Dental health (Easy Read)

NHS dental care is free for all pregnant mothers.

It is also free for 12 months after you give birth. 

Take your child to the dentist when their first baby tooth starts to show.

Children should go to the dentist regularly.

NHS dental treatment is free for children.  

It is also free for adults under 19 who are in qualifying full-time education. 

You might be able to get free dental care.  

Find out more about getting help with health costs. 

Ask your dentist to brush on a fluoride varnish.

Brushing on fluoride varnish adds protection against tooth decay.

This can be offered to children aged 3 and above.

It is a free service. 

You can find a dentist near you on the NHS website.

You may think you need urgent dental care.  

Contact your dentist as they may offer emergency slots.  

You can also contact NHS 111.  

This is a free, non-emergency medical helpline.  

111 is free to call.  

They can find you an urgent dental service.

You may not find a dentist that will see you.  

If so, call NHS England's Customer Contact Centre on 0300 311 2233. 

Your local Healthwatch may have information about services in your area.  

They can also raise a concern if you have one. 

Find out more about:

• how to find an NHS Dentist - NHS
• how you can find an NHS Dentist - Healthwatch

NHFT have a service for children and adults who cannot use the general dentist.

This may be because of:

• special needs
• learning disabilities
• significant health problems  

Contact them on 03000 274 836. 

Oral cancer is a common cancer in the UK.

2% of all cancers diagnosed are oral cancer.  

Risk factors include:

• smoking
• chewing tobacco
• drinking alcohol
• human papilloma virus (HPV)

Find out more about support to stop smoking, and drug and alcohol.