A special oral health room in an Oldham health centre is helping families look after their teeth and freeing up time for dentists.

The room was set up at Cannon Street health centre in June. Since then dental nurses have seen more than 450 families in special sessions designed to help them learn about oral health and hygiene.

The room is designed to have a fun and friendly atmosphere for children, and up to three families can be seen at the same time by the dental nurses. This means dentists, hygienists and dental therapists can spend more time treating patients, because the dental nurses encourage families to understand the best way of avoiding problems with their teeth, is to look after them.

Delphine Gratrix, clinical director for community dental services, decided to set the service up as part of Oldham Primary Care Trust's work to improve oral health, especially of young children. And an evaluation is now being set up to measure how successful it has been. Delphine said: 'We want to give people knowledge and motivate them to look after their teeth. This service helps to show families the importance of good oral health so they can see the value of self-help in the home. A dentist can't wave a magic wand and make things better; families need to look after their children's teeth to keep them healthy.' She added: 'Most of the children are now brushing their teeth more regularly as a result of the advice and they enjoy the sessions.'

Families attend two sessions where dental nurses show children and parents how to brush their teeth, and encourage them to do it twice a day using family fluoride toothpaste. In the second session families are given advice on healthy eating and they are encouraged to substitute sugary drinks and foods for sugar free. The children also get a toothbrush and toothpaste to take home.

The government has launched Choosing Better Oral Health, an oral health action plan for England. The action plan identifies the information and services that will enable people to take control of their oral health.

One of the aims is to improve oral health through the advice and support that dentists and other members of the dental team give their patients regarding risks such as reducing sugar consumption and giving up smoking.