Dental and oral health

To keep your teeth and gums healthy, it is important to get regular check ups with a dental surgery. You can find your nearest dentist on the NHS website and register with them. 

Once you have registered, your dentist will make an appointment with you every 6 months to check how your teeth and gums are doing.

It is important to try and keep your appointment with the dentist. If you are unable to attend your dental appointment, contact the dental surgery so that you can rearrange the appointment.

If your dentist spots something wrong with your teeth or gums they will recommend a course of treatment. You may be required to attend an additional appointment for any dental work or treatment you require.

You can get free NHS dental appointments and treatment if:

• You're under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education.
• You're pregnant or had a baby in the last 12 months.
• You've had a stillbirth in the past 12 months.
• You're getting treatment from a hospital dentist (but you might still need to pay for dentures or bridges).
• You receive War Pension Scheme or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments for a disability.

You can also get free NHS dental treatment if you or your partner receive certain benefits, like:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit with Savings Credit
• Universal Credit (if your income is below a certain amount)

For more information about how to access free dental treatment or get help with dental costs, visit the NHS website.