Health · England
Looking after your teeth
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This guide is for people in England.
Your teeth and mouth need care.
Ask a dentist for an NHS appointment.
Tell them what support you need.
Some people need a specialist dental service.
Ask your dentist how to get this help.
Ask staff to explain what will happen.
Agree how you can ask for a pause.
Ask for help to keep your mouth clean.
The dental team can show you and your supporters what helps.
Tell the dentist about pain or changes in eating.
Ask for help if mouth care becomes difficult.
Some people pay for NHS dental treatment.
Ask whether you can get help with the cost.
Contact a dentist or 111 for urgent dental problems.
This includes severe pain, a knocked-out tooth or worsening swelling.
Call 999 for heavy mouth bleeding that will not stop.
Call for severe mouth or neck swelling affecting breathing or opening your eyes.
Serious face injuries also need emergency care.
What you can do next
Ask a dental practice about an appointment.
Explain the support that will help you.
Read NHS advice on finding a dentist Web pageThis link opens another website.
It may use harder words.
More useful links
- Urgent dental help Web page
When to contact a dentist, 111 or emergency services.
- Help with NHS dental costs Web page
Check current eligibility before claiming free treatment.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
Teeth, mouth care and visiting a dentist
Get accessible dental care and a mouth-care plan that suits the person.
Children and adults · England · Local specialist referral routes vary
Find the right dental service
Contact a dental practice and ask specifically for an NHS appointment. A practice may provide both NHS and private care. If you cannot find an NHS appointment, your local integrated care board may help identify options. Most adults pay unless eligible for free treatment or help with costs; a learning disability alone does not make treatment free.
Ask about specialist support
Many people can use an ordinary practice with adjustments. If this cannot meet the person’s needs, ask about Special Care Dentistry or community dental services. A professional referral is often needed and local criteria vary. Explain communication, physical support, sensory needs, medical conditions and previous dental experiences.
Make visits manageable
Ask about a quieter appointment, extra time, accessible explanations or familiarisation visits. Agree how the person can show pain, uncertainty or a wish to pause. Bring useful communication information. Involve the person in treatment choices and follow the appropriate consent process. Do not improvise restraint when dental care is difficult; ask the team for a suitable plan.
Support everyday mouth care
Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste helps protect teeth. Ask the dental team to recommend an age-appropriate brush, toothpaste and assistance, and demonstrate support if needed. Consider grip, taste, positioning and swallowing difficulties. Tube feeding does not remove the need for mouth care. Agree a routine the person can tolerate and ask for review if it becomes distressing.
Notice discomfort
Someone may communicate dental pain through changed eating, disturbed sleep or distress. These changes need assessment rather than being blamed on disability. Tell the dentist what is different. Ask who to contact between routine visits and when the next check is due. Dental advice should fit the individual rather than a fixed schedule for everyone.
Get urgent help
For severe or persistent mouth pain, a knocked-out tooth or worsening mouth swelling, contact a dentist urgently or NHS 111. For heavy mouth bleeding that will not stop, serious facial injury, or severe mouth or neck swelling affecting breathing or opening the eyes, go to A&E or call 999.
Words you could use
“Please explain the adjustments and mouth-care support I need. If this practice cannot meet my needs, can you arrange specialist advice?”
More useful links
- Urgent dental help Web page
When to contact a dentist, 111 or emergency services.
- Help with NHS dental costs Web page
Check current eligibility before claiming free treatment.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
Where the information comes from
Links checked 27 October 2026.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
- NHS: finding a dentist Web page
NHS appointments, ICB help and Special Care Dentistry.
- Public Health England: oral care and learning disability Web page
Individual support, accessible visits and community dental routes.
- NHS: keeping teeth clean Web page
Everyday brushing and professional advice.
- NHS: urgent dental care Web page
Urgent dental appointments and emergency warning signs.
- NHS: help with dental costs Web page
Eligibility for free or reduced-cost NHS treatment.