Good health starts with your mouth
- If you have a toothache or want to book a dental check-up, call the Oral Health service (option 4) using the yard/POD phone. The line is open 8:30am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.
- You will be asked to describe your reason for seeing the dentist, and will be placed on the dental waiting list. Patients with urgent dental problems will be seen first and there may be extended wait times for routine dental care.
- If your symptoms are serious or if your symptoms get worse, speak with the nurse in your health centre.
Brush your teeth twice a day
Brush your teeth after breakfast and before bed. Use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Clean well
Use small circles to brush all surfaces of your teeth and gums. You should also brush your tongue. Don't rinse after you have finished brushing, just spit out the excess toothpaste.
Eat well and drink well
Make water your main drink and swap sugary drinks for water - keep your water bottle with you.
Eat less sugar, fat and salty foods. Eat fresh whenever possible. Choose healthy snacks on buy-ups; look for those marked.
Go smoke free and stay smoke free
Staying smoke free is good for your teeth.
Have dental checks and cleans
Regular dental checks will help keep your whole mouth healthy. To access the dental service in custody, call the Oral Health line on the yard phone to place your name on the list. The line is open from 8.30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
To call the Oral Health line
- Enter your MIN and PIN
- Select option 2
- Select option 4
Frequently asked questions
Why do my gums bleed?
Gums bleed due to a build-up of plaque - bacteria that lives in your mouth and forms between brushings. You can keep your teeth clean and healthy by brushing properly twice a day, and having regular professional cleans.
How does Methadone effect my teeth?
Methadone can stop your mouth from producing enough saliva, causing a dry mouth.
This can cause teeth and gum problems. If you are on methadone, it is important that you:
- rinse your mouth with water after eating
- drink plenty of water
- clean your teeth and gums properly twice a day
- have your teeth checked by a dentist every year if you can
How can I see a dentist when I am released?
Call your private dentist or, if you are eligible for free dental treatment, call your local public dental service to book an appointment.
You will be asked some questions about your teeth and general health. The public dental service is free for children, young people under 18 years, and adults with concession cards, including:
- Health Care Card
- Pensioner Concession Card
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
Public Dental Service in NSW (numbers to call when you are released)
- Sydney and South Western Sydney (02) 9293 3333
- South Eastern Sydney 1300 134 226
- Northern Sydney 1300 732 503
- Western Sydney (02) 8890 6766
- Central Coast 1300 789 404
- Nepean Blue Mountains (02) 4734 2387 or 1300 769 221
- Illawarra Shoalhaven 1300 369 651
- Hunter New England, Mid North Coast, and Northern NSW 1300 651 625
- Murrumbidgee and Southern NSW 1800 450 046
- Far West and Western NSW (02) 6809 9200 or 1300 552 626
- Contact your local Aboriginal Medical Service for more information on how to access dental services.