We’re Accepting New Patients!

Read More Next

Looking for a caring and professional dental practice? We’re excited to welcome new patients to our clinic! Whether you’re due for a check-up, need treatment, or are looking to enhance your smile, our friendly team is here to help.
Contact us today to book your first appointment—we look forward to meeting you!

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 Cedar 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 Thatcham, Berkshire  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 Thatcham, Berkshire 

If you are looking for a dentist in Thatcham, Berkshire, 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 Cedar Dental Care we have carefully built our dental practice in Thatcham, Berkshire 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 Cedar 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…

Patient reviews

1690 Reviews

5.0

5th July 2025

Simply very competent and very comfortable treatment.

5th July 2025

I was treated well from the time I entered the surgery until I left. The reception team were friendly and recognised me. Patrick (the dentist) always welcomes me and makes sure I know exactly what will happen, checking in with me throughout with updates on the treatment. The nurse (Chloe) was always in sync with Patrick and made sure I was comfortable. They make a visit to the dentist as good as it can be.

4th July 2025

Very friendly and professional people willing to explain all procedures that could be understood easily.

4th July 2025

Abigail is great as always

4th July 2025

Always great phone receptionists ! Go out of their way to fit you in ( I had broken teeth from a fall).Abi - just brilliant in everyway! Her dental nurse also fabulous. IThe work carried out explained throughout . Why would you go anywhere else ???

4th July 2025

Great service, spotless,

4th July 2025

Dr Dundas is a superb Dentist

4th July 2025

Personal service and patient care

4th July 2025

The personable and caring natures of the dentist, Rav and dental nurse, Cara.

3rd July 2025

the dentist and receptionist very poliete and extremely gentle and thats including the nurse there is full hundred percent standard work done on teeth etc

3rd July 2025

Best dentist in Newbury and Thatcham

2nd July 2025

Have been a patient here for many years. Treatment always good and staff competent and pleasant.

2nd July 2025

I saw Mr Patel as an emergency. He filled the tooth and since then we have made a number of ongoing appointments to crown this tooth so I am very satisfied with the outcome of this appointment. The receptionist has made several calls to me since Monday regarding the ongoing plan and always been courteous and helpful.

1st July 2025

I cannot fault Abi during this appointment. All other members of staff were also very efficient and attentive.

30th June 2025

Time and care taken to explain things thoroughly. Very satisfied with the information given.

28th June 2025

Appointment was arranged quickly, seen as soon as i arrived. Treatment options discussed. Could not ask for more.

28th June 2025

Great dentist, very good with children. Offers good advice. Reception team really helpful. Quickly seen, easy to rearrange appointments when needed

27th June 2025

A really calm experience every part of treatment fully explained

27th June 2025

I like that the practice the local to me, that I can book appointments after work and most importantly everyone working there is polite, friendly and put you at ease

27th June 2025

The receptionists are all helpful and efficient. The clinician is professional. The clinic is in an historic building but it has state-of-the-art equipment.

Prev Previous
Next Next