Dental health is an important aspect of a child’s overall health status and of their school readiness.
Poor dental health impacts not just on the individual’s health but also their wellbeing and that of their family.
Children who have toothache or who need treatment may have pain, infections and difficulties with eating, speech, sleeping, low self-esteem, and difficulty socialising. Approximately 23% of 5-year-olds have tooth decay when they start school. Children who have toothache or who need treatment may have to be absent from school and parents may also have to take time off work to take their children to a dentist or hospital.
All children should be registered with a dentist. If your child is not registered with a dentist and you are struggling to find a dentist who is taking on new patients, you can contact the dental helpline on 0300 1234010 for assistance,
If you move house or change your phone number before you have been allocated a dentist, then please inform the dental helpline, so that they can contact you as soon as possible.
Visit the Taking Care of Childrens Teeth page (NHS) for information about how to look after your child’s teeth.
