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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 Oakmead Dental Care 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 East Grinstead  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 East Grinstead 

If you are looking for a dentist in East Grinstead, 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 Oakmead Dental Care we have carefully built our dental practice in East Grinstead 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 Oakmead Dental Care. 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

1071 Reviews

5.0

18th May 2025

Seen in a timely manner, and staff were polite and helpful.

10th May 2025

Always Friendly, helpful and attentive service. Relaxing environment

8th May 2025

I have been a patient at Oakmead for thirty years. I have always and continue to receive an excellent standard of service delivery.

3rd May 2025

The Hygienist is excellent. Friendly and professional. The whole experience was very good.

2nd May 2025

I have been a patient for 25 years at this clinic as I am nervous of dentist .Andy Hopkins and team are the only reason I attend .Would be unhappy to see them go .

1st May 2025

I would not go anywhere else for my dental treatment. Andy and Jill at Oakmead are exceptional at putting me at my ease and making what I find a unpleasant duty to keep my teeth healthy a happy experience. The receptionists are always welcoming, professional and efficient. I cannot praise my experience over the years with the practice highly enough. If Andy and Jill retired I would be completely lost without there gentle kind and professional attitude towards keeping my teeth healthy.

29th April 2025

Very professional and clear on what was needed to mend a broken tooth. All staff very welcoming and friendly

28th April 2025

I have been seeing Mr Paul Cassidy for many years. He knows what I need!

27th April 2025

The dentist, Paul is excellent. I’ve been to a few dentists in the past and Paul is my favourite.

26th April 2025

Everyone is so kind and friendly, reassuring and patient. Thank you all!

26th April 2025

Disabled and team very helpful and ensured safety throughout visit

JO

Jax O'Sullivan

I always feel in safe hands, whether it’s for a general check-up, hygienist appointment or something else. You never feel rushed and from the moment you check in at the reception desk to seeing the dentist, the whole experience is calm and very pleasant. In my opinion, Oakmead Dental Care is the best.

26th April 2025

The staff in general, especially Mr Paul Cassidy (a most accomplished and caring a dentist) whom I look forward to greeting as a friend every six months. He does nothing unnecessary, and explains every procedure.

25th April 2025

Friendly, professional staff

24th April 2025

Friendly staff and the hygienist explained everything she was doing and constantly checked that I was ok.

24th April 2025

A very pleasant dental surgery with competent staff

24th April 2025

Seen on time, good outcome to visit and follow up treatment agreed.

23rd April 2025

Extremely nervous. Dental nurse was very supportive. Dr Hopkins explained the procedure.

20th April 2025

I needed help as a little brush which I use to clean between my teeth had broken during use and I could not retrieve it.Mr Hopkins kindly saw me and sorted me out!

19th April 2025

Mr cassidy he careing and looks after me I am disabled and he make sure i am okhe looks after all my family

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