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

1833 Reviews

5.0

17th September 2025

I am very nervous about going to the dentist and they made me feel comfortable and gave me breathing space throughout the treatments

17th September 2025

My dentist is a delight yo visit. He put me at ease and explains everything before he does anything. I am nervous but he let's me settle in and has time for his patients. Thank Anish.

17th September 2025

From the moment you walk in the door , the staff are friendly and welcoming. The treatment that I personally have received, is second to none.

17th September 2025

A very professional clinician. He took the time to explain his reasoning and recommendations clearly, listened attentively to my questions, and provided thoughtful, well-informed answers. He didn’t push for unnecessary treatment, but instead offered an objective assessment of the situation and a sensible way forward. His focus on both patient care and customer experience was evident throughout. He carried out the work carefully and diligently, and his strong listening skills helped build genuine trust.In addition, the rest of the team has been very friendly, professional too, almost anticipating customer needs. Overall, clean premises, hand sanitisers, modern equipment, customer focus and always a friendly, positive and inspiring attitude and atmosphere.

16th September 2025

The welcome and professional treatment and the ease of putting me as a patient at ease with complete explanation of the treatment

15th September 2025

Very professional service and no issues experienced whatsoever

14th September 2025

The staff are all very friendly and welcoming.

14th September 2025

First class practice. Lucky to have it in Thatcham.

13th September 2025

Staff are friendly, approachable and professional at all times. I am never rushed in my appointment.I never experience an delays in treatment.My expectations are met.I feel my dentist listens to any concerns I may have.I feel reassured.

13th September 2025

Abigail is not only a superb dentist, but a lovely person also. She always looks after me, and makes sure I am at ease before during and after the dental work. I have known her for around 20 years now, and she has always been extremely helpful, attentive and provides an excellent overall service. She understand that I get a bit nervous attending for dental treatment, but treats me with respect, and she is always counseling me during progress to ensure I try to relax. She describes the work as it is being executed, and shows me the outcome afterwards with pictures where appropriate.

11th September 2025

The dentist was excellent.

11th September 2025

All staff are friendly, polite and professional.Environment is clean and comfortable.Quality of service is exceptional

9th September 2025

The Dentist was very patient with me as I was nervous and made sure I received great treatment.

9th September 2025

Have been using this dental practice for 40 plus years, very professional always a good experience with the dentist dealing with my treatment.

9th September 2025

After experiencing a broken tooth I was booked in the same day. Anish Patel made a temporary repair to the tooth and took great care in choosing the shade for the new replacement. The surgery was clean and well equipped and the nurse was very polite and professional

8th September 2025

Consistent friendly staff experienced staff.

7th September 2025

Always so welcoming from every member of staff.

7th September 2025

My dentist is lovely, she’s always happy to see me and so professional.

7th September 2025

Highly professional team

6th September 2025

The dental care was very good. There was no pain during the procedure and Rav cared for my nerves. Following the appointment, after the numbness went, I felt a sharp patch. Rav immediately called me back in (same day) and resolved it! Really impressed.

Prev Previous
Next Next