People have been warned that cancelling dental appointments due to the costs involved may result in them having to undergo emergency dentistry in the future.
According to new research conducted by the British Dental Association (BDA), financial concerns following the global economic downturn are causing many patients across the UK to defer attention from a specialist.
The BDA found that 59 per cent of professionals in the field have seen patients cancel an appointment recently, while the last year has seen 33 per cent of practitioners record an upturn in demand for emergency treatment – which may include teeth implants or cosmetic dentistry.
Dr Susie Sanderson, chair of the executive board of the BDA, said it is "understandable" that people are looking to restrict their outgoings during the current economic climate.
However, she added: "Neglecting your oral health can increase both the complexity of the problems you face and the cost of the treatment you must eventually have."
Meanwhile, Louise Chidlow of the British Dental Health Foundation said recently that using fluoride toothpaste is "an absolute must" for maintaining dental health.