Shoppers arriving at a Beckton supermarket were confronted by a large model of a mouth as part of a campaign to raise awareness about oral health today.

The exhibit and information desk outside ASDA in Beckton were manned by Ann Coveney, oral health adviser with the NHS Community Dental Service. It was part of National Smile Month, May 19-June 19 and was organised by the UK’s leading oral health charity, the British Dental Health Foundation,

Ann spoke to more than 220 people, many of whom expressed concerns about the cost of dental treatment as well as gum disease.

She provided literature about the charging structure, preventing gum disease and looking after children’s teeth.

Figures show that only 33 per cent of people in the borough attend for a regular dental check up, compared with the England average of 61pc.