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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 Whiteley 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 Fareham  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 Fareham 

If you are looking for a dentist in Fareham, 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 Whiteley Dental Practice we have carefully built our dental practice in Fareham 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 Whiteley 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…

Patient reviews

257 Reviews

5.0

2nd October 2025

Jenny and her dental Nurse are always so kind and welcoming. Jenny always remembers my family and asks after them. Jenny always puts me at ease. I always feel included in any decisions on my dental health. Im been a patient at whitley dental since I was a child and have never ever had a bad experience so much so my own children now attend with me. I would like to add that I have a son with special needs that Jenny also sees and she is wonderful with him.

2nd October 2025

From booking my appointment, receiving a reminder the week before , to seeing the hygienist and then my dentist, and the receptionist at the end everything was spot on

24th September 2025

Friendly, knowledgeable staff that always try to accommodate. Been a patient for over 10 years and although I moved further away, I still make the 45 minute journey to this dentist

23rd September 2025

Quick painless treatment.

21st September 2025

Staff are always friendly and helpful, appointments start on time and I'm very happy with the quality of the treatment.

19th September 2025

I was seen very quickly after my appointment time and Sharon was great. She made me feel very at ease as this was my first hygienist appointment.She explained everything clearly and said she would be as quick as she could as she knew it wouldn’t be pleasant for me. I was really impressed with her and the reception team!

19th September 2025

The treatment I received was excellent and carried out in a very pleasant and relaxing atmosphere.

19th September 2025

Friendly staff, prompt service, reassuring treatment.

19th September 2025

Quick professional service

19th September 2025

Always so helpful and explain everything they are doing which puts me totally at ease .

19th September 2025

This was a request for an emergency appt, where they fitted me in the same day and undertook a repair to allow me to head off on holiday. Brilliant dental surgery, I have been a patient for several years and will remain so!

18th September 2025

Have been with Whiteley for many years and it is always clean, professional and friendly. Just what you need at a Dentist, this makes you at ease and confident that the health of your teeth etc is being put first.

17th September 2025

An excellent experience for both my wife and I.Thank you

11th September 2025

They are friendly, caring and professional.

10th September 2025

My dentist was excellent. I've always been apprehensive with my precious dentist at another surgery. My new dentist was lovely, no pain whatsoever and explained everything each step of the way.

10th September 2025

I've been experiencing some sensitivity with my teeth. They were thoroughly checked and good advice was given. I was also reassured that if things didn't improve that appropriate next steps would take place

SJ

Sheila Johnston

Always a pleasant and good experience with Sharon the dental hygienist, she is especially careful as I have very sensitive teeth and gums.

3rd September 2025

Friendly and helpful staff

3rd September 2025

It's always excellent at Whiteley. This was an emergency appointment , fitted in at short notice, with a different dentist who gave excellent treatment and was generous regarding payment. Thank you. I can't really comment on the nurse as was minimally involved in my fairly short but effective treatment.

3rd September 2025

I was put at ease the minute I walked through the door. Comfy chairs

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