Urgent NHS dental advice and treatment is fully accessible to residents of Lancashire and South Cumbria.

The NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board's (ICB's) helpline guarantees a dentist appointment for urgent matters.

The helpline operates from 8am to 9pm on weekdays and 10am to 5pm on weekends and bank holidays.

Urgent treatment is also accessible via 111.nhs.uk or a simple call to 111.

Dentist Clare Granger, and senior clinical fellow for the ICB, emphasized the importance of the service. She said: "We know that access to NHS dental services is a difficult issue at the moment and we receive complaints from local people who are struggling to access an NHS dentist."

She further stated that anyone can access urgent dental care as an NHS patient through the helpline, irrespective of having a regular NHS dentist.

In a bid to reduce dental emergencies, Clare urged individuals to maintain good oral hygiene.

She further advised: "Teeth do not develop decay or die off naturally.

"Dental decay is preventable through a healthy lifestyle and good oral hygiene routine."

She also encouraged the reduction of sugar intake, non-smoking and responsible drinking.

Urgent dental attention can be accessed through 0300 1234010.