Dental Health
Dental Health
The NHS will provide any clinically necessary treatment needed to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy and free of pain. While you are in the hotel and have a HC2 certificate, the treatment will be free.
Once you have found a dentist near you, check the website or phone them to ask if they are accepting new patients. If you have bad tooth pain, or need urgent dental treatment, you can call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk. You may need to phone more than one dental practice before finding one that has space to see you. Your hotel reception or outreach worker can call and make an appointment for you if you need support to do so.
It is important to have regular dental check-ups so that potential problems with your teeth can be prevented or treated.
If you cannot find a dentist who accepts NHS patients, you should call NHS England’s Customer Contact Centre on 0300 311 2233.
How to brush your teeth - for adults.
A short how to video to show how to effectively brush your teeth.
Brush your teeth song for kids with Peppa Pig
Come and brush your teeth with Peppa Pig and her Brush Your Teeth song.
Dental problems and how to prevent them
It is important to have regular dental check-ups so that potential problems with your teeth can be prevented or treated.
Problems include:
• Gum disease – This is when your gums can become inflamed and painful.
• Tooth decay and cavities – This is when a small hole appears in your teeth. A dentist can help prevent and fill the hole.
• Dry mouth – As we get older, we make less saliva. This can also cause tooth decay, and can be treated by a dentist.
What helps take care of your teeth?
• Find a good dentist and go every 6 months for routine care
• Use a soft or extra-soft toothbrush that won’t damage tooth enamel or irritate gums
• Ask the dentist to recommend a toothpaste that’s right for you
• Floss teeth as well as brushing
• Don’t smoke. People who smoke have twice the risk of gum disease as those who don’t
- To find a dental practice near you that offers free dental care, visit this website and search using your postcode: NHS find a dentist