Oral Health

Looking after your teeth and gums at every stage of life is important. Good oral health supports overall health, wellbeing and quality of life. It helps us eat a healthy, balanced diet, speak and socialise with confidence, and can reduce the risk of long‑term health problems.

Oral Health Advice for Families

Find practical, easy‑to‑follow advice for keeping teeth and gums healthy:

Family oral health: Take care of your teeth and gums – NHS

Take care of your teeth and gums - NHS

Babies and young children: Looking after your baby’s teeth – NHS

Looking after your baby's teeth - NHS

Oral Health in Pregnancy

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy is especially important. Hormonal changes can increase the risk of gum problems, but good oral hygiene can help prevent issues.

Dental care is free on the NHS during pregnancy and for up to 12 months after your baby is born.

Food, Drink and Oral Health

Good nutrition plays a key role in healthy teeth and gums.

Whether you are breastfeeding, bottle feeding or introducing solid foods Start for life offers practical guidance to help give your child’s teeth the best start.
Fresh fruit, vegetables and milk are good for children’s general and oral health and make great snacks. You may be eligible for Healthy Start which can help with the cost of food and provides free vitamins for children and pregnant women.
At every stage of life, eating a healthy, balanced diet and cutting down on foods and drinks high in sugar can make a big difference to long‑term health. Visit Healthier Families or NHS eat well for advice and meal ideas.

Accessing Dental Care

Everyone should see a dentist regularly, as advised by their dental professional. It is recommended that children attend their first dental check by their first birthday.

Find a local NHS dentist: Find a dentist - NHS
If you need help accessing dental services, call NHS 111.

Greater Manchester Urgent Dental Care Service

If you need urgent dental care:

Not registered with a dentist: Access is available 8am–10pm, seven days a week via Dental :: gtd healthcare
Registered with a dentist:Access is available:
- Monday to Friday: 6pm–10pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 8pm–10pm

You can contact the service by calling 0333 332 3800 or NHS 111.

D‑Scheme: Cared for Children and Care Leavers

If you are, or know, a cared for child or care leaver who is unable to access NHS dental services, support may be available through the Tameside D‑Scheme.
Visit: D-Scheme - Tameside MBC

Oral Health in Early Years, Schools and Education Settings

Promoting Better Oral Health in Early Years and Primary Schools

We support early years settings and primary schools to promote good oral health. Schools teaching oral health as part of the early year’s curriculum can borrow a free oral health resource box, which includes activities and information to share with families. Children aged 3–5 years also receive a free oral health pack to take home.

For more information or to reserve a resource box, contact:
melanie.graham@tameside.gov.uk or deena.lees@tameside.gov.uk

If you would like a local dentist to visit your school to speak to pupils about looking after their teeth, contact:
team@mydentalbuddy.com

Super Smiles: Supervised Toothbrushing Scheme (Ages 3–5)

We offer a free supervised toothbrushing scheme to all local nurseries and reception classes. Evidence shows that daily supervised toothbrushing in schools and nurseries over a two‑year period can significantly reduce tooth decay and help establish lifelong healthy habits.

The scheme is fully funded by Public Health. All resources and staff training are provided.
For more information, contact:
melanie.graham@tameside.gov.uk or deena.lees@tameside.gov.uk

Workforce Training and Development

We offer a range of free oral health workshops for people working in social care, education, health and the voluntary sector. These sessions support professionals to promote better oral health for all Tameside residents.

View our 2025–2026 training schedule for more details.