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).

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