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The dangers of skipping dental appointments

The dangers of skipping dental appointments


The dangers of skipping the dentist due to financial pressures

Many people are skipping dental appointments due to current financial pressures, but this can lead to serious oral health problems, carrying an increased risk for additional costs in the future. At Prospect Street Dental Practice we're seeing an increasing number of patients delaying their routine dental check-up and ignoring treatment requirements until they are in pain. This is concerning as regular appointments are essential to maintaining the best oral health and avoiding any problems progressing into more complex issues.

The risks of missing dental check-ups

Missing dental appointments can have serious consequences on your oral health. Without regular visits to your local dentist and hygienist, plaque and tartar and build up in those hard to reach areas, leading to decay and gum disease. In addition, many oral health problems are asymptomatic, meaning they don't cause dental pain or discomfort until they reach an advanced stage.

Delaying treatment can also lead to more expensive and invasive procedures down the line. For example a small cavity that could be easily filled will eventually require a root canal treatment or even extraction, if left untreated.

At each dental examination, your dentist will also check for signs of mouth cancer in the cheeks, palate, tongue, gums and lips. According to the latest NHS figures, around 8,300 people are diagnosed with mouth cancer in the UK each year. That's about 1 in every 50 cancers diagnosed. If mouth cancer is diagnosed early, a complete cure is often possible in up to 9 in 10 cases using surgery alone, so regular check-ups with your dentist is key.

Tips for affordable dental care

Whilst the cost of dental care can be a barrier for many people at this time, there are some options to help spread the cost of your care, making it more affordable:

  • Dental plans - signing up to a dental plan will help spread the cost of your annual routine dental care and hygienist appointments across 12 months. Many plans also offer discount on any clinically required work for plan members. Ask your local Reading  dentist about the plans they offer.
  • Employee dental insurance/plans - review your employee benefits to make sure that your not missing out on any reduced rate plans that you may be eligible for through your employer.
  • Commit to a good home oral care regime - Ensure thorough cleaning with an electric toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for 2 minutes, twice a day, followed by mouth wash and flossing/interdental brushing, to keep any problems at bay. 
  • Take advantage of preventative care - regularly check-ups and cleaning are essential for preventing costly dental problems down the line.

Finding a local dentist in Reading 

If you are looking for a dentist in Reading, there are many resources to help you find the right one. Ask friends and family for trusted recommendations, check out patient reviews on platforms such as Google, Facebook, Trust Pilot or Yell, or search online to find a dentist that best meets your needs. 

In conclusion, skipping the dentist due to financial pressures can lead to serious oral health problems. Its important to take steps to make dental care more affordable. By finding a local dentist that you can trust and taking advantage of preventative care you can maintain good oral health and avoid costly procedures down the line.

At Prospect Street Dental Practice we have carefully built our dental practice in Reading up over many years through personal recommendation of friends and family, or on referral from their own dental practitioner; we are most grateful for this vote of confidence given to us. Check out our Google reviews below to hear more about what our patients think or us.

We commit to open and honest pricing for our patients. To view our latest fees, visit our fees page on the website.

Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to Prospect Street Dental Practice. In fact, we have built much of our practice on these valued, trusted recommendations over the years. Read our reviews to hear why our patients are recommending us…

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Patient reviews

1930 Reviews

5.0

6th October 2025

As stated in answer to the questions, all staff polite and helpful, rooms were clean and tidy, waiting room relatively comfortable. Clinical staff very competent.

6th October 2025

Professional treatment, friendly and clear.

5th October 2025

Friendly and professional service.

5th October 2025

Staff have time to listen. All staff friendly and approachable.

5th October 2025

Highly experienced professionals. Appointments always on time and I understand both what is happening and what I need to do

4th October 2025

Steph is brilliant!

3rd October 2025

Mica is always professional and knowledgeable, explaining the treatments and the health of my teeth, bone and gums :)

3rd October 2025

Excellent Customer Services

1st October 2025

Dr Adam is exceptional. She took the time (depressingly longer than I care to admit) to teach me how to floss correctly. She explained what issues I have and not just how to fix them but why. She send me a reminder message to book an appointment with the hygienist (which I followed through on). Perfect job done on replacing my veneer, followed up by a check up. Nothing was rushed. I felt I was given more than enough attention and despite paying for a check up that I wasn't planning on or booking an appointment with the hygienist, which I was not going to follow up on, I am over the moon with the work done, attention to detail, care I received and the cost of it. 10/10 will be back!

1st October 2025

Always been very happy with service given at Prospect Street. Felt it money well spent after visit to hygienist.

28th September 2025

Very friendly and efficient and caring for patients needs.

26th September 2025

I have been attending Prospect Street dental surgery since it opened in the 1970s. I have always received excellent care and attention for all dental work I have received.

26th September 2025

Skilful clinicians. Clear explanations.

25th September 2025

I have been seeing Jill for many years now.She is always thorough, very pleasant and knows her job.I also like the new Clinic as I am 86 and it saves me climbing the stairs in the old building !

24th September 2025

Everyone is so lovely and helpful and friendly

23rd September 2025

All staff are courteous and professional and dental care staff are skilled.

19th September 2025

Clean, friendly, honest and took the time to explain what my options are and why.

19th September 2025

I was called into the clinic a few minutes before my appointment time and the treatment was fine

18th September 2025

Always courteous, professional and informative.

18th September 2025

Welcoming, timely, friendly and very professional.

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