The Effects of Skipping And Prolonging Dentist Appointments

10 November 2022

If there’s one thing all dentists can agree on, it’s the importance of not missing your dental appointments. In a world that wants everything instantly, your schedule is highly likely to change on a whim. With that being the case, you may not consider your next dental appointment as a high priority. In other instances, you are one of many patients who experience dental phobia and may welcome the idea of not visiting the dentist.

Whatever the reason for missing or postponing your appointment, we’re here to let you know the potential impact of doing so. Your oral health, as well as your general health, are greatly impacted by regular dental cleanings and exams. The more frequently you visit our experts, the less likely you are to require more serious treatments such as tooth restoration.

Healthy teeth & gums

Plaque is the reason why dentists and hygienists advise you to brush and floss. Plaque, which is transparent and sticky, is the main contributor to tooth decay. It’s a bacteria-filled acidic substance that accumulates on your teeth throughout the course of each day.

Brushing your teeth reduces the chance of getting cavities and helps remove plaque. Even routine brushing and flossing cannot completely remove all plaque. Any plaque that remains on your teeth can solidify and develop into tartar, a crusty, browned substance.

Tartar does not disappear after brushing. A very experienced practitioner delicately chips it away when you visit the dentist. Tartar removal efforts could cause long-lasting harm. If you leave it on your teeth, you could develop gum disease or tooth decay.

As tartar accumulates on your teeth and along the gum line, it pulls your gums away from your teeth and forms tiny crevices where bacteria can gather. This bacteria can go on to cause gum disease.

Infections in the soft tissues of your mouth are called periodontitis. If periodontitis is not treated, it can spread to the bones supporting your teeth, which means you risk losing more than just your teeth.

Fresh breath & healthy smile

While the majority of individuals desire a cup of coffee or a bottle of wine – among others things – everyone desires a beautiful smile. Unfortunately, your teeth may become stained by substances like coffee, tea, wine, or juice. Our dental experts can remove those stains and the microscopic debris that causes lingering foul breath if you continue to maintain your appointments.

Regular check-ups will also help secure your teeth’s brightness – so they feel polished and smooth.

Better overall health

When you consider skipping your dentist appointment, your physical health is probably the last thing on your mind. However, the connection between your oral and general health cannot be denied. Your chance of contracting some diseases, such as heart disease, can be decreased by maintaining and improving your oral health.

The bacteria in your mouth can get into your circulation, increase your risk of getting sick, and harm your organs. Less frequent dental visits could put you at risk for severe health issues like:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Pneumonia and other respiratory conditions
• Pregnancy complications
• Endocarditis (an infection of your heart)

Furthermore, if you have certain medical issues, they can make your dental health worse. Your dental health may be significantly impacted by conditions including diabetes, osteoporosis, HIV, and Alzheimer’s disease, for instance.

Finance Packages

Etwall Dental Practice offers a range of dental plans to help ensure your oral health can be maintained with regular visits to the practice. Our dental plans are the most affordable way to maintain oral health for existing and new patients.

The Etwall Dental Care Plan starts at £15.50 per month. This ensures you’re eligible to request assistance in the event of:

• 1st dental health examination
• 1st maintenance hygiene appointment
• 2nd dental health examination
• 2nd maintenance hygiene appointment
• X-rays (2 included)
• Emergency appointment during surgery hours

Our second-tier plan, the Etwall Dental Advanced Dental Plan begins at £24 per month, and includes all of the above as well as:

• 3rd maintenance hygiene appointment
• 4th maintenance hygiene appointment

More information is available on our dental plans page.

If any of the aforementioned plans are of interest to you, please get in touch via our contact form, give us a call or pay us a visit to the practice and our receptionists will be happy to help.

At Etwall Dental Practice, your oral health is our number one priority. We’d encourage all patients to continue adhering to their dental appointments. For anyone suffering with dental anxiety, we ensure strict measures are followed to make every patient feel as comfortable as possible.

If you feel as though you may require dental treatment or are concerned with your health care, please get in touch with us via phone on 01283 733391 or fill out our contact form and a member of the team will get back to you to discuss treatment options.