-up actually cost? It is a fair thing to want to know before you book. The honest answer is that it depends on a few things, and the most reliable way to get an exact figure is to call our Richlands team on (07) 3279 8811. In the meantime, here is a clear, jargon-free guide to what a check-up involves, why prices vary, and how you can bring the cost down.

What a dental check-up and clean actually involves

A routine visit is usually described as a “check-up and clean”, and it is really two things bundled together. Knowing what is included helps explain where the cost comes from:

• An examination, where the dentist checks your teeth, gums, bite and soft tissues for decay, gum disease and other concerns
• A scale and clean to remove plaque and hardened tartar that brushing at home cannot shift
• A polish to leave the teeth smooth and help resist future build-up
• Dental X-rays where needed, if it has been a while or something warrants a closer look
• A conversation about your oral health, diet and home care, plus any treatment you might need down the track

You can read more about what to expect on our general check-up page, which sits within our broader range of general dental services.

Why check-up prices vary

There is no single flat price for a dental check-up in Australia, and any clinic quoting one figure without seeing you first is oversimplifying. The cost of your visit can change depending on:

• Whether X-rays are taken, and how many
• How much cleaning is needed, since heavier tartar build-up takes more time
• Whether a fluoride treatment is included
• If the exam uncovers a problem, such as a cavity, that needs its own treatment
• Whether you are a new patient, as a first visit is often more thorough

Every mouth is different, so the fairest approach is an individual quote. Our team is happy to talk you through the likely cost before we begin, so there are no surprises.

How health funds, HICAPS and Bupa reduce the cost

If you have private health insurance with extras or general dental cover, a check-up and clean is usually one of the most claimable services there is. Most funds include preventive dental in their extras policies, and many cover a solid portion of a routine visit.

We use HICAPS, which lets you claim on the spot. You simply tap your health fund card at the end of your appointment, the rebate is applied instantly, and you pay only the gap, if there is one. No paper forms and no waiting weeks for a reimbursement.

If you are with Bupa

Bupa members may pay even less when they see a preferred provider that matches their level of cover. It is worth checking your eligibility before you book, and you can find the details on our Bupa provider page.

Free dental check-ups for eligible children

For families, there is genuinely good news. The Child Dental Benefit Schedule (CDBS) is a Medicare program that covers a capped amount of basic dental care, including check-ups, cleans, X-rays and fillings, for eligible children over a two-year period. Many parents do not realise their kids qualify.

If your child is eligible, their routine check-up and clean may cost you nothing out of pocket. We can confirm eligibility and bulk bill directly to Medicare where it applies. There is more detail on our Child Dental Benefit Schedule page.

Get an accurate quote for your visit

The most reliable way to know what your check-up will cost is to ask us directly, because your health fund, your level of cover and the state of your teeth all play a part. We would rather give you a clear number than have you guess.

To book a check-up and clean, or simply to ask for a quote, call Southside Dental Group on (07) 3279 8811 or send us a message through our contact page. You will find us at Unit 3, Richlands Plaza, 32 Old Progress Road, Richlands, and we are open Monday to Thursday 8am to 8pm, Friday 8am to 5pm, and Saturday 9am to 2pm.

If you have young children in Brisbane, you have probably heard of the Child Dental Benefit Schedule (CDBS) and wondered whether it really means free dental care. The short answer: for eligible families, it can cover the full cost of many everyday dental treatments, but there are a few limits worth understanding before you book. Here is a plain-English guide.

So, is the CDBS actually free?

The CDBS is a Medicare scheme that pays for a set list of basic dental services for eligible children. When a dental practice bulk bills your CDBS benefit, Medicare pays the practice directly and you pay nothing out of pocket for those covered services. So yes, it can be genuinely free, up to a capped total amount spread over two consecutive calendar years. If your child needs treatment beyond that cap, or a service the scheme does not cover, normal fees apply. The cap amount is set by Medicare and can change, so it is worth checking the current figure (more on that below).

Who is eligible for the CDBS?

To qualify, a child generally needs to:

• Be aged between 2 and 17 for at least one day of the calendar year
• Be eligible for Medicare
• Have the family (or the child) receiving an eligible government payment, such as Family Tax Benefit Part A, for at least part of the year

Eligibility is assessed at the start of each calendar year, and Services Australia notifies families who qualify. You do not need to submit a separate application.

What does the CDBS cover?

The scheme covers common, clinically necessary treatments, including:

• Examinations and check-ups
• X-rays
• Cleaning (scale and clean)
• Fissure sealants
• Fillings
• Root canal treatment
• Tooth extractions

A routine general check-up and clean is usually the best place to start, so your dentist can see what, if anything, your child needs.

What it does not cover

The CDBS does not cover orthodontic treatment such as braces, cosmetic dental work, or any services provided in a hospital or under general anaesthetic. For treatment that falls outside the scheme, you may be able to claim a rebate through your private health fund. Many practices, including ours, process on-the-spot health fund claims via HICAPS, so you only pay any gap on the day. You can read more about our everyday general dental services if you want to see what a visit involves.

What “bulk billing” actually means

Bulk billing simply means the practice charges Medicare directly for the benefit rather than asking you to pay and claim it back yourself. For the CDBS, that means no gap and no paperwork for covered services within the cap. It is always worth confirming that a clinic bulk bills the CDBS before your appointment, as not every practice does.

How to check if your child is eligible

The easiest ways to confirm eligibility and see how much of the cap remains are:

• Sign in to your myGov account linked to Medicare
• Use the Medicare app on your phone
• Call the Medicare line at Services Australia

You can also ask us to check your child’s available balance when you book, using their Medicare details. For more detail, see our Child Dental Benefit Schedule page.

Book with Southside Dental Group

Not sure whether your child qualifies, or ready to book their next visit? Our friendly team in Richlands can check your child’s CDBS balance and help you make the most of the benefit. Call us on (07) 3279 8811 or get in touch through our contact page. We are open Monday to Thursday 8am to 8pm, Friday 8am to 5pm, and Saturday 9am to 2pm.