Advice and support for your oral health

Go to our A-Z of oral health information if you need:

Advice about looking after the health of your mouth.

To find out more about common problems and diseases in the mouth.

Help understanding dental treatments and procedures.

You can also look at answers to the most common dental questions.

Getting urgent dental help

If you have a problem with your mouth, telephone your dentist to book an appointment. Some may be able to offer appointments at short notice. If they are closed, an answerphone should tell you what to do next.

If you do not have a dentist or cannot get an emergency appointment:

Call 111. They will advise you what to do.

Find a local dentist. Ask if you can have an emergency appointment.

You may need to pay for your appointment. Read more about NHS dental charges.

Non-dental support services and crisis lines

Mouth cancer

If you need to talk to someone who has been where you are and need some help, contact:

The Swallows: 24/7 Patient & Caregiver Support Line - 07504 725 059.
Macmillan Cancer Support: Cancer Support Line - 0808 808 00 00.

Mental health

If you are experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else who is, contact:

Anxiety UK: A volunteer Helpline with personal experience of anxiety - 03444 775 774.
Mind: An information and signposting service - 0300 123 3393.
The Mix: Support for the under 25s - 0808 808 4994.
SANEline: Out-of-hours mental health helpline - 0300 304 7000.
Dental Fear Central: Free support and advice to those suffering with a fear of the dentist and dental phobia.

Older people

If you are an older person looking for help, or caring for an older person and need advice, contact:

Age UK: For care and support of older people - 0800 678 1602.

Disabilities

These charities offer impartial advice and support on issues that matter to disabled people and their families

Scope: Support on issues that matter to disabled people and their families - 0808 800 3333.
National Autistic Society: Help for autistic people and their families - advice and guidance.
Mencap: Support for people with a learning disability, and their families and carers - 0808 808 1111.

Diet and nutrition

Friendly, non-judgmental and confidential advice about an eating disorders, contact:

Beat: Information and advice on eating disorders - 0808 801 0677 (England) and 0808 801 0433 (Wales).

Latest

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Dental practice opens doors for vulnerable patients

20 FEB 2024 - A dental practice in Leicester is offering free dental checkups for children and those in most need.

What to do following an extraction

General advice about what to do after having teeth taken out. Includes what precautions you should take and things to avoid.
Mouth ulcers

Usually red or yellow in colour, mouth ulcers are painful sores that can appear inside the mouth and also on the outer lips.
Burning mouth syndrome

Burning Mouth Syndrome can be an extremely uncomfortable condition which can have several potential causes.
Geographic tongue

Geographic tongue is a common condition which can appear on the top and sides of the tongue, and sometimes on the under-surface.
How to spot mouth cancer

How much do you know about the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer? By being Mouthaware you can make a difference in the fight against mouth cancer.
Bridges and partial dentures

These replacement options for missing teeth are often recommended for oral health purposes as well as cosmetic appearance.
What foods and drinks contain acid and why it spells trouble for our oral health

10 JUNE 19 - As part of National Smile Month, the Oral Health Foundation and GSK have come together to discuss the threat acidic foods and drinks pose to our oral health.
Wisdom teeth

The wisdom teeth are the last to appear, right at the back of the mouth, often between 17 and 25 but sometime many years later.
Jaw problems and headaches

If you jaw and teeth are not lined up correctly it will not only affect your bite but could result in severe headaches and jaw pain.
Sugar free chewing gum

Chewing sugar-free gum helps protect your teeth and gums in between meals when it may not be possible to brush with a toothbrush.