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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

1017 Reviews

5.0

12th February 2025

All staff are very helpful and efficient Debbie the hygienist is always on time and very thoroughIt was easy to make my next appointment

6th February 2025

Andy Hopkins is a very gentle dentist - the best I have ever had. Highly prpfessional and caring. I am very happy with Oakmead Dentist.

3rd February 2025

Dr Hopkins has been our family dentist for many years and actually cured my fear of dentistry

3rd February 2025

I was treated with respect in a friendly manner and was satisfied with my treatment

31st January 2025

Both my wife and I have our teeth and oral hygiene looked after by the Oakmead practice; we are both highly satisfied with the hygienist and dental treatment we receive.

30th January 2025

Efficient, friendly I used to be very nervous of the dentist but I now have no trouble going every 6 months

26th January 2025

Andrew is very caring, professional and explains what is happening at every stage of treatment.

25th January 2025

A great friendly confident team that make one feel at ease immediately

24th January 2025

Friendly staffTrustworthy dentist No upselling of treatments - I feel confident any treatment suggested is needed

24th January 2025

The friendly atmosphere and sheer professionalism

23rd January 2025

Lovely staff and efficient treatment.

23rd January 2025

The dentist was amazing with my children, he was friendly fun and welcoming.

22nd January 2025

Highly professional and always explain what is happening. Very friendly and concerning staff

22nd January 2025

Upon arrival the team greet you with a huge smile and it continues right through the appointment.I never have any problems visiting Oakmead; it’s always a pleasure.

21st January 2025

I have been at this fantastic practice for about 20 years . I have a fear of dentists from childhood treatment ,and this clinic ….I.e Andy Hopkins and his team turned that around through their listening ,understanding and sheer professionalism. They have the very latest , most advanced equipment and the skill of Andrew Hopkins is simply amazing . He is so talented , and so skilled being both gentle ,thorough and experienced whilst using the the most advanced technology .They run a super ,caring team who work well together from the reception team through to the hygienists and nurses . Andy is consistently excellent and really looks after staff ,patients and the practice . I do not think there are many dental practices as marvellous as Oakmead .They also look at costs ,and I know dentistry is expensive ,but Oakmead do not overcharge and honestly the treatment one receives is worth every penny .

21st January 2025

All the staff were very pleasant and helpful. The premises were well appointed and hygienic. The treatment was pain free, took less time than estimated and was well worth the cost. I shall be reusing Oakmead for future treatments

21st January 2025

I have been a patient for many years and have trust in the dentist

17th January 2025

Paul and his nurse are a great team and even laugh at my awful jokes. He is also very professional, patient and accommodating.

17th January 2025

Great staff who do everything possible to allay any fears you may have during your treatment

15th January 2025

Every time, it's genuinely a pleasure to go as the staff are really friendly, there's no clinical smell in the waiting area which makes a huge difference and we always feel safe. Thank you!

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