How To Know If You Should Find A New Dentist

When Should You Look For A New Dentist?

You should see your dentist at least twice per year to ensure your oral health is as good as possible. During these visits, you'll undergo an exam of your teeth and gum tissue, as well as receiving a deep cleaning that will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. Since you'll need to trust your oral care to your dentist, it's important to know when you should pick a new dentist and how to find one you like.

Do You Need a Different Dentist?

The first thing to consider is whether you should keep your existing dentist. Ideally, you should look for a dentist with an office near your home and try to choose someone with emergency hours. You should also make sure your dentist belongs to the ADA (American Dental Association) and that they belong to the network covered by your insurer. Finally, ask yourself how they make you feel. If you don't trust your dentist, or you find it difficult to understand them, you may want to look for someone different.

Where Should You Look For a New Dentist?

You can start with an online search by using the search tool provided on the ADA's website. You can also ask friends, co-workers, and family members which dentists they use. Once you have a list of potential dentists, find out which ones accept your insurance. You should also ask which dentists are accepting new patients. You can further narrow down your list of options by looking at the online reviews customers have left for each dentist.

Visit Each Dentist

Now that you have a shorter list drop by each dentist's office for a short visit. This will give you the opportunity to evaluate the condition of the office and the demeanor of the staff. You can also ask to speak with the dentist or schedule a short consultation to meet the dentist. Try to pick a dentist who is personable, knowledgeable, and communicative.

Do You Have Special Dental Needs?

One way to help determine if you should be looking for a new dentist is by determining the type of needs you have. For example, if you have teeth that are more sensitive and require consistent checkups, it may be more beneficial to find a dentist that is not only close to your home, but is able to accommodate last-minute appointments. This will be helpful for anyone that has had urgent dental needs, or has chronic issues that continue to impact them.

Is your dentist for your or for your whole family?

Another thing to consider is whether you are finding a dentist for yourself, or if members of your family will also be utilizing the dentist. This is an important factor because some dental practices will be better equipped for families, and have dedicated areas for children. This can help streamline a family’s dental care, and should be considered when determining if you need a new dentist. Additionally, a family dentist will also be more likely to have expanded services, which could include orthodontic care and surgical care. These are great options to consider when thinking about a family with younger children.

You'll have a much more pleasant experience with your new dentist if you also practice good oral care habits on a daily basis. This means brushing at least twice per day and flossing once a day. You should also rinse with fluoride mouthwash instead of water after brushing and gargle with mouthwash after eating anything that's sugary, sweet, or sticky. These practices will ensure your teeth will stay strong and healthy for longer.

This article was originally published on DavidCBranch.org