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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

1805 Reviews

5.0

19th June 2025

Josephine Bayliss-Chapman is an absolute superstar. She listens to me, she takes into account my concerns and anxieties, she adjusts what she is doing accordingly, always making sure she is explaining exactly what she is doing, and always taking care of me. She has also improved my gums dramatically

16th June 2025

Very helpful and friendly staff, takes into account my nervousness

15th June 2025

The whole experience is always simple, very friendly. the practice premises are always spotless. been with them for several years now and have no reason at all to go elsewhere.

15th June 2025

Was seem quickly and with no fuss. Been going for years, never had any problems.

14th June 2025

I made an emergency appointment because of toothache and I got a quick appointment with Marina who is not my usual dentist. She did a thorough assessment and eased the problem for me

13th June 2025

No waiting, expert treatment and great customer service

13th June 2025

Staff were friendly and helpful, always making the check in and check out as seamless as possible.My hygienist was excellent, smiley, helpful and friendly as she always it!

12th June 2025

GOOD EXAMINATION OF TEETH AND EXPLANATION OF ANY PROBLEMS.

11th June 2025

Care and attention to my needs

CK

Cindy KO

Excellent dental care by Mica and her assistant (sorry that I forgot her name). Highly recommend them if you are looking for hygienist with friendly and professional service in Reading.

11th June 2025

All the staff are always courtious and helpful. Dentist and Hygenist always explain the treatment and explain what they are doing.

11th June 2025

I phoned as I’d lost a filling whilst away. I was offered an appt on the first day I returned home.

10th June 2025

Daragh is very careful and aware of pain and anxiety issues but also very thorough in checking and cleaning. He listened to my concerns remembered previous anxiety issues regarding Xray. He was also very patient as it took several goes before I was able to tolerate the X-ray plate without gagging. The dental nurse also very good.

10th June 2025

Very experienced clinician who I trust as I have been her patient for some time. Gave comprehensive guidance on steps I can take to help my teeth sensitivity.

10th June 2025

An efficient and friendly service. Good bedside manner.

8th June 2025

Friendly Informative Helpful

6th June 2025

Kind and supportive dentist who was able to give me confidence and explained the symptoms I was experiencing. Also offered me some crucial advice on how to move forward

6th June 2025

I had lost 2 fillings and my mouth was vey uncomfortable . I phoned and was offered an appointment in 3 days time with the Dentist of my choice

5th June 2025

Reception staff very helpful and polite.Hygeniest explained everything she was doing as the appointment went along,very professional.The building was very clean and tidy.All in all a very good experience.,

5th June 2025

I have been a patient for over 15 years and have had the same Hygienist Jill Hendey. I have complete confidence in her.

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