Oral health
Oral health is an important part of staying healthy and well at every age. This page shares simple advice, local services, and support available across Newham for children, adults, and families.
Why Oral Health Matters
- Good oral health is important for overall health, wellbeing, confidence, and quality of life.
- Poor oral health can affect eating, speaking, sleeping, and social interactions.
- Oral health is linked to wider health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes.
- Most tooth decay and gum disease can be prevented through good oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and regular dental care.
- Improving oral health is a priority in Newham, with a focus on prevention and reducing barriers to accessing dental services.
Supervised Toothbrushing Programme
The Supervised Toothbrushing Programme is a national initiative targeting children aged 3 to 5 in Newham’s most deprived areas, aiming to reduce tooth decay by promoting daily brushing habits in targeted early years settings like nurseries and primary schools.
Fluoride Varnish Programme
Fluoride varnish helps to protect and strengthen teeth, reducing the risk of tooth decay. In Newham, this programme is offered to children in nursery, reception, and Year 1 through their school, with consent required from parents or carers.
Oral Health Training
Oral Health Training sessions are designed for frontline staff, volunteers and community champions. It will build your confidence to have meaningful conversations, share clear oral health messages, and embed prevention into everyday interactions to improve outcomes across Newham communities. Multiple days available.
Find an NHS dentist
Find an NHS dentist near you and access local dental services. Use the NHS search tool to check availability and contact details.
Adult NHS Dental Charges From 1 April 2026
Adult NHS dental charges apply to most adults using NHS dental services, with the cost depending on the type of treatment you receive. Charges are set nationally and are reviewed periodically.
Dentists for people with disabilities
Community Dental Services provide dental care for children and adults who have additional needs and may find it difficult to access treatment through a regular high street dentist. This may include people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, autism, severe dental anxiety, or complex medical conditions.
Urgent Dental Care
Dental pain, swelling, or another urgent dental issue? Visit 111.nhs.uk for urgent dental advice and support at any time, day or night.
Resources
Filetype: pdf (3.2 MB)
Oral Health Tips for Primary and Secondary School Students
