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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 Sturminster 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 Sturminster Newton  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 Sturminster Newton 

If you are looking for a dentist in Sturminster Newton, 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 Sturminster Dental Care we have carefully built our dental practice in Sturminster Newton 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 Sturminster 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

747 Reviews

5.0

26th October 2025

It is very reassuring to have such a brilliant dentist and team. I have been having a particularly distressing problem with my teeth following sepsis and I county myself as very lucky to be able to trust that I am getting the best care possible.

24th October 2025

I was seen promptly and given good care

24th October 2025

I am unable to find one thing wrong with the practice. I have been a patient for several years and am completely happy with my dentist and hygeniest and all of the reception staff who are delightful, knowledgeable and helpful.

23rd October 2025

Friendly and cared about my needs and treatment, uses humour to relax me!

22nd October 2025

After moving to the area, I needed to find a new dental practice. I had been with my last practice since childhood, so a big move! Sturminster have provided a very good level of care, with questions re the rational for a treatment schedule explained well, leaving me able to make good, informed choices re how I wish to proceed and advice given to make theses choices confidently. As a retired person, dental care is a big expense, but I have no doubt that working with Sturminster I will continue to be able to make choices based on their excellent care.

20th October 2025

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20th October 2025

Everyone is exceptionally friendly and efficient! Had never experienced such amazing dental care prior to joining this practice. Consider ourselves extremely lucky to have found you!

19th October 2025

Ian is a brilliant dentist with a fantastic manner. He puts you at ease and explains what he is doing, which is very calming for a nervous patient.

19th October 2025

Friendly and thorough

18th October 2025

The staff are always courteous and helpful.They are highly trained professionals.We are very lucky in Sturminster Newton to have such a good dental practice.

17th October 2025

Easy, efficient, reliable.

17th October 2025

Very thorough hygienist, no plaque left unturned! New dentist who made me feel comfortable and took time to explain everything necessary to me. Reception staff are always polite and helpful. The surroundings. Dry clean and tidy, comfortable to sit in. I’m a long standing client and have always had good service here.

16th October 2025

Helpfulness all the way!

15th October 2025

This is a well organized, efficient and friendly dental surgery.

13th October 2025

Friendly and efficient staff from reception to clinicians.

13th October 2025

I don’t like going to the dentist but realise how lucky I am with Wendy my Hygenist and Ian my fetist how they look after me. And the girls in reception are always so professional

10th October 2025

Really lovely staff, and great clinical treatment

10th October 2025

Veryy effective and friendly treatment by Ian

9th October 2025

Polite & courteous staff & so friendly. The dentist & hygienist are always easy to talk to & very caring, makes going to the dentist much more enjoyable. Thank you all

9th October 2025

Professional, courageous and just what was needed.

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