Dental treatment can be expensive, and without savings, it can quickly strain your finances. Setting money aside for dental care helps protect both your wallet and your health. Preventive measures today can save you from bigger costs tomorrow. By taking steps now, you can ensure that dental treatment costs do not become an unexpected burden.
Need dental treatment? Visit The Braces Practice Singapore or reach out for enquiries!
6 Simple Habits for Better Dental Health
Taking care of your teeth does not need to be expensive or time-consuming, but it does require consistency. Simple habits like these can make a big difference in avoiding costly treatments later on:
- Brush and floss regularly: Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day helps remove plaque and prevent gum disease, cavities, and other dental issues. This can save you from needing fillings, root canals, or gum treatments.
- Replace your toothbrush regularly: A worn-out toothbrush does not clean effectively. Replace it every three months or earlier if the bristles become worn.
- Avoid using your teeth as tools: Biting nails, opening bottles, or chewing ice can cause cracks and chips, leading to expensive repairs.
- Visit your dentist for regular check-ups: Scheduling dental check-ups every six months allows your dentist to spot any issues early, so you can address them before they turn into expensive problems.
- Eat a tooth-friendly diet: Calcium-rich foods like dairy, leafy greens, and fortified cereals strengthen your teeth. Fruits and vegetables, such as apples and carrots, help keep gums healthy. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks, which can cause tooth decay, and limit acidic drinks like soda and fruit juices that can erode enamel.
- Quit smoking: Tobacco not only harms your overall health, but it also increases your risk of gum disease, bad breath, and oral cancer. Treating these issues can be expensive, so quitting smoking is an investment in both your health and your wallet.
These are just a few simple habits that can help you save on dental treatment, but there is always more you can do. Always stay consistent with good oral care and make choices that protect your teeth in the long run.
Are There Financial Aid and Schemes for Dental Treatment in Singapore?
Yes, there are several financial assistance schemes in Singapore that can help reduce the cost of dental treatment. However, keep in mind to check their requirements and eligibility, as some schemes are based on income level, age, or the type of dental procedure covered.
MediSave for Dental Treatment
MediSave is a savings scheme that helps you set aside part of your income to pay for medical expenses, including hospital stays, day surgeries, and some outpatient treatments. You can also use it for your approved dependents, like your parents or children.
Be aware that MediSave can only be used for dental procedures that involve surgery, based on their complete list of surgeries and their withdrawal limits. Before your procedure, check with your dentist to confirm if it is MediSave-claimable and how much you can use.
CHAS Dental Subsidies
The Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) provides subsidies for medical and dental care at participating private clinics.
There are three CHAS card tiers, Blue, Orange, and Green. Each card tier offers different levels of subsidies based on household income.
For seniors, there are two special cards, the Pioneer Generation (PG) card and the Merdeka Generation (MG) card, each given based on year of birth.
The amount of subsidy you are eligible for depends on your CHAS card tier and type of dental treatment, so it is important to plan ahead.
Employee Benefits & Corporate Dental Reimbursement
Many employers include dental benefits as part of their healthcare package. Since dental benefits vary across companies, it is worth reviewing your employment contract or speaking to HR to maximise available support.
Dental Insurance Plans
Dental insurance can help offset treatment costs, particularly for procedures not covered by government subsidies or Medisave. When choosing a plan, consider:
- Coverage scope: Some policies only cover basic treatments like scaling and fillings, while others include more extensive procedures like root canals and crowns.
- Integrated Shield Plans with dental riders: Some insurers offer add-ons that cover dental expenses on top of your existing health insurance.
- Premium vs benefits: Ensure the annual premium is cost-effective compared to the potential savings on treatment.
- Network of dentists: Check if the plan has a network of participating dentists, as this may affect the coverage or your out-of-pocket costs.
- Waiting periods: Some plans have waiting periods before certain treatments are covered, so it is important to understand this before signing up.
- Annual limits: Some plans have annual coverage limits, so be sure to know how much you can claim within a year.
Baby Bonus Scheme (For Parents)
The Baby Bonus Scheme is a government initiative to help parents manage the cost of raising a child. When you have a baby, the government gives you a cash gift and helps you save money for your child’s future through the Child Development Account (CDA).
Parents can use their CDA funds to pay for their child’s dental treatments, given that your baby meets the eligibility for the scheme.
Conclusion
Skipping dental treatment now can lead to bigger, costlier problems later. The good news? A few simple habits and the right financial support can keep your teeth and your wallet safe. Plan ahead, use the subsidies available, and do not wait for pain to take action.
Need dental treatment? Visit The Braces Practice Singapore or reach out for enquiries!
