Healthy smile

Having healthy gums is important for avoiding tooth decay, pain and tooth loss but also lowers the risk of these wider disease, conditions, and complications including heart disease, stroke, dementia, and diabetes.

• swap Sugary drinks and food (PDF) for water, sugar free beverages and foods. A diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals and fresh fruit and vegetables can help to prevent gum disease, such as foods that have vitamin C, vitamin B12 or omega-3 fatty acids
• brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at night and at least one other time during the day. Brushing removes plaque and bits of food from the inner, outer, and biting surfaces of your teeth
• clean between your teeth with an ‘interdental’ brush or dental floss. Cleaning in between your teeth removes plaque and bits of food from between your teeth and under your gumline - areas a toothbrush can’t reach. Children do not need to floss until the age of 12
• have regular check-ups with your dentist. A professional check-up can spot the symptoms of gum disease

The following are signs to look out for. If you experience any of these, book an appointment with your dentist immediately

• bleeding gum
• swollen gums
• bad breath
• loose teeth
• receding gums (when your gums pull back from your teeth)

The HENRY Healthy Families team offers practical, evidence-based advice to support your child's oral health.

HENRY Health Teeth Workshops

Join a workshop (online or face-to-face) for the latest guidance on children's dental care, covering: Preventing tooth decay, registering with a dentist and preparing for appointments, teeth-friendly foods and drinks, and tips to make tooth brushing fun.

HENRY Drop-in Sessions

No appointment needed—just stop by for expert support! 

Healthy Eating & Oral Health Drop Ins: Get guidance from a HENRY practitioner on family eating tips, toothbrushing routines, and easy sugar swaps. 

Dental Drop-ins at the Library: Speak with a Dental Nurse before or after a Stories and Rhyme session at the library for tips on routines,sugar swaps and visiting the dentist.

Can't attend in person?

Telephone or video appointments are available. Contact us to book by emailing wfhealthyfamilies@henry.org.uk.

Find an NHS Dentist

Find your nearest dentist by visiting the latest list of NHS Dentists accepting NHS patients.

If you have difficulty finding an NHS dentist, call NHS England on 0300 311 2233.